Not To Be Served, But To Serve

By Gobel Brockman


Back in the 80's I was working at a hospital in Terre Haute. One day we were helping an elderly female patient get out of a wheelchair and back into bed. She was visibly upset, not because of her illness, but because people were having to 'wait on her hand and foot.' She was worried to death she was 'being a bother'. I told her, "If my guess is right, you've probably spent the vast majority of your life waiting on other people, so there's nothing wrong with you getting to be on the receiving end for a little bit." A stunned expression came on her face, and she had no answer other than a little grin. She stopped protesting at that point.

I can't help but love people like that. Folks who not only don't expect too much from others, but actually feel uncomfortable watching others wait on them. It brings to mind the words of Jesus that are the title of this week's devotional: "I came not to be served, but to serve, and give my life as a ransom for many." One thing that I must admit I get irritated at is people who have a sense of entitlement, but the thing is, if anyone ever had the right to feel that way, it was Jesus. He was God in the flesh. Ruler, Creator, and Owner of all. Everything - and everyone - was at His command. But not only did He NOT ask for what was rightfully His, He came and laid down His perfect life for people that didn't deserve it. People like me. Now THAT'S a servant's heart.

I'll close with another story. A minister told a story once about the late Rich Mullins, Christian recording artist, probably best known for his song, "Awesome God". One year at the Dove Awards, there was a pre-show banquet. Things weren't going well and the kitchen staff was running behind. Here were all these Christian artists complaining angrily about how things were moving so slow and how they were having to wait. Then someone noticed Rich's jacket on the back of a chair, but he was nowhere to be seen. Eventually he was found - helping the kitchen staff. A lot of people were humbled that evening. "I came not to be served, but to serve..." May we remember the words - and example - that Jesus has left us as we follow Him.

At the Risk of Repeating Myself, I'll Repeat Myself

By Gobel Brockman


"Sometimes we need to be reminded that not everything in our lives is about us. Sometimes God wants to use our life experiences to speak to someone else. Sometimes He wants us to endure so others can learn to trust through our example. But the bottom line to all of this is simple: if what I'm going through is God's will for me at that moment, he has a reason for it. I may not even see it in this lifetime, but I know there is regardless. My job - and yours - is to trust Him, follow Him, and obey Him in every circumstance."

The above quote is part of the devotional I posted on September 18, 2011. Since writing this, I have lost a granddaughter and my Mother. As I was reading through past devotionals I came across this quote. My hope is that I have dealt with things in such a way that Christ has been honored through it all. I know I have been talking a lot in my devotionals lately about times of testing and the need to realize that our lives on this earth are temporary. I don't mean to be repetitive, but circumstances in my life, and the lives of others, are proving time and time again the need to keep these things in the forefront of our minds.

I consider myself a VERY blessed man. I have a fairly decent-paying job in a fairly rough economy. I love my wife and my children immensely. Being a Grandpa has been amazing beyond words. But I have a constant need to remind myself that more than any of that, I am created by God first and foremost for relationship with HIM - through what His Son Jesus did on the cross, for THAT is what eternity is based on. I guess what I'm saying this week is this: it's OK - no, it's more than OK - to enjoy your life on this earth. Love your families. Enjoy your job (at least the best you can). Laugh with your children. Spoil those grandkids rotten, then send them home with your kids. (They deserve it.) Just always keep in mind most of all that your main purpose in this world is to walk in fellowship with the One Who created you - the One we'll also account to when it's all said and done.

What America Needs

By Gobel Brockman


I have a confession - I am a political junkie. I try to stay on top of current events in the world of government. I also actually enjoy Election Night (thus proving my complete 'nerdiness'). For years I've had my routine on the nights of Presidential elections that I probably will carry with me for the rest of my life: get home from work, have supper, fix a STRONG pot of coffee, totally ignore the phone, and plop myself in front of the TV news, watching as the election results begin to come in. (The fact that Indiana is usually the first to report election results gives me no small sense of pride.)

But as I have been watching things the past few years, a stark reality is beginning to sink in. We, as a nation, are in trouble. Serious trouble. I think everyone paying attention to things realizes that. Our monetary system is teetering on the brink of collapse. Unemployment numbers above 9%. Gas prices are, at best, unpredictable and volatile. Name the situation, and it's probably not looking good for us right now. And we watch as Republicans and Democrats both stand before us and tell us they know what the problem is - the other party.

But here's the point I want to make. The answer is simple. We, as a nation, have basically told God to 'get lost'. We took prayer out of schools, made it illegal to put HIS laws in OUR courtrooms, and murder babies in their mother's wombs by the thousands and call it 'choice'. A high school senior wanting to pray at his or her graduation makes national headlines. Then, when things like 9/11 happen, everyone wants to ask, 'Where was God?' Well, the thought that comes to my mind is that when you tell someone to go away, you forfeit your right to ask of their whereabouts.

Which leads me to the next problem. I believe that Christians should vote. I believe Christians should be INFORMED voters, knowing where candidates stand on the issues. But it troubles me when we as believers put too much of our hope and faith in the political process, political movements, and people in general. Let me put it this way:

America doesn't need  the church in politics as much as America needs the church back on its knees.

Neither successful business-minded people nor card-carrying Union members are going to save this country. We don't need liberals or conservatives to 'fix things'. Our problems are too big for that. What we need is simply a REVIVAL. A revival that causes us as Christians to get our hope off of things in this world and back in God. A revival where people realize that our nation will only be saved if GOD saves us. A revival where men and women stand behind pulpits and preach the truth - that the God who loved us so much that He gave His only Son that we might have hope also has said He will not always strive with man's sin, and judgement will eventually come. And I've yet to see a politician who can hold God back when He determines to act.

What does America need? II Chronicles 7:14 has the answer - "If My people, called by My name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, I will forgive their sins, and heal their land."

Homecoming

By Gobel Brockman


Today is our Homecoming service at church. Usually this is a time to catch up with old friends, and grow closer to new ones. A time to look towards the future, while remembering how we got here. But for me, Homecoming services always cause me to think of something else as well. In the Book of Hebrews, the Bible refers to Christians as "...pilgrims and strangers in this world...". It's always a reminder to me that this world is NOT my final destination.

In I Corinthians 15, a very interesting statement is made: "If it's in this life only that we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable." I've always thought that the 'prosperity' preachers must have had this verse torn out of their Bibles. You can go to any Christian bookstore and see row after row of books on how to "Prosper", "Live the best life!", and the like. We all want to be happy, we all would appreciate a trouble-free life. There's only one problem with that - that's NOT what we've been promised. We want to forget the verses that say things like, "In this world there will be tribulation..." "If any man wants to be my disciple, he must lay down his life, take up his cross, and follow me." Which all brings me to my point for this week - we as Christians are simply too attached to this world.

I'm not trying to be critical - I'm just as guilty as anyone. I'm simply saying we sometimes exhaust too much energy on things that won't last. I watch people protest things and wonder if they realize how little time they have left in this world, and how little change they may see. Jobs, money, loved ones come into - and out of - our lives. Things we think we can't do without are gone in a matter of moments. Plans are made that never come to fruition. I think we just need to be reminded that, as the old hymn says, "This world is not my home, I'm just a-passin' through". I want to live a life that honors what I say I believe, and part of that belief is that 'to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.'

Homecoming. Sounds good to me.

I Know My Redeemer Lives

By Gobel Brockman


A while back someone asked, "What's the most difficult thing about being a minister?" I think that's one of those questions that if you asked five different ministers, you'd probably get five different answers. But for me, the most difficult part is when people expect you to have answers you don't have because 'you're the minister'. "What does that passage in The Book of Revelation mean? "Why didn't God heal my loved one? You should know - you're the minister." Yes, we are ministers. But we are just as human as anyone else. We face the same doubts, temptations, and concerns as everyone else does.

The reason I'm talking about this is that on October 1, 2011 (yesterday as I write this), our granddaughter Kellin Dawn was born prematurely. Too premature to be viable outside of the womb. Here came the questions: "Why do bad things happen to good people? God had the power to prevent this, so why didn't He?" Only this time, it was me who was asking the questions. The only thing I could do was tell myself the same thing I tell others when they ask: "I won't try to give you answers I don't have. I'll only tell you what I do know. God is still God. Jesus is still His Son. The Holy Spirit is still in my heart. The Bible is still the Word of God. And I reject any lie of the enemy to convince me otherwise."

There's a story in the Bible about a man who had everything - money, possessions, family. And in a matter of moments, he lost it all - including all of his children. How did he respond?

   "Oh that my words were written! Oh that they were inscribed in a book! Oh that with an iron pen and lead they were engraved in the rock forever! For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my flesh has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God." (Job 19:23-26)(ESV)

My family is hurting, but my faith has not been shaken. Jesus Christ is STILL Lord. His blood STILL sets men free. And during this time, I won't turn away from Him, I turn TO Him completely. If you're in a place of confusion, pain, or loss right now, I encourage you to do the same.

How can I say that? I know my Redeemer lives. That's the only answer I need.

The Will Of God

By Gobel Brockman


Some people have the misconception that if you're in God's will, no problems will come your way. There's a word that describes this belief - it's called wrong. Here's a perfect example:

In Matthew 14, Jesus told His disciples to get into a boat and go to the other side. The finally obeyed, but when they were 'in the midst of the sea', they encountered a storm that left them fearful for their lives. There they were, in the midst of the sea - the very place Jesus told them to be - and they faced trouble. Have you ever been there? You've done all you know to do in your relationship with Christ, and yet all around you seems hopeless. Don't fret - there's a reason. He can't show us He can walk on water if we don't go out on the boat. He can't prove His power if we can 'get by' on our own power.

Sometimes we need to be reminded that not everything in our lives is about us. Sometimes God wants to use our life experiences to speak to someone else. Sometimes He wants us to endure so others can learn to trust through our example. But the bottom line to all of this is simple: if what I'm going through is God's will for me at that moment, he has a reason for it. I may not even see it in this lifetime, but I know there is regardless. My job - and yours - is to trust Him, follow Him, and obey Him in every circumstance. Always easy? Nope. Always worth it? Yep.

See you next week - if it's God's will :-}

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

By Gobel Brockman


One of my best friends is this guy named Routine. We get along great. He knows what to expect from me, and I know what to expect from him. We understand each other. There's only one problem - we rarely get to see each other. He's always running off somewhere - usually without warning. Don't you hate it when friends do that?

I remember as a little kid having this idea that my friends and I would always remain friends. I'd get a job, have a wife and family, buy a house, and stay there for the rest of my life. Well, it's a nice thought, just far removed from reality. As a Postal employee, I tell people that the only thing that never changes at the Post Office is the fact that they're always changing something. But the truth is, every aspect of life is like that. Friends come in - and out - of our lives. Jobs change. Things we think are secure are gone in a moment. Many years ago my Dad had 28 years in at his job, went to work one day, and was told, 'The plant will be closing in 6 months.'

As Christians, we also deal with something else - God's will for our lives. Just when we think He's allowed our friend Routine to visit for awhile, He says, 'It's time to go.' In an instant, we're faced with new responsibilities, different surroundings, and a bit (or a lot) of uncertainty. But here's what I remind myself of: Hebrews 11:6 says that it is impossible to please God without faith. I've found in my life that when my buddy Routine is around, faith doesn't seem as necessary to have. But when I'm not sure what the next day, or even the next moment, has in store, that's when I realize how much I need Him. And He always proves Himself faithful. Jesus is indeed a faithful and secure friend who will see us through all of life's changes.

If you're in that place right now, I urge you to find strength and direction in Christ. He has promised He will never leave or forsake us. Not like that guy Routine....

In An Instant....

By Gobel Brockman


"Or those eighteen on whom the tower of Siloam fell and killed them, do you think they were worse sinners than all the others that lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish." (Luke 13:4-5)

We're still trying to come to grips with what happened at the Indiana State Fair recently. So far six people have sadly lost their lives, with over forty injured. It's sad to think that these people left their homes to simply attend a concert, hear some good music, and have a good time, not realizing that their lives would never be the same. My wife and I attended a Christian concert at that very stage the previous Wednesday. We  had a great time. The thought of something like that happening never crossed our minds. I'm sure it didn't theirs either.

Concert stages collapsing and injuring and killing people is a freak accident. People leaving this earth in the prime of life, however, happens every day. Every day someone walks out their front door to go to work, not knowing they will never return. People get in their cars for just another normal day, not realizing a drunk driver will be responsible for ending their life. Proverbs 27:1 is a verse I think of often: "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring."

I promise I'm not trying to depress you. I simply want you to remember that our lives on this earth are temporary, and every day we're one day closer to our last day. At that point, the thing that's going to matter is what did you & I do about what Jesus said about Himself? He claimed He was the Son of God, and the only way to Heaven. If that's true (and it is), we must act upon that belief. While there's still time.

I ask all who read this to join me in praying for the victims & families of the State Fair tragedy. I also pray that we all recognize the need to be prepared for when our time comes.

Hiioopp

Testing, testing....

By Gobel Brockman


TESTS. The very word gives some people the heeby-geebies. (If you've ever had them, you know what they are.) I've mentioned my drug & alcohol issues in high school before, but another aspect of that is they weren't very helpful in test-taking. But our lives are filled with tests. Have you ever wondered why? Yes you have.

Well, God has the answer. Deuteronomy 8:2 says this: "Remember how the LORD your God led you through the wilderness for these forty years, humbling you and testing you to prove your character, and to find out whether or not you would obey His commands." I know it's very easy in times of testing to think things like 'God is mad at me, or I've sinned, or...or...' but we must remind ourselves constantly that tests are for a purpose. I look at it this way. I play music at church. One of the things I do before service is 'test' the microphones. Am I 'mad' at the mike? Has it 'sinned against me'? Of course not. So why am I testing it? Simple - I'm getting ready to use it, and I want to make sure it's ready to go. Why does God test us? To prove our character, and make sure we're ready to move on to our next assignment.

What got me thinking about all of this is there was a pretty big change at work recently that has made my job a lot more difficult. I would love to say I've handled it well, but I would be lying. Simply put, I failed the test. The 'Gripe-O-Matic' in me has been working overtime. What that tells me is I'm not quite ready yet to move to the next assignment. Thankfully, God allows re-tests. I pray for strength, to learn to trust that He has a purpose in everything, and to WAIT (Yuck, I hate that word) for His timing. I trust with His help the next test goes better. If you're in a time of testing right now, I understand. Let me encourage you with this: the Holy Spirit is the perfect tutor. Once we get ourselves out of the way, He can do awesome things in us. He'll even help us defeat the heeby-geebies....

Debt Ceiling

By Gobel Brockman


Unless you live under a rock - or your cable has gone out - you've heard the phrase 'debt ceiling' constantly the last few days. I don't want to go into the financial or political aspects of this (well, I do, but now's not the time). I only mention it because one of the questions that journalists love to ask in times like these is "Who do you blame more, Republicans or Democrats?" If one of them ever asks me, my answer may surprise them. I would say, "Neither - I blame the Amercian voter. They're the ones who keep sending the same people back to Washington, then expect different results." I've heard that's the definition of insanity. I won't argue.

But that got me to thinking about how often we do that in our own lives. A man gets drunk to the point of passing out, throwing up, or both. The next morning brings a hangover that would kill a horse. So what does he do the next weekend? Head for the bottle again. A girl ends a relationship with a guy because he only wanted 'one thing'. What does she do then? Hooks up with another guy that only wants 'one thing'.

How many times have I told God - sometimes through tears - "I'll never do that again!" only to come back and say "God, I did it again!" This all leads me to my point - for things to change, things have to CHANGE. The guy who gets drunk has to stay away from the bottle. The girl that keeps getting used has to stop 'settling' and wait for a man with integrity who will actually respect her. Name your problem - if you want it to change, that means something's going to be different. I mentioned a few weeks ago that God is interested in changing more in your life than just how you spend your Sunday mornings. He's interested in changing YOU. I love this quote from Max Lucado: "God loves you just the way you are. But He refuses to leave you that way..."

I don't know about you, but I'm not where I need to be in my relationship with God. There's still too much ME that keeps poking its head up and causing problems. Thankfully though, God's not done with me yet. He sees the changes that are needed, He has the power to do it, and He's helping me. Good thing He's not an American voter....

A Line In the Sand

By Gobel Brockman  


I read this week that Campus Crusade for Christ is changing its name to "Cru". In explaining why they removed 'Christ' from their name, they said in part, "Cru enables us to have discussions about Christ with people who might initially be turned off by a more overtly Christian name..." I have no right to comment on their motives, as I'm not overly familiar with their ministry. I also am in no way discouraging people from supporting their ministry - at all. My only reason for sharing this is it brings up something I have been saying for a while now: America - CHRISTIAN America - will soon get to the point that you can't say 'Jesus' in public, unless you're swearing.
JESUS - a powerful name indeed. Have you noticed that you can say 'God' all you want, and no one seems offended? Talk about 'church' all day. Mention 'religion' and no one notices. But say the name of 'Jesus' and everyone has a reaction. Movie stars whose lives are a moral minefield will thank 'God' for their awards, and no one cares. But a high school senior who wants to say 'Jesus' in a graduation prayer makes national headlines.
Sorry folks, I try to be a nice guy, but when it comes to JESUS, it's this simple: I don't want to purposely offend  people, but if I mention His name and it offends you, TOO BAD. Jesus has been too good to me for me to mumble his name under my breath. Jesus died for my sins. Jesus rose from the grave. Jeusus is coming again. Jesus is Who we will all stand before one day. He said, 'If you're ashamed of Me in this evil generation, I'll be ashamed of you before My Father in Heaven..."
Let me end this thusly - JESUS IS LORD. If you feel the same, tell someone this week. Out loud. In public.

If You Have Nothing To Say...Say It

By Gobel Brockman


When I started this blog, I had planned to make it a weekly devotional. But there have been some Sunday mornings that I have got up and, to be honest, just really haven't had much to say. So I figured since I didn't have anything to say, I'd let it go. Which reminded me of something I once heard a comedian say:

"The problem with some men is they have nothing to say, but keep talking. If you find yourself ranting about the way people are parking on your street, you have nothing to say, stop talking. If you find yourself re-telling a hilarious story you read in Reader's Digest, STOP TALKING. No one is listening to you. Notice the glazed look on the person in front of you? They're quietly making out a grocery list, planning their vacation, or vowing to never get as old and boring as you are."

Ouch. True, but ouch. Simply put, our words get us in a lot of trouble. We say things that we can never take back, and that leave a lasting negative impression. Our words cause pain, depression, anger, and can even end relationships. The Book of Proverbs says that '...a fool is found in a multitude of words.' Jesus made an even more sobering statement in Matthew 12: '...every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgement.' I don't know about you, but that tells me I've already got a lot to account for. When it comes to our speech, let us remember Psalm 19:14: "let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be pleasing to You, O Lord...'

I guess what I'm saying this week is this - watch your mouth. Your words have weight. And you'll answer for them one day. I think I'll stop talking now....

Things CAN Change

By Gobel Brockman


I don't really know why, but I've been thinking about my high school days a lot lately. (Yes, it's getting harder to remember them. Thanks for asking.) For some people, high school was a great time, filled with great memories of times with great friends. Not for me. That time period is among the worst of my life. Thing is, there's no one to blame but myself.

Around the time I was 14 or 15, I started 'dabbling' in drugs and alcohol. And I learned very quickly that those choices come with consequences. It wasn't long before it pretty much consumed me, to the point that some very crazy - and very stupid - things began to happen:

*I used to sit in the parking lot before school and get high or drunk almost daily.
*On more than one occasion I passed out in class at Central Nine.
*I once passed out in the middle of US 31 trying to get home from a party.
*I once helped buy PCP to put in another student's Coke.

I could go on (unfortunately), but I think I've made my point. My life was a mess. And everyone around me could see it. In our 'Senior Edition', there was a section titled something like "Songs We'll Remember Them By." Mine was "99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall." But here's the point I want to make - THAT PERSON IS GONE. On January 7th, 1981, I made the most important decision I've ever made; I accepted the fact that I was lost, and that my only hope was Jesus. Not a church, not a religion, But HIM. Jesus Christ. Have I been perfect since then? Of course not. Do I still need grace? Every day of my life. But my life has been forever changed.

You may ask, "That's great, but what does that have to do with me?" Simple - is there something in your life that's out of control? Are you in a situation that you have no idea how to deal with? Illness, death of a loved one, addictions for you or someone you love? I'm walking proof that CHANGE CAN HAPPEN. The same God that set me free can do it for you as well. If that's you, I don't present church or religion to you - I give you Jesus.

"If any man be in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away, all things are become new." II Corinthians 5:17

The "Worship" Service

By Gobel Brockman

I am a musician. My Dad taught me how to play guitar when I was seven, and I fell in love with it. When I became a Christian at age 18 I prayed that God would give me the ability to play keyboards. I don't consider myself a good musician, but I enjoy it very much.

I also love playing in church. One of my favorite parts of any church service is the music - some churches call it the 'song service', some call it the 'worship service'. Regardless, I love using music to express praise to God. But there's something I'm going to be honest about (knowing I'm going to ruffle a few feathers with this one). I sometimes wonder exactly how much 'worship' takes place during the 'worship' service. I've led worship in several churches and church settings over the years, and it always interests me that there's always some one who will find fault with it. If you play the older hymns, there's someone there to say, 'Do some new songs'. If you play new songs, there's someone there to say, 'I don't like these new songs, I miss the hymns.' Which brings me to this realization: we're becoming CONSUMERS instead of WORSHIPPERS.

A few years ago I read a story about a church that was being used by God to send worship music throughout the world. But the Pastor of the church began to notice some of the things I'm talking about. Then God led him to do something very interesting. He went to his Worship Pastor and told him, "Don't panic, you're not fired or anything, but we're not playing music in this church anymore until we learn to worship God without it." For a few months they struggled with what to do during the 'worship' time. Eventually they began to do just that - Worship the Lord. When the Pastor saw that his people were really becoming worshippers, he turned the music back on. During the first service, the song leader played a song that God had given him during this time. You may have heard it - it's called "The Heart Of Worship" (When the Music Fades).

I guess the point I'm trying to make is this - the point of the 'worship' service is to worship the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. If your focus is elsewhere, it may be time to readjust.

Memorial Day

By Gobel Brockman

Memorial Day - a day set aside to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may enjoy freedom. A lot of people on both sides of the spectrum complain about various things about America, but this country's STILL the greatest nation on the face of the earth. If you want proof, just compare the number of people trying to get OUT of America to the number trying to get IN. We're loved by others who love freedom, and despised by those who don't. But all of that aside, I love this country, and I know that we enjoy what we do because brave men & women laid down their lives for us. May their memory be honored.

Thinking about this reminds me of the Ultimate Sacrifice. Jesus left heaven, came to earth, suffered indignities and injustices like no one else, and then died like a thief - while being a perfect man. And the thing is, He didn't do it for Himself, He did it for US. And what do we get out of it? His presence in our lives, His provision for us, and, oh yeah, eternity with Him.

Jesus said that no greater love was shown than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. I'm thankful for those who laid down their lives for America. And I'm thankful that jesus laid down His life so that I could have mine - forever.

Still Here - Now What?

By Gobel Brockman
Well, another end-time prophecy has come....and gone. Problem is, we're not - we're still here. Hope that doesn't shock any of you. I must admit, I get a little impatient with people who waste time trying to 'decypher' when the Rapture's going to happen. Matthew 24:36 is pretty clear on the subject. It's simple: NO ONE KNOWS when it's coming. No one WILL know when it's coming. Jesus said the day will come 'like a thief'. A thief doesn't call you up ahead of time, ask you to leave the door unlocked, and move all your stuff beside the door for easy access. He catches you by surprise. So will the Rapture.

When I get asked about various issues concerning prophecy, I try to always make this point: Proverbs 27:1 says, "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring." We can't get so caught up in prophecy that we forget this simple point: You could be dead before the day's over. So could I. If that happens, the timing of the Rapture is inconsequential. We're dead. Gone. Kaput. And our eternal fate is sealed. So I'm not going to tell you the end of the world is coming as much as I'm going to tell you the end of YOUR world is coming. That's what I want to be prepared for.

I close by giving you a prophecy of when the Rapture's going to take place: When God says it's time.

You Can't Have It Both Ways

By Gobel Brockman

I preached my first sermon in February of 1982, and I've been involved in some form of minisrty ever since. I've pastored two churches, been an Associate Pastor, served as Chaplain at an alcohol and drug treatment center, among other things. I've seen a lot of good things happen; a lot of lives changed for the better, a lot of hope restored, and most of all, a lot of people who were lost finding life in Jesus Christ. But there's one thing I've also encountered that has always baffled me - people who want something from God with no intention of surrendering to Him. I can't tell you the number of times over the years that I've had people tell me their situation and wanting help, then start coming up with all kinds of excuses the minute I mention turning their lives to Christ. It shows me that all they're interested in is a 'quick fix'. Sorry, I'm not in the 'quick fix' business - and neither is God.

I once heard a minister who was in charge of counseling at his church say this: "When someone comes to me for counseling, the first thing I ask them is, 'Are you saved?' If they say no, I explain the gospel to them and ask, 'Are you ready to accept Christ?' If they say no, I tell them, 'I'm sorry, but at this point there's nothing I can do for you that's going to help, because you're not addressing the biggest problem you have." I think there's a lot of wisdom in that.

I guess the point I'm trying to make this week is simply this - if you don't know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, you are lost. And that - without question - is the biggest problem you have. Whatever other problems you may be facing right now are temporary, because life in this world is. It's eternity that I'm concerned about more than anything.

What Makes Us Different?

By Gobel Brockman

This week I Googled the question, 'How many religions are in the world?', and the link I checked basically said, 'there are too many to know for sure.' But it listed 22 as making up the majority of worldwide adherents. One thing I hear occasionally is something along the lines of 'Aren't all religions just different paths to the same God?' Not according to Jesus. In John 14:6 He made a pretty bold statement: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father, but by Me." Jesus is saying He was - and is - the ONLY way to have hope in God. What gives Him the right to say that? And what gives Christianity the right to say we're right, and everyone else is wrong?

Three words - THE EMPTY TOMB. Jesus Christ is the only one that has defeated death. Jesus is one of two things; He's either the biggest liar and fraud that has ever walked this earth, or He's exactly who He said He was. The empty tomb proved which one. The story is told that Napolean was once asked, 'Do you believe Jesus rose from the dead?' His response was something like this: "Yes, and I'll tell you why. You can say his name to kings, and they know THEY'RE in the presence of royalty. You can say his name to peasants and immediately see their eyes fill with hope. Yes, Jesus is alive, for dead men don't command that much respect."

Jesus is alive!! May this Easter season renew our hope and faith in what He's done for us.

One Week To Go

By Gobel Brockman

Imagine it's your last week on Earth. Now imagine that you know it will be filled with confrontation, rejection, betrayal, physical pain, and ultimately, death. Now imagine that your Heavenly Father not only knows this beforehand, but it's actually his will for your last week. How would you handle that? How would I handle that?

Welcome to Palm Sunday.

Jesus entered Jerusalem knowing what lied ahead of Him. He knew it when He opened blinded eyes, healed lepers, raised the dead, and gave hope to the rejected. He knew when He called out the Pharisees for their hypocrisy they would soon get their 'revenge'. And He never ran from it, He embraced it. Why? The Scripture says that "...for the joy that was before Him He endured the cross..." What joy could there be in that? Knowing that humanity could now be saved? I'm sure of that. But I think the bigger reason was just doing His Father's will. What a lesson for us. How often do we bemoan our 'fate', not realizing the joy that is before us in our Father's will. Even when we know in the 'here & now' it will be difficult, may we recognize it's for a bigger purpose.

Thank God Jesus did.

Like a Vapor...

By Gobel Brockman

Yesterday (as I write this) was my 23rd anniversary of working for the US Postal Service. As I was thinking about it, I was remembering my first day on the job. 8 hours of sitting in a room listening to people talk. Eight. Hours. Nothing but talking. Blech.

But as I thought about it, it didn't seem like 23 years ago. Time has flown by. When I was a kid a remember someone telling me that the older you get, the faster time goes. Wise words indeed. In the book of James it says that "...our lives are but a vapor...". I'm seeing that more and more. I watch my children who, not too long ago I was carrying in my arms, now carry on with their adult lives. All of this got me to thinking - we only get one chance at this life, and it's disappearing a little more each day. What am I doing with the opportunities that God has given me to accomplish something for His purposes? What are you doing with yours?

The Bible says in the book of Hebrews that "It is appointed unto man to die once, then the judgement." A sobering thought. How we spend our short lives on this earth will soon be judged by the God that gave us that life. When you think about that, remember this: THIS life is but a vapor, eternity is a different story.

Is There Any Difference?

By Gobel Brockman

"If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things have passed away; all things are become new." (II Corinthians 5:17)

This week's devotional will be short and sweet. (Well, maybe not too sweet.) Giving your life to Christ does not mean you become instantly perfect, with sin and temptation no longer causing you any problems. We're still human, and as such, we will struggle with the sin nature in us as long as we live. However, as the Scripture above states, a commitment to Jesus Christ is more than joining a fraternity or club; it's a radical, life-transforming change that takes place in our hearts. Quite frankly, if someone commits their life to Christ and the only 'change' you can see afterwards is how they spend their Sunday mornings, the question of how much 'change' has actually taken place is pretty unavoidable.

Let me explain my point this way. I heard a farmer once say there's a difference when a pig and a sheep fall in a mud puddle. The pig's content to stay there; the sheep will raise a ruckus until it gets out. So let me ask you - and myself - a simple question: when sin raises its head in our life, are you a pig or a sheep? Do you let a 'sacrifice' of an hour or so at church on Sunday morning soothe your conscience, or do you ask the Holy Spirit to continually work in your life so that God is truly honored in your life?   

It's Under Control

By Gobel Brockman

The news coming out of Japan has been terrible after the earthquake and resulting tsunami. At last report there are over 7,000 dead, with thousands more missing. Now the radiation fears from the damaged nuclear power plants have heightened the fears not only in Japan, but seemingly around the world as well.

The U.S., France, and others have now began military operations against Libya in an attempt to defeat Muammar Gaddafi. There's certain to be casualties in this, but the final outcome is anything BUT certain.

Here at home, we're seeing political upheaval, protests of every sort, forclosures, rising gas and food prices, employment uncertainty, and monetary problems that leave us wondering what our futures look like.

OK, enough bad news. Here's what I wanted to tell you: none of this has caught God off-guard. While we're on Earth saying, "Oh God!", God is NOT up in Heaven saying, "Oh...Me!". For those of you who are followers of Christ, I simply give you this word from Matthew 6:31-33:

     "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (ESV)

My point? If you're a child of God, it's under control. HIS control. You won't do without what you really need. (Notice that's NEED, not GREED.) God can, does, and will take care of His people. That's good enough for me. You?

When You Fail....

By Gobel Brockman

I recently mentioned that people who say there's no God because Christians fail is like saying there's no judge because a criminal doesn't heed his warnings. But the sad fact is that we do fail. When I look at my own life, I see areas and times that what I've believed and what I've done are two entirely different things. And I can blame no one but myself. In those times, what happened was easy to explain - I SINNED. Sin not only brings consequences, it brings something else that is usually even worse - guilt. The feeling of "I know better than that - so why do I keep fighting this thing?" Guilt makes us feel not only that we'll never be what God wants us to be, it causes us to hide from Him in the time we need Him most. It caused Adam and Eve to try to hide in the Garden of Eden. It caused Peter to 'weep bitterly' and feel as though his life as a follower of Christ was over.

If you find yourself in that place right now, let me remind you of the story of the Prodigal Son found in Luke 15. This man had taken his inheritance that his father gave him early, and wasted it all in a matter of days. He soon found himself at the lowest place he could imagine. He then said, "I will arise and return to my father. Maybe he will allow me to be a servant." What he found when he returned was a father waiting to embrace him. Not only that, it says the father called for a robe to be put on him, shoes for his feet, and a ring for his finger. Then the father threw a party for his returned son. The thing that I find most interesting is the ring. In those days, it wasn't just a piece if jewelry - it had the family insignia on it. It was the family credit card. The father was showing him not only that he was a son, but that he trusted him in the very area he had just failed.

Have you failed God? Don't allow guilt and fear to keep you from returning home. The Father's waiting - ready to rejoice with you!

Forgetting What We Have

By Gobel Brockman

I recently had one of those "Read that Scripture a hundred times and never caught that" moments. I was reading in Exodus and came upon this passage:

"Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. And he said to his people, 'Behold the people of Israel are too many and too mighty for us..." Exodus 1:8-9 (ESV)

I know that Israel's time in Egypt was a part of God's plan to show them deliverance, and show Egypt (and the world) His power. But what jumped out at me was the idea that the enemy acknowledged that God's people were 'too many and too mighty'. And that got me to thinking, "Hope many times do I allow a weaker enemy to defeat me?" The Bible tells us things like 'If God be for us, who can be against us?' and 'Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world' and yet we continually struggle with things like moodiness, anger, and self-pity, while knowing that the God and Creator of all dwells in us by the Holy Spirit, and we DO NOT have to succumb to their power.

Why? I believe one reason is we simply spend too much time listening to the enemy, rather than the One Who has already given us everything we need for life and godliness (II Peter 1:3). That's one reason it's so important that we continually feed our minds on the Word of God, and ask the Holy Spirit to help us tune a deaf ear to the lies of Satan. We have victory. We are more and mightier than the enemy because of Jesus Christ. May God teach us to live in that victory.

The Lie Of "I'm Good Enough"

By Gobel Brockman

I once heard a minister by the name of Ray Comfort say something that has always stuck with me. He was talking about people who say they're going to be 'good enough' to get to heaven. He said when that issue comes up, he asks them three questions:
"At least once in your life, have you ever told a lie?"
"At least once in your life, have you ever taken something that didn't belong to you?"
"Jesus taught that lust was adultery of the heart. At least once in your life, have you ever done that?"
Then he says, "If you answered 'yes' to those three questions - and if you were honest you did - that means you're admitting that in your life you've been a lying, thieving adulterer. And we've still got seven more commandments to go."

My point? WE'RE NOT GOOD ENOUGH. We can't save ourselves. On our best days, it's not enough. Romans 3:23 says that "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." That Scripture doesn't mean that at one point in our lives we've fallen short, it means we continually fall short. I'm not trying to crush your self-esteem, I'm trying to help you see that 'self' is the enemy when it comes to righteousness with God. Romans 10:3-4 says this: "For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes."

Simply put, you and I don't need 'improvement', we dont need 'self-help', we need SAVED. If we could be good enough, Christ's death on the cross was meaningless. My righteousness - and your righteousness - will only be found when we put our faith in what Jesus did at Calvary. And nothing else.


(Scriptures taken from the English Standard Version)

The Peril Of Flawed Logic

By Gobel Brockman

A man is arrested for public intoxication. He goes before the judge, and the judge tells him, "You are never to take another drink in your life." However, the very next day, the man is arrested again for public intoxication. This proves that the judge doesn't exist, and people can do as they please, correct?

Umm...no. It just proves that the man didn't listen to the judge, and will have to suffer the consequences. Why do I mention this? Because one of the weakest arguments I hear from people who want nothing to do with Christianity is "I don't believe in God because if there IS a God, why do His people act like hypocrites?" I can answer that - because we're HUMAN. On our best days, we're not good. You know the expression "I'm OK, you're OK"? It's a lie. We are sinful people, in need of a Saviour. And once we are saved, we still struggle with the sin nature - and we will until the day we die or the Lord returns. The Apostle Paul put it this way; "We carry this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us." (II Corinthians 4:7) Simply put, Christians are imperfect people living for a Perfect God.

My message to those who reject God because of OUR failures is simply this: there will be a day when you stand before God to give account for your life. You may say, "I don't believe that." That doesn't matter - you'll be there anyway. And when you do, you won't be held accountable for the mistakes of others, you'll be held accountable for your own. When that day comes, my hope and prayer is that you know the Christ Who loves His people unconditionally. Even when we blow it.

Thank God.

Confessions of a Sports Nut

By Gobel Brockman

Super Bowl Sunday is upon us. Pittsburgh. Green Bay. I hate both teams, and couldn't care less who wins. I've been saying I probably won't watch, but I'm sure I'll be 'spot-checking' the score anyway. But I've been a Kansas City Chiefs fan for years, so I'm used to not caring who wins the Super Bowl.

I'm also a hockey fan. Simply put, I love the game of hockey. The speed, skill, and intensity. The idea that if you turn your head for just a moment, you might possibly miss something. Of course I want my team to win, but when they don't, I'm still glad I watched. I've attended a lot of minor league & amateur games in Indianapolis, and NHL games in St. Louis and Columbus, Ohio. The game atmosphere is always fun. I've spent a lot of money and driven through snow, cold, and late nights just to enjoy the game.

It made me think of this point - we always talk about how tired, busy, or broke we are. But it seems no matter how tired, busy, or broke we are, we always find the energy, time, and money to do the things we really want to do. I know I'm like that with sports. Am I always like that with my family? (I don't think I'll ask my wife.) Am I like that with my relationship with Jesus Christ? (I probably should ask.)

Maybe you should too.

When God Says "No"

By Gobel Brockman

Are there certain words or phrases that immediately irritate you? I'm like that with a lot of adjectives. (I've long held the opinion that adjectives are just an excuse to talk more.) But there are certain words I hate to hear. I hate to hear someone say they're 'lonesome'. I get all tensed up inside when someone tells me to 'relax'. I know someone who just about has a stroke when someone uses 'don't' when the correct word is 'doesn't'.

But there's one word I think very few people like - NO. The thing is, it's one of the first words our parents teach us. I was watching one of those home video-type shows once. This toddler was being asked, "What's a dog say?" "Arff" "What's a cow say?" "Moo" "What's Mommy say?" "No no no..." The thing is, that ugly word sinks it teeth in and stays with us for life. NO, you didn't get the job. NO, your loan didn't go through. NO, I wouldn't go out with you on a bet. But what do we do when God says no? I've heard it said that God answers prayer one of three ways: Yes, Wait, and No. The No's really get us. We tempted to feel like asking, "OK, where do I go when there's nowhere else TO go?" Perhaps the following story may help:

There was a man who loved God with all of his heart praying in a garden one day. God had asked him to do something that was going to be difficult beyond words. He knew God loved him, but he also knew that God's will for him wasn't what HE wanted to go through. After much agonizing, and a lot of wrestling with God, he said a prayer that has become pretty well-known: "Not my will, but Thine be done..."

One of the biggest challenges we'll ever face as Christians is reaching the point of fully realizing that when God says 'No' that somewhere, somehow, He has a reason. Maybe a 'Yes' now would ruin an even greater 'Yes' He was planning on giving me later. Maybe a 'Yes' would actually do me more harm than good, and I just don't realize it yet. (That's happened to me on several occasions. Here's hoping I learn my lesson one day.) I think the question really becomes this: Do I REALLY trust that God knows what He's doing? Do I believe He has my best interests at heart? If so, I need to learn the prayer of that guy in that garden.

Why Am I Here?

By Gobel Brockman

Have you ever asked yourself the question, "Why am I here?" (Some of you probably asked yourself that when you got to this site.) But I'm thinking in slightly larger terms, as in, "Why am I on this earth?" I think we've all asked that question at times. We go through the same things, at the same jobs, with the same people, performing the same mundane tasks over and over again until we ask, "What's the point? Is this all there is to life?" When I get to those times, I remind myself of a Scripture that has forever answered the "Why am I here?" question for me:

       "You are worthy, Lord, to receive glory and honor and power, for You have created all things, and for Your pleasure they were created." (Revelation 4:11 - italics mine)

"...for Your pleasure..." THAT'S why you - and I - and everything else - are here. For HIS pleasure. That thought is incredible to me, that I can give the Creator of Heaven and Earth, the Lord of all, pleasure. How do we do that? Once again, the Bible has the answer:

       "Without faith it is impossible to please God..." (Hebrews 11:6a)

That verse tells me that when I do have faith in God, it pleases Him. He wants me to believe in Him, to trust Him with every area of my life, and to rest in the knowledge that my life is completely in His hands. May God be pleased with me - and you - as we believe in Him and trust Him this week.

WELCOME!

Welcome to Radiate Change! This is the 'blogosphere' of Radiate, a band based in Franklin, Indiana. We are the worship band for the Vineyard Church of Franklin (Pastor Tim Robertson), which currently meets at the Artcraft Theatre at 57 N. Main St. in downtown Franklin.

We invite you to check back often. We will be posting info on upcoming events, sharing a weekly devotional, and passing along anything that goes through our minds that we think needs repeating....