Rejoice!

"Rejoice in the Lord always.  Again I will say, rejoice!" - Philippians 4:4

"..as a cure for disagreements, the apostle says, 'Rejoice in the Lord always.' People who are very happy, especially those who are very happy in the Lord, are not apt either to give offense or to take offense. Their minds are so sweetly occupied with higher things, that they are not easily distracted by the little troubles which naturally arise among such imperfect creatures as we are. Joy in the Lord is the cure for all discord." - Spurgeon

    I don't think a lot needs to be said about this quote.  I can get so caught up in all the things of "life" and get offended or bothered or angry, etc.  If I truly put all my focus on God, "looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith," I will be able to rejoice in all circumstances.  I want to be one of those people that others look at and wonder what's different, question why I'm happy all the time.
  
  And it really is that simple.  Rejoice!  We have reason to: "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19).  He is all we need and we can rejoice in that.  So here's my challenge:  Rejoice!

-Sean Fryer

Open Up

"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't 

they come from your desires that battle within you?"

James 4:1

     I used to have anger management problems.  I'd get angry, frustrated, upset, mad and then after a while, these emotions overcame me and led to screaming, fighting, throwing stuff, punching whatever I could get my hands on, etc.  I'd get to the point where I literally would use my older brother as a punching bag, and even when he fought back, I couldn't feel any of the pain.  As I grew in my relationship with the LORD, I started to realize I couldn't hold my emotions in like this anymore and I had to start opening up about stuff.

     I like to think I've gotten over that behavior (I haven't beaten up my brother in years, hahaha), but I realized it's not so much the behavior I needed to worry about, it was everything that was going on inside of me.  I've never been good about opening up, about sharing my emotions, being vulnerable, letting people know I'm human.  And even though I don't become a crazed psychopath anymore, I still let this get the best of me.  I sometimes outwardly will snap at people, but it's more of all the stuff going on inwardly.  

   I begin to get angry at a person, something they do or say, or upset with a situation, or whatever it may be.  And I keep it to myself.  Then I start getting prideful inside thinking I'm better than them, that I wouldn't do that, or I know a better way.  It's very easy for me to blame all this on someone else, but what the LORD has been showing me is James 4:1, "what causes fights and quarrels among you?  Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?"  I've realized it doesn't matter what other people do or say, any anger or resentment inside of me that leads to this is my fault.  I have to open up to that person, be honest about how I feel and don't allow whatever it is, no matter how big or small, to cause me to sin.

     It's nothing too profound, but I challenge you to think of that person you're upset with, that person you're holding a grudge against.  And then look inside yourself.  What is it in you that is causing these feelings?  You'll be amazed at what God shows you about yourself and how much you can grow and change from this.

-Sean Fryer

The Way Of Cain

"Woe to them!  They have taken the way of Cain..." - Jude 11     

     So this weekend God blessed me with the opportunity to teach in Six78 on the story of Cain and Abel.  It's such a common story that everyone knows, but I felt led to teach it in a different way.  More so focusing on the fact that Cain actually brought something to The Lord, making him better than so many of us who never bring an offering to Him.  And then looking at why his offering was rejected (hint: not because of what it was, but the "why" Cain brought it).  God doesn't care what's in our hands, but what's in our hearts.

     Ok, so what am I trying to say?  Well just this weekend I taught a message on not being spiritually prideful, arrogant, jealous of others, harboring bitterness, etc, etc, etc, yet I found myself today doing the same exact thing I had just said NOT to do.  I started thinking of all the things I don't have, all the stuff we "lack" in Six78, all the great things other ministries have and I felt bitterness and jealousy growing in me.  

   Why do I tell you this?  Well one, to show you that contrary to popular belief (my own belief that is), I'm not perfect.  But two, shortly after this I opened up my email to see our weekly Six78 newsletter and the "God Story of the Week" stating that 35+ students accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior for the first time ever this weekend and I quickly realized how stupid I was.  I was so quick to go the "Way of Cain", harboring all these negative thoughts in my mind and heart, yet God was working in spite of me and all that we "lack".

     God doesn't need "stuff" to get His work done.  He just wants people who are willing and able (Abel?), people that LOVE GOD and LOVE PEOPLE, people who bring something to offer.  I happened to be one of these people this weekend, but quickly went the "way of Cain".  Guard yourself from this, or you could miss out greatly.  His work will be done.  The only question is, will you be a part of it?

- Sean Fryer

Own It

       Do you ever feel like you read the same Bible verse over and over within a few days time?  Or maybe hear several teachings on the same topic?  Or just see a common theme in stuff you see or hear in a short time?  Coincidence?  I think not.  I find when this happens, God is trying to tell me something.

   

        Recently, I've heard many variations of "owning your faith".  I even taught somewhat on this not too long ago.  So of course I tell myself that God is trying to tell me something.  I remember the first time I was forced to learn this lesson.  It was about 6 years ago, when two Jehovah's Witnesses came to my door.  They started questioning me about what I believed and it was then that I realized my knowledge was lacking. I wasn't able "to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have" (1 Peter 3:15).  

        We live in a time where everyone thinks they know everything.  People are a lot more intellectual.  To say "I just know, I just have faith, I have a feeling, etc..." is not enough to explain why we believe what we believe.  We need to KNOW our faith.  We need to ANSWER the tough questions.  How can I believe the Bible is true?  How can I know Jesus is who He claimed to be?  

         My challenge to you: own your faith! It's not your parents' faith, it's not your pastor's faith, it's not your friend's faith. It's yours. Know it, learn it and understand it. "Always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have" (1 Peter 3:15).

- Sean Fryer

Don't Learn The Hard Way

My step-grandpa passed away recently and his funeral was this past Saturday. Every time someone I'm close to, or even just someone I know in some way, shape or form passes on, it really makes me look at how I treat those closest to me. Do I neglect time with my family? Do I take them for granted?

I had to learn the hard way about all these things just over three years ago in North Dakota. It was at that time, during a family reunion, that my grandma had a brain aneurism and died. It was at this time that I realized that I took for granted the time I had with her. I was filled with remorse and regret, wishing I had just a little more time. The Lord revealed to me a few things during this time that I thought I would share with you:

1) Don't take your loved ones for granted

2) If there is someone you need to tell you love them, do it now

3) If there is a change you need to make in your life, do it now

Here's the thing: None of us know when our time is up, or when a loved one's time is up. So cherish the time you have with your family and friends. Let them know you love them, that they're important to you. And even in your own life, if something is holding you back from God, get rid of it! Make that change! You may never have the opportunity to if you don't do it now.

It's all really simple. Since this happened, I've tried little things just to spend more time with my family. I do my best to go to my other grandma's every Monday and just spend a few hours with her. Nothing too exciting, watching tv and eating lunch, but it's time WITH her. Find those ways you can cherish your loved ones and be with them. Don't wait until it's too late and you are filled with regret.

- Sean Fryer

Self Check-Up

Almost 1 1/2 years ago I had the incredible opportunity to go on a missions trip to North Africa to share the Gospel in an Islamic country through the game of basketball. On the way up there, our trip leader Trent Gamble gave us 5 questions to pray and consider about our spiritual walk. I was just looking through some of my journal entries and came across them along with my answers and noticed that through praying about these and realizing some of my shortcomings, God has since done a work in my life and my answers are different now.

Why do I bring that up? Not to say that I'm this unholy, ungodly person who needs so much work (even though I do), BUT to say that we never really stop growing in our faith and that we always have something else to work on. My hope and prayer for my own life, along with any other believer, is that I can truly say "Today I am closer to God than I was yesterday!" And I don't want to say this in an ashamed way, but in a way that I know day by day I am growing in Him.

So here are those 5 questions that I was asked. I would challenge you to look at these every few months, weeks, or even days, and see where you can grow in your walk with our Lord.

1.Where do I need to grow in my Spiritual character? Galatians 5:22, 1 Thessalonians 1:5
2. What Spiritual discipline do I want to develop more?
3. What has the Lord been speaking to me in the Word?
4. What area in my life do I need to focus more on?
5. What is the biggest hindrance to my growth or to the witness of God's power?

- Sean Fryer

Let Them Know!

So I just got back from Liquid Summer Camp and I heard a really cool story from Jeremy Kingsley, the camp speaker.  He went back and traced his salvation (this guy told this guy, who told this guy, who told this guy, who spoke when his dad got saved, who then shared the Gospel with him) and said how excited he is to one day run in to that first guy in Heaven and to thank him for sharing Christ's love.

This got me thinking about all the people who have had an impact on my walk with the Lord and the people who had an impact on them.  I have a lot of people that I really need to thank, because I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for their boldness, or kindness, or love that they showed me. I personally was challenged to share this with those who have had that impact, and hopefully I will actually talk to most of them and let them know.

So I'd like to throw that same challenge out to you.  Who is it that has had an impact on your walk with Jesus?  Have you ever thanked them?  If not, why?  Let them know!  It's such a small thing, but it is great knowing that God used you to impact someone, and I'm sure it would encourage those who have encouraged you.

- Sean Fryer

What Are You Living For?

Ok, I have an important question for you; does your life reflect what's important to you?  Before you answer this question, think about these things:  What's on your Facebook page, your Instagram, Vine, or any other form of social media?  What conclusions would people draw about you if this is all they could see.  How do you act in public?  Mainly, away from the Church?  I heard the question asked before, "if you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?".   Think about this.

Our lives should reflect what's important to us, especially as Christians.  In Romans 8:29 we are told that we are supposed to be "conformed to the image of His Son".  If we are becoming like Christ, people should see it.  A perfect example of this can be seen in the early church where people "saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled.  And they realized that they had been with Jesus" (Acts 4:13).  As I look on at my life, I wonder if people realize that I have been with Jesus.  In order for people to see this in my, I think there are a few things that I need to do:

1. Study The Word- This is one way we can know and become like Jesus.  "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God" (John 1:1).  He IS the Word.  This is reading about who exactly Jesus was and is.  When you have been with Him, you will study His Word.
2. Pray- How do you get to know people?  By talking to them!  This is how you can communicate with God.  Even Jesus prayed while He was here on Earth.
3. Serve- You want to do stuff for people you love.  If you truly love Jesus, you will want to serve Him.  Too many Christians spend their whole life being poured in to, and never once pour out the love of Christ.  Don't make that mistake.  Just as Jesus came "not to be served, but to serve" (Matthew 20:28), we should do the same.
4. Don't Make Excuses- God uses ordinary and flawed people.  None of the people He used were perfect.  That's why we need Jesus.  But He will do extraordinary things through ordinary people.  Peter denied Christ and then preached a sermon that brought 3,000 people to Jesus.  Paul killed Christians, and then wrote most of the New Testament.  God can and will use you if you don't make excuses.  Just do it!

Lets get to that point and place where we can say as Paul said "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21).  He is who we should truly live for!

-Sean Fryer

I Am A Christian

I was just thinking of the simple statement, "I am a Christian".  This is such an incredible truth and a profound thing to say if you think of what it means, BUT I feel so many "Christians" end this statement differently.  What do I mean by this?  Well there are three different ways I think we can say this:

1. I am a Christian. - This statement ends simply with a period.  It's just that, a statement.  This is a person who maybe grew up in a Christian home and calls their self this, or maybe hasn't truly grasped what being a Christian is all about.  It's a simple sentence for them and doesn't really have much meaning.
2. I am a Christian? - This is more of a question (obviously, it ends with a question mark).  This is a person who claims to be a follower of Christ, yet people will look on at their life and see no real fruit, no change, no transformation.  The old has not passed away and there is nothing new.  This is the type of person that others would question if they truly gave their life to Jesus and that may question their own faith.
3. I am a Christian! - This is an emphatic exclamation.  It's something you want to shout out.  You wanna go on the rooftops and yell to everyone that you are sold out for Jesus, He radically changed you, you're not ashamed of the Gospel!  This is how everyone who has given their life to Christ should say this.  Think about this.  Romans 6:23 says "The wages of sin is death...", but it doesn't end there.  It'd be a really sad thing if it did.  It goes on to say "but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."  Because of Jesus' death on the cross, we are no longer going to Hell and facing the punishment we deserve.  We get to spend eternity in Heaven with Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.  We should be so fired up about this, that no matter what we're going through, the fact that we are a Christian and are saved should bring about excitement to us.

So think about how your sentence ends.  Is it a period, question mark, or exclamation point?  This makes all the difference in the world to how you view your faith and how others see you.

-Sean Fryer

Running from God?

Ever feel like you've been running from God?

You feel distant from God & far-away. You haven’t prayed in days. You’ve been walking in sin. God’s still & quiet voice seems muted. And you feel like your at the point of no-return.

But grace reaches far beyond our obedience. Here’s what I love about Jesus: “If we are faithless, he remains faithful” (2 Tim 2:13). He is full of mercy & compassion. Like the father of the prodigal son, he sees you from far away. And when you return, he embraces you with open arms & showers you with goodness.

So have you been running? Your Father loves you. It’s time to come home.

-Dennis

When Following God Makes No Sense

Ever feel like following God only makes life harder ?

In Mark 4:35, Jesus ask his disciples to take a ride with him on the Sea of Galilee. However, this boat ride with Jesus is anything but  smooth sailing. Mark records that “a great windstorm arose” on the sea. Matthew calls this storm a “great tempest”, or “seismos” in the original Greek- the same root word for the English “seismology”, the study of earthquakes. This storm was not just an ordinary rain shower. Instead, it was such a fierce and powerful storm that the disciples, many of whom were experienced fisherman, started to fear for their lives and begged the sleeping Savior to save them from the storm.  

Sometime we think that reading the Bible more or serving at church guarantee’s that God is going to bless everything we do. We say to ourselves, “surely God see’s how much I’m trying to following him, so I know everything will be great.” While the Lord does ultimately bless our obedience, there may be occasional storms along the way- storms that are so fierce that make us wonder if God is even paying attention.

If you're in a storm right now, know this - Jesus is right alongside you, in the boat, and will make sure you get to the other side. There’s no need to be fearful or doubt whether the Lord knows what is going on - the same Savior who paid your debt on the cross will also prepare a way thru the storm. 

-Dennis J. 

Pray!

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“… pray without ceasing… for this is the will of God”

          I wrote this devotion three years ago before going on my first missions trip ever.  It was included in the journals for all the CCA 8th grade students who went on the Bahamas missions trip.  I was just looking back at it and thinking that it was a great reminder (not too well written, but a good reminder) to pray.  I can get so caught up in the busyness of doing ministry and life that I just forget to pray, or convince myself that I don't have time.  So I hope this speaks to you as well and you enjoy it! 

            "Whenever there is someone that I want to talk to, all I do is pick up my phone and call them.  Maybe I had a bad day and just want to talk to my Dad and vent about it; I pick up my phone and call him.  Maybe I’m on a vacation and I miss my Mom and just want to hear her voice.  All I have to do is pick up my phone and call her and I get to talk to her.  But what if I want to speak to God?  I can’t really pick up my phone and call Him; my phone doesn’t have long distance coverage to Heaven.  There is something even easier than using a phone to call Him and that is prayer.  Prayer is one of the most important, essential things we do as Christians.  It’s as important as breathing is to living.  We are told in the Bible to pray without ceasing because this is God’s will for our lives (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18). 

            
             Prayer is the communication we use to hear from and speak to the Almighty God.  In Ephesians 6:18, the Apostle Paul is teaching us to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”  Paul is telling us that we need to pray at all times, on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests for the saints.  This is very similar to when Jesus “spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart,” (Luke 18:1).  Prayer is not an option in the Christian life.  It’s a privilege, it’s an adventure and most importantly, it’s a commandment.  So instead of spending all that time on the phone talking and texting, why not just call God and have an amazing conversation?"

-Sean Fryer

Stay Close

Lately something that has really been on my mind and heart is the transition the 8th graders in Six78 will be making to high school ministry (Liquid).  I started working in Six78 three years ago, when these same students were making the transition from 5th to 6th grade, and in that time I have developed a love for these students like I never thought I would.  In this time I have been able to see God move in these young men and women's lives in such an incredible way; They've been built up, broken down, challenged and changed.  I've been able to share thousands of laughs, seen many tears, and have witnessed such an amazing transformation from little boys and girls to young men and women.

I say all this because I am excited to see how God will use them while they're in high school and even after in college and post-college.  The Lord has been putting it on my heart to share a few things with them though before they leave.  This is something God has shown me recently, but I think it's something we can apply to our lives at any point; when we're young, old, happy, sad, angry, joyful, etc.  It's not even something profound, but because of it's simplicity, it is profound (I hope that makes sense, haha).  So here it is:

1. Worship and Praise God (even when you don't feel like it)
2. Pray (even when you don't feel like it)
3. Read your Bible (even when you don't feel like it)

  I know, incredibly profound!  Something I've found though is it is so easy to worship and praise when I'm in a good place.  I just got a lot of money!  Praise the Lord!  I just got a girlfriend (one day!!!), Praise God!  It's more difficult though to praise Him when you don't feel His presence, when things are going bad, when you're not in a good place.  This is where He will truly reveal Himself to you.  This is when you need Him most.  In Luke 19:40, Jesus tells us that if we keep quiet "the stones will cry out."  He doesn't need us to cry out His praise, but we need Him so that is why we praise.

Same for prayer and reading the Bible.  It's easy to do when we're on fire for Him, but what about when we're not?  This is when He really wants to talk to you.  It's in the difficult times that He is growing, shaping and perfecting us.  1 Peter 5:10 says God has called us to eternal glory AFTER we have suffered for a while, but He will "perfect, establish, strengthen and settle" us.  He can only do this if we seek Him through these times though.

Not the most amazing message, but I think it's such an important reminder.  I have to remember that no matter what is happening, Jesus died on the cross for me.  And because of that, I will live for Him when I feel like it and when I don't.

- Sean Fryer

Life Changing Vs. Experience

As you remember, this past Wednesday we dedicated the whole service to missions.  Pastor Sean, Len and I each had the opportunity to talk about that time in our lives when we first felt God calling us to go on a missions trip and take our part in fulfilling the Great Commission.  So often, the focus of this can be the calling you have to go and then the experience you have on the trip, but I think the most important part of a missions trip is the aftermath.   Where do you go from there?  Will you let it be just a cool “God-experience” or will you let it truly change your life?

            About a year ago I spent ten days in North Africa in a Muslim country and I pondered this question on the flight home and the Lord led me to the story of Jesus washing His disciples feet.  I wrote some notes down and figured I could share them with you.  The story takes place in John 13:1-17.  Here’s what I wrote:

V. 1- “He loved them to the end”

-Continue loving these people (just because the trip is over, doesn’t mean it has to end)

            -How can I do this?  Prayer!  There is nothing greater you can do than continue in prayer for the people you met.

-Love them with everything (be willing to sacrifice)

            -I believe this goes with prayer, but also fasting.  Fasting and praying is a powerful way to continue loving.

V. 3- “Knowing that the Father…”

-We know God has given us a task. “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?  You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet” – Psalm 8:4-6 

-Stick with this task in all things.  He has made us rulers of this Earth.

-Trust that He knows what He is doing and what He is using you for (Faith).

V. 4-5- “laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself”

-Fully took on the job (took on the form of a slave Philippians 2:7)

- Accepted the responsibility (Matthew 20:28)

-We have to accept the responsibility that God has given us to "let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven." (Matthew 5:16)

V. 6-10- “Lord, are You washing my feet?”

-Be humble enough to serve, yes, but to also be served

-Don’t question what God is doing (things can seem out of control or upside down, but God has it in control.  He knows what He is doing)

-Feet washed every day (we are defiled by the world daily, even if we don’t realize it.  Allow the Lord to cleanse you DAILY)

V. 11-17- “…blessed are you IF you do them”

-We know these things

-Don’t let it be an “if”, but a “when”

-Just do it (who cares what the world thinks, we’re serving Christ who served us)

-Everything you DID on the trip, you can also DO at home.  The Holy Spirit doesn’t just stop working because you’re home.  He is everywhere!

In closing, I think the most important thing you can do is to remember the Gospel every day.  If you remember what Christ did on the cross for you and His resurrection, it will be hard to turn back to the world.  Take time each day to “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good” (Psalm 107:1) and you will never forget what the Lord did in and through you.

-Sean Fryer