What comes to mind when you hear the word "endurance"? For many of us, we think in terms of athletic endurance — long distance runners, linebackers, linemen, and wide receivers. Of course, we also have drinks that are designed to help us "endure" — sports drinks and energy drinks that give us that extra shot of energy to make it through a long day at the office.

Successful athletic teams have endurance coaches to help players endure the physical and emotional rigors of their respective sport. 

We have business consultants that seek to help companies endure the changing culture and difficult economic times. But for everyone, even non-athletic types, endurance is important. Sometimes you have to endure a bad work situation, a difficult marriage, failing health, a struggling business, an uncertain future, emotional fears, mental discouragements, and 100 other potential looming challenges. 

For all of us, we can find hope in the fact that Jesus knew we would need to endure hard things throughout our lifetime. In Hebrews 12:1-2, we are told to run with endurance the race set out for us, keeping our eyes fixes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set out for Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of God. 

I believe this concept is what the Apostle Paul had in his mind and heart to sustain him while in prison. For two years, Paul was imprisoned in Rome. Instead of an ankle bracelet tracking device, Paul was chained to a behemoth Roman soldier every day. He was forced to eat disgusting prison food; he slept on prison floors; he lived in dirty prison conditions for two years, waiting for a sentencing from the judges of Rome. Each day his future was uncertain. With each knock at his cell door, he could be issued papers that call for his beheading. With all of these "wonderful circumstances," you would imagine his letters to his friends and church congregants might read like a modern day millennial critique of life in America, listing one complaint after another. After all, in some sense, Paul was a victim of societal injustice and persecution. He was simply planting churches and helping the community to better itself. And yet, here he finds himself, living in wretched conditions with little to no hope. In fact, in Philippians 2, you can hear Paul's uncertainty creep in as he writes, "for me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." 

But, the letter from prison, which we know today as the Epistle to the Philippians, is far from a whiny and disgruntled complaint. In fact, it is a letter filled with joy, hope, counsel, and encouragement. Here are three of seven total keys to Paul's strength and endurance taken from the words of Philippians. (Stay tuned in a week for the other four.) 

Selflessness is a dominant theme of Paul's letter to the Philippians. Chapter 2, verse 3 and 4, says, "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." And the dominate command of the letter is found in chapter 2 verse 5, where we are charged as Christ-followers to "Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bondservant, and being made in the likeness of men..." 

Selflessness is vital if we are going to endure hard times. In truth, selfish people are rarely able to endure anything. Selfishness leads to victim mentality and "why-me" and "poor, pitiful me" thoughts, none of which will help you endure difficulty. Thinking of others, and how to bless, minister to, and help them in your hard times is one of the greatest ways you can find the strength to endure your own trials. 

"So then my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." 

When Paul commands the Philippians to "work out" their salvation, he uses a word that would have been very familiar to the colony of Philippi. The town was surrounded by gold and silver mines. In order to gain the treasures in the nearby mountains, the men had to dig, chisel, hammer, and pound their way deep into the mountain in order to find the valuable treasure. Much in the same way, as Christ-followers, Paul is urging us to "mine out" that which God placed in us at the moment of salvation. We have been given all that we need for life and godliness. (2 Peter 1:3-4) — "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." 

We have been blessed with every spiritual blessing according to Ephesians 1:3. Galatians 5 describes the fruit of the Holy Spirit that is in us, things like agape-love, joy, peace, patience, hope, and kindness. Paul wants us to "mine out" all the good treasures God has placed within us. We endure best when we use the resources God has placed within us for "life and godliness." 

As Paul sends his letter filled with joy, listen to his challenge, in chapter 2, verses 17-18: "But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me." 

Notice he is being "poured out" as an offering. This has both positive and negative spiritual connotations. It involves suffering and draining. I know that in the course of my many years of ministry, I have often felt "drained" and "poured out." Yet Paul's charge for us is to rejoice with him and share in this "draining" and to share our joy with others.

​Notice also Philippians 3:1 — "Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord." Philippians 4:4 — "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice." 

The rejoicing Paul speaks of here is not a silent, somber, self-talking rejoicing. He wants your rejoicing to be external! He wants your rejoicing to be shared by others. It's part of your testimony to a lost and dying world. We live in a culture of bad news, fearful headlines, and uncertain futures. As followers of Jesus, we must rejoice out loud so that others can have hope and come to know Him as we do. Rejoicing greatly enhances one's ability to endure! 

So, how can a man who's been in jail for two years, chained to a guard (the old-school version of our modern ankle bracelet tracking system) with an uncertain sentencing (one that could include potential execution) write a joyful letter to his friends who are nearly a thousand miles away? And how could the letter itself be filled with joy and rejoicing? Well, I'm glad that you asked. 

Here's how you can be filled with joy in your every day life and especially in the dark days, the darker months, and the darker years. Paul gives us the example to follow. I believe He has drawn truths from some Old Testament verses, wisdom from King David and King Saul. Consider Proverbs 3 where Solomon writes, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." Consider also Psalm 37:4-5 — "Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it." 

I believe Paul lived these verses throughout his ministry and that he personally applied them in order to be able to manifest trust and trials and joy while in jail. 

First, we need a quick overview and understanding of the theology of joy from the Scriptures. First of all, joy is not an emotion. Joy in the Bible is an inner character strength. Follow me to Nehemiah 8:10 — "The joy of the Lord is my strength." And if we combine that verse with Hebrews 12:2 — "looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross..." we soon see just how much strength joy can give us! In truth, Jesus faced the cross as a fully innocent Savior, never giving into temptation to stop the suffering — the great suffering — that would cause him to drink in all of our sins and be separated from His Father and die. For the joy set before Him, Jesus was able to endure the cross. Joy — Jesus' joy — is the strength to endure anything. 

Now, the question is: How do I get Jesus' joy? Here's the really cool part of the Bible. If you're a Christ-follower and believe in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, He has made a great promise to us all that He freely gives His joy away. In the final instructions to the 11 believing disciples, Jesus said, "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full." (John 15:9-11) 

Jesus is emphasizing with his soon-to-be world-changing disciples that they must obey and abide. Obedience is the key to getting the joy of Jesus. In fact, Jesus says He will fill you with His joy if you obey His instructions. So the strength to endure anything comes from when we choose to obey the commandments of the Lord. If you find yourself weak mentally or spiritually or emotionally or in any other way, you need to evaluate what truths you are following and what truths you are avoiding. In my journey with the Lord, I have found that, much like King Saul in 1 Samuel 15:22, I can fool myself into believing I am fully obedient. But, a more careful examination (2 Corinthians 13:5) reveals I am only partially obeying.

So, what commands do I need to obey? Answer: All the ones that I know. Sadly, my evaluations go something like this: 

When I really examine my obedience, I am actually a lot like King Saul, full of pride and lies and excuses. Read through this devotional thought by Charles Spurgeon and see if you are not challenged to become fully obedient like I have been challenged: 

We've learned that obedience to Jesus' instructions is the key to our joy which is the strength we need to endure hard times and to enjoy with grace good times. This is how Paul was able to express real joy and demonstrate enormous spiritual strength while in prison in Rome. Here are four evidences of Paul's obedience found in his letter to Philippi. 

• Paul trusted in God for his future.
  • Philippians 1:6-7 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. NASU
  • Philippians 4:19 - And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.  
• Paul put Christ in highest place in his life.
  • Philippians 3:6-14  But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, 9 and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; 11 in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.NASU
  • He discarded things of earthly value
• Paul prayed his burdens onto Christ.
  • Philippians 4:4-6  Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. NASU
  • HE prayed with thankfulness 
• Paul literally delighted himself in the Lord. 
  • Psalm 37:4-5  Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He will do it. NASU

From a jail cell in ancient Rome, eating prison food, sleeping on prison furniture and with an uncertain and possibly dark future, Paul writes for his friends to "rejoice in the Lord." He adds that for him to live is Christ to die is gain and that He is fully satisfied and content, with a peace that passes understanding. HE WAS A TESTIMONY from JAIL of a person not bound to the Earth. 

When you have Jesus' JOY- filling you up.. the things of Earth do not weigh you down.
When you have Jesus' JOY in your life - you look "different" from those around you who are weighed down by the cares of this world. When you have Jesus' JOY in your life - you can testify of JESUS with confidence. When you have Jesus' JOY in your life you can testify to your family that something is different, and better. 

Psalm 16:11 You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. NASU

In His presence, is fullness of joy; fullness of His strength flowing through you. If you want to unlock the strength of Jesus joy in your life, you have to become serious about obedience. Take an inventory this week of Bible truths you know you should obey. Be honest with yourself and work on being fully obedient without excuses. 

Who doesn't want to live a better life? All of my friends and family want a better life. We all want better lives for ourselves and for our children. I want to live at a higher level and I want to live to higher standards. Over the last two years, I've had a blast studying the New Testament book of Philippians. Having studied it twice before for sermon preparations, I foolishly thought that I already knew what the book was all about. But God's Word is deep and beautiful, practical and wise. Chapter three of Philippians has helped me to see the higher standards, goals, and values that the Apostle Paul lived by so that his life's final mantra would be "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and kept the faith and there is in store for me a crown of righteousness." 

In Philippians chapter three, Paul shares with us the higher values, standards and goals on which we need to focus in order to live better lives during our time here on Earth. First, he challenges us to rejoice, specifically to choose joy, as a higher character value. Joy is not an emotion. Rather, it is a character value given to us as we obey the words of Jesus Christ (John 15:6-11). Joy is an inner character strength (Nehemiah 8:10). It is the strength to endure anything, including an undeserved death on a cross (Hebrews 12:2). 

Second, Paul calls us to do some higher math. In order for us to live at a higher level, the way that God intends for us to live, we must count some things as valuable and some things as loss. Paul has learned that his resume of career achievement, religious accomplishments, impressive titles and cultural heritage are worthless. The only thing that is truly valuable is a personal knowledge of Jesus Christ. Paul encourages us all to "gain Christ," "be found in Christ," and "know Christ." All other pursuits, according to Paul, are as worthless as human waste. The higher standard that we must choose to build into our life is a personal and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Christ came to Earth to make that possible. He died on a cross to pay for our sins and to invite us to have a deep, genuine and meaningful relationship with Him. For the Apostle Paul, Jesus met him o the Damascus road and the relationship began (Acts 9). Philippians chapter three is where Paul explains that nothing is more important than knowing Christ. The higher goal setting that Paul does is outlined well when he explains we have to be honest about where we are (none of us have arrived spiritually), simplify your plans, put the past behind us (learn from it, but leave it), think forward and future (reaching to what lies ahead), press on with committed diligence, and listen to God to help keep you on the right course. Paul concluded chapter three by telling us that we have to remember we have a higher status because our citizenship is in Heaven. We are not citizens of Earth with appetites for things of the Earth, or desiring things that God would rank as shameful. In fact, we are citizens of Heaven and, as such, we will soon be transformed from a lowly state of humility to a glorified state, where we are clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. 

As I've dug deeper and deeper into this chapter, I've seen my own weaknesses and my propensities to settle for lower values, lower standards and lower goals. A disheartening trend in our culture these days is to settle for easy. I've heard the quote many times over the last several years that "the easiest way to do something is always the best way to do it." The truth is, for things that matter, discipline, diligence and determination all have to be a part of the work needed to accomplish the meaningful goals. Superior musicians do not practice only the easy scales and easy music. Superior athletes do not find the easiest ways to work out. In fact, they often invent harder and more difficult ways to work out, carrying weights while they run or running up stadium stairs in order to improve their skills. Paul calls for the discipline of hard work in Philippians 2:11, where we are to work out (literally mine out) the treasure of salvation within us. He calls for mental diligence when he commands us to walk in a manner worthy of the Gospel and to have the selfless attitude that Christ maintained. (Philippians 1:27, 2:5) He calls for us to be determined to press on forward no matter what our past or struggles. (Philippians 3:12) 

As Christ-followers, are we living out our lives in a "settled state" or are we reaching forward, pressing on and racing for the highest goals and values? Are we running to win, or just running to finish? Philippians chapter three is a challenge to seek excellence and higher goals in your spiritual journey. Seek the highest goal of knowing Christ. The greatest thing you can do for your legacy, the greatest thing you can do for your future and your family and children is to put Christ in the highest place in your life. Seek Him above all other things. If a career move is needed, make sure Christ is the highest goal in that move. If a big decision is looming, seek Christ for an answer and be sure that He can be in the center of your life in whatever you decide as a course of action. For us to gain a higher standard of living, we must choose the One who is exalted to the highest place (Philippians 2:10) to be our highest priority of relationship. 

Did you fellowship with Jesus today? Did you take time to meet with Him in prayer and to spend time in His Word? Did you find ways to learn more about Him today? Did you seek to guide other toward Him today? Did you ask Jesus what was on His agenda for today rather than merely asking Him to help you with your agenda? 

I pray that you will find a way to gain this higher level of life offered by Jesus. It is beautiful and sweet. Follow His instructions. 

For a more in-depth study of these truths in Philippians, check out my series "Have Joy, Be Fearless" on the Northside podcast at northsidemobile.org and on iTunes. 

My church staff and I are currently working through a book by Bill Hybels called "Simplify." Well, the truth is that they are flying through it and I am wrestling with it. The overarching concept of this book, which is believe contains biblically-sound advice, is 110% the polar opposite of how I do life, ministry and everything in-between. I am terrible at resting, relaxing and unplugging, all of which are necessary for spiritual health. We need to stay replenished so that we can minister to others from a healthy platform of grace rather than duty. So, I am making efforts. One of the best "bucket fillers" that replenishes me is time with my whole family. When my whole family is gathered together for meals or visits, my heart is overflowing with joy. God's grace is felt strong during those times. I love how my sons (Joshua and Caleb) and daughter (Mary) and daughter-in-law (Ashley) interact with each other and with myself and Annette. During these times, I sense what Abraham must have felt as his family grew and became what God intended. The laughter, discussions, ribbing, sarcasm, and even the quiet moments are all "undeserved favor" for me and I know that God is the author of those moments. 

Last week, God blessed my entire family and I with the chance to visit The Ark Encounter in Williamston, Kentucky. After saving for a couple of years, I wanted to take the family on a real "vacation." My oldest son Joshua laughs when I use that word because, for several years (literally years), I have never used that word. Our trips have always been for missions work, ministry work, visiting extended family and relatives, or helping others in need. Of course there's nothing wrong with any of the aforementioned. However, we were never "on vacation" in the sense that most people think of this terminology. Moreover, my three kids (who are adults now) were in high school the last time Annette and I rented a place at the beach for a three-day get-away. (I told you I was terrible at this stuff.) 

Anyway, while God was showing me some "underserved favor" with my family, we visited a "big grace" place. Ken Ham and the creators of the life-sized Ark from the story of Noah in Genesis 6 have done an excellent job of bringing a biblical story to life for the next generation. The historical facts, scientific truths, and biblical accuracy of the "Encounter" were top notch. (If you ever go, take your time during the tour. There is a lot to absorb.) But, I want to focus on the "big picture" since it was such a BIG ENCOUNTER for me. 

At the risk of oversimplifying the story of Noah, here are some facts: After only a few generations of life on Earth, mankind had become so evil, corrupt and sinful that God was pretty much "done with us." God's decision to judge the sin was already in place from the time of Creation. How and when was the question. Sin is not tolerated by a Holy God. So a literal world-wide flood of judgement upon mankind was God's choice in how He would "destroy every living thing" on Earth. 

"Look! I am about to cover the earth with a flood that will destroy every living thing that breathes. Everything on earth will die." (Genesis 6:18, NLT) 

But Noah [and his family] found grace and favor with God. (Genesis 6:8) 

So, God told Noah about the coming catastrophic flood and gave him instructions to build a boat; a giant boat that would save his family and land-dwelling animals. The Ark is not just a boat though. It is a Life-Boat designed by God to rescue man from judgement and death. It is literally a huge Life-Saver. It is favor and grace from God on an enormous scale (literally.) God was heartbroken and disappointed that He had ever created mankind and it was all because of our incessant sinning. I wonder how He "feels" about us today? The Ark was a GIANT LIFE BOAT from God. The Ark is Grace. BIG GRACE. Over 450-foot-long and 75-feet-wide Grace. Over four stories tall and three million board feet of timber Grace. Standing under the shadow of the bow, you can get the idea of BIG GRACE. 

As we walked up to The Ark and tried to take in the enormous size of the largest timber frame structure in the world, my mechanical nature was overwhelmed at the idea of how much actual scaffolding Noah and his construction teams would have built to build this monstrosity of Grace. And, to be sure that God's choice to judge mankind was not rash or impulsive, the time to build The Ark is estimated to be between 55 and 75 years. How many labor hours do you think it took to cut and plane three million feet of timber in Noah's day? God was patient and providing. He guided Noah and his steps. He provided resources and supernatural help (like rounding up the animals - Genesis 6:9.) God was not impulsive and those around Noah's work could have yielded to the monstrous image of Grace that God was revealing to them. But, in fact, His Grace was ignored and likely even mocked. The Ark stood five stories high on a hilltop for 50-plus years. Big Grace right there in view for all to learn about and see. 

I believe God's Grace is still BIG. I know His grace to me is BIG. I can see it bigger and bigger every year of my life. Can you see his BIG Grace? The cross of Jesus is the biggest sign of His grace. In fact, Paul asked the Galatian churches: How do you lose sight of the public billboard of Christ's crucifixion? You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed (literally a public sign) as crucified? (Galatians 3:1) The cross wasn't five stories high or three football fields long. But the cross was Jesus, the one and only Son of the Living God, holy and sinless, falsely accused, tried and tortured, beaten, shamed, mocked, and publicly executed for me and for you. The most outstanding Being in the history of mankind, and in all of Eternity, died on a cross for my sins and three days later rose again to conquer death, Hell and the grave for me. I can be free from the sin that sends me to Hell. I can be free from the destruction of eternal damnation. I can fellowship with God and Jesus in a place of no pain, sorrow or sadness for all eternity because Jesus died on the cross. I simply have to believe that Jesus truly did die on the cross for my sins and rose again to give me new life. Big Grace! Grace that says, 'no matter what you've done, there is no sin outside the boundaries of God's grace because His grace superabounds beyond the limits of sin.' "But when sin grew worse, God's grace increased. Sin once used death to rule us, but God gave people more of his grace so that grace could rule by making people right with him. And this brings life forever through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 5:20-21, NCV) 

As Christ-followers, our responsibility, our job for God, is to enlarge God's grace in the eyes of those around us. We are literal pictures of God's grace on Earth to those who are under judgement. How BIG is your picture? How much grace is your life demonstrating and exhibiting and discussing in order to highlight the enormous grace of God? Ken Ham and his ministry team built an Ark (and Creation Museum). What are you building that evidences God's magnificent, majestic grace? Are your life's goals and passions building grace images for God? Or are you building for yourself? Are your conversations and career moves highlighting God's grace and your trust in Him? 

I cannot end this reflection on grace without giving you one of my favorite quotes on grace. It comes from Kenneth S. Wuest, a Biblical Greek New Testament scholar and professor at Moody Bible Institute during the mid-twentieth century: 

"There is enough grace in God's heart of love to save and keep saved for time and eternity, every sinner that ever has or ever will live, and then enough left over to save a million more universes full of sinners, were there such, and then some more. There is enough grace available to give every saint constant victory over sin, and then some more. There is enough grace to meet and cope with all the sorrows, heartaches, difficulties, temptations, testings, and trials of human existence, and more added to that. God's salvation is an oversize salvation. It is shock proof, stain proof, unbreakable, all sufficient. It is equal to every emergency, for it flows from the heart of an infinite God, freely bestowed and righteously given through the all-sufficient sacrifice of our Lord on the cross. Salvation is all of grace. Trust God's grace. It is super-abounding grace." 

We live in a day where BIG STORMS and BIG PROBLEMS trouble us constantly. I pray you will trust in God's BIG GRACE for your daily lives. If you are drowning in troubles and feel like you need a Life-Saver, please feel free to write to me and I can share how I found grace and we can converse together about your needs. God is patient in providing for you and for me. I am grateful for five days of BIG GRACE with my family. I'm grateful for grace upon grace to be reminded of the grace for Noah and his family and for Stan and his family. I pray the same for you and your family and friends as you read this. 

So, as I was privileged to speak at Northside this morning regarding fathers, I was challenged by God to write down a few thoughts and share them with you, my friends and readers, and all of those who have cared for me over the years. 

First of all, I am grateful to my father, Dallas Givens, for loving me enough to teach me about discipline and hard work. Dad never pandered to anyone, especially his three boys. We were expected to work hard and to respect absolutely everyone who we encountered. This included holding doors for ladies because we respected them; saying "yes, sir" and "yes, ma'am" to anyone who appeared the least bit older than I was; carrying groceries for older women; and mowing lawns for widows and shut-ins. These were all part of the disciplines of life that dad instilled in myself and in my brothers Mark and Lyn as well. These attributes have paid off in countless ways, especially when it comes to being respected as a fellow work associate. My older brother Lyn, now with the Lord, was a mentor and guide in my life for many years. He invested far more in his little brother than most fathers would invest in their children. Now, my little brother Mark is also a loving father and devoted husband and an example to me. 

Secondly, I want to express my gratitude to the men who "fathered" me along the way, guiding me with wisdom and instructions that I never could have known otherwise. As a youth ball player, my coaches had a huge impact on my life. Coach Jones, Coach Rivers, Coach Denson and others whom I cannot recall all greatly influenced my life. High school teachers like Major Price, Colonel Hanks, and Major Hinson also impacted my life in ways that I can still find value in to this day. My college professors, who were clearly more like spiritual fathers to me: Dr. Alden Gannet, Dr. John Talley, Dr. Hugh Hughley, Dr. Jim Raiford, George Maronge, Dr. Glen Atkins, Jan Langford, Gary Greene, and others all modeled spiritual values that I have yet to attain. But, I will always strive toward these values because of the investments of these men.

Other strong mentors for me through the years have been in my church families, international missions opportunities and camps. David J. Jones, my pastor as a child and model for ministry, could never be thanked enough for his example in my life. Larry Ezell (my Sunday school teacher and now elder) has always exemplified Christ. Jim Wilson, who served with me at two churches in Birmingham, has always been a hero. Dr. Dick Vignuelle and Pastor Drew Ramsey took me under their wings and taught me much about ministry and how to love church folks. Viskey, Ference (Feri Basci), one of the few people I know who was physically tortured for his faith in Jesus, remained strong in truth and taught me much about commitment. Doci Attilia and numerous other friends from Romania deeply impacted my walk with Christ.  Robert Davidson and Al Denney serve as my elders and continue to offer wisdom and counsel that I could not attain without them. Robert E. Cochran and Warren Watson, men who are now with the Lord, stood beside me for years as encouragers, counselors, critics and friends and treated me as a son. I owe them both more than I can ever repay. Archie Pennington, Brian Marhant, Teddy Hardeman, John Aulds, Matt Rutland, and others at summer camp have covered me in prayers and counsel many times. 

I know there are men who I am leaving out and, upon uploading this post, I'm sure I will think of dozens of others. Please don't be offended if your name is not here. 

Lastly, I want to thank many men who, although they are younger, are also the ones who have encouraged and built me up in my faith. The young men from Vestavia Alliance Youth Group and Shades Mountain youth, including college and career groups, all have been huge in training me up in the Lord. Some of you taught me to pray a lot for patience, but most of you taught me, by your example, how to walk close to the Lord. Eddie Bostic, Brad Willis, Christian Sheetz, Mason Ellenberger, John Headly, Danny and David Colpo, Paul Moy, Sam Causey, Verick Burchfield, Scott Boone, Les Wright, Austin Davis, Steven Bargainnier, Jimmy Oliver, Tim Laatsch, Micah Weringa, James Williamson, Paul Timmerman, Scott Shewmake, John King, Jeff Denney, Dave Nielsen, Tim Strickland, Nathan George, Jeff Beabout, Kent Smith, Jason Luker, Gerald Archer, Kevin Liming, Chris Callahan, Dave Nelson, Tim Adkins, Edwin Attaway, Brian Person, and Josh Ginsburg are just a few of the good men who walked with the Lord and sought Him as their guide. Today, Cody Walker, Josh Wattier, Brandon Ezell, Joshua Purvis, and Mike McCord all serve as examples of men seeking to put Christ first and follow His ways. I could never repay any of you for your fellowship and your walk with me. 

I have left off dozens of peers who daily help me grow. But, I know that the Lord is watching us all. Each church mentioned in the early part of Revelation has this phrase associated with it, spoken by Jesus: "I know your deeds." 

I have been blessed beyond measure to walk with good men throughout my journey. God's immeasurable grace has truly abounded in my life. Happy Father's Day to all of my the dads in this blog post and to fathers everywhere. 

Current research trends tell a tale not difficult to comprehend, nor surprising when properly understood. Apparently, Generations X and Y, as well as the lower end of the millennial generation, are searching for things with worth and significance. The philosophies and values that are deeply ingrained in our culture have left young people with an overwhelming hunger for meaning and purpose. Our society and its public education system have taught most youth that their lives are nothing more than cosmic accidents. They're indoctrinated through curriculums which teach that dozens of chemicals reacted with atmospheric anomalies and then *POOF!!!* Life was randomly formed and suddenly exploded into existence. 

Of course, this sort of life has no value. It has no purpose or meaning. How can it? It is random and therefore meaningless. Why bother trying to live your life to a set of values if your life had no meaning or value in the first place? Moreover, our culture has reached a place where we discard life quite easily. Whether it's an unwanted pregnancy, a child still in the womb with a disability, or a senior citizen locked away in isolation, we treat human life with great carelessness and disdain. In fact, the current push in many blog posts for atheists and agnostics reveals and communicates the same hopelessness and purposelessness to the next generation. It should not surprise us that they are starving for something infused with meaning, purpose and value. 

The Truth for all generations is that there is indeed One who offers purpose and meaning and worth and value to every soul on the Earth. He created us for purpose. (Ephesians 2:10) He saved us from our sins for a purpose. (Ephesians 2:8-10) And He is the One who is the Truth. (John 1:14 and John 14:6) 

The Bible teaches that we're made for a purpose and our Maker loves us and wants us to be filled with meaning and value. Over the next four weeks in our services at Northside, I'll be sharing four necessary steps to find your real meaning and to be sure that your life has real purpose, real value and real meaning, not just for your lifetime but for generations to come. 

Join us for this brand new series "Living On Purpose," and be sure to invite or bring a friend! Remember that you can also follow Northside on Facebook, Twitter and iTunes, as well as our official website: northsidemobile.org. 

"Fearless and joy." Can these two words even go together? God actually says that they belong together! As Christ-followers, we're to live our lives different from others. We're to live with great joy and also with great fearlessness in regards to our future, our trials, our enemies and even in regards to sharing the Gospel. 

In his letter to the Philippians, the Apostle Paul challenges us to show immense joy and great courage in the work that God is continually doing in and through us. 

It's time for Northside to learn to be filled with joy and fearlessness as we enter into 2018 to serve the Lord together! Join us on Sundays throughout January and February at 10:30AM for live worship and this brand new series. We can't wait to see you! 

Is there really any hope for someone whose life is a giant mess? Is there really any help for lives and families that are broken? This Christmas season God impressed upon my heart a desire to look at how He helps us in and through our messes. Whether it's a big mess or a little mess, one thing is certain: He is always able to help. You can have true hope in any situation when you consider how God works with big messes. 

So, consider the mess that Israel was in for hundreds of years. God spoke to His children through Isaiah with these words: 

Psalm 78 records phrases like this regarding Israel's relationship with God: 

• They did not keep God's covenant. 
• Refused to live by His instructions 
• They forgot what He had done 
• They did not remember His power and His rescue 
• They did not obey His laws 
• They kept testing and rebelling against Him 
• They angered God by building shrines to other gods 

This rebellious and sinful behavior went on for generations and generations. And for 400 years, God was completely silent. What a giant mess! 

But then, an angel appeared to a young girl named Mary and said: 

Wait, what? 

After years of rebellion and unfaithfulness, God sent His only begotten Son into the world to save the world, not to condemn the world. (John 3:16-17). Did we deserve His grace after waiting 400 years to hear from Him? Absolutely not! Did we need His grace? Absolutely! Here's the amazing truth about God: He is full of mercy and grace. He is willing to forgive and restore broken relationships at the deepest level -- even relationships that are harmful and even those that hurt Him.  Consider Romans 5:8 - "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." 

While we were still sinning against Him, He demonstrated love for us. This is the literal essence of the Christmas story and the work of God here on Earth. The entire reason that Jesus came to our planet was because we desperately needed help getting out of our giant mess. If you need a good example in order to see the reality of this truth, look no further than Peter, one of the great heroes of our faith. 

In the book of Acts, Peter preaches and thousands come to Christ. He heals people of their infirmities. In fact, in the book of Acts, Peter's shadow can pass over someone and they will be healed. Now that's amazing. He's so close to God and so in-tune with the Holy Spirit's call in his life that he can minister grace at insane levels. But please note that just months prior to this time of great ministry, he was a giant mess. 

Peter started out great. He was following Jesus after hearing Jesus explicitly say, "Follow me." (Matthew 4:19) He abandoned his fishing business as well. In the latter part of John 6, Peter makes the great declaration, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." In Matthew 14, Peter walks on water. No other man in history has walked on water like Jesus. Impressed? Me too.

But, then there's a string of messy choices and foolishness that allow us to glimpse a completely different side of Peter -- sort of like when he walked on water (you'll remember that he nearly drowned in the process.) In Matthew 16, Peter "rebuked Jesus" (verse 21-23) in a conversation where Jesus had to return the rebuke and refer to Peter as "Satan." In Luke 22, Peter was talking at the Lord's last meal when he should've been listening. In Mark 14, Peter was in the garden with Jesus prior to His arrest and was sleeping when Jesus had specifically asked him to pray. In that same night, Peter decided to erratically draw his sword and attempt to murder the servant of the High Priest. Within a few hours, he would also deny even knowing Jesus, not just once, but three times. Then, by the time you get to John 21, after Jesus' resurrection, Peter is an emotional, mental and spiritual failure and a complete basket case. He returns to his fishing boats and fishes all night. John records the fish count as zero (imagine that!). Well, that is, until Jesus shouts some instructions to them from the shoreline. Then, the fish count is massive. Jesus later makes breakfast for all of the disciples, including (and especially) Peter.

Then Jesus says to Peter the exact words that started this entire process: "Follow me." (John 21:19) Wait, what? So, this faithless, foolish, fleeing, failure of a man is asked to follow Jesus once again? Yep. Grace is amazing, isn't it? 

Have you found yourself in a big mess this year? Do you need help getting out of the mess? Follow Jesus. I can hear you saying, "Well, I already have and I'm still failing." It's ok. So did Peter. Follow Jesus again. It's time to let Him lead you. Listen to Him. Listen to all of His instructions. There is hope for all of the messes that we make. There is hope in Jesus and in Him alone. 

To my Growth Group with love: 

As promised, here is the final piece of our study in James: "Faith For Real." I encourage you to read this with your Bible open to James 5. Make your own notes and feel free to e-mail or message me with any questions that you might have. Remember: Pastor James is teaching his flock what to do in the midst of their great trials and persecution. So, watch for the commands and bullet points of action that evidence their real and genuine faith even in the midst of great suffering and conflict. 

Part 2: 

Waiting in Silence: Verse 9 

James is once again commanding his parishioners and this time he’s ordering them to be quiet. Back in verse 8, he was commanding them stop murmuring — literally to cease their grumbling. The tense of the verb indicates that they’re currently grumbling or are to immediately stop their activity. The word “complaining” in the New American Standard Version is actually a word for an “internal grumbling.” It’s not the external complaining that is being addressed here by James, but rather the attitude and focus of the heart. It is a sigh or a groan or a moan when someone near you does something that you can not tolerate. James desperately wants the believers to stop grumbling against one another. 

Matthew Henry’s commentary puts it this way:  

Waiting With Perseverance: Verse 10-11 

James is encouraging his parishioners to follow the great examples of the prophets and, specifically, the example of Job. 

In the Old Testament days of Job, the prophets would hear a message from God and then carry it to the people. Then, they had to wait for the Lord to fulfill that Word. They had to wait with patience, endurance, expectancy, silence and — ultimately — with much perseverance. The prophets had to live out their faith by waiting and believing. Jonah is a good example of a struggling prophet who was not willing to endure and persevere. In fact, he didn’t wait in silence for God’s final choice with the Ninevites. He grumbled about God’s choice. He was waiting for God to keep His Word, but when the nation repented and God’s plan changed, Jonah became angry. He wasn’t resting in the sovereignty of the Lord. Jonah egotistically wanted his name as a prophet to be honored, rather than wanting God’s name to be revered, exalted and honored. A true prophet of God would have waited in silence and rested in God’s assurance and sovereignty. 

Job’s perseverance is also a critical point to address in this text. Job didn’t wait perfectly. 

“Then Job responded, “Truly then you are the people, and with you wisdom will die! But I have intelligence as well as you; I am not inferior to you. And who does not know such things as these? I am a joke to my friends. The one who called on God, and He answered him; the just and blameless man is a joke.” -- Job 12:1-4 (NAS) 

“Behold, my eye has seen all this. My ear has heard and understood it. What you know I also know. I am not inferior to you. But I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to argue with God. But you smear with lies; you are all worthless physicians. O that you would be completely silent, and that it would become your wisdom!” — Job 13:1-5 (NAS) 

Job’s friends are pitiful comforters. 

“Then Job answered, “I have heard many such things; Sorry comforters are you all. Is there no limit to windy words? Or what plagues you that you answer? I too could speak like you, if I were in your place. I could compose words against you, and shake my head at you. I could strengthen you with my mouth, and the solace of my lips could lessen your pain.” - Job 16:1-5 (NAS) 

A battle for truth was waging war within Job’s head and his heart. 

“Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. Nevertheless I will argue my ways before Him.” - Job 13:15 (NAS) 

But, he did ultimately persevere. Whenever it was time to make a decision about God, Job always yielded to the will and sovereign rule of God. 

This is a great picture of the conflict of all ages: God vs. Satan:  

“While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, and behold a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people and they died; and I alone have escaped to tell you.” Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped. And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” Through all of this Job did not sin nor did he blame God.” — Job 1:18-22 (NAS) 

To his cursing wife: 

“Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!” But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.”  - Job 2:9-10 (NAS) 

To his confused and accusing friends: 

“Pity me, pity me, O you as my friends, for the hand of God has struck me. Why do you persecute me as God does, and are not satisfied with my flesh? Oh that my words were written! Oh that they were inscribed in a book! That with an iron stylus and lead they were engraved in the rock forever! And as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth. Even after my skin is destroyed, yet from my flesh I shall see God; Whom I myself shall behold, and whom my eyes shall see and not another. My heart faints within me.” - Job 19:21-27 (NAS) 

To his Lord: 

“Then Job answered the Lord, and said, “I know that Thou cans’t do all things, and that no purpose of Thine can be thwarted. Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge? Therefore I have declared that which I do not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. Hear, now, and I will speak; I will ask Thee, and do Thou instruct me. I have heard of Thee by hearing of the ear; but now my eyes see Thee; Therefore I retract, and I repent in dust and ashes.” - Job 42:1-6 (NAS) 

So what are we to strive for? Sinless perfection? No. Job was one of the most righteous men of the Old Testament and he still wrestled within his soul, heart and mind and struggled with suffering. However, he always affirmed God’s sovereignty and rulership. He always maintained a perspective that declared: “God is in charge!” 

Our goal — during and after the striving — is to follow Job’s example. Affirm God’s sovereignty and affirm His rulership.  

To my Growth Group with love: 

As promised, here is the final piece of our study in James: "Faith For Real." I encourage you to read this with your Bible open to James 5. Make your own notes and feel free to e-mail or message me with any questions that you might have. Remember: Pastor James is teaching his flock what to do in the midst of their great trials and persecution. So, watch for the commands and bullet points of action that evidence their real and genuine faith even in the midst of great suffering and conflict. 

Waiting With Patience: Verse 7 

The entire point that James is making is that you must endure your suffering with a hopeful expectation and an assurance of Christ’s return and righteous judgement. There are also several commands within this part of the letter. As James begins to close out, he speaks very directly and very pointedly to his parishioners. The command is to “be patient.” 

“Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord.” (verse 7) 

James reverts back to his use of “brethren” here, which we also see in verses 10 and 12. He’s actually encouraging his followers and believers to wait patiently on the Lord and to allow Him to be the ultimate judge against the unrighteousness of the rich or of any others who may be mistreating the local congregants. Recall that — historically — this is a time of great persecution for the church. The government, as well as the Jewish hierarchy, is condemning, tormenting and oppressing Christians everywhere.  James wrote his letter to the church during the great persecution mentioned in Acts 8:1-3. 

The word James chooses to use for “patience” is the Greek word “makrothumia.” It’s a strong word and it literally means “to stand in the heat of a battle for a long time.” This word would’ve often been used to describe the vigorous soldiers who stood and fought to the very end of brutal military clashes, even as they grew weak and weary. These men were willing to suffer long for the cause in which they believed, the cause for which they fought. In the same way — as Christians — we are to suffer long for the cause of Christ and for the work of the Gospel. James is writing to weak and weary Christians who are being tortured for their faith and he is pleading with them to “suffer looooooong” in the midst of their trials.

It’s important to note here that the word “patience” is not synonymous with yielding to a “Well, if I have to…” sort of mindset. In fact, it means to humbly accept the suffering, discomfort and inconvenience as a sovereign plan from God. As an illustration, James uses the patience of a farmer who is willing to wait on the early rains of October and November to germinate the crop. And then the farmer patiently waits on the late rains of April when the crop will reach its fruit-bearing stage. The wise and experienced farmer knows that this is all part of God’s plan. He’s realized that God has control of the climate and so he willingly and patiently waits for God to accomplish the sovereign, seasonal plan. I also believe that — tied into the farmer’s waiting — is his dependency on God. After all, only God can bring about our seasons and make changes to our weather patterns.  

Waiting With Endurance: Verse 8 

In verse 8, James commands his readers to “strengthen their hearts.” This word means to establish your heart and to make it stand; but not just to stand up, but also to make it stand strong and steadfast. “Strengthen” is an old compound word meaning “to stand steadfast” and it’s often used in many key passages. For example: 

“And it came about, when the days were approaching for His ascension, that He resolutely set His face to go to Jerusalem.” - Luke 9:51 (NAS) — Jesus was waiting with strength and His expectations were centered on God’s sovereign plan. 

“And besides all this, between us and you there is a great chasm fixed, in order that those who wish to come over from here to you may not be able, and that none may cross over from there to us.” - Luke 16:26 (NAS) — The word here is used to describe the chasm between Heaven and Hell, denoting that it is fixed and established as firm. Likewise, we are established and strengthened by God, the greatest Helper. 

“So that He may establish your hearts without blame in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.” - 1 Thessalonians 3:13 (NAS) 

“But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” - 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NAS) 

“And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.” - 1 Peter 5:10 (NAS) - The Lord establishes us through His Word and His people. (see also 1 Peter 5:10; Romans 16:25; 1 Thessalonians 3:2; 2 Peter 1:12; Revelation 3:2) 

Waiting With Expectancy: Verse 7b and 8b 

This passage is filled with numerous references to the Second Coming of Christ. It’s actually so many that I could spend an entire week focusing solely on this aspect. But, as we look at how James wants us to wait, it’s important to see his emphasis on waiting with expectancy. We are to patiently wait and to endure our trials while simultaneously expecting Christ to return. Paul even says that there is a crown for those who hope in the Lord’s return. Waiting with expectancy will strengthen your heart, secure your faith and give you the ability to hang in there just a little longer. While we’re enduring trials and difficult times, we must strengthen and encourage one another with the hope-filled words of the Scriptures. It’s our responsibility as believers to help our fellow Christ-followers. 

So, here’s a simple question: When was the last time you encouraged someone with the promises of the Word? 

Waiting with expectancy communicates several things to God concerning our walk with Christ, most notably:  

1. We believe that He's coming back. 
2. We're focusing on His return and judgement, which keeps us more inline with holiness and righteous living. 
3. We're excited about His coming and we are longing to see Him.