Navigating Mid-Life...

Nov 26 - 30: Navigating Mid-Life

Next Step Devotional Thought

This week during our New Day Cafe morning show we were "Navigating Mid-Life." Mid-life can creep up on you, slipping in new emotions, family changes, financial struggles, and even spiritual re-assessment that you never before anticipated. Many may not ever think about "mid-life" until they have arrived. That very thing happened to our morning co-host, Martin Houston, who during our planning meeting suddenly exclaimed, "I just realized! I'm in mid-life!"

So take a seat and strap on your seat belt as we navigate of few of the "mid-life" mile markers covered during our morning show this week: 


1. What about Retirement? 

Retirement is often a word conjuring up hope filled day dreams of lazing mornings, resting in the sun on some tropical island far, very far, away from the stresses and strains found in the day-to-day grind you currently face. But is this ideal Biblical? What does God have to say about retirement? Retirement in itself is certainly not a bad thing, as the Lord includes many things about the importance of rest from our labor (Mark 6:31, Ecc. 5:12) However, storing up riches in our barns and packing up our life to fulfill our own idealized sense of ease is certainly not in line with God's Word (Luke 12:16-21)

Have you ever thought about retirement as a new opportunity to serve Christ? Have you thought about all that you could do to invest in the Kingdom of God with eight additional free hours each day? This week Don Hawkins of Southeastern Bible College spoke with a gentlemen who took this approach to retirement, seeking out opportunities to serve Christ and landing as a full-time servant with the Marketplace Chaplains USA Ministry. 

When dreaming of retirement, let God's Word be your guide when Jesus taught, "But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33

2. The Empty Nest Syndrome

You've spent the last 20 years of your life with nearly every thought, decision, and dollar focused on your children. They've grow up and are "leaving the nest." Now what? So many mothers and fathers face this very question, encountering a bundle of emotions ranging from excitement about the possibilities of a new future to feelings of grief for the life and purpose thought to be lost. 

The "empty nest" can also erupt an entire new host of family dynamics. How do you relate to your spouse now that the children are gone? How do you relate to you now adult child? What happens when they get married? Will you still be needed? What purpose will guide your life? 

Karen Worley spoke this week with Susan Yates, co-author of  Barbara and Susan's Guide to the Empty Nest. Susan offered some wise guidance when it comes to facing the empty nest:

- Remember the "Season Principle" - This period of transition is just another season of your life through which you will travel. Nothing is new under the sun! (Ecc. 1:9) 

- Make your Marriage the Priority - Make new decisions about how you will spend your evenings and weekends - include fun and adventure! Treat your marriage as if you are dating again, rediscovering each others interests and passions. 

- Adult-Child Balance Act - Find a healthy balance in your relationship with your adult child. You will be tempted to be either a "helicopter" parent who texts or calls your child nearly every day, or you will be a hands-off parent, going weeks without calling. 

- Reassess and Reevaluate - Encourage each other within your marriage to pursue interests that you haven't had time to consider. Spend time in God's Word to discover the callings he has for all of us as believers. 

3. Caring for Aging Parents

Perhaps the task of caring for aging parents can be the most difficult of all during mid-life. The simultaneous juggling of providing for financially dependent children and running parents to doctors appointments can seen nearly impossible. Melissa Rogers spoke this week with Julie-Allyson Ieron, author of An Overwhelmed Woman's Guide to Caring for Aging Parents about many practical issues encountered when caring for parents. We would like to provide you with more encouragement and guidance, so we share with you Julie's Caregiving blog at http://womencareforagingparents.blogspot.com/.

A few notes to keep in mind when it comes to care taking for aging parents include the call to honor and respect our parents, God's principle of valuing life, and the call to support and encourage one another in the body of Christ. One of the most overwhelming aspects of caring for parents is that many people feel utterly alone. We must remember to support one another in the body of Christ, lifting each other up through prayer, scripture, and tangible assistance (providing meals, providing respite, etc.) (1 Thess. 5:11) 


If you are journeying the highway of "mid-life," we pray this week was of great encouragement to you! Remember that through every year of your life, God is right there with you! His Word provides all the guidance we need to navigate our lives in a way that glorifies Him. 


Interview Recaps

• Ministry as an Alternative to Retirement - Marketplace Chaplains Ministry
• Navigating Mid-Life Financially - Robin Nichols of Mississippi Baptist Financial Services
• An Overwhelmed Woman's Guide to Caring for Aging Parents - Julie Allyson Ieron
• Barbara and Susan's Guide to the Empty Nest - Susan Yates
• Embracing Mid-Life - Lynne Baab

Key Scriptures

Hebrews 13:5 - Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'

Ecclesiastes 3:1 - To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 - Therefore, encourage one another, and build one another up, just as in fact you are doing." 

Exodus 9:16 - For this very purpose have I let you live, that I might show you my power, and that My name may be declared throughout all the earth.

Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the thoughts and plans I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for good and not to harm you, to give you a hope and a future.

Hebrews 10:36 - You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For, in just a little while he who is coming will come and will not delay.

Matthew 11:28 - Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.

Rest in God's Word today!

Blessings,

Melissa Rogers

Moody Radio South

What Happened to Heaven and Hell?

Nov 12-16 - What Happened to Heaven and Hell? 


Next Step Devotion
Heaven and Hell. From cartoons, to fiction novels, artistic masterpieces to the Sunday pulpit, these two ideologies are ingrained in the fabric of society. Not everyone living in this modern day considers heaven or hell a reality. Nevertheless, nearly every human being holds some sort of belief system regarding heaven, hell, or both. Our entire existence inches daily towards the inescapable reality of death. Whether they admit it or not, heaven and hell has crossed every person's mind!  

So what happened to heaven and hell? In generations past it seemed the message of salvation could not be preached without the poignant illustrations of the lake of fire reserved for those who refuse Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. However, today this truth is often watered down, preaching with vitality the message of grace and love (as we should) while simultaneously ignoring the painful reality that love cannot express itself through grace if a soul chooses to reject and rebel against the Lordship of Christ. 

Everyone loves the idea of heaven. A land of radiant lights spiraling the color spectrum through the sky, voices from every nation singing together in unity, absolutely zero physical or emotional pain, and death is a concept forever erased. Yes, heaven is our great hope as believers of Jesus Christ! But we cannot sacrifice the reality of hell for the sake of adding numbers to our church membership list or campus ministries. Unfortunately, many misconceptions about heaven and hell, even within the church, have added to this dilution of the gospel. 


I hope you caught our interview with Dr. Rebecca Janney this week on New Day Cafe. We discussed how the cultural perspective of heaven and hell has radically shifted over the past 50 years. One particular shift emerged with the death of Princess Diana in the 1990's. Although there is no record that Princess Diana professed Jesus Christ, it is certainly difficult to imagine that someone so highly admired across the globe could spend eternity in hell. Other adored celebrities such as Michael Jackson or Steve Jobs have only added to this sentiment that surely all "good" people go to heaven. 

Further misconceptions about heaven emerge as myths about guardian angels, spirits, and our relatives "looking down on us," take root. Our conversation with Dr. Ron Rhodes (Reasoning from the Scriptures Ministries) While the thought of personal guardian angels and family spirits may be comforting in a time of pain, there is no biblical basis for these beliefs. Yes, there are angels who are sent to protect God's people (read about Michael in Dan 12), but Satan would love to twist the truth about angels and divert our attention from the Creator to the created. If you are looking for a guardian angel, you will not be looking for God. If you trust scripture's beautiful representation of heaven as a place filled with the eternal worship of the one Holy God (Rev 4), how could you simultaneously believe that our past family members are primarily concerned with our well-being on earth? 

Growing up in the "Bible Belt," it is difficult to imagine an entire generation growing up without a proper concept of heaven and hell. The reality is, however, that there are thousands upon thousands of college students and young adults who have been white-washed of the truths found in scripture, believing that all it takes are "good deeds" to "make it to heaven." Others believe that God's grace and mercy will ultimately exceed His wrath, opening wide the doors to heaven for all. Cultural icons such as Oprah, and even some modern pastors preach this message. As a result our urgency in sharing the gospel has been diluted. 

Spend some time in prayer today. Ask the Lord to reveal to you more fully the weightiness of heaven and hell. This is eternal life and death for our friends, family, and even church members that we are talking about. Next, pray for the boldness needed to proclaim God's full message of salvation. His grace is sufficient for all, and his immense love is not limited by His justice. It is because of his wrath that the depths of his love, displayed through the grace of salvation, is shown all the more glorious. 

Interview Recaps

• Dr. Rebecca Janney - The Cultural History of Heaven and Hell

• http://rebeccapricejanney.com/

• Martha Craig - The Kingdom of God

• http://www.amazon.com/The-Kingdom-God-Craig-Martha/dp/0982592132

• Paul Roberts - Are Heaven and Hell Real? 

• http://www.sebc.edu/contact/faculty-staff/bio-paul-roberts/

• Operation Christmas Child - http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/

• Dr. Rob Rhodes - The Truth about Angels and Demons

• http://www.ronrhodes.addr.com/

• Dr. Tony Cooper - Jimmy Hale Mission

• http://www.jimmiehalemission.com/

Key Scriptures

Matthew 7:13 - "You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many that choose that way."

Luke 12:5 - "But I'll tell you who to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. Yes, he's the one to fear." 

Romans 8:38 - "And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from the love of God. Neither life nor death, angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries for tomorrow - not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love." 

Acts 1:11 - “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!”

Revelation 21:4 - "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."

My Next Step
My closing thoughts are drawn from our New Day Cafe interview with Paul Roberts, Librarian of Southeastern Bible College. In speaking with Don Hawkins, Paul drew the entire discussion back to one foundational statement: "Do we believe that all of scripture is God's inherent word? 

If you do, then you must believe in the reality of both heaven and hell." 
God's word calls us to action. How will you respond to the truth of heaven and hell? Whose life is waiting in the gallows? Who will you meet in heaven that will thank you for sharing the gospel with them? I ask myself these questions now, and I encourage you to do the same.

Blessings,

Melissa Rogers
Moody Radio South

Debunking the Myths

November 5-9 - Debunking some Myths about the Church...

Our culture has transformed dramatically over the past few decades....our recent election is evidence of that itself (but we won't go that route today!). Unfortunately the the Body of Christ, the church, along with its values and institutions, has picked up a few of our culture's ideals along the way. I'm drawn to the book of Isaiah where God spoke through the prophet:

"Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter." Isaiah 5:20 

Next Step Devotional Thought

Are there any ideas about the church, what the church believes, who the church is, and what God called the church to do that have been, let's say, twisted from the truth? Absolutely! Let's look at a few "myths" that you might have heard while waiting in the grocery aisle, watching the nightly news media, or even during the Sunday sermon! 

• The Church is not relevant to society anymore.
• All Christians are hypocrites. They have no ability to teach me what is "good."
• The Church is intolerant.
• The Church is judgemental and hateful towards those who have done things believed to be sin.
• The Church is stuck in the past and unwilling to grow with culture.
• The Church just wants my money.
• Tithing is not for today...it was just for the Old Testament.
• The Church is the same as the world (ex. divorce rate just as high)

How many of these have you heard? Better yet, how many of these myths have YOU believed? How do these thoughts shape your attitudes and understanding of how to participate in the glorious gift that is the Body of Christ? 

There is no way I could journey the depths of each of these myths individually (check out the interview recaps below and go to www.moodyradiosouth.fm to re-hear the audio!), so let's take a moment to discuss one particular myth I think we have ALL heard complained against the Church on countless occasions..."The Church if full of a bunch of hypocrites!"

Now what is a hypocrite exactly? Merriam-Webster defines a hypocrite as someone who "puts on a false appearance of virtue or religiosity" or as "a person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs." Some dictionaries even use the term "Pharisee" as a synonym for hypocrite. Sound familiar? 

Now step back a second... it would be impossible for a hypocrite to exist without a standard of virtue to practice hypocrisy against. As the body of Christ, our standard is that of Jesus Christ. So, in a sense, it is impossible for us to NOT be hypocrites because none us us can fully live in such a way that we do not contradict any of God's commands. None of us can fulfill the law as Jesus did....only He was perfect. 

So how do we escape the accusation that we are all hypocrites? The truth is, we don't. However, what we can do is point back to the life-giving truth of Jesus Christ that through Him and Him alone we are washed clean and freed from the penalty of our sin. We can live in such a way that our humility and love for one another exhibits that we are all sinners saved by grace, seeking to live in accordance to God's will the best we possibly can through the power of the Holy Spirit within us! We are all hypocrites when it comes to living up to the standard of God's perfection. But what a privilege to know and serve a God who loves us so much that He accepts us despite our flaws and rebellion. 

We should strive to live in such a way that God is honored, but we must love others in the same way that He loved us. Yes, the church is full of a bunch of hypocrites, and there must always be room for one more!

Interview Recap

• Pastor Rick Taylor - The Church is No Longer Relevant
• http://www.sulphurspringsfwb.com/
• Dr. Bradley Wright - Christians are Hate-Filled Hypocrites and Other Lies You've Been Told
• http://www.brewright.com/hypocrites/index.html
• Jimmy Porter - Intolerance in the Church
• http://www.christianaction.com/site/article/dr_jimmy_porter
• Caitlin Jane, Music Artist - Celebrate Life/ The Church's Response to Abortion
• http://www.caitlinjanetunes.com/
• Dr. Conrad Baggott - Hypocrisy
• Pastor Thad Harless - They Just Want My Money
• Dr. Ed Stetzer - Inside the Stats about the Church
• http://www.edstetzer.com/
• Howard Dayton -  Tithing is Not for Today
• http://www.compass1.org/

Key Scriptures

Luke 11:42 - What sorrow awaits you Pharisees! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore justice and the love of God. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.

Colossians 1:16 - For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.

Colossians 3:14 - And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Isaiah 1:16-17 - Wash yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before my eyes. Cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor, defend the fatherless, plead for the widow.

1 Corinthians 9:19-23 - Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

My Next Step

My closing thoughts: "LOVE"

John 13:35 - "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." 

Blessings,

Melissa Rogers

Moody Radio South 

If My People Pray...

"If MY people, who are 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, and I will FORGIVE their sin and will HEAL their LAND. - 2 Chronicles 7:14

Next Step Devotion

The above verse is perhaps one of the most quoted, most preached, and most prayed scriptures throughout the entire Bible. It has permeated the Christian community throughout this election season for sure, and rightly so! But how often do we read/quote scripture repetitively, or dare I say, ignorantly, without really understanding what we are praying. God never calls us to something in His word without requiring ACTION from us. With this is mind I would say the above scripture is one of the most dangerous prayers to pray? Dangerous you say! Let me explain...

When you pray, God wants to work within YOU, change YOU, and reveal more of His character to YOU. When you pray for your heart to be aligned with God's heart, there is absolutely no possible result other than for you to stand up rocked to your core by the holiness and majesty of our Father. If you are missing out on this, perhaps you need to step back and take a good look at you prayer life (I'm preaching to myself here!). 

God is God!  There is nothing we can do, no argument convincing enough, no sacrifice great enough to sway our God. BUT when you pray, God does begin to align your life with His in such a way that we can become an agent for God's Kingdom on Earth as it is in heaven. It opens up the pipeline from heaven, giving God free reign to move mountains, calm seas, heal the multitudes. 

So back to 2 Chronicles 7:14. I say this is a dangerous prayer because it is impossible to pray in accordance with it without God speaking a direct challenge to your spirit, calling YOU to humble yourself, to pray, to seek, to repent... You can't fully engage your life in accordance with God's heart as expressed here without accepting the call yourself. We are so quick to say, "Yes! Our nation is so wicked! Lord turn our nation back to you!" yet we are unwilling, or perhaps blinded to the fact that repentance starts with ME. 

I upper-cased certain words in the above verse because I wanted to take a moment and highlight a few things about this scripture. 

MY - God is speaking to HIS people here. That means Christians, His children. It means ME! Not to unbelievers who are running from God's truth. We are His children washed white by the blood, yes. But that does not exempt us from the call to HUMBLE ourselves...

THEMSELVES - No one else can humble you. No one else can make the decision for you to lay down your life so that you might partake in the sacrifice and suffering of Christ. This is something you have to hash out, one on one with the Father. Ask Him to show you the areas that you have not fully humbled yourself before God and others...

FACE - There is a difference between seeking God's heart and seeking God's FACE. In seeking His face we are crying out for the Lord to reveal His glory. For eyes to be opened to his presence as opposed to just understanding His character (think Moses desiring to see God...). We are crying for a direct, visible, substantial move of God!

FORGIVE - God cannot operate within our lives if there is sin left without repentance. Forgiveness is mentioned 66 times in the New Testament is is required for our sacrifice to have weight before God (Matt 5:23) 

HEAL - For the word "heal" to be used, it implies that something is sick. The Israelite nation was sick, and our world is sick. BUT God came for the sick! (Mark 2:17) and His desire is to bring healing to us personally, to our nation, to our souls... 

So today, pray DANGEROUSLY. Go before the Father in heaven. Take responsibility for your sin and repent, receive forgiveness, intercede on behalf of our nation, and align your heart with the Father. Pray for his face to shine among us and His Kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven. More than anything, be ready to hear God's call straight to your heart, and be ready to obey. Seeing a movement of God on earth begins with you!

Interview Recap

• Dr. Bill Thrasher - The Journey to Victorious Praying 
• http://www.victoriouspraying.com/?page_id=1279
• Doug Clark - National Network of Youth Ministries - See You at the Pole
• http://www.nnym.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/home.myhome
• Matt Woodley - The Folly of Prayer
• http://www.ivpress.com/cgi-ivpress/book.pl/code=3712
• Jeanette Hicks - Moms of Military Prayer Ministry
• http://www.momsofmilitary.com/
• Rod Wilkins - If My People Pray Movement
• Evangelist Scott Dawson - 2 Chronicles 7:14
• http://www.scottdawson.org/

Key Scriptures

Ephesians 6:18 - "And 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 Lord's people."

Jeremiah 29:12-13 - "Then you will cal to me and come to pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

Matthew 26:41 - "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing by the flesh is weak." 

James 5:16 - "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for one another that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." 

My Next Step

I often feel like the disciples when Jesus was praying in the garden.... Jesus cries out to me, "Can't you just pray one hour with me!" However, just as Matthew 26:41 reveals, my flesh is so very weak. I know that the answer to all things is just one moment away when I engage God in prayer, yet I continually turn to other options before God. As the phrase goes, "When it's all said and done, there's more said than done!." I am so guilty of talking about needing to pray over something in my life, yet not setting aside the intentional time to actually pray!

If my desire is truly to be in God's presence...if that is what I am living for (to prepare for heaven!), then why am I not approaching the throne of grace every moment? But praise our great Father in heaven who does not shut the door to our prayers! His ear is forever turned towards His people (Psalm 116:2), His throne is always accessible to His children (Heb 4:16), and His desire is to bestow upon us His wisdom (James 1:5). 

If the enemy is condemning you with guilt over a lack of discipline in your prayer life, be encouraged! Our great God is always awaiting our voice, and He is always awaiting the opportunity to speak back. Today, begin anew a fresh passion to remain in conversation with your Daddy in heaven. 

Psalm 116:2 - "Because he turned His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live!"

Blessings,

Melissa Rogers

Moody Radio South

From Grudges to Grace

Ephesians 4:32 - "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as in Christ God forgave you." 

Next Step Devotional Thought

Forgiveness is one of the most elusive yet essential aspects of our journey with the Lord. The concept of forgiveness seems so simple right? We mess up (against God or others), we recognize our mistake, ask forgiveness, end of story.... So why does true forgiveness continue to escape us in our relationships with others. Why do roots of bitterness, pain, mistrust, and insecurity continue to plague our relationships within the body of Christ when we know how to make sure they never occur? 

I describe forgiveness as elusive because we often think that we have forgiven - we may even think we have forgotten! - only to discover later on when those old wounds are unexpectantly uncovered that we were not as fully healed as we imagined. 

So why is this issue of forgiveness so important? Well, for one, forgiveness comprises the foundation for our entire relationship with our perfect, sinless God. Without forgiveness, it would be impossible for us to be in relationship with God, let alone have the assured hope of eternity with him! Secondly, forgiveness forms the base for which we are able to represent Christ to the world. Forgiveness connects us to God, so forgiveness is a pathway through which we can draw others into relationship with God as well....

I'm reminded of Jesus' words in John 13:34-35 - "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." 

Have you ever known authentic love between two people to exist without forgiveness? Absolutely not! Forgiveness and love go hand in hand, and we can't display our relationship with Christ to the world without it. This is especially (BOLD, Italicize, and Underline!) true within the body of Christ. 

So what about you? I want to challenge you with a little activity. Take a moment and reflect over all the people you interacted with today - phone calls, emails, classmates, texts, co-workers, and yes, Facebook friends. Pause a moment as you think about each of their names and faces. Ask the Holy Spirit to stand active in your heart and mind and to reveal to you any areas of uneasiness, hurt, fear, frustration, or even full-fledged hatred. Write those names down. Now ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in prayer over those names, asking forgiveness for the attitudes that have built walls between you, blocking the ability for Christ's love to be displayed to the world. God may even ask you to talk with some of them personally. Just be open! 

If you caught part two of my interview with Jimmy and Vickie Duren this morning about forgiveness following divorce, Jimmy left us with a strong thought: "Forgiveness is really simple. It's hard to do, but it's simple. First we must ask the Lord to forgive us, and then you can begin forgiving on a whole new level." 

Interview Recap

• Pastor Thad Harless - Lessons from the Life of Joseph - http://www.ccconline.info/
• Pastor Steve Potts - Why is it Hard to Forgive? - http://www.wbclive.com/
• Rob Moore, Station Manager - Learning from Mordecai and Haman - Esther 4-7
• Jennifer Hamner - Testimony of Forgiving Father after Searching 10 Years
• Pastor Joel Gorveatte - Grudges to Grace - http://www.firstwesleyan.com/
• Jimmy and Vickie Duren - Divorce Care/Forgiveness after Divorce - http://www.divorcecare.org/
• William and Beverly Scroggins - Reconciling in Marriage -http://tuscaloosaprayer.net/

Key Scriptures

Hebrews 12:15 - Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.

Matthew 5:14-15 - For if you forgive men when they sin against you, Your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Mark 11:25 - And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father, so that your Father in heaven may forgive your sins.

Luke 23:34 - Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they're doing." And they divided up His clothes by casting lots. 

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.

My Next Step

Forgiveness is not easy, and I will be the first to admit that I have not always extended forgiveness exactly when I should, how I should, and as fully as I should. It would be easy for me to take this paragraph to list person after person, hurt after hurt, for which I have had to extend and seek forgiveness. However, if I did that, I certainly would not be practicing what I preach ,now would I?

To be completely transparent, the most difficult person to forgive has been... Myself. There is not room here to enter my life journey and testimony, but for much of my teenage life I hurt myself, separated myself, and loathed myself, building up bitterness towards the person I was rather than seeking God's full redemption. I didn't understand the complete and pure love God held towards me. I inflicted much pain, physically and emotionally, on myself, refusing the healing God always held out in His gently hands.

Even after escaping the traps of many of the things that hurt me so deeply, I did not recognize my need to forgive myself for another number of years. I carried the burden of my past along with me into every relationship, and even ministry opportunity. Once I finally came to understand how fully God had forgiven me, then I was able to extend that forgiveness to myself. And let me tell you, only at that point was I truly able to forgive others and begin new life-giving, glory-giving relationships! 

I urge you brothers and sisters... draw near to God. Seek His forgiveness. Receive His forgiveness. Extend His forgiveness. What joy awaits!

Blessings,

Melissa Rogers

Moody Radio South

melissa.rogers@moody.edu

.

Taking a Look at Idols....

October 15-19: Taking a Look at Idols...

What a thrilling week it has been here at Moody Radio South! While our New Day Cafe focus for most of the week delved into idols lurking within our hearts and unseating Christ from His throne of ultimate priority, we also took two days to partner with Compassion Intentional. We sought sponsors for children in poverty around the globe. THANK YOU for releasing 36 children in the name of Jesus Christ over these two days! These children will not only have food and clothing, but they will also be connected to a local church to teach them the scriptures, introduce them to Jesus, and restore hope for the future.

If you still would like to sponsor a child, restoring them with hope and introducing them to Jesus Christ, you can visit www.moodyradiosouth.fm and click on the Compassion banner!

Next Step Devotional Thought

I think we all know that when we speak of idols we are not talking about statues, alters, or crazy 1970's hippy shrines.When idols are mentioned throughout scripture, it goes much deeper than carved stone; God looks straight to the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). Where does this issue with idols come from? Why is it so important? 

The very first of the ten commandments is found in Exodus 20:3 where God commands, "You shall have no other God's before me."  While we do not bow down before poles, wooden snakes, and golden calves today, we bow our hearts down before "idols" every single day. Things like your career, money, influence, control - even good things like your children or ministry vision - can rise up to such a high level of adoration in your life that Christ is unseated from his throne of ultimate priority. 

Idols can be hidden deep within us in such a way that we do not recognize the power they hold. Let me ask you this question. Where do you spend the most amount of your time? Where do you spend or give the greatest percentage of your money? Or carrying it a little deeper, what visions or dreams have you held before God for so long that you have become impatient, or even bitter that God has not brought them to fruition? Stop and listen to the Holy Spirit for a moment....if anything was triggered in your spirit through those questions, God might be trying to cleanse you from an idol of the heart. 

Let me leave you with this thought - we are what we worship. For the Israelite people, to worship any god before THE God was to say, "We are no longer God's people. We belong to and serve ___." You become what ever your submit your life to, whether that means you are a successful businessman, sacrificing mom, or even the leader of the largest ministry organization in town. None of those things are wrong in themselves, but if you are known for anything other than being a follower of Jesus, I'd encourage you step back a moment and measure what truly is the Lord of your life. 

What is sitting on the throne of your heart?....

Interview Recaps

• Pastor Ricky Wyatt - Seek First the Kingdom 
• Teasi Cannon - My Big Bottom Blessing - Idolizing your Body Image
• http://teasicannon.com/blog/
• Dee Brestin - Idol Lies - Discoverig Hidden Idols of the Heart
• http://www.deebrestin.com/idol-lies/
• Compassion International - http://www.compassion.com/
• Don Hawkins - The Danger of Idols 

Key Scriptures

Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." 

1 Samuel 16:7b - "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 

1 Samuel 15:23a - "Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as back as worshipping idols."

1 Cor. 6:9-10 - "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God

My Next Step

This issue of heart idols is serious folks. These hidden areas of our hearts and minds that are not fully submitted to the lordship of Jesus Christ can slip up on you before you know it, slowly clogging your ears and shielding your eyes from the voice and movement of God in your life. I've really asked the Lord to show me any hidden idols in my heart this week, and let me tell you, if you ask the Lord He will show you! 

I have to confess that throughout most of my life I have sought approval and acceptance from others. Whether my teachers, parents, or church family, there is this drive within me seeking to be "liked" and valued. You know what? This desire for acceptance is an idol. Each time I turn to man for my identity and approval I am turning away from the throne of grace for which Jesus died to give me access (Heb 4:16). Countless hours focused on something other than Jesus, countless dollars spent, and not to mention countless moments of stress and insecurity are all that I have gained by worshipping my "acceptance idol." Oh if I could only forever stand on the solid rock of Jesus Christ that reminds me I am fully accepted, fully loved, and fully qualified for a glorious purpose beyond which anything in this world could compare. 

I believe this issue of acceptance is a biggy for many women, especially in a culture constantly forcing us to compare ourselves with the lying images and unreachable standards. Maybe this isn't your heart idol, but I challenge you to seek the Lord to soften your heart and reveal to you the areas not fully submitted to his throne. Our God is the only one who saves, redeems, and restores. He is the ONLY one worthy of our praise. 

Luke 10:27 - "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind..."

Stepping Together

We'd love to hear how God is speaking to you through this message on heart idols. You can leave a comment below, or email me at melissa.rogers@moody.edu with your testimonies of God speaking in your life! Trust me, I've got many more heart idols, and I need the body of Christ to help open my eyes and lead me to repentance. I look forward to hearing from you!!

Blessings,
Melissa Rogers
Moody Radio South
melissa.rogers@moody.edu

"From the Playing Field to the Mission Field"

October 8 - 12 "From the Playing Field to the Mission Field"

So, week two of the Moody Radio "The Next Step" blog is here! This week was certainly an exciting week on New Day Cafe. Who doesn't get excited about sports, right? Well, this week was about much MUCH more than sports (although we did get to speak with some pretty cool people!) This week we talked with players, coaches, and ministry leaders about how God is using the influential platform of the "playing field" to lead people to Christ and call Christians to a higher standard in their walk with Christ. 

Next Step Devotional Thought

Whether you are a mom taxi-driving your children to practices and games, little league coach, or even just married to a man who LOVES his Monday night football, most everyone interacts with sports at some level. For many, this can leave us a little "burned-out" when it comes to sports. So much so that we lose the true power it has to form the strong character, discipline, and servant leadership we are called to exhibit as followers of Christ. 

Throughout scripture we see God inspiring the writers to use athletic analogies to reveal God's character, and thus the character He desires to see in us. Just take a look at verses such as...:

Hebrews 12:1 - "...let us run with endurance the race that's set before us."

2 Timothy 2:5 - "An athlete is not crowned unless he competes by the rules." 

1 Corinthians 9:26-27 - "So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline by body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified." 

Did you realize that there were so many "sport-isms" in scripture? I sure didn't! You see, whether sports, arts, academics, or career, God desires to reveal His character and His purposes to humanity. Through ALL aspects of our lives, His purpose is to bring glory to His name.

In our modern culture, few people hold more influence than high-profile athletes. We can all name those athletes who have made a statement for Christ (Tim Tebow, Shaun Alexander, Jeremy Lin). Each of these have boldly led countless boys, girls, teens, and colleges athletes to keep their focus on not only their athletic gift, but of the one who gave them that gift! Furthermore, few hold greater influence in the lives of teens and college students than their coaches. Whether these coaches lead their athletes toward Godly character or away, towards humility or pride, or towards service or selfishness determines the future of our nation and the values of a generation.  

Do you remember the famous movie quote from Chariots of Fire where Eric Liddell states, "I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure." 

God made YOU for a purpose. But how else did he make you? Maybe you can cook up a storm and provide a hearty meal for a family in need. Maybe you can write notes of encouragement to weary pastors, missionaries, and ministry leaders. Or maybe you can teach a child in the ways of scripture, transforming the future of our nation. What makes your heart flutter and blood race with the excitement of a 15 year old boy before his first football game? That's your playing field, and God wants to use it as a mission field. 

God has given you a "playing field." That playing field invites you to exercise those passions, callings, and gifts to the glory of Christ. So, as Martin always says, "why don't you get off the sidelines and back in the game!" 

Interview Recaps

If you missed out of part of the New Day Cafe morning show this week, I encourage you to go to New Day Cafe and check out the audio (will be up within two weeks!). In the mean time, here is a recap of our interviews for the week along with links to find out more information covered in the interview. 

• Rev. Keith Pugh - Former UA Football Player - God before Sports
• Kenny Burns - Baseball Country Ministry - http://www.baseballcountry.com/
• Tommy Ford - UA Assistant Athletic Director
• New Book! Tornado to National Title - Check it Out on Amazon here
• Caz McCaslin - Upward Sports - http://www.upward.org/
• Antonio Ford - Sipsey Valley High School Coach - Coaching towards Christ
• Tommy Bowden - Former Clemson Head Coach - http://www.tommybowden.com/
• Sarah Patterson - UA Gymnastics Head Coach - http://www.rolltide.com/sports/w-gym/mtt/patterson_sarahdavid00.html

Key Scriptures

2 Corinthians 5:18  "And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us the ministry of reconciling people to Him."

Hebrews 12:1  "Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us." 

Luke 12:48b "When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required." (UA Gymnastics Theme Verse)

Colossians 3:23 "Whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."

1 Timothy 6:11-12 "But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses."

My Next Step

For those of you who have met me in person, you might not imagine that I am particularly athletic....or even slightly athletic! BUT you might be surprised to learn that I played softball, 2nd Base and Back-up Pitcher, for 8 years (nevermind the fact that I still get slightly nervous whenever a ball heads my direction ha ha). I also danced for 15 years, sacrificing more time, energy, and money than anyone ever should pursuing my passion. Now I know what you are thinking..."dancing is not a sport!" For those of you thinking that, I'll challenge you to a 4 hour cardio dance practice anytime :)

Now why do I share that with you? I share it because as I reflect back on the discipline, perseverance, and sacrifice that I learned through the hours and hours of practice, workouts, and travelling, I see so clearly how God was training me not only physically, but also spiritually. Every day that I stepped into the practice room was a day I was reminded of the incredible discipline and sacrifice my Lord Jesus made for me by coming to earth and dying on the cross...... 

When your mind is fixed on Jesus in that way, Phil 4:13 ("I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength) comes to light in a way unlike ever before. If Jesus had the strength to give up his throne in heaven, come to a world of pain and turmoil (without running water I might add), be rejected by his family, be beaten, stripped naked, and nailed to a piece of carved wood...if he cold endure that for my sake, then I can endure the comparably trivial trials that come my way. 

Through the years, I danced beside countless girls. Sadly, I cannot honestly tell you that I knew for sure whether each of them knew Christ or not. My mind was often focused on how I looked, what boy I could impress, or outshining my teammates. I missed my mission field for years, not that I did not live out my faith or talk with others about Christ occasionally, but definitely not with the urgency and understanding that God put me on those dance teams for HIS glory, not mine. 

Friends, don't miss your mission field. When you run/dance/teach/paint/play for Jesus, I promise that you will feel His pleasure...

Stepping Together

We have seen some page traffic on the blog, which is awesome! Now I want to challenge you to challenge me! Leave me a comment, question, or a testimony of how God has turned your playing field in to the mission field. You can even leave me a complaint! (I hope I don't regret that!) We love our listeners at Moody Radio South and want to "take the next step" in our walk with Jesus Christ with you!

Blessings,

Melissa Rogers
Moody Radio South