Wednesday, September 30, 2009

"When You Need a Great Peace", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

There's peace, calm, serenity, and the general sense of well being that we all need and crave.

And then there comes a time when we need something bigger. Larger. Greater.

We need a great peace.

I sense that today.

I sense it in what I see going on around me.

I sense it in myself.

Something bigger than just "less stress" needs to prevail.

Philippians 4:6-7 (Amplified Bible)

(6) Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.

(7) And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Yeah, that's it.

That tranquil state of the soul I mentioned the other day.

A complete absence of fear (calm enters when fear leaves).

Contentment in the midst of attack (big medicine there).

I need a "garrison of guards" surrounding my mind and heart (acknowledge the angels dispatched to you).

I need Jesus (Come to Me if you are heavy burdened, and I will give you rest).

You know the feeling. It sometimes come with disturbing news overload.

When corroboration comes in the form of others saying "Pastor, what's going on?"

An offensive mounted by enemy forces aimed at believers.

That's when the need for GREAT peace comes in.

I'm already feeling it. I have to let it wash over me, and start sending it out to others.

Paul says "God's peace shall be yours".

I want you to receive that today.

God's peace is yours today.

If you're in that place today where the scale is tilted a bit toward the downside, heavy laden with cares and woes, take joy and comfort that God's great peace is yours.

Be blessed. I am in it with you.

Jesus is in it with us together.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

"What's A Person Have to Do To Get Accepted Around here Anyway?" by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Acceptance.

Depends by whom.

You can do things to win affection and attention.

To get noticed by a supervisor or a person in charge, I suppose you have to do your job well.

To gain notoriety as an entertainer you need to perform well.

To be accepted into a circle of friends you have to become a good friend yourself.

How about by God?

What's it take to be acceptable in the eyes of God?

One would think that it would be the most difficult to accomplish.

Paul says quite the contrary.

Romans 14:18 - "Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men."

To be acceptable to God you must accept His Son Jesus Christ.

Everything that God finds in us that is acceptable and good, is filtered through Jesus.

If we have received Him as Lord and are serving Him, that's what God sees and accepts about us.

We have no righteousness in and of ourselves except self-righteousness, which conflicts with God.

Those of us who serve Christ have exchanged our self for Him, and that is what pleases God and makes Him look upon us with pleasure.

Pretty simple actually.

A lot less hoops to jump through to be acceptable then your boss might make you do.

Or your spouse.

Or your friends.

Or your church (some churches might impose more stringent qualifications to get into heaven than God does).

God just looks to see that Jesus is all over you.

So how about you today?

What does God see when He looks at you?

You?

Or Jesus?

Your alleged good deeds?

Or Jesus?

Your wealth?

Or Jesus?

Need I go on?

Feeling like your the odd person out today?

Don't fit in?

If you have Jesus in your life you are loved and accepted by God.

I hope you can feel that today.

Perhaps you need to get honest with yourself and with God if you're not.

I know it's been said to death, but Jesus really does have the answer.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Monday, September 28, 2009

"The No Excuse Zone" by Pastor Kevin Lynch

"I don't have my homework because the dog ate it."

"I'm late because I grabbed the Ben-Gay instead of the toothpaste."

"I wasn't sleeping, I was just just checking the inside of my eyelids for holes."

"I can't bear up and do the right thing because_________."

Excuses are like noses. Everyone has one.

We've trained for a lifetime to become adept at using them.

Many of us have left that craft behind in light of God's instructions.

Other people who are inclined to use them have become master level deceivers.

Adam used it. Eve used it. The devil uses it.

And to us, as He did to Adam and Eve, God essentially says:

We are without excuse.

God doesn't like it when we make excuses to get out of something, or to duck a responsibility. Or to twist the truth. Or to flat out lie.

Romans 1:18-20 (Amplified Bible)

(18) For God's [holy] wrath and indignation are revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who in their wickedness repress and hinder the truth and make it inoperative.

(19) For that which is known about God is evident to them and made plain in their inner consciousness, because God [Himself] has shown it to them.

(20) For ever since the creation of the world His invisible nature and attributes, that is, His eternal power and divinity, have been made intelligible and clearly discernible in and through the things that have been made (His handiworks). So [men] are without excuse [altogether without any defense or justification].

This is the "No Excuse Zone".

God's anger is kindled against those who know full well what to do and yet refuse to follow through.

The excuse makers.

People without any defense or justification for their unrighteous actions.

Particularly those who bring suffering and pain down upon those who are innocent and unsuspecting by their callous and selfish actions.

Ever notice how the most caring and trusting people are the most victimized by the philandering excuse maker?

No excuse means just that. NO excuse. None. Zilch. Zip. Nada.


How does bringing this to light serve our purpose today?

Well, it just might save your soul if you happen to be a chronic excuse making liar (By the way: excuses and lies often are intertwined).

It may serve as a warning for:

a). Our own selves should we be tempted to duck and run on what's right.

b). Serve to alert us to people of that persuasion using their "skills" against us or others we love.

c). Help us to discern and look out for "wolves in sheep's clothing."

I am glad that God has more patience than I do, although I have become pretty patient on this issue.

There are limits however, and that's when I have to be smarter than my first instincts and turn it over to God.

Do that today will you? Turn it over to God.

If you happen to be an excuse maker, turn it over to God and pledge to change.

If you know someone who is being taken advantage of by an excuse maker, turn it over to God and pray His direct intervention.

Remember. In issues of doing the right thing or the wrong thing, and when the wrong thing is clearly and actively being performed, and PARTICULARLY when it effects a brother or sister in the Lord, God says there is absolutely and positively no justification for it whatsoever, and that we have the responsibility to stand upon the clear spiritual and moral ground of interceding for the right thing to be accomplished.

God will take are of it. Just be willing to leave it with Him and let Him do His work in His time and His fashion.

This is the No Excuse Zone. Where excuses get swallowed up into the overwhelming presence of God.

Step outside of that Zone and you enter into the place where truth is hindered.

Out there you are a game bird. You are prey.

God's ways are clearly defined and able to be seen. It's why He says we are without excuse.

Be blessed today. Run it all past Jesus first!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Sunday Morning Scripture

Sunday Morning Scripture

Hebrews 13:1 (AMP)

"LET LOVE for your fellow believers continue and be a fixed practice with you [never let it fail]."

I have that for you all today, and pray we all have it for each other!

Be blessed today wherever you worship.

Pray for your pastors today!

Pray for the Jackson family and especially little Zoe who arrived yesterday afternoon!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Saturday, September 26, 2009

"The Tranquil State Of A Soul", by Pastor Kevin Lynch (Weekend Edition)

**Special request: Please keep Grayson and Wayne Jackson in prayer today as Grayson reports she is in labor. We have been waiting for Zoe to make an appearance, and today just might be the day!**

Philippians 4:7 (Amplified Bible)

"And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

God's peace is the tranquil state of the soul.

Man is comprised of a trichotomy: spirit, soul, and body.

The spirit is what gets born again, the body is what carries around man's spirit, and the soul is the seat of thoughts, emotions, and personality.

The body turns to dust eventually after death, the spirit and soul return to God for final disposition.

The soul (mind) is the battlefield for the spirit of man.

Everything that effects us spiritually, mentally, and physically, begins as it is processed through the mind (soul).

All of our choices, good or bad, began in our mind as a suggestion, or a temptation, or a ponderance.

Who we are, or what we will be, has been or is decided upon first in our mind before we act upon it (or not).

The state of your soul, be it tranquil or agitated, is dependent upon what you spending your time entertaining. What do you watch, what do you read, what do you do, how do you act?

Paul suggests that if we are entertaining Jesus and things of Jesus and His Word, we will be at peace (or tranquil).

God's peace (tranquility) guards our hearts and minds "in Christ".

Christ is the essential factor.

Remember what I said the other day?

"Know Jesus...Know peace, No Jesus...No Peace".

Truer words were never spoken.

What's going to carry you through life?

Hey...what's going to get you even through this weekend?

What's your attempt at serenity and tranquility?

Beer? Pills? Sex?

Or are you going to just sit there and "bleed"?

All the bloodshed (physically, psychologically, or spiritually) that ever needs to be shed has already been done on our behalf by Jesus.

This is why He is qualified to be our peace.

Not religion, not statues, not beads, not incense, not candles, not ANYTHING.

Not Buddah, not Mohammed, not Confucius, not Brahma, not NOBODY.

Just Jesus. He has paid the ultimate price.

Just for me. Just for you. Just for us.

Teetering on the brink today? It's Saturday but you're already fretting about work on Monday?

Peace. Serenity. Tranquility.

Jesus has it for you today.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Friday, September 25, 2009

"When Love Confounds", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Jesus loved Susan Atkins. In all the 40 years she spent in prison for the heinous crimes she committed as part of the Manson Family, Jesus still loved her.

The first news story I read this morning as I turned on my computer, was the report of her death from brain cancer.

The story also mentioned that she was a born-again Christian.

Even though society rejected her continuous pleas for mercy and release, even up to the early part of this month, she remained apologetic and remorseful for her actions 40 years ago.

Her final words to the parole board were, "My God is an amazing God."

Yes He is.

He has to be amazing to have loved the likes of her.

And Charlie.

And me.

And, oh yes...you.

Only God knows if Susan Atkins was sincere in her embracing of Jesus Christ, but if she was she is face to face with Him today in glory.

It stuns me to contemplate the question that suppose she made it to heaven and some of her victims did not?

That's part of the amazing.

We don't have to sensationalize it. The example doesn't have to be people of notoriety.

Start with yourself.

Answer the question of whether you think your sins are more forgivable than Susan Atkins.

I betcha you at least briefly consider that they were.

"Hey, I never killed anyone!"

No, but if you slandered someone, stole something, swore against God, and even smeared the Sabbath day, you are as equally guilty in God's eyes.

Not fair? Well, it's not about fairness across the board.

You're not really judged by the content and weight of your sins, but rather the root cause of why you sinned in the first place.

The stinging, dreaded words that will reverberate throughout the universe will be "Depart from Me, I did not even know you! (Matt. 25:41)

That's what determines heaven and hell.

Did you know Jesus? At the end of the day did you know and embrace the Savior from your sins?

The fact that Jesus had pursued us all the way through our sinfulness, no wait, the fact that He died for us when we were up to our nostrils in our sins, is the confounding nature of God's love.

Romans 5:8 - "But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us."

We don't know how to process that in the flesh.

It's hard for us to accept if Susan Atkins made it to heaven.

It can't be done in the flesh. Our flesh will feel a sense of gratification as we entertain the possibility of "final justice."

But God's love confounds that, and thank God for it, because we all have to get to that place where we will hear "Come, you blessed of My Father [you favored of God and appointed to eternal salvation], inherit (receive as your own) the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world" (Matt. 25:34).

Here's the thing. We should all be rejoicing at the prospect that Susan Atkins is in the presence of her Savior this morning, because assuming she has fulfilled the requirements of salvation (which is simply accepting, receiving and confessing Christ as her Savior), then that is good news for us, because if Susan Atkins doesn't make it neither do we.

Yes, I know. It confounds.

Amazing isn't it? He is truly an amazing God.

Get in touch with Him today won't you?

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Thursday, September 24, 2009

"Know Your Peacemaker" by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Moammar Kadafi dominated the afternoon news yesterday with coverage of his address to the U.N. General Assembly.

The same Kadafi who has been the leader of Libya for 40 years.

The same Kadafi who vociferously supported terrorism and who was personally behind the downing of the Lockerbie Pan Am flight 103, the deaths of American victims of the 1986 Berlin discotheque bombing, and also American victims of the 1989 UTA Flight 772 bombing.

People were applauding him from the floor of the Assembly.

Now he's a nice guy. A regular humanitarian.

Sheesh. Let's give him a Nobel. Hey why not, they gave one to the mass murderer Arafat in 1994.

John 14:27 - "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

The peace the world gives is a tainted, perverted peace. It's rife with conditions. It's turned on and off like a faucet.

The peace Jesus gives us is a lasting peace. A peace in spite of what surrounds us. A peace that confounds what tries to tinker with it.

The world's peace is a troubling peace and it is sometimes proffered by troublesome people. Today's friends are tomorrow's enemies, and vice versa (remember Saddam?).

Oh, those starry eyed peaceniks. Gotta love 'em. Gotta love those poor misguided souls.

Even our Mr. President, God bless his heart, has that optimism that can just be magnetic to a world that is tired of bloodshed, and I say well and good...

But let's be "real" here. There is no peace apart from Jesus.

Know Jesus - Know Peace.....No Jesus - No Peace.

They cowered from Kadafi 20 years ago.

Today they applaud and receive him.

They killed the Peacemaker 2,000 years ago.

They praise the killer today.

Nothing's changed. Not in 2,000 years. Nothing has changed.

Jesus is still the Rock of Offense, "A Stone that will cause stumbling and a Rock that will give [men] offense; they stumble because they disobey and disbelieve [God's] Word." (1 Peter 2:8)

Lean on Him or trip over Him.

Either way you will HAVE to deal with Him!

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God!

Well, the guy that dominated the news yesterday is no son of God. He is an anti-Christ.

Those of us who promote the ways of the Prince of Peace are the peacemakers and are known as God's children.

The peace is in Christ. His peace has been given to you.

Know your Peacemaker!

Be not afraid or troubled in spite of what you see and hear. Nothing gets past Jesus.

Be blessed today. I love you all!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

"It's Jesus Or Nothing", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

I've labored over this message this morning and finally...

I have to allow the Word to speak.

John 14:6 (Amplified Bible)

"Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me."

There are some people who are just not going to get there from where they are right now.

They are not going to get there using their road map.

Their TomTom needs a tuneup. Their Garmin is garbage. Their NorthStar needs to be replaced by the Morning Star.

That saddens me more than anyone but Jesus could ever know.

It shatters me. It leaves me in pieces.

I'm not sure I can measure up to Jesus in searching for the one lost sheep.

That's because it's never just one.

It's those who can't say "Jesus or nothing."

There's too much "Something else and maybe Jesus."

There is really nothing besides Jesus.

It's a constant.

Remove Jesus from the equation and there is much less than zero.

There it is.

All - Jesus = << 0 (double "less than" sign signifies "Double less than zero")

What's your equation for life today?

Whatever + Jesus = Maybe?

We at Real Life Church say, "You + Jesus = Real Life".

"Real Life" not being church membership, but real living because Jesus is a part of you.

Are you "all in" as far as Jesus is concerned?

Or is He just an ideal? A philosophy? An after summer replacement?

It's THE question of the ages my friends. There is no more important one.

It begs to be answered today.

Luke 11:23 (Amplified Bible) Jesus speaks...

"He who is not with Me [siding and believing with Me] is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me [engage in My interest], scatters."

Who are you gathering with today? What are you gathering today?

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

"Next Stop...Willoughby" by Pastor Kevin Lynch

"This is Gart Williams, age thirty-eight, a man protected by a suit of armor all held together by one bolt. Just a moment ago, someone removed the bolt, and Mr. Williams' protection fell away from him and left him a naked target. He's been cannonaded this afternoon by all the enemies of his life. His insecurity has shelled him, his sensitivity has straddled him with humiliation, his deep-rooted disquiet about his own worth has zeroed in on him, landed on target, and blown him apart. Mr. Gart Williams, ad agency exec, who in just a moment will move into the Twilight Zone— in a desperate search for survival."

Any die hard Twilight Zone fan would recognize that classic Rod Serling intro to one of the most famous episodes ever: "A Stop At Willoughby".

Remember? The burned out ad exec who keeps waking from his nap on the commuter train to envision a simpler, less stressful life outside the train window in a town called Willoughby?

The conductor tells him there is no such place or stop, but the man is convinced. He decides that the next time he wakes from his nap and sees it, he is going to get off the train. Well, he does, and he enters into this place called Willoughby, a "peaceful, restful place, where a man can slow down to a walk and live his life full measure."

Back on the train we find that at the moment the man decided to get off the train, it was actually his demise, as he fell and was crushed under its wheels. The camera shows him being loaded into a hearse belonging to...yup...Willoughby & Son Funeral Home. (insert Twilight Zone theme here)

Great stuff late 50's and early 60's sci-fi. It always seemed to teeter between truth and fantasy.

I think this episode is probably more pertinent today than it was back then.

How many people in armor suits do you know "held together by one bolt"?

I know plenty. You probably do too.

Maybe you're one of them.

"Willoughby! Next stop, Willoughby!"

Who doesn't need Willoughby? Who wouldn't appreciate Willoughby?

Brother, you would be surprised.

That Twilight Zone episode is less like the Twilight Zone and more like life than we might care to ponder.

Certainly the pressure cooker existence is real.

But what of Willoughby?

Ok, there is no such Eden or Nirvana lost paradise we can hop a train to...

...but... what if we could transform where we are now, our own place, our own little world, our own private existence, into a better place?

Well, isn't that what Jesus promised? No, really, isn't it?

John 10:10 - "I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)."

This Twilight Zone character...Gart Williams...saw something he wanted, which contained the elements of joy and peace and comfort. It was life out of the pressure cooker. It was a less stressful environment where the frog could jump out of the kettle.

You know about the frog and the kettle, right?

Put a frog in a cold kettle on the stove and turn the heat up and he will not detect the gradual changes in temperature until it's too late.

That's what stress and being overwhelmed by life does. It slowly cooks us until by the time we realize we are in trouble....well...we just never heeded the signs along the way. Kaput.

If you don't believe the Word from Jesus today, well, I guess there is nothing I can do about that.

You can gaze off on life's train, napping and awakening from a fantasy vision of life perhaps getting better "someday", and hold onto that until the grave. Hopefully you're in "Willoughby" when you wake up. Unfortunately, today's Willoughby is a winning Powerball ticket. Or a pill bottle. Or a bottle of Jack...or...

Or...you can recognize the fact, as many of you do, that Jesus' words are true and efficacious for your life right now.

Jesus...Powerball...Jesus...drug induced Willoughby...Jesus..............

It's a fairly safe conclusion that out of all the people who will read this devotional today none of them will ever win a large lottery. Amazing isn't it? That's how the odds are stacked against you. That's why they call it "gambling".

Yet the one safe venture on a life changing course will be ignored while the search continues for Willoughby.

I hope it's Jesus for you today. I really do. I couldn't tell you any of this with a clear conscience if it hasn't been the greatest decision I ever made in my life.

I love you all today, and praying for you! Willoughby is not real. Jesus lives. He is Real.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Monday, September 21, 2009

"Do They Have To Call It The Fall?", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

"Fall is the place where Summer goes to die." (not sure if I just made that up, or it's been rattling around in my head with other useless info...lol!)

Either way, the end of Summer definitely harshes some peoples lifestyle.

Fall. Interesting enough, it's my favorite season.

However, did you ever contemplate the name?

I mean, why "The Fall"?

Someone told me once that it's because the leaves "fall".

I personally find irony in the name.

Stuff dies in The Fall.

And it happens on the heels of the joys and fun of Summer.

The irony is in the reminder of a dark time in man's history called "The Fall".

Adam and Eve were living a lifetime of summers. Carefree. Off the fat of the land.

Eve took what she thought might be a better deal from the Serpent, in turn convinced Adam to do the same, and "Summer" ended.

Enter "The Fall".

Genesis 3:23-24 - (23) "Therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the Garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. (24) So [God] drove out the man; and He placed at the east of the Garden of Eden the cherubim and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep and guard the way to the tree of life."

Stuff died.

Innocence died. Trust died. Summer died. The spirit of man died. All generations to follow were born into spiritual death. "All inclined to be sinful and that continually."

I suspect that at that moment the fruit trees shriveled. The grass turned brown. The lion began to see the lamb as food. Fresh water stagnated. Mosquito bites. Bee stings. The entire Edenic habitat became hostile.

The snow globe burst.

Fall. Stuff died.

There's the irony for me. Right at the height, the very zenith of what could be called the most beautiful season, when the trees are vivid with bright colors and the temperatures are perfect...it all starts to die.

The leaves shrivel and the trees become unadorned and divest of their beauty.

The cold winds start to blow. The sky turns gray...everything turns gray...

...and then...Winter. Hibernation. Like the soul does sometimes.

Spring of course is right around the corner! The seasonal Resurrection of life!

Stuff starts to grow...the bleakness disappears...and then..YES! Summer!

All is restored. We can really let it all hang out and live it up in the...Summer.

I think God planned it this way as a reminder for us.

He wants us to see how man has been given everything, and how we have mistreated it...disregarded it...even to the point of our own demise...but that God has made a way of restoration...has saved us from our destructiveness by providing a Savior in Jesus Christ!

God lets us enjoy the beauty of the planet for three seasons and then suffer through the darkness of Winter. He lets us see the planet thrive, die, become depressed, and then live again.

The seasons of this planet reveal to us the spiritual seasons of mankind. Where we have come from, and where we are headed.

Had Adam not traded off his legacy of planet earth for a cheap imitation, there would only be one season on earth, and also only one "season" for man spiritually.

I suppose we could say it would always be "Summer". There would be no death, no pain, no sickness, no poverty, no ravages and fears of life whatsoever. Spiritual Eden. What I refer to as the "Snow Globe". Perfect. Protected.

Well, Jesus brings us back to that. Paul called Him the "Second Adam", the One who has come to "reverse the curse." And He has.

One by one people have had the curse of Eden overturned in their life and have come alive spiritually, and are on a continuous path to the place where it will all be perfect once again!

Be blessed today my friends. I love each one of you. We are on this path together, and come what may in this life, we will see each other someday in the next. Yes...it's true...

...Jesus is preparing our place.

So, run everything past Him first and you will never be taken by surprise!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Just A Simple Word I Believe Is From God

Just A Simple Word I Believe Is From God

I'm not generally given to treating the Word of God, His gifts, etc., lightly. I take care not to exploit or take for granted anything that has to do with representing Him in ministry.

I think a lot of things pertaining to God and His Church gets overdone, hyped, exploited.

None more so than the gift of prophecy, or the prophetic.

So I tend not to dabble there. It's not that I don't believe in it. I just choose not to get on board with what I see as a major exploitation of it for notoriety and profit.

However, one day a few months ago, I received what I felt was a legitimate prophetic message from God.

I did share parts of it with my congregation, and received from them what I felt was a confirmation that I had heard from God.

I wrote it all down at the time, as if I was taking dictation. I never write with paper and pen. Never. So I had the task of deciphering what is no more than chicken scratch even when I'm taking my time.

So, I have decided to transcribe it for all this morning. It's several months old, but if it is from God it is timeless.

I'll let you be the judge, not so much of whether I have heard from God, but in reading it whether you have. Such is the nature and purpose of prophecy to begin with in my humble understanding.

A SIMPLE WORD (I believe is from Him)

"You who are anxiety ridden, fearful, sleepless, torn asunder, buried in debt, aloof in your faith, not fully committed, confused, struggling, partially involved, consumed in yourself, trapped in your mind, fearful to trust, unwilling to be loved, bitter and dissatisfied with your circumstances..."

"To you I say, My Father has provided a comfortable place for you to find comfort, yet you avoid it and have abandoned it in your hearts. It is a place of peace, and a source of healing and comfort, yet you have deserted it and given it a place of secondary importance."

"I have placed you first, yet you have placed Me second."

"Let not the heart of your Lord be grieved and turned away."

................................END....................................................

I don't think it is up to me to interpret that. I think I know what it means for me as a pastor, but I'm more concerned for what it means to you.

I'm not even sure for whom it was originally intended. Me? Or you?

Both I suspect, but I'm not going to read anything into it, or attempt to explain it for you.

I feel I am being obedient just to pass it on and allowing His Holy Spirit to interpret it as He sees fit.

After all, it's His word. I didn't write it. Keep in mind also that the timing is from about 6 months ago. That could very well be the supernatural factor. His right time might be today.

Be blessed today as you gather with your church families in the Lord.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Saturday, September 19, 2009

"Don't Worry, He Hasn't Gone Anywhere", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Think of the abandonment issues we have in society.

Spouses walking out on each other.

Children being abandoned to shelters.

Even our animal rescue societies are overloaded.

Think as well of the excuses.

"I just don't love her anymore."

"The animals were ruining my furniture."

I can't even fathom the excuse that was used to stuff a newborn down a storm drain the other day.

How about this one:

"Oh God, what have I done to deserve this?"

That's generic blame shift #397, which says basically, "I screwed my life up, but I don't want to accept the responsibility, so I'll conveniently blame the only One who can really help."

It's old. I mean Genesis Chapter 3 old. And that's really old.

There's a bunch of old ones. How about this one:

"I called out to God, and I prayed and prayed, but He didn't answer."

Well...let's not beat that horse too badly.

Let's get to the truth and the solution.

The truth is that God never leaves us. Period. He is always there.

Equally true is the fact that at times, we feel He has left us or is very far away.

The solution is to believe the truth and not our faulty perceptions.

Think about it. Generally it's not an initial feeling of abandonment that cause our anxiety over God not being there.

It's generally a slow buildup of life's challenges over time that overcome us.

But in truth, when we look honestly at the situation, we would find that we had not been spending the time all along the way cultivating our relationship with God as we should have been.

The phenomena that occurs here is that it is always us abandoning God. Not vice versa.

Our coping mechanism, as was Adam and Eve's, is to blame the One who has stuck closer than a brother through it all.

David found it out, and wrote it down in Psalm 23:4 (Amplified Bible):

"Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me."

Three things we need desperately in life that God fulfills.

We need to know we are safe and protected. We need to be guided in life issues. We need to be comforted.

We need them from birth to the earth. From the cradle to the grave.

And our God provides them. Always. Never a gap. Never faltering.

Yet, we spit in God's face and try to tell Him it's raining.

So, the solution.

James says in James 4:8:

"Come close to God and He will come close to you. [Recognize that you are] sinners, get your soiled hands clean; [realize that you have been disloyal] wavering individuals with divided interests, and purify your hearts [of your spiritual adultery]."

It's tough. It's not sugar coated. It bites a little.

But it's just God saying to come clean on the issue. Be honest. Face the situation and issues.

Don't blame God. Embrace Him! Walk...no...RUN toward Him, not away from Him!

That's my prayer for you today. Put your life... spirit, soul, and body into your relationship with Him and you will always have the sense of His loving, protective, guiding, comforting Presence with you. Always.

I love you all today. More importantly, so does Jesus.

Run it all past Him first!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Friday, September 18, 2009

"Grace Under Pressure" by Pastor Kevin Lynch

In Acts chapter 11, we find that the gospel is being spread in a very unusual way.

People who believe in Jesus are telling other people about it, and they in turn are becoming believers as well.

No huge expensive evangelistic campaigns.

No television huckster "Praise-A-Thons".

Simply pure unadulterated Holy Spirit excitement.

Unusual by today's standards.

It was so amazing that even the Gentiles were receiving the message.

When the rumors to this effect was heard in Jerusalem, the disciples there decided to send Barnabas to Antioch to check it out.

Acts 11:23 - "When he arrived and saw what grace (favor) God was bestowing upon them, he was full of joy; and he continuously exhorted (warned, urged, and encouraged) them all to cleave unto and remain faithful to and devoted to the Lord with [resolute and steady] purpose of heart."

Sometimes I think we fail to read the scriptures properly.

The process appears to break down at times.

I see several culprits that could be the cause.

1. We read the Word with a predisposition. It is as if there is an auto-translation program of some sort running in the sub-conscious of our mind, which makes the Word appear to say what we want it to mean, or what we have heard from others that it means, and we miss the proper meaning and context.

2. The enemy fills our brain with meaningless noise and distractions so that we cannot properly discern the Word.

3. We are too lazy or rushed to really care what the Word is really saying and we miss at least half of it.

I think all three, and more even, could be the cause at any given time.

Take today's passage for instance.

Where is the importance in context to the theme "Grace Under Pressure"?

I think the major weight of that verse is in the first few words.

"...he arrived and saw what grace (favor) God was bestowing upon them...".

Did you catch that?

The grace that GOD was bestowing upon them.

And if we go back and read contextually, we find that it was purely God.

No hooks. No tricks. No programs. No cajoling. No arm twisting. No charge.

Grace. Free. Without pressure.

And that's the way Barnabas left them.

In a pure state of grace. In the good hands of God.

He simply encouraged them to keep doing what they were doing. Trusting God.

When did it all get complicated?

When did it turn into a pressure cooker?

When greedy and avaricious people crept in and put the free gift up for sale.

Once they convinced us that we have to "pay to pray", the Church was turned downhill.

I got off that hamster wheel a long time ago.

I recently read what is called "A Jesus Manifesto For The 21st Century Church", by Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola, and was greatly encouraged. They put on paper things I have had in my heart for a very long time.

It's on the internet. I strongly suggest you Google it and read it.

Let me close this morning with some words from that manifesto:

Christians don’t follow Christianity; Christians follow Christ.

Christians don’t preach themselves; Christians proclaim Christ.

Christians don’t point people to core values; Christians point people to the cross.

Christians don’t preach about Christ: Christians preach Christ.

Great words to contemplate.

No pressure. Just Grace.

Be blessed today, and run everything past Jesus first!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Thursday, September 17, 2009

"Who's Your Daddy?" by Pastor Kevin Lynch

A little urban slang today.

"Who's your daddy?"

A term of derision. One that denotes absolute domination of one individual over another.

"Slam. Dunk. Game! Who's your daddy?" I own you.

Funny how Paul chose his words in Romans 8:15.

"For [the Spirit which] you have now received [is] not a spirit of slavery to put you once more in bondage to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption [the Spirit producing sonship] in [the bliss of] which we cry, Abba (Father)! Father!"

"Abba" is the "daddy" of Paul's time.

It's not a derisive term, but one of endearment.

In contrast with the world, it exclaims the joy of being released from the bondage of sin into the freedom of being adopted by our heavenly Father.

Once we were enslaved, now we are free! Thank you Abba Father! Thank you Daddy!

Yes, we can express those types of endearing emotions to our Father.

I love seeing the closeness lived out between God and His children. It warms my heart.

Conversely my heart grows sad, and a type of spiritual nausea (if that makes sense) overtakes me when I see the chasm grow between many people and God.

I call it the great rejection. The great division. The Chasm. Separation.

I understand ignorantly skipping through life without any affiliation with God.

I don't understand knowing that there is One Who longs and waits for the Prodigal to return, only to suffer disappointment at seeing the object of His affection continuously reject His offerings at reconciliation.

I don't understand knowingly choosing another god over Abba Father.

I say I don't understand, but it's just a coping mechanism.

I really do understand. And that just compounds the sadness.

I do understand but I really wish I didn't sometimes.

It's tough to watch. I see it played out in the eyes of their loved ones who long for them to make the right choice.

Their sadness becomes my sadness.

Is this what Paul meant when he said, "Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

I also am able to comprehend Jesus as being the "Rock of Offense" a bit better as well.

I have found that people are either going to lean on the Rock, or trip over Him and skin their nose.

I really would like to get in some people's faces and cry out "C'mon, really now, who's your Daddy? You know you know better, so why the runaround?"

But then I become a small stone of offense, and I would rather have Jesus do His work than me do my botched impression. Even it it means watching some unpleasant bloodletting.

So, the best I can do today, in partnership with the Holy Spirit, is to simply ask you to answer this in your soul and spirit:

Who is your Daddy today?

Can you lift your eyes up to Him at this moment and say "Abba! Father!? Daddy!" Can you sense the warmth, the love that just flows from Him to you?

Do you know that you know that you know that you know?

If so I say YAY! In my strongest display of Spirit filled emotion I say YAAAAY!!!! for you!

And for those who have chosen another, far lesser god, I say there is a great hope for you (if your reading this). I want you to know that in my imperfect and flawed self, I will not abandon hope for you.

How much more will Abba Father continue to wait patiently for you to return?

I love each and every one of you today!

Run it all past Jesus first today!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

"Stay Salty" by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Stay edge.

Be cool.

Retain the saltiness.

Matt. 6:13 - "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste (its strength, its quality), how can its saltiness be restored? It is not good for anything any longer but to be thrown out and trodden underfoot by men."

Salty Christians.

The world rank and file use the term "salt of the earth" without realizing who said it, to whom, and how He applied it.

Only true and faithful disciples of Jesus Christ can rightfully receive the compliment of being the element that provides the flavoring of all that is good in the world.

Sorry if you're reading this and are offended by that.

Take it up with Jesus. He coined the phrase.

There may be other flavorings in the world population who might be musicians, artists, poets, or statesmen, but unless they are disciples, they are not "the" salt.

Salt is reserved for His followers.

This is why Jesus has charged us with protecting our saltiness.

When we lose it, or go "bland", there is a lot at stake.

The entire world loses.

The worst however, is that God's glory is reduced in the eyes of man.

We become useless and ridiculed, and in the eyes of the mocker, so does God.

Our testimony is more precious than we sometimes think.

How we speak, how we act, where we find our pleasures, are all under scrutiny, and every time we tarnish His image by our indiscretions or sin, we lose a little saltiness.

It's no accident that Jesus used salt metaphorically.

During His time wars were being fought over salt. People died over salt.

It was the most important commodity to be traded and fought over on earth.

It was coveted to make the simple pleasure of eating more palatable. It was coveted for it's healing components. It prospered entire communities. It made life more tolerable.

Jesus has done that for us. He is like salt for this drab, angry, sinful planet.

He has brightened our lives. He has healed our wounds. He has prospered us.

He wants us, as His followers, to continue to do that as His Body until He returns.

Being the salt is an honorable task. It keeps alive the Promise.

Run it all past Jesus today!

Stay salty!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

"Accept No Substitute" by Pastor Kevin Lynch

I made a joke recently during one of my live messages about a particular butter substitute that defies me to tell the difference between it and real butter.

I said I can believe it's NOT butter.

Why? Because IT'S NOT BUTTER! Sheesh.

Now, that said, I actually use the product.

However, I have used enough butter in my life so that I can tell by the taste, consistency, and color, the difference between the two.

Those of us who accept that it tastes like butter do so probably because we have simply accepted it do to a lack of comparison.

In other words, we haven't had real butter for so long that we have forgotten what it looks and tastes like.

We have accepted less. We have accepted a substitute.

It's as if our taste buds have become "dumbed down"!

It never works when we accept less of what we are accustomed to.

Remember the 1994 Major League Baseball strike?

Remember how pathetic it was watching a game with "replacement" players?

It's just not the same.

It's not the same when we are less than we need to be to others.

It's not the same when we are less than what God has created.

He designed us to be His handiwork.

We in turn end up as a cheap knockoff.

Often the world looks at the precious gift of His Son Jesus Christ and replaces Him with a false idol.

Even some factions of the church transform Him from a mighty Savior of the world, into a cheap pimp for their own interests.

I think that we have been bombarded so thoroughly in every facet of our lives with cheap imitations, from politics, to sports, to religion, that we struggle with what is real.

This is why it is important for us who follow Christ to make sure we do not get our noses turned upwind at the first whiff of a better "savior".

The person who coined the phrase "build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door" knew what he was talking about.

We are a fickle and conniving people, and left to our own carnal desires, we will run after what even remotely resembles a better deal.

People will trade their very soul for a leg up on the next guy.

Even Jesus is for sale or trade on the open market.

This is why it is important to stay connected.

Staying connected to the church, the hearing and reading of the Word of God, spending time in prayer and fellowship with other believers, discussing the events of the world with each other through a Christ-like perspective.

Remember. Religion says to be a follower of Christ you HAVE to go to church, read your bible, pray, and act right.

That's the watered down substitute.

Jesus says you will do those things BECAUSE you are His followers.

John says:

2 John 1:9 - "Anyone who runs on ahead [of God] and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ [who is not content with what He taught] does not have God; but he who continues to live in the doctrine (teaching) of Christ [does have God], he has both the Father and the Son."

There's the danger. Are you running ahead of God today?

Are you not abiding?

Are you living IN the doctrine of Christ?

You don't get this by acting religiously.

You get it by being His disciple.

Disciples want to be around Jesus and other disciples as often as they can.

The hunger and thirsting for righteousness becomes insatiable.

Accept no substitute today!

Run it all past Jesus first.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Monday, September 14, 2009

"Made You Blink!" by Pastor Kevin Lynch

"Being a Christan is not cutting yourself off from real life; It is entering into it more fully."
~Rob Bell~

This is one of those quotes that make you blink once or twice when you read it.

Well, maybe depending on how you were introduced, or "inducted" into the Christian faith.

If you were raised in a home where "keep holy the sabbath day" for example, meant not even reading a newspaper, let alone watching tv or playing with your friends, then the above quote will evoke some sort of response.

I'm not particularly knocking that attempt at personal holiness, as I know some folks practice that sort of thing out of deep conviction toward what they think the bible and Jesus and the saints expect them to do.

However, my personal realization is that for me it is nothing more than a shallow attempt at religiously keeping the Law, which I have been freed from. I rank it up there with thinking that the Sabbath day has to be on Sunday. *blink*

Someone just blinked on that one.

I find less restraint, less bondage, in Christ than I ever had from the world.

I found it through the teachings of Jesus.

For example:

Matt. 15:7-11 - (7) "You pretenders (hypocrites)! Admirably and truly did Isaiah prophesy of you when he said: (8) These people draw near Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts hold off and are far away from Me."

Bland religious observation. *blink*

(9) "Uselessly do they worship Me, for they teach as doctrines the commands of men."

We often find ourselves adhering to the doctrines of men rather than the teachings of Jesus. Jesus says that is "useless". *blink*

(10) "And Jesus called the people to Him and said to them, Listen and grasp and comprehend this."

*lot's of mass crowd blinking*

(11) "It is not what goes into the mouth of a man that makes him unclean and defiled, but what comes out of the mouth; this makes a man unclean and defiles [him]."

*blink*

Jesus goes on to expand on that truth by basically explaining that it is the condition of the heart that determines the holiness or unrighteousness of a person.

Not religious actions or activity.

Good and pure things come from a good and purified heart.

Not washing your hands before eating is not a crime. Neither is failing to utter a religious mantra before eating. *blink*

Picking a grain of wheat off of a stalk on the Sabbath is not a crime according to Jesus.

Neither is reading a newspaper, having the family over for a big dinner and some whiffle ball in the backyard, or taking a nap. *blink*

Mark 2:24, 27 - "And the Pharisees said to Him, Look! Why are they doing what is not permitted or lawful on the Sabbath?" *gasp*

(27) "And Jesus said to them, The Sabbath was made on account and for the sake of man, not man for the Sabbath." *blink*, and maybe even some associated *gasps*


Sometimes I wonder if we don't suffer from some sort of Religious Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (ROCD). *blink*

That means we do things repetitively, over and over and over again, because we THINK we are pleasing God. Yet all the time they have become so routine that they simply have lost all meaning and do nothing to honor and glorify God.

I hope you're getting my drift today.

We do this in our personal spirituality. We do this at church when we routinely "do" anything.

Is it any wonder that the salt (us) loses its effectiveness?

By the way. Blinking is a good thing.

I hope I made you do it.

1 Corinthians 10:31:

"So then, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you may do, do all for the honor and glory of God."

There it is! Right there! The freedom is in doing it all for Him!

Run it all past Jesus today!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Saturday, September 12, 2009

"Crash" by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Crash.

What's the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word?

I think of a car wreck.

Seldom is there a good association with anything.

The best I can think of is the fact that my drum kit has two "crash" cymbals.

Some folks may not think that's such a great thing either.

Yesterday I thought of the day the twin towers collapsed.

Crash.

Not good.

How about when people's lives crash?

Happens everyday. Exponentially.

Sometimes it is so profound that I can hear it.

I can hear it in the sobbing of their loved ones.

Crash.

Jesus has instructed us in the gospels to heed His advice and be wise as we build our lives.

He likens our life construction as the very wise builder who built his home on bedrock, and not on sand.

He said that when the great storms come that house on bedrock would be able to withstand the rains and winds and remain standing. (Matt.7:24-25)

He also warned us of the contrary.

If we are to be a careless or ignorant builder and build that home on sand, when the storms come the sand would shift underneath and the house would...

Crash. (Matt.7:26-27)

One common thread that runs through both scenarios.

The storms will come.

It's during those moments that we start to assess our life decisions and the errors and mistakes come rushing to the forefront.

"Everything is crashing down around me because I made a poor life decision and I am weakened because of it and I cannot withstand."

Crash.

Jesus has a simple solution.

Yes, I said simple.

Jesus said in the beginning of verse 24, "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man... ."

Hear His words. Put them into practice.

There's my prayer. Hear His words. Put them into practice. Avoid the crash.

Save your life. Save your marriage. Save your health. Save your finances.

Save your life.

Run it all past Jesus first today!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Join my blog: http://keepinitrealpastorkevin.blogspot.com/

Friday, September 11, 2009

"There's Only One" by Pastor Kevin Lynch

"There's Only One" by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Father Damien Karras: I think it might be helpful if I gave you some background on the different personalities Regan has manifested. So far, I'd say there seem to be three. She's convinced...

Father Merrin: There is only one.

~The Exorcist~

Eight years ago. Nineteen terrorists. Three planes. One mastermind.

2,976 dead. The overwhelming majority Americans.

I think it might be helpful if I gave some background on the intricacies of the plot and exactly how many people...

There's only one.

We like to popularize our archenemies. It gives us a face to tape on to a dart board.

Certainly those responsible should be brought to justice, but we are just trying to appease our grief and sense of injustice when we lay the blame on any one person or group.

Let's face it. The truth of the matter is as Paul has explained.

Ephesians 6:12 - "For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere."

Bin Laden was the arms and legs of the Master Plotter. The Evil Strategist. The Wicked Force in the Supernatural Sphere.

Hitler. Manson. Bundy.

The weird dude down the street who poisons the neighborhood dogs.

Untold numbers of evil minions.

Only one Satan.

Luke 22:3 - "But [then] Satan entered into Judas, called Iscariot, who was one of the Twelve [apostles]."

Either Satan took on this "special" case personally because it involved the murder of Jesus, or it is metaphorical for any number of demonic personalities.

I tend to take it literally because of the magnitude of the crime.

"Whom shall we send for this project, Master?"

"I'll handle this one personally."

Yes, only one Satan.

But only one Jesus as well.

And from the first drop of His blood on Calvary, Satan was a defeated foe.

His power over humanity was reduced. His influence has been broken over those who have given themselves to Jesus Christ.

He is on a leash until Jesus returns.

Satan is not the comic book variety evil mastermind. He can be defeated in his attempts by the average run of the mill blood-washed, born-again, Spirit-filled Christian.

James 4:7 - "So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you."

Allah cannot accomplish this. Buddah cannot accomplish this. Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva cannot accomplish this.

Only Jesus.

There is only One!

That's my prayer. Submit yourselves to Christ. Recognize the powers of evil that are seeking to destroy you and demand that they cease and desist in the Name of Jesus. Do it today. Do it right now. I thank God I did it 23 years ago, and I have been free ever since!

Run everything past Jesus first!

And may GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Join my blog: http://keepinitrealpastorkevin.blogspot.com/

Thursday, September 10, 2009

"I Don't Have A Bucket List" by Pastor Kevin Lynch

"I Don't Have A Bucket List" by Pastor Kevin Lynch

No, I don't have a "bucket" list, or things I want to do before I "kick the bucket".

I've thought about this to some extent.

I think from someone else's perspective this might come off as being dull or unexciting.

I've never felt the desire to jump out of an airplane.

I don't even like getting into an airplane.

I've never wanted to run with the bulls in Spain.

I wouldn't run to the corner for a paper.

I've never wanted to climb Mt. Everest.

You can't get me on a ladder to change a light bulb.

Some things are associated with some fears, but mostly...

I'm just pretty content with my unassuming quietly led life.

Yes, content.

How many can say that this morning?

I am content.

I didn't say everything is perfect.

I said content.

Content, in my opinion, means that one does not have to search far and wide for the joy in their life.

They already have it. And they know that they have it.

Having it and knowing you have it.

Content.

No need or desire to look any further.

You have the right spouse. The right family. The right job. The right church.

Whatever you have...it's just...right.

Content.

Matt. 6:31, 33 - (31) "Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying, What are we going to have to eat? or, What are we going to have to drink? or, What are we going to have to wear?"
(33) But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides."

I believe (and you can feel free to disagree with me if you want) that I have found contentment because I have Jesus Christ in my life.

I didn't read the above passage BEFORE I came to know Jesus.

I discovered it afterword and was amazed at how true it was for myself.

I found my entire life, fully, holistically if you will, in Jesus Christ and His Kingdom.

I am a better person physically, mentally, spiritually, because of Him.

No question about it in my understanding.

I sought first the Kingdom of God, and everything I had been lacking my entire life was given to me and then some.

I didn't become rich by the world's standard. My teeth didn't straighten or receive gold fillings.

I did however, become delivered from my drug and cigarette habit, which in my opinion saved my life.

I'm a little paunchy. My hair is turning gray. And my joints hurt more and more every year.

Yet, I cannot think of a single solitary thing that I lack which would make my life more fulfilled.

I am content. And it's because of Jesus Christ.

If you are discontented, He may just be the answer you have been hoping for.

I do know this much. Sitting around wallowing in discontent is the fast track to an early grave. Or at the least a very unhappy looooong life.

If you were to trust me on anything, trust me on this. Jesus has answers for you.

I pray today that those in the season of discontent would first seek the Kingdom of God so that Jesus could add all the things you need to be content in your life. If you have a bucket list today, let Jesus be the first thing on it.

Run it all past Jesus first!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

"Tears, Fears, And Plain 'Ol Conspiracies" by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Well, yesterday came and went, and I haven't read of any school children going home after listening to Obama and killing their parents.

Unless the 'Bama Bomb is set to go off today.

It is after all 090909! *Gasp*

Seemed pretty innocent, unless some sort of subliminal message was planted, like getting the urge to run and get popcorn during a movie.

Look, I don't know one way or another. I avoided the hype surrounding the issue, in fact, I had to be reminded that it was even happening. It's all so insignificant to me in the grand scheme of the universe.

I do know this though. Whether there was a reason to actually be concerned or not, a whole lot, and I mean a WHOLE lot of people got their shorts knotted up over the President addressing their children in school with a speech yesterday.

I understand having concern about what your children are learning in school, and I think every parent should be completely informed by their school system and teachers as to what the curriculum is. That in my opinion is just good parenting. It's better than just "Go do your homework!"

But this thing yesterday got ramped up and tweaked just a bit over the top and dangerously approached the nut-hatch line.

Sorry. But that's how I see it.

I understand fears. I understand tears. I understand, but cringe, at wacky conspiracy type reactions.

Especially when I see it happening in people that are supposed to be trusting in God.

"Jesus wept" (John 11:35). The shortest verse in the Bible incidentally.

There's good reason to believe He still weeps.

Especially when the country gets torn asunder over stuff like this.

Politics and religion don't mix real well in my opinion. I see them as two opposing philosophies.

Some see it as Christians ought to be up to their necks in politics so as to be the Godly influence this country needs.

I say we need to look at Geneva in the 15th Century and understand that a theocracy does not work.

Let me also remind you of the failures in the more recent past of the "Moral Majority" and the "Christian Coalition". Infanticide still rules at astonishing rates daily. 'Nuff said?

We fail to realize that Jesus is the top man. He doesn't need more popish type presidents and religious dictators allegedly representing Him (see that's the problem...who's choice gets to speak for God?).

He needs people who will simply trust in Him.

He is able to accomplish the work that needs to be done, and in fact has been carrying out the Plan that is ALREADY in effect to bring this world to the place the Bible has prophesied it will eventually get to.

Are we actually that full of ourselves to think that we can improve on that?

I think yesterday's melt down proves my point. Good grief, the children acted more maturely than the parents!

In another 3 1/2 years we will see the fruit of the labors gone forth. If this country is negatively impacted by one man or one political party it will be because we have failed as followers of Jesus Christ to "seek His face" so that He will "heal our land".

I'll let you look up that Scripture. It's in there. Google it.

Evil will always seize the opportunity to advance when the good people of God sit back and play church.

And one day my friends, things will get so bad that it will seem like the world is coming to an end.

"Come quickly Lord Jesus!" is what we should be focusing on, because there is a Day in the not so distant future when that trumpet will sound and the sky will open, and the King, the True King, will return to set it all right again!

Until then, pray often and look to the sky.

That's my prayer. That we would look with expectation to the Blessed Hope of His return. Someday, perhaps in this generation, the King will come for His people. On that day the tears and fears will end, and peace and joy like we have never known will reign on earth.

Run it all past Jesus today!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

"When Your Secret Is Exposed" by Pastor Kevin Lynch

We are private people. I think more by design than by choice, though many cherish and protect their privacy.

I wonder why that all goes out the window at church?

We pass the basket so that everyone can see who is giving and who is not (although it really does not tell the whole story).

I even know for a fact that some churches require that a prospective member submit their W-2 forms so that the pastor can review that they are "tithing" according to their income. This is of course so that the pastor can gauge the spiritual health of his flock (ahh...no...I 'm too speechless to comment on that).

Some churches are even performing credit checks.

I'm glad Jesus doesn't perform any of that. I wouldn't have made it.

Neither would you.

We were bankrupt and Jesus "paid it forward".

In fact, some of the "stuff" we do at church, appears at least on the surface, to actually conflict with what Jesus requires (as I scratch my head).

For example:

Matt. 6:3-4

"(3) But when you give to charity, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, (4) So that your deeds of charity may be in secret; and your Father Who sees in secret will reward you openly."

Jesus says that we are to be so private in our giving (for one thing) that even even our left hand wouldn't know what our right hand is doing. That's pretty private.

Of course that can't really happen, but He is trying to show us that we are to keep some things intimately between us and God.

But why? What's the big deal? Wouldn't it be better if others know who the high rollers and the skinflints are?

Not in God's methodology.

He knows that if we set our eyes on what people give or don't give, the truth of who's doling out the rewards would be at the least shaded.

He wants us to know that He is the Giver. Of everything.

In fact, any other process is called hypocrisy by Jesus in the first two verses of this same chapter.

He says that if we do contrary to how God has designed it, we will get NO reward!

Hmmm...wouldn't it be funny if all the church's woes hinged on that simple oversight?

He wants it His way so that regardless of how much we give or how often, people would see the results rather than the actions.

He doesn't want us to focus on the flesh. Just the supernatural reward.

That way people know and witness the power of God free from any distracting interference of the possibility of "good works" being involved.

All Him. None of us.

I think we have a long way to go on that one. Humanity loves it's slaps on the back.

We'll hide our shame, but we'll flaunt our pomposity.

God will have none of it.

So, be a giver in what you have decided in your heart to give (2 Cor. 9:7). And God will not forsake you.

In fact He will reward you in such a fashion that others will know, but they will know that God has done it, and He will get all the glory!

That's really evangelism without all the hokey programs.

All people need to see is God blessing His people, and they will want to "get some a dat"!

My prayer today is that we will give as our heart directs, and that our purpose will be to edify Him, not ourselves. Put this principle into effect and watch how God rewards!

Run it all past Jesus first today! Strive to be second!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Check out my blog at: http://keepinitrealpastorkevin.blogspot.com/

Monday, September 7, 2009

"I'm In Labor" by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Hey, it's Labor Day.

Couldn't ask for a better lead in. lol!

In case you haven't lived long enough, here's a life hint:

Every day is labor day.

And I don' t mean the holiday.

I mean when at the end of the day you are generally asking "Can't somebody else do this?"

It's not just work that qualifies as labor either.

It's weariness caused by cares and concerns.

It's been my experience over the years that nothing will wear a person down faster than hauling bricks, than worry, anxiety and stress caused by problems, bills, failing marriages, broken relationships, addictions, and just some good old fashioned everyday stuff that most everybody goes through.

That's why the world needs Jesus so badly.

He not only takes care of your future, but your present as well.

Matthew 11:28 (Amplified Bible)

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]"

I don't care who you are. I don't even care if you're an atheist. Those words even at the surface level have got to sound real good!

Who wouldn't cash in all of their chips for some relief and refreshment?

You'd be surprised.

Some folks who know better wouldn't.

Maybe even you wouldn't.

There are even people sitting in church Sunday after Sunday who wouldn't. And haven't. And won't.

It's as if some people enjoy holding on to their trials, tribulations, and tragedies.

It's become who they are for them.

I think it's like being overtired. You know how you can get so tired that you pass the point of being able to sleep?

I think some folks can get so overburdened that they just can't get out from under it.

Even with Jesus' help.

In fact, they might even start blaming the very God who can help them!

It qualifies as a syndrome, but I haven't thought of a name yet.

Too much effort into anything can cause a reverse reaction.

That's what makes Jesus so appealing. He's fail proof!

All He says is "Come"! The Amplified Bible says He will "cause you to rest".

Almost as if there is no other alternative! It's simple!

"Come to Me all...and I WILL CAUSE you to rest!"

That's my prayer for all who read this and beyond. That you will stop trying to find the "solution" and turn to the One who will so powerfully give you peace and rest, that it will be as if He has actually forced you to be anxiety and stress free! That's Jesus. It's what He does. He never fails.

I hope you run it all past Jesus today!

Be blessed!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Saturday, September 5, 2009

"Can't Someone Else Be Jesus?" by Pastor Kevin Lynch

A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Joey 5,and Tommy 3. The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake. Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson. “If Jesus were sitting here, He would say,‘Let my brother have the first pancake, I can wait.’ Joey turned to his younger brother and said, “Tommy, you be Jesus!”

That's one way of getting around it!

Let someone else be Jesus.

I want mine and I want it now.

Someone else will always step up.

Until no one does.

There's only one "first" pancake to go around.

After that it's second.

It's not always fun being second, even when we have understood the importance of that concept and have decided to accept that role.

If we step outside the proper context of that ideal for even a moment, a disgruntled spirit will rise up.

Perspective is hard to maintain even when the tree is bearing good fruit.

Galatians 5:22-23

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."

I have to keep this in mind every day. If I hear one more debate on health care, one more report on the unemployment rate, one more excuse...ahh... but the Word makes too much sense.

There is love in the midst of hatred. Peace in the midst of war. Patience in the midst of frustration. Kindness in the midst of cruelty. Goodness in the midst of wickedness. Faithfulness in the midst of disloyalty. Gentleness in the midst of roughness. Self-control in the midst of rashness.

These are not things that get turned on or off. I am amazed at times at just how much they are beyond my control.

If self-control were up to me I would have no self-control.

But it's not up to me. It's up to the Holy Spirit, and He does good work.

It's not up to you either and if you find yourself struggling and failing and feeling guilty later there is a good chance that you are not allowing Him to do His work.

It's the fruit of the Spirit. So that means the Spirit has to planted and rooted in you to bear this good fruit.

It's a good day to check if that's the case or not.

But you already know if it is or not. Don't you? Sure you do.

Why not settle it today and begin experiencing the benefits that God provides.

You will be thankful, and everyone around you will be thankful.

Be blessed!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Friday, September 4, 2009

"How Well Is Well Enough?" by Pastor Kevin Lynch

"How Well Is Well Enough?" by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Jesus says He knows.

He knows your heart.

He knows your dedication, your depth of love for Him, your appreciation.

He knows your failures, your inabilities, your good intentions gone awry.

He knows you better than you know yourself.

This would include any pathetic attempt to pacify Him with your feeble excuses.

Trust me. They are paper thin. They do not even fool the mortal.

Jesus knows. He always knows. He always has known.

He knows when your love starts to grow cold.

Check it out: (all verses from Revelation, Chapter 2)

"I know your industry and activities, laborious toil and trouble, and your patient endurance."

See. Nothing gets by Him.

"I know you are enduring patiently and are bearing up for My name's sake, and you have not fainted or become exhausted or grown weary."

See. He knows. He acknowledges.

"BUT I have this [one charge to make] against you: that you have left (abandoned) the love that you had at first [you have deserted Me, your first love]."

There it is. You have abandoned Him. You have deserted Him.

You have failed Him.

Wow.

I bet you're thinking, "I was doing so well."

Depends on "how well is well enough".

Is well enough popping into church a couple of times a month, without ever really becoming a part of the community of Christ?

Is well enough blowing off basically every opportunity to study His Word and spend time in prayer?

Is well enough invoking His presence during a crisis only?

Is well enough obstinately or carelessly refusing to support the work of His hands?

None of this is without consequence.

We tend to think of God sometimes as being so loving that He's squishy soft and cuddly.

Not so. The Risen Christ is still the Christ who bristles at the injustice of His people neglecting Him!

Read on:

"Remember then from what heights you have fallen. Repent (change the inner man to meet God's will) and do the works you did previously [when first you knew the Lord], or else I will visit you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you change your mind and repent."

"I will visit you and remove your lampstand."

The lampstand is the local church. Remove it and a light goes out.

Kind of like writing the word "Ichabod" (the glory of God has departed from this place) over the front door.

They say Nero fiddled while Rome burned.

Christians have the tendency to "fiddle" with other things while the flame in the lamp dims until it is nothing more than a dying ember. They fiddle while their sandy foundations shift until they collapse.

I'm sick to death of hearing how the struggling church is simply a result of a struggling economy and government.

What's the word I'm looking for here? Oh yeah...BALONEY!

It's not the struggling economy, it's the individual struggling with believing that their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is capable of doing all that He says!

Good Lord! We need a rescue today, and it ain't from petty problems and difficulties.

We need a rescue from a heart that's growing cold.

My prayer is that our hearts would be warmed and the flame of our lamp would grow stronger! That we would not forsake our first love, and that we would conform our inner self to the will of God.

Are you really running it all past Jesus first? No...really...are you?

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Visit my blog at: http://keepinitrealpastorkevin.blogspot.com/

Thursday, September 3, 2009

"Casual Or Casualty?" by Pastor Kevin Lynch

"Casual Or Casualty?" by Pastor Kevin Lynch

The weightier matters of the counsel of God.

Things that are never considered, or if by chance they are, are quickly dismissed and relegated to the dark recesses of the heart where they become shut up in the futile effort to hide them from man and God.

Write a check under some false assumption of absolution.

Light a candle.

Shoot up a blurb which one loosely considers a prayer.

Target some obscure religious icon to invoke protection from.

Consider God only as the very last resort as the weight of daily living threatens to squeeze out every drop of life.

Finally appeal to God as the snow globe bursts, and then quickly abandon Him when the provision is secured.

Gather in His house because of religious obligation.

Gather in His house when there is nothing else going on.

I hope God has an insulated heart.

I hope He is not like me.

I wonder if He has to battle the negative feelings that arise when He sees His Church neglected?

Jesus was so incensed at the mishandling of God's house that He picked up a whip and went to town on some religious heinies.

He went to visit a temple and instead He found a flea market.

Matt. 23:23: "For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others."

Things we ought to do.

Things we neglect.

Soothing our guilt by doing one thing and using it as an excuse to not do another.

Casual Christianity.

The enemy advances inch by inch.

Rarely are there sweeping decisive victories by the enemy over the Christian.

More like small, incremental and subtle wins which add up.

The Kingdom of God becomes smaller and smaller in the rear view mirror.

"Lost" is not just a TV drama.

Casual sounds way too close to casualty for me.

My heart breaks when I see poor choices being made.

The road to heaven is paved with the bleached bones of those who dropped out of the race.

Matthew 7:13:

"Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many."

Always remember this very simple and direct teaching by Jesus.

Never take the easy way out when it comes to spiritual matters.

It will kill your soul.

But you will have lots of company.

Casual leads to casualty.

Enter the heartbreak.

*sigh*

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Visit my blog at: http://keepinitrealpastorkevin.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

"Why Not Dream?" by Pastor Kevin Lynch

"Why Not Dream?" by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Dreams are biblical.

In fact it may be one of the most common topics in all of scripture.

Dreams are different than hopes, but may intersect often.

My dreams tend to be while I am awake and perhaps more in the form of visions.

They are almost always spiritual, most always concern the church and people, and hardly ever concern myself or my own personal life.

My dreams are a longing to see the desires of Christ fulfilled in His Church.

I dream of the day when the Kingdom work is supported so fully that the Church makes a difference in the community it serves.

I dream of the day when the Church overflows with lives so changed that four walls will not contain them.

I dream of the day when men will man up in Christ and take their proper place in the plan of God and stop passing off that responsibility to their wives.

I dream of the day when people will gather around the study of the Word of God in great numbers not just when it is convenient for themselves, but because they recognize how vital and necessary it is to their spiritual health.

I dream of the day when people stop talking about being #2 to Jesus and actually step down and relinquish that spot to Him.

I dream of the day when people realize how badly they are missed when they routinely disregard church for other activities.

Why the opening of the heart today?

It's biblical. Even though it rubs against the grain for me, it's biblical. I MUST share.

Jeremiah 23:28 (Amplified Bible)

"The prophet who has a dream, let him tell his dream; but he who has My word, let him speak My word faithfully."

It's a package. It's a responsibility. It's a burden.

I speak His word.

I fail to tell the dream.

I'm always afraid I'll hurt someone.

God tells me to let Him worry about that.

After all, I am starting to qualify for "...your old men shall dream dreams." (Joel, Acts)

Well oldER men anyway. lol!

The joy is in Him and I long to see that manifest for everyone.

Hey, I can dream, can't I?

Run it all past Jesus first.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

"Schmooze Makes The World Go 'Round" by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Elaine: "Is it possible that I'm not as attractive as I think I am?"

Jerry: "Anything's possible."

It sure is.

In fact, I would venture a guess that you are never as good looking as YOU think you are.

Mirrors lie.

Makeup camouflages.

People tell you what YOU want to hear.

Others never see you as attractive as you see yourself. (Trust me on this...NEVER!)

They just tell you that.

Yes I know. It's a rude awakening.

Especially for those who need to feed the ego beast.

I am convinced that the greater portion of the population functions exclusively on schmooze.

If schmooze could be bottled it would be the most sought after commodity on the planet.

Schmooze could be traded on the stock market and pull this country out of debt.

Schmooze soothes the savage ego.

So when someone craves the schmooze and doesn't get it, guess what happens?

SDD sets in (Schmooze Deficiency Disorder).

Schmooze Deficiency Disorder interrupts the feeding cycle of the ego, which in turn causes depression, sleeplessness, anxiety, bulimia, panic attacks, and just an all around feeling of worthlessness.

Come on, let's be honest. How can anybody possibly feel good about themselves if someone is not telling them how great they look, or how smart they are, or how wonderful they are, or how peachy keen they are.

I don't think I could live without being told I'm peachy keen.

Well, not really.

I know I'm not peachy keen.

However....

I do happen to trust the good judgment of Jesus Christ.

He thinks I am just cool enough to die for.

Jesus thinks I'm to die for.

No need for schmooze when the Lord God Almighty thinks you are worthy of His shed blood.

Who's opinion, good or bad, is going to top that?

In fact, in light of the love of Christ, having wonderful things said about us becomes more distasteful than something derogatory.

It's because in Christ we recognize our alleged worthiness is only because of what He has accomplished in us.

Without Him I am a failure undeserving of anyone's praise. Without Him I am running on pure high octane schmooze.

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but rather Christ lives in me." (Gal. 2:20)

That's what I want people to see. I want people to see their absolute helplessness without Christ.

I want the cycle of schmooze to grind to a halt in the face of Glory.

You are NOT "all that".

Jesus is.

My prayer is that we begin to esteem Jesus more then ourselves. We don't need more "self" esteem. We need more "Jesus esteem". Our lowly self pity needs to be erased in the light of the extension of His glory toward us!

Run it all past Jesus first!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><