I think I would have made a good Pharisee.

People who read the Bible are introduced to this interesting group of religious leaders called Pharisees. They started as a collection of committed men who wished to separate themselves from the ordinary everyday believer. They held tight to the teachings of the Old Testament and the man-made traditions that surrounded it. The group was composed of people who sought to live in total devotion to God to the best of their ability. They fasted and prayed, they gave tithes and offerings, and they sought to know everything they could about the scriptures.

I really think I would have made a good Pharisee.

The problem that develops over time is that in their quest to draw close to God they started to look down on everyone else. They viewed their acts of righteousness as better than other people. They were more devout, more giving and more knowledgeable than everyone, so why not feel a little superior to those less committed?

Over time they developed traditions that made it more difficult for people to live out their faith. They lost sight of God and started elevating their own actions. They alone thought right, talked right and had the proper viewpoint. The Pharisees became judgmental of other people and their shallow faith shown in words and actions. Slowly this group of committed believers turned into a bad example of what it means to trust God. Rarely in the accounts of Jesus are they ever painted in a positive light. Usually, they are elevated only to show their flaws. Jesus tells his followers that their righteousness needs to exceed that of their Pharisees. Their highest goal in life was not to please God but to appear better than you.

I am sure of it; I make a good Pharisee.

I enjoy standing at the back of crowds offering a quick assessment of people’s character. I read through social media with a judgmental eye for mistakes in thinking and actions. I frequently lose sight of God while telling the world I am trying to please him. I hate to say it, but I often elevate my agenda about Jesus.

As I read the New Testament, I remind myself that I am far more like the Pharisees than I am Jesus. I do take comfort in the fact that the Apostle Paul was once a Pharisee. He said, “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. (1 Timothy 1:15-16 – NIV)

Paul got it right, in God saving a Pharisee like me, he demonstrated that he can save anyone. That is true for a Pharisee like you too.

There is an old saying you probably know that states, “There, but for the grace of God, go I.” It is not found in a Bible passage and is usually attributed to a preacher named John Bradford from the 1500’s. He wrote it in a more personal manner by saying, “there, but for the grace of God, go John Bradford.” It appears that his words caught on and became applied to believers everywhere. By the early 1900’s the phrase was regularly used by people across the globe, and we still use it today.

I know I have stated this one little sentence repeatedly in my life. It is uttered when I hear the story of high school classmates whose life turned out as less than glamorous. These words are spoken when I hear of a college classmate who left the ministry because of some dark sin in his life. I speak it when I see a Christian make a poor decision that could have been avoided. My life truly bears witness to the truth, “there, but for the grace of God, go I.”

Most days I see my need for grace, and I am thankful for the forgiveness I find in the work of Christ. Occasionally I need to be reminded of the grace that I do not feel every day. Today I am thankful for the grace of God that prevented me from walking down some dark paths.

1. I am thankful for my family. I am grateful for parents who stayed together and gave me a great life. I am sure there were days they both felt like giving up on our family. God blessed me by preventing me from being raised in a fractured family.

2. I am thankful for my Church. Some of my earliest memories are of people in the Church teaching me the Bible. There have been people pointing me the right direction my whole life. Who knows how many mistakes I might have made without their guidance on my journey?

3. I am thankful for my relationships. I am grateful to God for not allowing me to develop a deeper relationship with that one girl in high school. She is now on her fourth marriage. I am thankful I did not marry that girl in college who did not want to be a preacher’s wife. I know she would have made me quit what I am doing years ago.

These are just a few of the ways God has guided my life with grace and mercy.

I am intensely aware of the grace that forgives my failures, but I need to be continually reminded of the grace that guides me every day. I could have walked through so much heartache and hardship in life and yet God prevented me from going down those paths.

Today is an excellent opportunity to remind myself of the truth that, “there, but for the grace of God, go I.” Maybe you needed to be reminded today too.

Every believer should have a plan to read their Bible regularly. This one spiritual discipline will give you a more profound knowledge of God and his word, a better understanding of theology and help you grow spiritually. For the last nine years, I have developed my own plan, and I read through the Bible in about 18 months.

Each time I complete a journey through the Bible, I purchase a new Bible to read the next time. Occasionally I pick a different English translation, and sometimes I use a study Bible to help with my reading. Then I take the old Bible that I had just finished and move it to my pile that I use for sermon and lesson preparation, public speaking and any other use that comes along.

Frequently I will pick up one of my old Bibles to read, and I notice that I have underlined or highlighted something while I was on my reading plan. I will look carefully at what jumped out at me during that phase of my spiritual journey and wonder, “Why did I underline that?” I mean, what was I thinking? That statement that seemed so profound to me that I took out my pencil and drew a line under it now appears to be another random statement that has no unique value.

This experience reminds me of another passage of scripture. Hebrews 4:12 says in the New International Version, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

Much of this scripture is familiar to someone who grew up in Church. As a young boy, my Sunday School teacher held “sword drills.” The Bible was our sword, and we were to look up whatever passage he announced. The first one to the verse was the winner and often received some prize.

The part of this passage that is easy to read past are the first words. “The word of God is living and active.” Wait, what? How can a book that was written on paper be active?

The truth is that God can speak to us through the words of the Bible in new and personal ways every time we read it. One season as I am reading I may be struggling personally, and God uses his word to speak to me through a particular passage. The next time I might be hurting from loss, and God speaks to me differently as I read through it.

One primary reason to read and reread the Bible over and over again is to receive what I need for that moment in time. Yes, it is still truth whether it touches my life or not. The sweet spot of spending time in the Bible is when I hear the voice of God using his truth to speak to me today. It may touch my heart and soul so much that I take out a pencil and underline it. I might even make a note in the margin.

I find a simple pleasure in reading the Bible and seeing those strange places where I underlined a sentence that means nothing to me now. It reminds me that the word of God is living and active and it is still touching lives today. Maybe he wants to speak to you today, take a little time to read and see what you hear. Be sure and have your pencil ready.

If you spent one month in the Church office, you would have a different view of helping people. Most people have no idea what happens here almost every day. It might surprise you the number of requests for money we receive repeatedly.

These requests come in one of three categories. First, there are phone calls for help with a bill. Almost all of these have a sad story about how they lost one of their utilities, or they are about to lose it. Also, people need help with gas or food immediately. Second, requests for support of a mission project. Numerous people want to accomplish something great for God. All their dreams require money, so they contact the Church seeking the help of other believers. The final group of requests is people looking for help with a community project. These are some type of good work, but usually, do qualify as God’s work. There is a need in our community, and people want to help, even though they will never mention the name of God they still look for help from the Church. Honestly, over the next month as we approach Christmas and we live in the shadow of the new year we will receive at least 30 requests for financial help.

I am blessed to serve in a Church that has several different avenues to help people this time of year. Even then, there is just no way to meet all the requests. So how does the Church decide who and what to help?

Here are several things our Church leadership considers.

1. We gather INFORMATION. Information is vital. The more we know, the better we can help. We request paperwork be filled out and submitted. We file old requests and make notes on them.

2. We seek the WISDOM of others. Frequently I text the other Churches in town to see what they know about the situation, person or ministry. I present information to the leadership of the Church and ask for input. No one person makes the decision about the Lord’s money alone.

3. We ask people to PRAY. We ask God to open or close doors, to show us the direction to go and how to best handle the situation.

4. We prioritize GOD’s WORK. As a Church we want to support people who are in the Church, are interested in the gospel or are trying to promote the work of the Lord. There are hundreds of good projects that help people who need support. They are good, if not great works, but they do not further the name of Jesus. We weight this issue carefully.

5. PERSONAL CONNECTIONS are helpful. Does anyone know who is requesting this money? Is there anyone who can stand up for this need and verify the people who are asking for it?

There is no set formula to handle all requests because every situation is unique. We, as a Church leadership, seek to decide based on the most accurate information to promote the work of God in our world. Sometimes, that means we must tell people who their request has been denied. It is not because we are mean or greedy, it just means there is not enough money to handle every need or want. I wish we could do more, but no Church has an overabundance of money. We must be wise with what God has given us.

Over the next six weeks, you will hear stories both good and bad coming from Churches. I know from personal experience, none of these situations were handled in a light-hearted way. Churches and their leaders have a heart to help, and we take it seriously. Sometimes wonderful decisions abound, and other times hard choices are required, I hope that God is glorified through it all.

You are making an impression on someone.

This statement is true and must regularly be considered, especially in the life of a believer in Jesus. There is no truth in the idea that you “might” make an impact on other people. You are doing it. The real question is simple, “What kind of an example are you leaving for those who watch your life?”

That question only has two answers. You are a good example or a bad one. That’s it; there are no other options.

You may have forgotten this truth in your life, and it is good to receive an occasional reminder.

Here is another truth I want you to consider today. The people who watch your life, whether it be your children, grandchildren or a neighbor child, will evaluate your example against your words.

The standard they use to judge your life will not be your good intentions. They will use your words and lay them alongside your actions to get an accurate picture of what you really believe.

They will judge your faith. Do you say you believe in God and yet deny him with your life?

They will judge your relationships. Do you tell people you love them and then ignore their needs? Do you elevate other people above yourself?

They will judge your service. Do they see you giving of yourself to other people or are you selfish?

There is a long list of behaviors that will be weighed and considered with the words that you say.

Every person tends to judge ourselves by our intentions and others by their actions. You need to be clear that people are not considering what you intended to do, they are only looking at your words and actions.

With that in mind, what kind of example are you really leaving?

Some people are following your example whether you like it or not. Will the world be a better place because of what you leave behind?

I have been thinking a great deal lately about Christian films. Last week’s sermon had some illustrations drawn from these movies. When I say Christian movies, I mean movies that were made primarily by Christians for Christians. Many of these are made with a low-budget and use no big-name actors.

I will be the first to admit that there are numerous terrible ones out there, but there are some that I come back to again and again.

These are my favorites.

1. The Passion of the Christ. There is a lot not to like about this movie. It uses a poetic license to add in extra drama and gore. With that said, has there been a more moving portrayal of the crucifixion of Jesus?

2. Fireproof. The honest look at a man and his wife is filled with joy and pain. Sure, parts of the movie are stretched to fit the theme, but it does not detract too much. It is a movie I return to occasionally to remind myself of the commitment to marriage.

3. Luther. This movie with Joseph Fiennes inspires me. It is a look at the reformer through semi-historical eyes. Maybe it is because I am a preacher, but I love this movie.

4. Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. This is a classic story with profoundly biblical imagery. My boys were young when it came out, and we watched it repeatedly. It always holds a special place in my heart.

5. The Case for Christ. My wife and I just watched this movie. It is the story of Lee Strobel and his journey to faith. I love the honest and raw emotion of a man who rejects religion but can’t seem to shake it. I will definitely be watching it again.

Honorable Mention. The rest of the movies in the Chronicles of Narnia series. Soul Surfer. Chariots of Fire is inspiring. The Mission is not a traditional Christian movie, but I enjoy the story. Finally, Leap of Faith with Steve Martin challenges me on several levels.

These are my favorites. I have obviously not seen all the Christian movies that have been made through the years. What are your favorites and why? I would love for you to share your thoughts in the comments. If you don’t have one that you like, maybe you could try one of these this Christmas season.

I wanted to write a blog post about the one or two dramatic events that shaped my life. Something about that one time that particular person did that marvelous thing that molded my character as nothing else has in my life.

After several minutes of thinking, I really couldn’t name any moment where some grand gesture changed me. Instead, I thought of dozens of little events that continued to steer me the right direction.

1. There are the people who taught me. Through the years, numerous people have taught me about the Christian life and the Bible. My dad and mom, Virginia Vannice, Ted Scott, Dan Booth, Jon Sullivan, Mark Scott, JK Jones, George Faull and Fred Craddock. This is just a partial list. My life was shaped by more teachers than I can remember. Sometimes these were extended classes, but some people taught me in a casual setting in conversations. One way or another, their words changed me.

2. There are the people who sacrificed for me. Obviously, my parents are at the top of the list, but there are others. Another college student who gave me money so that I could go home one time. The people who donated funds for my mission trip to England. Those loving Christians who supported my new Church work when I moved to Iowa. The people who give to the Church I serve now that enables me to continue serving the Lord. My life has been directed by people willing to give of themselves and their resources.

3. There are the people who showed me grace. I am honest about how much I mess things up. I don’t often speak of the people who loved me through my failures. Some people saw the good in me when I made a royal mistake as a teenager. Other people stood by me when I was struggling in college. Still, other people did not turn their back on me when I failed in ministry. These people have kept praying for me and pushing me the right direction even when they could have given up.

4. There are the people who encouraged me. I have a box of notes and a file of emails from people who encouraged me through the years. Those people will never know how their words pulled me back from the edge and made me feel joy again. I read and reread their letters still many years later, and they remind me of the support I have in my life. These words given to in love have shaped my view of Christians and the Church in a profound way.

My life has had few big moments. Instead, it is the culmination of hundreds of small interactions. There is this tendency for people to think we should wait until just the right time to try and make an impact. Yes, there may be times that are better than others, but you will never know the amount of good you could do at any given opportunity.

God has given you today to touch someone’s life. I believe you do not have to do something grandiose to make a difference. Your impact could come from an email, a word, a visit, a prayer, a gift or any one of hundreds of small gestures of grace and love. Today your life may help steer the life of another person for good, so why not do something today?

I am not a perfect anything. I am not an ideal man. I am a struggling husband. I am a flawed parent. I am an average pastor. I am a frequent failure as a Christian.

I have no problem openly admitting this to anyone.

This blog was built on the idea that everyone fails. But grace also provides us with a second chance in Jesus.

Spending an hour on social media reminds me that few people see the world this way. There seems to be endless self-promotion going on wherever you look. Sometimes it is personal with a “Look how beautiful I am” picture. Sometimes it is relational with a “Look what I did for my family.” Other times it is more backhanded and subtle with “I have the best spouse” statements to let the world know how good we are for noticing. Finally, some are just blatant posts about “How proud I am of my child’s achievements” to remind us of your impressive parenting skills. It seems we want the world to know we have no flaws or struggles.

Honestly, I believe some people have started living their lives solely for the approval of others. They do everything for the praise or applause of the people in their circle of influence. Everything is a chance for a great photo that I can post to show the world my excellence as a person.

Reading the Bible paints a different picture for me. It states that we are all sinners. We are flawed, and everyone has cross boundaries we should not have crossed. We are like sheep who have gone astray and are now lost with no idea how to get home. Our best attempts at trying to be a righteous person are like filthy rags in God’s sight. We are not okay.

On here, I try to be completely honest about my struggles as a man, husband, father, and preacher. It frequently leaves people worried about me. “Are you okay?” seems to be a common question. Email, texts and comments about how great I am as a pastor appear every week. I sincerely appreciate them, but they often feel like people are trying to encourage the depressed kid so that he doesn’t go crazy one day.

Don’t worry about me. I just find no value in positive self-promotion. There is too much of that going on in the world, and it is leaving a whole segment of people confused and feeling alone. I want them to know they are not alone. We all struggle, but people have been taught to cover their feelings of insecurity with a happy face and pretty pictures.

I find my self-worth based on three pieces of Biblical information. First, I am created in the image of God. Second, God saved me in Jesus. Third, God has a plan for my life, if I am willing to let him use me. These truths are foundational and unchanging.

Today will be another day full of missed opportunities, failed attempts and disobedience. I am okay with telling you this because God will still be with me even in my imperfect world. I also want you to know he is with you too.

While praying one day, I paused for a moment to realize that I tend to repeat myself every day. These are not the prayers I pray for other people and their needs; these are entirely focused on me. Here are the topics I address when I pray for myself.

1. Forgive Me. There seems to be at least one event each day that embarrasses me as a Christian. It can range from something I said to something I thought to something I saw. It may have been public, or it may have been very private. No matter what the situation I find that each day needs a prayer of forgiveness for the actions of the previous day. I am not proud of that fact, but it needs to be said. Each day I throw myself on God’s mercy through his son Jesus and his work on the cross.

2. Change Me. The Lord’s prayer in Matthew 6 says in English, “Lead us not into temptation.” It has been written that a better translation might be, “Lead us away from temptation.” This seems to be the essence of this prayer for me. God, please lead me away from my old behaviors and into a new path. Change my steps by changing my heart. I am thankful for how far I have come on this journey with God, but I still have so far to go.

3. Use Me. I am full of unrealized potential. I know God can use me in spite of my failures. I know God can do great things through me if I am available. I know I can do more for God if I were put in the right situation. Each day I want to declare my trust in his work through me. I want to demonstrate my willingness to follow God’s leading this day. I want God to use me in some way with my family, my Church and my community.

Through the years I have sought to become better at prayer. Still, I return to these three thoughts about myself. Maybe I should pray these things for you too? Possibly, you could pray them for yourself? Perhaps the best option would be if we could pray for these things for each other today and always.

Every week I prepare and plan in an effort to present the best sermon possible. I pray, read, study and search the internet. Hours are spent putting together every single talk.

Each week I hope and pray this will be the one. This will be the sermon that does it. It will inspire people to change. It will move people from their complacency to commitment. God will speak through me in a clear and convincing way and the people who hear it will be changed in a deeply profound way.

Every week I am let down. Each sermon lacks the punch I hope it will have to knock people out. It is like a boxer who delivers his best right hook, and the opponent seems unfazed. Usually, the response is lackluster at best. A few people say nice things and most just talk about the weather or other trivialities. Sundays end in exhaustion, and I go home hoping that next week will be better.

While I still do my best every Sunday, I am learning that change is not an overnight event. There are very few cases of dramatic change because of one sermon or lecture of any kind.

1. Becoming Fully Devoted to Jesus is a Long Slow Process. I wish there were some way to microwave a person into a committed believer. You know, send them to a conference or on a mission trip or to a week of camp, and they come back a new person. Frequently people do those things and the come back all excited for a few weeks or months. Slowly the newness wears off, and the person returns to their old habits. Real change comes from a day after day commitment to doing the right things. Prayer, Bible reading, and fellowship are part of the disciplines that help people become like Christ. There are no shortcuts or quick ways to grow. Believe me; I wish there were something.

2. True Change Only Comes After Repeated Exposure to the Truth. I compare spiritual growth to physical or athletic growth. If you want to develop that perfect body and compete at a high level in some sport, it requires going to the gym day after day after day. You expose yourself to the proper tools and tactics enough times, and you slowly start to change. You look back a year later, and you say, “I cannot believe how good I have become.” This type of daily commitment is the only way to grow spiritually too. I encourage people to attend Church every week, plug into a small group and develop a daily quiet time. Why? Because you will only change though repeatedly doing the same spiritual exercises. Sure, some days will be hard and sometimes are boring but keep the end goal in sight.

3. Lasting Change Often Comes in an Unexpected Moments. Many times, I have been surprised by the response of a person to the unexpected events in their life. A lousy doctor’s visit, a call from the school, a heart to heart conversation with a spouse or a visit by the police can change your life in an instant. Those are the events that we rarely see coming. Years of listening to Christian teaching through sermons, lessons, books and bible reading suddenly all make sense. You are surprised by the hope, joy, and optimism that fills your soul as all those years come together in one amazing moment. It is like years of training for a tragedy has prepared you for a time of clarity, understanding, and peace. What could have set you back into an abyss of despair propelled you forward in a new and dramatic way.

I am still waiting to deliver that one perfect sermon. Until that day, I preach, and I preach, and I preach. God takes those repeated actions, and he plugs them into your journey. He takes my words and helps you develop a routine of spiritual growth. He prepares you for the moment that will change your life.

A Monday of disappointment follows each Sunday full of expectant change. Once again, I failed to change the world. But maybe, just maybe, God used my words or the words of some preacher to help move you closer to him one inch at a time. I certainly hope that is true.