AuthorTerry R Baughman is Lead Pastor for LifeChurch in Gilbert, AZ. See his complete bio at trbaughman.com Archives
October 2024
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The Dilemma of Distractions6/30/2019  The Dilemma of Distractions
REFOCUS, RENEWAL, AND CELEBRATION Terry R. Baughman “Therefore you shall be careful to do as the Lord your God has commanded you; you shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. You shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess” (Deuteronomy 5:32–33). There are so many distractions that cause us to lose our focus. There is no time to be quiet, reflective, or contemplative. There’s just too much to accomplish. Our days are filled with activity and we sigh that we are so busy … and yet we have time for social media, a chat with friends, or we squeeze in enough time to spend an hour catching up on the latest installment of a show. Obviously, if we have time to do some of those things we are not that busy! This is not to suggest that we shouldn’t chat with friends, stay connected on social media, or have some down time for something relaxing in our lives. This is to illustrate how that we all have time … it is just a matter of how we choose to use it. Everyone is equal in the time allocation. Even Jesus said, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him” (John 11:9–10). He spoke of the contrast of walking in the light as opposed to walking in darkness, but He acknowledged that there are twelve hours in a day. If it seems that some people get a whole lot more out of their allotment of time than others, perhaps they have learned to manage their time better … or perhaps they have learned to minimize distractions and stay focused on the more important tasks they wish to accomplish. Time management is a skill that we should learn and practice, but how much more could we accomplish just by putting down the phone, logging off of our email account for a couple of hours, or creating a prioritized todo list. Now that may sound as much fun as developing a weekly budget, but both are practical ways to accomplish a desired goal. One is to get out of debt and the other is to become more productive with our time. As we enter the midpoint of another year, take a few minutes to evaluate what has been accomplished in the first six months. By July 1st we should be halfway to our goals for the year. If we have much more to reach at that point, then we have either set our goals too high or we have become distracted from our progress and failed to finish the intermediate steps toward our ambitions. In several passages of the Old Testament there are similar references to our text, “Be careful to do as the Lord your God has commanded you; you shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left” (Deuteronomy 5:32). The admonition is clear. In order to do what the Lord commanded there must be forward motion, we must avoid detours and distractions, and continue doing what God requires. It’s not difficult, but progress is essential. Avoid the temptation to look one way or the other. Put on spiritual blinders that block out movement and commotion on either side. Look ahead, focus on the prize, “Reaching forward to those things which are ahead” (Philippians 3:13). Scripture: “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).
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Raising Men of Valor6/22/2019  Raising Men of Valor
GOD’S PLAN FOR THE FAMILY Terry R. Baughman “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:8–9). One of the most inspiring passages of the Old Testament is found at a critical transition of leadership. Moses had died and his assistant Joshua was selected to take the position vacated by his passing. God called Joshua and recounted the past faithfulness of this young man who was never far away from his leader and mentor. The Lord assured Joshua that He would be with him just as He was with Moses. The same mission of deliverance and promise would be continued through the leadership of Joshua. Challenges will threaten his leadership and the opposition in the land of Canaan will be severe. His very life will be in danger, but God gave him a promise that would sustain him through every difficult day, “Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go” (Joshua 1:6–7). God’s purpose will be fulfilled. If the promise does not come in our lifetime, we can be assured it will follow in the next, or the next. Understanding the timeless destiny of His divine purpose empowers us to look beyond our own success to see the long range fulfillment of His will. Without the perception of Moses there would not have been a leader readied to assume leadership. It appears that Moses mentored and molded the young man to step into the calling that God had placed on his life. Joshua responded to the call and surrendered to his destiny. He served faithfully until the day God spoke these words of confirmation into his life. In church leadership or in our homes there must be a sense of destiny and intentional direction given to the next generation. Our children are our legacy. Our sons and daughters must be prepared to take their positions of leadership in the future. This generation desperately needs young men and women to be prepared to face the challenges of tomorrow. Paul exhorted Titus to, “Encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us” (Titus 2:6–8 NIV). Our men should be taught to be bold, strong, courageous, but kind, gentle, loving, and caring. There is a balance of strength and tenderness desired in masculinity. One author pictured this balance as “men of steel and velvet.” These are coveted characteristics in men of leadership. They should be strong, courageous, and assertive when needed. They should also be tenderhearted to the hurting, compassionate to the weak, and loving to their families. May they be men of valor, strong in mind or spirit, confronting danger firmly and exhibiting bravery. Scripture: “[Cornelius] … and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly” (Acts 10:2 NIV).
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Responsibility of Leadership6/16/2019  Responsibility of Leadership
GOD’S PLAN FOR THE FAMILY Terry R. Baughman “Though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Therefore I urge you, imitate me” (1 Corinthians 4:15–16). There is no leadership instruction like a father’s guidance. Though not always valued he shares wisdom from a heart of love. Others can give instruction, teach courses, or share opinions, but a father speaks from a deep well of passion and with a voice of experience. Of course, there are many different kinds of fathers with varied personalities. Some are more talkative and can be entertaining as they share stories and highlights of past experience. Others are soft spoken and share few words, but what they speak has incredible weight and insight. The important thing is for children to listen and for fathers to teach! Paul observed the condition in the Church of Corinth that they had plenty of instructors and many teachers, but observed that they did not have many fathers. The Apostle became a father to many, not by blood but by the gospel. He mentored young men to pursue godliness and seek a life of ministry. He called upon believers in Corinth to imitate his example. He said, “Imitate me!” How many of us would dare to make such a bold statement! True followers of Christ can live out an example and teach others to follow with the same passion. Actually, it is our responsibility as fathers and as leaders in the church community to provide that kind of leadership and instruction. Andy Stanley said, “Leadership is a stewardship, and we are accountable.” It comes a weighty responsibility to provide leadership for those who will come after us knowing that the future of the church depends on our service, our leadership, and our ability to transfer responsibility to others. Some may feel their position of headship gives them authority to demand respect, and the right to speak abusively to their subordinates, all the while expecting servitude from their subjects. Actually the opposite is true. We have a position of service in our homes; we are servant leaders. Husbands and fathers are entrusted with the greatest treasure, the family. While we are given the position of leadership in the home we also bear the weight of tremendous responsibility. Ultimately, we are accountable to God for how we administrate that responsibility. God’s love toward us as our Heavenly Father gives us the perfect example of how a father should administrate his responsibility. John wrote, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1 NIV). When we see how God loves us as special children we see an example of how we should strive to love our children and others whom we mentor. We live in a generation where many children do not have a father present in their lives. The church must be a place that can model God’s desire to provide guidance, instruction, and loving mentors to those who have never known a father’s love. This is our responsibility in leadership! Scripture: “[Cornelius] … and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly” (Acts 10:2 NIV).
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Raising Women of Strength6/8/2019  Raising Women of Strength
GOD’S PLAN FOR THE FAMILY Terry R. Baughman “And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy” (Acts 2:17-18). The prophet Joel predicted a latter day of blessing when the Spirit of God would be revealed in dramatic ways. He declared that all people would be affected by the work of the Spirit in the last days. This was prophesied in a time when only selected individuals were involved in priestly duties. The priesthood was made up of one tribe out of the tribes of Israel, and only the men of appropriate age were considered for the roles and responsibility of working in the Temple. When Joel declared that “all flesh” would receive the Spirit, and sons and daughters, male and female servants, young and old would be involved in spiritual works, that must have caused some to respond with skepticism. On the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came upon the 120 in the Upper Room the worshippers spilled out on the terrace around the Temple in Jerusalem. There was such a stir in the city that thousands gathered to see what the noise was all about. When Peter and the disciples of Jesus addressed the crowd it was this passage in Joel that Peter quoted. He revealed that THIS was what the prophet had predicted! Interestingly, the outpouring of the Spirit was outside the Temple. It was received by all who were in the upper room, both men and women, regardless of age or social standing. The message and those who responded were representing Jews from all around the region and they heard them speaking in their various languages. The miraculous event communicated the fresh work of God’s presence throughout the world and was an indication of inclusion to come when all nations would hear and receive the gift of God’s Spirit. One of the most striking differences from Judaism was the inclusion of women in the promise both of receiving the Spirit and the working of spiritual gifts. Though some church movements have resisted the inclusion of women in ministry and in leadership it is evident that the work of the Spirit specifically included all people. Daughters (younger women) were included in Joel’s prophecy and Peter’s preaching. Servant girls were recipients of the promise. Women were seen in leadership roles of prayer groups, prophets, and mentors in the New Testament church. Philip the evangelist had four daughters who prophesied (Acts 21:8–9). Lydia was part of a prayer group that received Paul’s message (Acts 16:13-15). Lois and Eunice were noted for their genuine faith that was communicated to their son and grandson, Timothy (2 Timothy 1:5). As parents our greatest responsibility is to our children and grandchildren, both sons and daughters. God has a plan for all and they are included in that plan. This is a great day of opportunity for women and God has a place in His kingdom and in the church where they can find a place of ministry and blessing. Let us raise up a generation of women who are strong in faith and powerful in spiritual gifts. Scripture: “[Cornelius] … and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly” (Acts 10:2 NIV).
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Train the Child6/2/2019  Train the Child
GOD’S PLAN FOR THE FAMILY Terry R. Baughman “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). Godly guidance is a weighty responsibility for every parent who has been entrusted with a child. While it may seem easier to hand off the task of training to daycare workers, teachers, coaches, or other family members, the primary responsibility for raising children comes back on the shoulders of the parents. While others may prove to be valued role models and influencers there is no replacement for God ordained parents to provide leadership throughout life’s many challenges. Along with the excitement over the miracle of new birth there comes a staggering awareness of the responsibility for the wellbeing of this fragile newborn. Many new parents can hardly sleep the first few nights as they frequently look into the face of that new infant, both in wonder and also with apprehension to see if they are still breathing. In nights to come sleep will be interrupted by cries and vocal demands to meet their personal needs. There is less wonder and more angst as sleep deprivation becomes the norm in the early days of a newborn. In time, children will sleep all night and then comes other challenges, dangers, and apprehensions. It all comes with the territory. Welcome to parenthood! God has given parents unique skills and insights as they chart the unknown passages of child-rearing. Intuitively, they usually seem to figure out what the crying child wants and can more readily detect their changing moods and preferences. Children have a way of teaching their parents what they like and voicing strong disapproval if their wishes are not granted. So begins the training to help them understand that you, the parent, are the one that is to be training the child. Not the other way around! Seeking God’s wisdom in the process of raising godly children is crucial to maintaining sanity and achieving your goals to shape these tiny humans into productive and caring individuals; the ones that God designed them to become. James wrote, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally … and it will be given to him” (James 1:5). That is a promise we can cling to when needing that extra measure of wisdom to deal with the multitude of questions and situations that will arise in the lives of our children. It is our privilege to prepare the next generation of faith-filled leaders, faithful men and women of God who will continue to lead in a manner that pleases God and fulfills His purpose in the earth. One interpretation of the text from Proverbs is that we are to recognize the gifting and direction that God places in the lives of our children. Direct them in those areas and guide them to embrace their God given talents in ways that will bring glory and honor to God. If we can lead them in that way, they will not veer from their path. God has a plan for each life. We will find fulfillment and success in life as we pursue the calling of God and help our children and others to pursue the direction of the Spirit of God. Scripture: “[Cornelius] … and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly” (Acts 10:2 NIV). |
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