I was in my late teens when I attended a youth rally on a Monday night at Eastview Christian Church in Bloomington, IL. In those days there was no contemporary Christian music, no video technology with image magnification on big screens in the worship center, little conscience on the part of the adult planners of such rallies about relating to the younger generation [and no padded seats!]. Basically, the service was just like church on Sundays or during revival meetings. But one component of the rally that night was fresh, alive, life-shaping for me…the preaching of the Word of God.
I have not forgotten that moment when Bob Phillips, the host minister of this 500[!] member church stood up and directed us to Psalm 119:59-60, “I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.” At the time, I didn’t think a thing about the old English translation of the King James Version. But today it sounds pretty foreign. Most of us would prefer the New International Version of the same text, “I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes. I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.”
Those two devotional verses from the Old Testament have so often challenged me. To this day, I regularly make time for solitude so I can reflect on my life path…past and present, as well as recommit to bring my obedience to up to date. The value of the preaching of God’s Word is timeless. It is ‘transgenerational.’
Pray with me… Father in heaven, you have not left us without direction for our lives. We are so glad. In our better moments we value more than anything Your love and grace, Your wisdom for how to live our lives from the inside out. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Ken
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
1/6/14
It is not unusual for folks to embrace certain predictable resolutions with the beginning of a new calendar year. Among those that impact physical health are: eating right [less carbs, no seconds, more organic, less sugar], exercising regularly [more fitness machines and memberships are sold at this time of year than any other], to stop smoking/drinking and to get more sleep. Among those that impact our mental health are: getting organized, spending less, saving more and protecting time with the family. These disciplines are all worthy and would definitely elevate the quality of life that anyone could enjoy in 2014. But, what about the priority of embracing behaviors/habits that will impact our spiritual health?
I Timothy 4:8 “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
Predictably, the greatest example of good daily spiritual disciplines is Jesus himself. He made it a priority to attend public worship faithfully. Scripture says “… on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom.” [Luke 4:16] If Jesus felt the need for fellowship and scriptural instruction, how much more should we? Several times in the Gospels we read that Jesus separated himself from others for solitary prayer, as in the Garden of Gethsemane. We know that Peter’s summary of Jesus’ daily life was, “He went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.” [Acts 10:38] As we embark on this new year, let’s think about the resolutions, disciplines and habits that have value for all things… the ones that hold promise for both the present life and the life to come… worship, fellowship, Bible study, prayer and serving others in Jesus’ name.
Pray with me… Our Great God and Father in heaven, we pray today that throughout 2014 we would be careful how we live, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. We pray that we would not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is – and then to order our lives in ways that will honor You and bless us and others. In the strong Name of Jesus we pray, amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Ken
I Timothy 4:8 “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
Predictably, the greatest example of good daily spiritual disciplines is Jesus himself. He made it a priority to attend public worship faithfully. Scripture says “… on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom.” [Luke 4:16] If Jesus felt the need for fellowship and scriptural instruction, how much more should we? Several times in the Gospels we read that Jesus separated himself from others for solitary prayer, as in the Garden of Gethsemane. We know that Peter’s summary of Jesus’ daily life was, “He went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.” [Acts 10:38] As we embark on this new year, let’s think about the resolutions, disciplines and habits that have value for all things… the ones that hold promise for both the present life and the life to come… worship, fellowship, Bible study, prayer and serving others in Jesus’ name.
Pray with me… Our Great God and Father in heaven, we pray today that throughout 2014 we would be careful how we live, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. We pray that we would not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is – and then to order our lives in ways that will honor You and bless us and others. In the strong Name of Jesus we pray, amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Ken
12/30/13
The Apostle Paul wrote these most compelling and relevant words for those of us who are on the threshold of a New Year 2014: In Philippians 3:12-14, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
The passing of another year on the calendar reminds us to put the past behind us and look forward to the days ahead. Paul hunted Christians in his younger days, to both imprison and execute them. But, his sins, which were many… were covered by the blood of Jesus. So, out of love and gratitude for the grace of God, Paul was broken, repentant, baptized and repurposed. He put his past behind him, became the greatest missionary of all time and authored much of the New Testament. Paul knew that God does not lock any of us into our past failures. When God forgives our sins, he buries them in the depths of the deepest sea and He posts a sign… ‘No Fishing!’ Psalm 103:12, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
So what disappointments & discouragements, sins & shortcomings, fears & failures are you focused on at this year’s end? With the beginning of a new calendar year, you can begin again and do what Proverbs counsels: “Fall down seven times and rise up yet again.” God is not concerned about your past. With Him you have only a present and a future. So press on, take hold, forget what is behind, strain toward what is ahead… press on toward the goal to win the prize!
Blessings,
Pastor Ken
The passing of another year on the calendar reminds us to put the past behind us and look forward to the days ahead. Paul hunted Christians in his younger days, to both imprison and execute them. But, his sins, which were many… were covered by the blood of Jesus. So, out of love and gratitude for the grace of God, Paul was broken, repentant, baptized and repurposed. He put his past behind him, became the greatest missionary of all time and authored much of the New Testament. Paul knew that God does not lock any of us into our past failures. When God forgives our sins, he buries them in the depths of the deepest sea and He posts a sign… ‘No Fishing!’ Psalm 103:12, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
So what disappointments & discouragements, sins & shortcomings, fears & failures are you focused on at this year’s end? With the beginning of a new calendar year, you can begin again and do what Proverbs counsels: “Fall down seven times and rise up yet again.” God is not concerned about your past. With Him you have only a present and a future. So press on, take hold, forget what is behind, strain toward what is ahead… press on toward the goal to win the prize!
Blessings,
Pastor Ken
Monday, December 23, 2013
12/23/13
How would you like to go to heaven right now? I am serious. I can take you. In the last two chapters of the Bible, Revelation 21 & 22, the Apostle John gives us as much of a description as we can possibly comprehend. Human history began in a paradise… the Garden of Eden. And, it will end in a paradise… the New Jerusalem, ‘a city whose builder and maker is God.’ Read and be encouraged! Lift your perspective out of the despair of this world. There’s a new world coming! Jesus brightened our planet when he came born of a virgin’s womb and he will brighten it forever when he comes in the clouds with great glory! 10 facts we know about His coming reward…heaven:
1] It is a real place…Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you… that you may also be where I am.” John 14:3
2] It is a remaining place…It will remain forever after “the first heaven and the first earth have passed away.” Revelation 21:1
3] It is a readied place…“I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.” Revelation 21:2
4] It is a relationship place…“Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.” Revelation 21:3
5] It is a relief place…“He will wipe every tear from our eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4
6] It is a refreshing place…“He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’… I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.” Revelation 21:5 & 6
7] It is a restricted place…God’s Word gives us a list of those who have chosen not to be there: “the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts [occult], the idolaters and all liars – their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” Revelation 21:8
8] It is a rich place…“The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone.” Revelation 21:18 & 19
9] It is a righteous place…“Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.” Revelation 22:12
10] It is a refuge place…“The Spirit… says, ‘Come!’… And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.” Revelation 22:17
Pray with me…. Lord, your coming to the earth brought inexpressible joy and hope the first time. Come again soon we pray. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Ken
1] It is a real place…Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you… that you may also be where I am.” John 14:3
2] It is a remaining place…It will remain forever after “the first heaven and the first earth have passed away.” Revelation 21:1
3] It is a readied place…“I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.” Revelation 21:2
4] It is a relationship place…“Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.” Revelation 21:3
5] It is a relief place…“He will wipe every tear from our eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4
6] It is a refreshing place…“He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’… I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.” Revelation 21:5 & 6
7] It is a restricted place…God’s Word gives us a list of those who have chosen not to be there: “the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts [occult], the idolaters and all liars – their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” Revelation 21:8
8] It is a rich place…“The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone.” Revelation 21:18 & 19
9] It is a righteous place…“Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.” Revelation 22:12
10] It is a refuge place…“The Spirit… says, ‘Come!’… And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.” Revelation 22:17
Pray with me…. Lord, your coming to the earth brought inexpressible joy and hope the first time. Come again soon we pray. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Ken
Monday, December 16, 2013
12/16/13
Pop singer Andy Williams was the first to record the song, ‘It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,’ back in 1963, on his very first Christmas album. The lyrics are familiar: “With the kids jingle-belling and everyone telling you ‘be of good cheer.’ It’s the hap-happiest season of all, with those holiday greetings and great happy meetings when friends come to call. There’ll be parties for hosting, marshmallows for roasting and caroling out in the snow. There’ll be scary ghost stories and tales of the glories of Christmases long, long ago. There’ll be much mistletoe-ing and hearts will be glowing when loved ones are near. It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” At the risk of sounding like Ebenezer Scrooge, can I point out the fact that there is absolutely nothing in the song that relates why Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year; nothing to connect us to the true significance of holiday [holy-day]? The song merely celebrates the feelings that we associate with Christmas and ignores the facts. But don’t you think this is representative of a lot of Christmas music? It is really just a reflection of the way many people have come to think and behave in this season. Like infant children, we play in the boxes, ribbon and paper and we are oblivious to the indescribable gift that has been given. As a result, raucous office parties, excessive alcohol consumption, irrational spending and intemperate overeating are how many people typically celebrate at Christmas time.
In contrast, I will never forget the Christmas of 1971 when Kaylene and I were on our first tour of the Holy Land. We stood in Shepherd’s Field just outside of Bethlehem on Christmas Eve with a crowd of a few hundred Christians. A light snow was falling on a crystal clear night. We worshiped together with the songs that contained the same message angel hosts announced to the world in Luke 2:14, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” The simplicity and solitude were in stark contrast to the commercial trappings of the season. The historical reality of what happened in that field during the days of Caesar Augustus was deeply impressed on all of us. My hope is that everyone who reads these words will find a quiet place to open their Bibles to Matthew 1 & 2 and Luke 2 and be transported to the night the birth of Jesus changed everything. It was the night God’s kingdom came on earth as it is in heaven.
Pray with me…Our Great God in heaven, we marvel at the genius of your way to communicate your love to each of us. Sending Jesus… born of a woman, like we are born… living on this fallen planet, tempted as we are, yet without sin… teaching us in the first person… leaving the world a written record provided by Holy Spirit inspired authors… dying in our place, paying the penalty for our sins… rising from the grave to die no more… ascending into heaven to be our advocate with the Father…providing the church as a faithful witness to the world until Jesus comes again. Thank you Lord…amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Ken
In contrast, I will never forget the Christmas of 1971 when Kaylene and I were on our first tour of the Holy Land. We stood in Shepherd’s Field just outside of Bethlehem on Christmas Eve with a crowd of a few hundred Christians. A light snow was falling on a crystal clear night. We worshiped together with the songs that contained the same message angel hosts announced to the world in Luke 2:14, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” The simplicity and solitude were in stark contrast to the commercial trappings of the season. The historical reality of what happened in that field during the days of Caesar Augustus was deeply impressed on all of us. My hope is that everyone who reads these words will find a quiet place to open their Bibles to Matthew 1 & 2 and Luke 2 and be transported to the night the birth of Jesus changed everything. It was the night God’s kingdom came on earth as it is in heaven.
Pray with me…Our Great God in heaven, we marvel at the genius of your way to communicate your love to each of us. Sending Jesus… born of a woman, like we are born… living on this fallen planet, tempted as we are, yet without sin… teaching us in the first person… leaving the world a written record provided by Holy Spirit inspired authors… dying in our place, paying the penalty for our sins… rising from the grave to die no more… ascending into heaven to be our advocate with the Father…providing the church as a faithful witness to the world until Jesus comes again. Thank you Lord…amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Ken
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
12/10/13
… A Blessed Christmas and New Year from the Idleman’s
To Our Much Loved Family of Faith:
This past year we celebrated our 45th wedding anniversary, my 47th year in ministry leadership and our 6th anniversary at Crossroads. To mark the occasion, we spent a summer evening in Nashville on the General Jackson riverboat, enjoying a dinner cruise. I remember, so well, our conversation that evening as we stood on the deck watching the landscape and the city lights slowly drift by…taking unhurried time together to trace the Lord’s hand of blessing on our lives through the years. We can testify with one voice that He is good and that He is faithful…
We are experiencing God’s goodness and faithfulness in these Crossroads years, in part, because of your friendship and partnership. May the satisfaction of our shared ministry be taken to even higher and deeper places in the year ahead as we continue to accomplish God’s purpose and expand God’s Kingdom together.
Gratefully and sincerely,
Pastor Ken and Kaylene Idleman
To Our Much Loved Family of Faith:
This past year we celebrated our 45th wedding anniversary, my 47th year in ministry leadership and our 6th anniversary at Crossroads. To mark the occasion, we spent a summer evening in Nashville on the General Jackson riverboat, enjoying a dinner cruise. I remember, so well, our conversation that evening as we stood on the deck watching the landscape and the city lights slowly drift by…taking unhurried time together to trace the Lord’s hand of blessing on our lives through the years. We can testify with one voice that He is good and that He is faithful…
We are experiencing God’s goodness and faithfulness in these Crossroads years, in part, because of your friendship and partnership. May the satisfaction of our shared ministry be taken to even higher and deeper places in the year ahead as we continue to accomplish God’s purpose and expand God’s Kingdom together.
Gratefully and sincerely,
Pastor Ken and Kaylene Idleman
Monday, December 2, 2013
12/02/13
My most memorable December was, hands down, the year I proposed marriage to my wife…Kaylene. We had known each other only four months, but I knew she was ‘the one.’ Sitting together in my car one evening, I told her I had an early Christmas present for her in the glove box. [I know… not too creative or romantic, but it produced a favorable outcome nevertheless!] Thankfully, she loved the engagement ring and said, "yes".
And in 45 years together I have learned one thing…that marriage isn’t for me! Now that I have your attention…Marriage isn’t for you either. You don’t marry to make yourself happy; you marry to make someone else happy. Marriage isn’t for you. You marry for a family, not just your in-laws, but for your future children and grandchildren. Who do you want to help you raise them? Who do you want to help you influence their values and shape their character? Marriage is not about you. Marriage is about the person you married. From the beginning, I wanted to love this woman. I wanted to make her happy; to see her thrive as a Christ-follower, to see her smile every day, to see her laugh every day. True marriage [and true love] is never about you. It’s about the person you love – their needs, their hopes, their dreams.
Away with the Wal-Mart approach choosing a husband or wife…if it doesn’t suit me, I will return it and get a new one. It’s not what can I get out of this relationship for me…It’s what can I give to my beloved. To all who are reading these words – married, engaged, single and available or single by giftedness…marriage is not for you! The capacity to love is not to benefit you. It is to benefit the person you love. But here is the kicker…The more you love that person, the more love you will receive. Truly, love and marriage isn’t for you, but you are the primary beneficiary when you love unselfishly!
I John 4:7 & 8 “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
Pray with me… Father God, teach us and empower us to love unselfconsciously and unselfishly… starting with our family and then moving outward to our church family and then the family of mankind in this world. And may we not love in word only, but may we love in deed and in truth. In the name of Jesus, amen
Blessings,
Pastor Ken
And in 45 years together I have learned one thing…that marriage isn’t for me! Now that I have your attention…Marriage isn’t for you either. You don’t marry to make yourself happy; you marry to make someone else happy. Marriage isn’t for you. You marry for a family, not just your in-laws, but for your future children and grandchildren. Who do you want to help you raise them? Who do you want to help you influence their values and shape their character? Marriage is not about you. Marriage is about the person you married. From the beginning, I wanted to love this woman. I wanted to make her happy; to see her thrive as a Christ-follower, to see her smile every day, to see her laugh every day. True marriage [and true love] is never about you. It’s about the person you love – their needs, their hopes, their dreams.
Away with the Wal-Mart approach choosing a husband or wife…if it doesn’t suit me, I will return it and get a new one. It’s not what can I get out of this relationship for me…It’s what can I give to my beloved. To all who are reading these words – married, engaged, single and available or single by giftedness…marriage is not for you! The capacity to love is not to benefit you. It is to benefit the person you love. But here is the kicker…The more you love that person, the more love you will receive. Truly, love and marriage isn’t for you, but you are the primary beneficiary when you love unselfishly!
I John 4:7 & 8 “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
Pray with me… Father God, teach us and empower us to love unselfconsciously and unselfishly… starting with our family and then moving outward to our church family and then the family of mankind in this world. And may we not love in word only, but may we love in deed and in truth. In the name of Jesus, amen
Blessings,
Pastor Ken
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