Jeff Searcy

June 12, 2011

Relevant:

“I don’t feel like it.”

Proverbs 12:27

At some point or another, it is safe to say that we have all come to a point where we don’t feel like doing something we either know we should or are supposed to do. The list is endless so there is really no need to begin naming the things that we, at some point or another, “don’t feel like doing.” However, we know that if we give into our feelings and not do something we should or are supposed to do, there will be repercussions. While the repercussions can certainly vary in levels of seriousness, many times the results are feelings of stress, hurriedness, fear, remorse, or unpreparedness. Let’s take a school or work project, for instance. We usually have an amount of lead time that we are given before we have to turn in and/or present the project. When looking at methods of addressing the work at hand, we have a number of options but at its essence, how we go about completing the assignment can be in placed in one of two camps: incremental or crammed. Many of us know the crammed method…wait until the last minute to try and knock out a project that is due…Monday…when just starting on it the Friday before. Let me speak from experience: inconvenience because now I have to likely stay up half the weekend focusing solely on the project (no fun), I’m stressed, wishing I had worked on it more over the past month, fear that I will not finish in time, and then when Monday rolls around and I am in front of my class or colleagues, I feel wholly unprepared to present. Sound familiar? Of course, this is the best case scenario…finishing the project. What about the spot where we wait until the last minute and something happens, beyond our control, that keeps us from working on the project and thus it does not get completed on time. And when our name is called to take front and center… the point of truth…we have to tell the teacher, professor, boss, client, etc…, “I am not ready.” I can think of a couple of results to the last scenario: bad grade, being fired, losing a client, just to name a few. Proverbs 12:24 says, “The diligent find freedom in their work; the lazy are oppressed by work.”(MSG) What if we went the incremental path…like we know we are really supposed to? Yes, it could mean over the next month we have to head to the office or quiet spot at home more than we may like (forgoing more pleasurable activities), get up early, stay up late, etc… in order to knock out some work on the project. Despite whether we feel like it or not…we do it. Why? Because of the potential outcome. It is no different with our time with God and in prayer. However, in the case of life, we are not given a “due date” for the life project He assigns us.

Challenge: Proverbs 12:27 says, “A lazy life is an empty life, but ‘early to rise’ gets the job done.”(MSG) Not doing something because we “don’t feel like it” obviously brings with it potential consequences and repercussions. Life is the ultimate project and contains more “unlikeable” assignments and tasks than any workplace or academic institution could ever dream of. But in the end, if we will do the things we know we should, regardless of whether we feel like it or not (that is especially true about our time talking to and getting to know our Heavenly Father), when we are called front and center or faced with a challenge, we are likely to be more prepared, fulfilled, less stressed, and less impacted by uncontrollable circumstances that will inevitably arise along the way.

Prayer: Lord, I am so thankful that You are faithful and always there when I need You. I want to have more consistent time with You, regardless of my circumstances or feelings. Please help me. I know there are and will be times I feel unworthy, faithless, and just plain ungodly. In those times, please fill me with your grace, forgiveness, and redemptive power. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

For more about getting involved and supporting Servant Warrior Ministries, visit www.servantwarriorministries.org.   

June 5, 2011

Relentless:

“Being pursued…”

1 Peter 5:8-9

Do you like horror movies? I’m really not a fan of them at all. Of course, that doesn’t mean I haven’t seen my fair share. Despite the differences in plots, characters, etc…across the “horror movie spectrum”, there is one thing the majority of them all have in common: a chase scene. And I’m not talking about a good old fashion car chase, I’m talking about a bad guy, murderer, monster, alien, etc…chasing a seemingly helpless victim. And despite the fact that the victim always runs, and of course trips over something because the chase usually occurs at night…through the woods…in the fog…etc…, the monster never has to run but always seems to catch him or her. The soon-to-be victim is usually frantic, disoriented, fearful, helpless, etc… Enough of Hollywood’s make-believe. There is a REAL monster, murderer, liar, deceiver, and evil one who pursues us relentlessly. His name is Satan. And despite the fact that we cannot actually see him, like the victims see their pursuer in the movies, the fruits of his labor are seen every day in the world we live in through the things he deploys in his attempt to separate us from God. Take heart, men of God. Nothing can separate us from the love of God (Rom 8:38-39). We, the pursued, are NOT to be frantic, disoriented, fearful, or helpless. “God did not give us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self discipline.” (2 Tim 1:7) Additionally, “…we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Rom 8:37). How can we be assured that we can withstand the attacks Satan deploys against us in this world? Our strength does not come from us but from the One who overcame the world. Christ knew we would face trials and attacks. That is why He told His disciples and us, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).

Challenge: It is so easy to allow the evil one to get the best of us through his lies, deceptions, and tactics. Satan knows exactly where the soft spots in the armor are and he knows the best times to hit us. However, we are called to stand firm in the faith, to be men of courage, to be strong (1 Cor 16:13). We are told to “Be self controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” (1 Pet 5:8-9). Stand firm against Satan’s attacks and don’t run from him. Stand firm in the faith in, and promise of, Almighty God, the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth, the Great I Am. He tells us just as He told Joshua He “…will never leave us nor forsake us.” (Joshua 1:5)

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your love and your grace. Thank you for giving me a spirit of power, of love, and of self discipline. Lord, there are times that I allow the devil to get the best of me. But your grace abounds. I am so grateful that I can rest in your strength and stand firm against the devil’s schemes through your causative and overcoming power. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

For more about getting involved and supporting Servant Warrior Ministries, visit www.servantwarriorministries.org.   

Week of May 22, 2011

Real:

“Walking the Talk…”

Colossians 3:7-10

I was having a conversation with a gentleman just this past week who told me that as much as he hated to say it, he was really getting disheartened by the lack of genuineness among the men in his church. He said the more he thought about it, the more he saw it among the “Christian” men he knew and associated with. He told me that as much as he would like not to admit it, it made him not want to go to church. He said he could see why more men are not “stepping up” in the way they should because despite what many “men of the church” speak from their mouths there is very little observable difference between the men inside and outside of the church. No matter how many times I get hit with that reality baseball bat, it still hurts.

Challenge: It doesn’t matter where we are, who we are, or what we are, a lack of genuineness puts a barrier between us and those around us. For men of God, if we are going to heed Christ’s commandment of “making disciples of all nations” (Matt 28:19) and reach generations of men where they are and impact them for Christ, there has to be a distinct and consistent difference between us and men of the world. Talking the talk but not walking the walk hurts our testimony more than if we said nothing at all. This is true for men of any age. This week, take a look in the mirror. Be honest with who you see and ask yourself, “If someone said something about me, either way, would there be enough evidence to convict me?”

Prayer: Lord, please help me be honest with myself and more importantly, honest with You. You already know me better than I know myself…and You love me unconditionally and call me your own. I pray that You, who are Absolute Truth, shine through me in all that I say and do. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

For more about getting involved and supporting Servant Warrior Ministries, visit www.servantwarriorministries.org.

Week of May 15, 2011

Relevant:

“Don’t Caw. Come in”

Romans 12:10

There is a bar not too far from my home that has a sign out front with a picture of a crow standing with his arms open saying, “Don’t caw. Come in.” I just love that sign. And it is so relevant to the shift in how we interact with others. It seems in today’s busy, hectic, fast paced transactional world of technological communications, in-person interactions are becoming a thing of the past. We have gone from sitting down for lunch, to grabbing a phone call, to sending an email, to a 142 character text message. In essence, relationships are disappearing. There are many reasons for this. But if we are honest, spending time with someone else usually doesn’t fit into “our” schedule. This is true in our personal and professional lives. We are so wrapped up in ourselves and our own “stuff” that we don’t have time for others. Actually, we have the time…we just don’t make the time.

Challenge: Jesus told His disciples, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so must you love one another.” (John 13:34). How did Jesus love others? Sacrificially. He put others before himself. He spent time with His disciples, building a relationship. One of the greatest ways to honor someone is to give them the only non-renewable resource we have, our time. Make some time this week to grow your relationships…face to face.

Prayer: Lord, I have allowed my life to become so busy that I barely have time to get everything done. I know there are relationships in my life that need attention…most importantly, my relationship with you. Help me prioritize my day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

For more about getting involved and supporting Servant Warrior Ministries, visit www.servantwarriorministries.org.

Relentless:

“Treasure Hunter”

Prov 1:7, 2:3-6; 1 Cor 1:27, 3:19; Eph 3:16-19

It has been said that “knowledge is power.” Actually, I think a more accurate statement is “the use of knowledge is powerful.” Knowledge by itself is like the sharpest axe in the world. It is absolutely useless unless someone swings it. Many of us find ourselves on this relentless quest for knowledge…in the acquisition of educational degrees, through books, training seminars, infomercials, etc… We believe that the more we know, the more we learn, the better we will be. Getting an education, preparing for one’s future, learning the particulars of an industry, product, job, etc…is essential to being successful and effective in many aspects of both an educational and professional environment. However, this knowledge is not the foundation by which God calls us in our lives. It seems the smarter we get by the world’s standards, the more capable we feel we are to analyze God’s Word, sometimes question its validity, demand scientific evidence and proof, or simply think we are too smart to believe in God and His Word. All throughout the Bible the perils are revealed, from God’s perspective, of being “wise in our own eyes” and of the arrogance that often comes with worldly knowledge.

Challenge: Proverbs 1:7 tells us “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,…” God does not tell us not to become knowledgeable about the world. He tells us not to become rooted in it. “For the wisdom of the world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written, ‘He catches the wise in their craftiness.’” (1 Cor 3:19) We have the instructions: “…and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.”( Prov 2:3-6). Rather than filtering God’s Word through worldly knowledge, try filtering worldly knowledge through God’s Word. I think you will be surprised at the perspective shift.

Prayer: Lord, your Word tells me that You and your love are the root of all knowledge, wisdom, insight, and understanding. And that wisdom and understanding are worth more than gold and silver. There is so much pressure on being seen as an authority on this or an authority on that…to learn this or that…all things based on man’s perspective. You tell me if I seek first your kingdom, the things I need will be given to me. Lord, thank you for your faithfulness as I need wisdom and discernment. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

For more about getting involved and supporting Servant Warrior Ministries, visit www.servantwarriorministries.org.

Week of April 17, 2011

Relevant:

“Things are not as they seem…”

Isaiah 55:8-9

Once while on a trip with my family, the check engine soon light came on in our car. I didn’t think much about it until we started on the trip home. We hadn’t gone 5 miles before the car began to act up. I wasn’t going to take a chance. I took my family back to our relatives’ house and then took the car to a repair shop that had been recommended to me by an auto parts store. The initial indications revealed a potentially costly repair…well over $600. I was a bit discouraged but rather than get upset, I realized there wasn’t much I could do about it and began to pray and ask God to reveal why I was there. I knew there was a reason, I just felt it. After replacing the components that the computer scanner said was defective, the problem codes remained. It was somewhat comical as I told the shop owner just a few minutes earlier that it would be funny if after 4 hours of work the problem remained. It did. Come to find out, after some further diagnostics and voltage checks, the problem was found…a blown fuse. Needless to say, the repair was not as costly as anticipated. And even though every indication and troubleshooting result said one thing, the actual problem was something completely different…and much more simple. The mechanic was embarrassed but there was no need. He did all he knew to do and followed the obvious path resulting from what the indications told him. During my time at the shop and through our conversations, I realized he was a man of faith…affirming that I was there for a reason. To make a long story short, as we were wrapping up I was able to share with him about Servant Warrior Ministries, give him some Full Armor prayer cards that he could pass onto others, and hopefully gained a new friend. Why did all this happen? Why that shop and not another? I still don’t know. I hope that one day I find out. One thing I do know is that it was God working in and through me that kept me from losing my cool. Additionally, I am pretty confident that what happened at the end of my 5 hour visit to the repair shop would not have happened or would likely have had no impact if I hadn’t been open to God’s prompting and whisper…realizing that all was not what it seemed.  We never know how God will orchestrate and use circumstances. We just have to always be ready.

Challenge: None of us know the future. Nor are things always what they seem. Isaiah 55:8-9 says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher your your thoughts.” Every day, it seems, we face trials and challenges that often generate an initial response but when all is said and done render our first response inappropriate or unwarranted. I am one of the world’s worst at reacting before everything plays out. The challenge this week is to allow things to play out, especially those that have the potential of being less than optimal, and ask God to show Himself and His will through the circumstance. Trust me. You will be amazed at the result…and at His faithfulness.

Prayer: Lord, I am so grateful your plan is perfect…and for your forgiveness. I need your help as there are times that my reactions are dictated by the immediate issue or issues in front of me rather than how you are using the issue or issues in furthering your will. Lord, please give me perspective and discernment as I never want to miss an opportunity or hinder your work through me…because of me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Visit www.servantwarriorministries.org. Servant Warrior Ministries is a Real…Radical…Relentless…Relevant movement to reach men of all ages, where they are, and share with them the love of Jesus Christ.

Week of April 10, 2011

Relentless:

“The Pursuit”

Matthew 5:6, 6:33; Galatians 2:21; 2Timothy 2:22; 2Peter 3:11

What is it that we pursue? Fame? Success? Possessions? Power? A woman? The perfect golf swing? There are so many things in this life and this world we pursue that we often lose sight of what is truly important, what will have lasting impact, and what will not fade away. In fact, those things we find hardest to attain are the very things we pursue with a relentless tenacity comparable only to that of a heat seeking missile. Status, wealth, accomplishment, recognition, and possessions are natural pursuits for the human spirit. It is that spirit of pursuit that resides in all of us. It is how we are wired. And this spirit of pursuit can be found both inside and outside the walls of the church. God gives us a hint in His word how to attain all that we pursue. But, be ready. His ways are not our ways and our ways are not His.

Challenge: King Solomon, the man who literally had everything, said, “Meaningless! Meaningless!… Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). We are told in God’s word to pursue righteousness and not the things of this world. We are told to seek first the kingdom of God… and the things that we need will be given to us (Matthew 6). We are also told to ‘delight in the Lord and he will give us the desires of our hearts.’ (Psalm 37:4). The challenge this week is to commit to pursue God and His righteousness…first. If this is new for you, don’t worry. We all crawled before we were able to run.

Prayer: Lord, Your word tells me that if pursue You, You will give me everything I need. Sometimes it is hard for me to focus on You first when all of my needs are staring me in the face. You also tell me that if I keep with You, I will get the desires of my heart. Lord, I am so grateful for your forgiveness because I need it. Because if I am honest, with myself and with You, sometimes, maybe a lot of the time, I have a hard time going after what You want me to rather than what I want to. Please help me to look upward before I look forward. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Visit www.servantwarriorministries.org. Servant Warrior Ministries is a Real…Radical…Relentless…Relevant movement to reach men of all ages, where they are, and share with them the love of Jesus Christ.

Make sure to listen to this message on Servant Warrior Radio, Friday April 13, 6:00am CST (7:00EST) on KJSL TruthTalk AM 630, St. Louis, MO, or on the web at www.TruthTalk630.com

April 8, 2012

Radical:

“Rabid Fans…”

Romans 12:11

I am stoked as the start of college football’s 2011 campaign is upon us. As a fan, coach, and player growing up, I find myself becoming engrossed in coaching my kids, watching games, and just enjoying being a fan. That’s how guys are wired. We aspire to be a part of a team…a part of something. It doesn’t have to be sports. It can be anything. And as guys, we can sometimes be tagged with the label of being “rabid fans” of our particular team, driver, game, etc…That kind of passion and enthusiasm is great and what draws us into being fans. What if we put the same kind of rabid passion into being fans of Jesus and His team? For many, the perception is that it’s not the same. I have seen fans of opposing teams, especially of college teams, get into fights in defense of their unyielding devotion and passion for their school…their team. How many times have we seen that same unyielding passion and devotion in defense of Jesus Christ? No victory on any playing field compares to His over death. And no other victory past, preset, or future, will ever have such an impact on our lives, for eternity, as His. Think about it. I love my teams as much as anyone…maybe more so than most. But if I am honest with myself, I don’t think any of them would be willing to die for me…whether they knew me or not. But they get my enthusiasm, my allegiance, my passion.

Challenge: Sports, athletes, entertainers, and so many other things get our passion, our loyalty, our devotion over the One who bore the sins of all of humanity, past, present, and future, and died for us so that we can have eternal life. And He did it for all. Romans 5:8 provides some perspective: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” God is your biggest fan. Give Him some of your passion…your “rabid fanaticism”. Remember, with God, you are guaranteed a win. You can’t say that about any other team.

Prayer: Lord, sometimes I forget the magnitude of your victory over death…and what it means for me. Please create a fire in me that will fuel my relationship with you and my “rabid fanaticism” for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

For more about getting involved or supporting Servant Warrior Ministries, visit www.servantwarriorministries.org.   

Week of April 3

“Rabid Fans”

Romans 12:11

I am stoked with the coming of spring as the return of baseball and many other sports is upon us. As a fan, coach, and former player, I find myself becoming engrossed in coaching my kids, watching games, and just enjoying being a fan. That’s how guys are wired. We aspire to be a part of a team…a part of something. It does not have to be sports. It can be anything. And as guys, we can sometimes be tagged with the label of being “rabid fans” of our particular team, driver, game, etc…That kind of passion and enthusiasm is great and what draws us into being fans. What if we put the same kind of rabid passion into being fans of Jesus and His team? For many, the perception is that it’s not the same. I have seen fans of opposing teams, especially of college teams, get into fights in defense of their unyielding devotion and passion for their school…their team. How many times have we seen that same unyielding passion and devotion in defense of Jesus Christ? No victory on any playing field compares to His over death. And no other victory past, preset, or future, will ever have such an impact on our lives, for eternity, as His. Think about it. I love my teams as much as anyone…maybe more so than most. But if I am honest with myself, I don’t think any of them would be willing to die for me…whether they knew me or not. But they get my enthusiasm, my allegiance, my passion.

Challenge: Sports, athletes, entertainers, and so many other things get our passion, our loyalty, our devotion over the One who bore the sins of all of humanity, past, present, and future, and died for us so that we can have eternal life. And He did it for all. Romans 5:8 provides some perspective: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” God is your biggest fan. Give Him some of your passion…your “rabid fanaticism”. Remember, with God, you are guaranteed a win. You can’t say that about any other team.

Prayer: Lord, sometimes I forget the magnitude of your victory over death…and what it means for me. Please create a fire in me that will fuel my relationship with you and my “rabid fanaticism” for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Visit www.servantwarriorministries.org. Servant Warrior Ministries is a Real…Radical…Relentless…Relevant movement to reach men of all ages, where they are, and share with them the love of Jesus Christ.

March 20, 2011

Relevant:

“Lighten the Load”

Matt 11:28-30; Ps 38:4, 55:22, 68:19; Gal 5:1, 6:2

It always amazes me how airplanes that weigh so much are able to get off the ground and fly. Aerodynamics is absolutely amazing. I love the movie Pearl Harbor (Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett, Alec Baldwin).  We all know the story but there is a small but significant message in the movie that is so relevant to us today. In the movie, the success of the Army Air Corps’ bombing run missions into Japan depended on the ability to take off from an aircraft carrier. The carriers, however, had a very short runway and the planes had to be at absolute minimal weight in order to get in the air before the runway ran out. Failure meant crashing into the ocean. How often are our lives a direct reflection of those planes? We are so weighed down by the burdens of life that we can’t seem to get off the carrier except to…swim. There is a way to “lighten the load”. Christ tells us to “Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matt 11:28.  Ps 55:22 tells us to “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you: he will never let the righteous fall.” We serve a big God. And He can handle our burdens. All we have to do is give them to Him.

Challenge: For many of us it is difficult to cast our burdens on someone else, even Christ…the only one who can truly handle them. And despite how much we want to, we don’t. Jesus is patient, humble, and knocking at our door. He will always be there when we open it. If you can’t cast all your worries and troubles on Him right now, start by casting only a few. Watch how He will come through for you. Remember, walking with Christ is a marathon, not a sprint.

Prayer: Lord, I have all kinds of burdens that are weighing me down and keeping me from flying with you. And even though I want to, I have a hard time giving things over to you. Help me trust in you, that you can handle all my cares and worries, and that you will not let me fall. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Visit www.servantwarriorministries.org. Servant Warrior Ministries is a Real…Radical…Relentless…Relevant movement to reach men of all ages, where they are, and share with them the love of Jesus Christ.

Relentless:

When the going gets tough, the tough get….

Matt 26:41; Rom 8:26; 2 Cor 12:9-10; Phil 4:13;

We have all heard the saying, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” It is right up there with “Pull yourself up by your boot straps.” As guys, we are very familiar with these sayings and attitudes. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this type of relentless approach and tenacity when facing obstacles, hardships, or challenges. How many times have we tried to take things on ourselves, in our own strength, and come up short? How do we feel? Inadequate? Weak? Not up to the challenge? Even the fastest race car and most formidable land mover machines don’t finish strong without fuel and/or the right operator. I’ve never heard of something that can move tons of earth with ease referred to as ‘weak’ or ‘inadequate”. And neither are you. Jesus Christ said “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Cor 12:9. Don’t feel you have to take on the challenges of life alone or in your own strength. Let the Omnipresent and Omnipotent God work through you and on your behalf.

This Week: I challenge you to lean on God and ask Him to help you with some of your challenges and obstacles. For many of you who find it hard to let go of things or feel the need to maintain control, rest in the fact that the Almighty is up for the task. He wants to show you how faithful and capable He is.

Prayer: Father, I am so thankful that You care about the challenges and struggles in my life. I am also thankful that you are capable of handling anything and faithful to never let me down. Please give me the strength, Lord, to allow you to work through me and on my behalf. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Visit www.servantwarriorministries.org. Servant Warrior Ministries is a Real…Radical…Relentless…Relevant movement to reach men of all ages, where they are, and share with them the love of Jesus Christ.