WHEN ROOSTERS CROW!

WHEN ROOSTERS CROW
JOHN 13:38 & 18:27; MATTHEW 26:34 & 26:74
Mark 14:30 & 14:72; John 13:38 & 18:274


I. DESIRING ROOSTERS
1. ROOSTERS CONFRONT OUR TENDENCIES!
2. ROOSTERS COMPEL CONFESSION OF OUR TEMPTATIONS!
3. ROOSTERS CONFIRM GOD'S AWARENESS & INVOLVEMENT!
4. ROOSTERS PROMPT US TO CONFORM TO GOD'S WILL!
5. ROOSTERS BOOST CONFIDENCE IN GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY!


II. DEVELOPING ROOSTERS
1. ROOSTERS REVEAL TO US OUR HEART!
2. ROOSTERS REMIND US OF GOD'S HEART
3. ROOSTERS RENOUNCE THAT WHICH IS NOT OF GOD'S HEART!


The above outline is from my message: “When Roosters Crow!” I wish I had more room to elaborate on each point but I am restricted by the limited space of this post. In Psalm 119:11 we read, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against thee.”


God gives us Roosters! What is a rooster? A rooster is a manifestation of God’s voice speaking to us to make us aware of God’s wishes or desire for us. If you have hidden God’s word in your heart, then God will bring it to your mind at various times. It may come through reading a scripture; through a friend; a note; a picture; a song; or a sermon. It may come at any time that God needs you to step back; move aside; step forward; or simply stop and consider His Will and direction. It will be just as if a rooster crows at the critical moment.


Becky and I attended a regional conference in Champaign,Illinois last week for Voice of the Martyrs. Around the world, even today, Christians and churches are being persecuted and even tortured and killed for their faith. A Palestinian pastor from a church near Jerusalem, that is filled with believers, spoke. In a slide of their church, we were surprised to see a “Rooster” weather vane on the steeple rather than a cross. The rooster was displayed there to remind them that God was with them at all times and knew their very thoughts and futures. It reminds them to stand firm in their faith lest they deny Christ as Peter did. When they see the rooster on the steeple, they are encouraged to stop and listen for God’s voice. The placement of the rooster was based on the gospel accounts of Peter’s Rooster encounter found in all four gospels.


Have you had a rooster encounter? Please respond with a comment to testify to God’s actions that have reminded you of His Presence.

1: Easter! What have I missed?

Word Studies around the Resurrection
Pastor Mike Quimby - Session 1 - Matthew 28: 18-20 - April 3, 2010


Matthew 28:20 contains the word: “ALWAYS”!


Most people view this series of events as follows:
Jesus was crucified;
He rose from the dead after three days;
He appeared to many over a few days;
He then left and went back to Heaven via the Ascension!
Then we see the Holy Spirit coming at Pentecost. But Jesus’ own words seem to paint a different reality.


“WITH YOU ALWAYS” in the original language seems to paint a different picture. Used here to communicate that Jesus was here to stay and be Actively involved in the ministry he had just established. I would compare it to a situation like this: A relative arrives at your home after a member of your household is a victim of an illness or accident that puts them in the hospital. You have invited them to come and be there for
support. At the door, you exchange hugs and greetings. Then the guest says to you, “I am going to run upstairs and freshen up and change so that we can head to the hospital. I am here to be with you throughout this ordeal until our loved one can come home.”
They disappear upstairs and within a few minutes they come back down; changed and ready to go with you.


Jesus did not Leave us after the Resurrection! He merely went to get changed so that he could be with us ALL THE TIME!


A better rendering of this passage is found in The Message Bible: 18-20Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’LL BE WITH YOU AS YOU DO THIS, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age."


If we celebrate Easter as a historical event, then we have missed it! It is not past! It is a celebration of His PERMANENT ARRIVAL!!!!


See you next week! In the meantime, Jesus is standing at your door, ready to go to work!

HOW CAN I BENEFIT FROM A SHORELINE ENCOUNTER?

Pastor Mike Quimby - Session 5 - John 21:17-19- March 28, 2010

NUMBER 3: JESUS WANTS TO SEE A FRESH DIRECTION WITH HIM!


According to the scriptures, as Jesus winds up this Shoreline Encounter, He commands Peter to “Feed My Sheep”. Then Jesus gives us versus 18 & 19. These two verses don’t seem to go with the directive to “Feed My Sheep” John tells us, seemingly out of context, that Jesus gives him versus 18 & 19 to indicate the type of death that Peter is going to die. WHAT? How does that fit here??? But, then Jesus says, “Follow Me!”


I have observed that, in life, we go through five stages:
1. Sport Stage - Through childhood and early teens, we play
2. Structuring Stage - We begin to determine what career, education, or mate we will pursue and then pursue them.
3. Success Stage - We set our sights on acquisition, accomplishment, and achievement.
4. Significance Stage - You come to a point in your life where SUCCESS ceases to be your objective and begin to move toward doing things of SIGNIFICANCE.
5. Survival Stage - This is when you are unable to do the things you once could and you are dependent on others.


In a book called “Half Time,” author Bob Buford builds on the concept that at some point in our mid-life we will have thoughts of moving from SUCCESS to SIGNIFICANCE. At some point in your life, you find yourself at “Half Time” or a “Shore Line,” reviewing the first half and deciding, “Am I going to keep doing the things I am doing; Retreat and give up; or am I going to Respond and change my game plan and make a significant difference?


Here is how I think verses 18 & 19 FIT!


Peter has gone through the Success Stage with seemingly no Success but rather experiencing, what seems to Peter, utter failure. Here is what I interpret that Jesus was saying to Peter: “Peter, you have finished your Self-Directed life toward success. At some point your health will fail and you will not be able to accomplish anything because you will be dependent on others to dress you and lead you where they are willing to take you. SO, give me the balance of your life and let us enjoy a period of SIGNIFICANT MINISTRY. FOLLOW ME!!!!!”


One more note on the original language. The word in the scriptures that has been interpreted as “Feed” my sheep is better interpreted as “Shepherd” my sheep. This word is much more expansive than simply feeding the sheep.


When I travel across the country for conferences, I walk into really nice hotels that sometimes run over $200 per night. (Because of the nature of our business, I must stay at the hotel where our show is being held.) When I arrive, I feel pretty intimidated and apprehensive about the reservations and the cost of the room. I am always thrilled when I hear the words, “Welcome, Mr Quimby, your company has made arrangements and the hotel room and all your needs will be billed directly to them for your stay with us!” In fact, all the staff and vast resources of our company are available to accomplish the objectives of our mission. All I have to do is be willing to go and show up for the gig.


In the same way, if you will accept the DIRECTION that Jesus leads, you can count on this principle: Jesus will not send you anywhere that He has not already been there and made all the necessary arrangements and provided all the necessary resources. You do not have to fear his words: “FOLLOW ME AND LET US MOVE A NEW DIRECTION FROM THIS SHORELINE ENCOUNTER”


My next series will deal with the significance of Easter or with the evilness of tax collectors depending on how this week goes and there is an end to the list of required forms that the IRS keeps expanding. See you next week!

HOW CAN I BENEFIT FROM A SHORELINE ENCOUNTER?

Pastor Mike Quimby - Session 4 - March 13, 2010
Why does God allow us to experience these Shoreline Encounters? Why does He put us in a position where we must be in turmoil trying to determine His Will? There were two sessions of Introduction and Clarification of what a Shoreline Experience Involves. This is part 2 of our exploration of John 21 to discover the three things that Christ wants to accomplish in and through us on the Shoreline.


NUMBER 2: JESUS WANTS TO SEE A FRESH DEPENDENCE ON HIM!


Looking back over the events of Peter’s life from the moment he began following Christ, we see many major signs of Arrogance and Self-Reliance. Before Peter could be an effective leader that God could use, he would have to come to a new level of humbleness and God-Reliance.

Arrogance and Self-Reliance were signs of carnal or satanic influence. On one occasion, Jesus verbalizes the problem by proclaiming, “Get thee behind me, Satan!” Matthew 16:23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." NIV


Peter was so arrogant that he thought that he loved Jesus more than anyone else. He felt that he was better than the other disciples. But, in fact, in their humble ways, everyone loved Jesus more than he did because they were willing to accept his leadership and blindly follow his direction. They were more DEPENDENT on Jesus than Peter was.


Now, after the Denial, Crucifixion, Resurrection, and the Out-Pouring of the Holy Spirit, Jesus asks, “Do you love me more than these?” I have heard many sermons on this text and each time, the preacher tried to interpret that Jesus was asking, “Do you love me more than you love these Things?” Implying that Jesus was referring to the fish, beach, nets, fishing things, atmosphere, or something else that could be the object of Peter’s affection and joy.


I differ in my interpretation. Jesus was trying to re-instate Peter so his question was designed to confirm Peter and reveal to all, including Peter, that Peter had come to a state of God-Reliance, humbleness, and appreciation of those that Peter would lead. I believe that the question would better be understood to mean; “Peter, Do you love me more than these other disciples love me?” To me, this makes much more sense in light of Peter’s attitude deficiency. In Matthew 26:33, Mr. “Better-Than-Everybody-Else,” in front of all the other disciples, proclaimed, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I NEVER WILL.” This probably annoyed, offended, and belittled all the other disciples.


Peter had been at the pinnacle of arrogance; denied Christ; lost all Hope; had been broken, and was ready to give up. He finds himself at the Shoreline once again. Now, Jesus was ready to give the assignment for Peter to Lead and Feed His flock. You see, due to the work of God's Holy Spirit, Peter was a changed man. Peter had to answer the question, "Do I REMAIN on the Shoreline; RETREAT from the Challenge; or RESPOND to the CALL?" Fortunately for the world, He Responded to the Call!


ARE YOU AT A SHORELINE?
Is your attitude one which Jesus can utilize to Lead and Feed parts of His flock?
Do you need a Fresh and Healthy Dependence on Him?

HOW CAN I BENEFIT FROM A SHORELINE ENCOUNTER?

AT THE SHORELINE,

1. JESUS WANTS TO SEE A FRESH DEDICATION TO HIM!

2. JESUS WANTS TO SEE A FRESH DEPENDANCE ON HIM!

3. JESUS WANTS TO SEE A FRESH DIRECTION WITH HIM!

Pastor Mike Quimby - Session 3 - March 5, 2010

Why does God allow us to experience these Shoreline Encounters? Why does He put us in a position where we must be in turmoil trying to determine His Will? We begin our exploration of John 21 to discover the three things that Christ wants to accomplish in and through us on the Shoreline.

NUMBER 1: JESUS WANTS TO SEE A FRESH DEDICATION TO HIM!

In verses 15, 16, & 17, Jesus asks Peter, “Do you LOVE Me…?

In the Original Language, there are several words for LOVE. Here are two:

AGAPE = Equals a Pure, Non-Selfish, Non-arrogant, Self-less, Perfect Love like God has for us.

PHILO = Equals a lesser type Love that one person might have for another person such as a brother, sister, or friend. This word is the base for the name Philadelphia - City of Brotherly Love.

At this Shoreline Encounter, Our Lord needed to confirm to Peter the status of Peter’s DEDICATION. You see, in the past, Peter had a flawed comprehension of his level of dedication to his Lord. He would impulsively make claims about his dedication that were shallow, not-thought-out, inflated, and lacking. For example, in Mark 14:31, Peter proclaimed the level of his love, claiming to have AGAPE type love for Christ. But, Jesus informed Peter that he would fail and deny Him before the Cock next crowed.

Now here is the interesting part that I discovered from my Word Studies in John 21. The first time that Jesus asked the question, He asked, “Peter, do you AGAPE me?” Peter answered, “I PHILO you!” In other words, two times Peter was asked, “Do you love me with a God-Like Love?” Both times, Peter answered, “I love you with a less-than-that, brotherly type Love.” The final time, Jesus asked Peter, “Do you even Love me with a Brotherly type, (Philo) Love?” And Peter answered, “You know all things so you know that my Love is not perfect but I do Love you like a Brother and want that Love to grow!” (I took a little liberty here to clarify my point) Through this Encounter, Peter acknowledged that he had been “broken” like a Wild Stallion might be brought under control and could now be useful for joining the Lord’s team and caring for God’s flock.

If we desire to have an AGAPE-type Dedication to Him, then, from time to time, Jesus will bring us back to the Shoreline, so that our encounter can reveal the flaws in our love and dedication. He never brings us to the Shoreline to destroy us but to embrace, bless, and prepare us for the next phase of ministry. Each time we encounter the Shoreline, Jesus desires to see a new and deeper dedication to Him as a result.

ON THE SHORELINE, WILL YOU RETREAT, REMAIN, OR RESPOND?

(Do you need a New Shoreline Encounter?)

See you next week!!!

HOW CAN I BENEFIT FROM A SHORELINE ENCOUNTER?

REV. MICHAEL R. QUIMBY - Session 2 - February 27, 2010 Becky and I joined our daughter, Heather Day and attended the musical, "Little Women," presented at Olivet Nazarene University last evening. What a delight! But the highlight of the whole event was the appearance of Dr. John Bowling as one of the cast members.

Now, I had planned on beginning the study of this passage (John 21) this week concerning Peter's Shoreline Encounter but I witnessed, last night, what I consider a perfect example of what I am trying to communicate with this series. So I want to take this week to further elaborate on what a Shoreline Encounter involves. You see, the Shoreline represents that thin strip of land, sandy or rocky, that divides two worlds. (Retreat to the Sea, Remain on the Shoreline, or Respond and move to new Territory.)

In Peter's case, the sea represented the comfortable, familiar, safest, world of mundane life and insignificance to which he could Retreat. The land represented uncertainty, challenges, new adventure, confrontation, and the Unknown, but ultimately, God's Will and Significance.

Dr. Bowling has long been a friend and hero of mine. His Positive impact upon Olivet has been immeasurable and beyond comprehension. On two separate occasions, he found himself on the shoreline between two worlds. I am referring to the two attempts by our people to elect him to the position of General Superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene International. He certainly had all the qualifications technically, the ministry accomplishments, and is a proven Leader. But, in my mind, he would have been walking away from the greatest challenge and significant work that he was accomplishing as the President of our University. Now don't get me wrong. Our Superintendents have an overwhelming job and responsibility and I certainly could not even imagine how anyone could do all that they are required to do. But, with his skills and talents, I believe that, had he accepted the position, it would have been a "Piece of Cake" for Dr. Bowling. In some ways, it would have been a "Retreat" to simply accept the promotion. But, instead, John chose to "Respond" to the Call before him to move back Inland. Aren't you glad he did!!!

Well, evidently, Dr. Bowling experienced another "Shoreline Encounter" recently. On this shoreline, he was faced with a decision. Do I just remain on my current, comfortable path or do I risk "embarrassment and failure" and an investment of enormous time to attempt something that seems like it could be fun. ( Like Michael Jordan attempting a Baseball stint ) Well, he responded to the Opportunity and joined the cast of Little Women.

Well, I am no theater critic but I believe he wowed the crowd, Not only did he move us with his acting prowess, but he sang a solo and a duet which totally delighted the crowd. At the end, the crowd roared when he came out for his final bow. Significance, Joy, Fulfillment, Fruit, and many other benefits await those who "Respond" rather than "Remain" or "Retreat".

Why does God allow us to experience these Shoreline Encounters? Why does He put us in a position where we must be in turmoil trying to determine His Will? Next week, I will begin my exploration of the three things that Christ wants to accomplish in and through us on the Shoreline. See you next week!!!!

RETREAT --- SHORELINE --- RESPOND

(Which Direction will you move from your Shoreline?)

HOW CAN I BENEFIT FROM A SHORELINE ENCOUNTER?

REV. MICHAEL R. QUIMBY - Session 1 - February 21, 2010 This is not the first time Peter has found himself at the Shoreline. This is his third major Shoreline Encounter. While at the Shoreline he is not fishing nor is he out among the people. For Peter, the Shoreline represents a neutral zone. At some point in his life, Peter had determined that rather than deal with people and work among them he would retreat to the sea and be a fisherman.

At his first Shoreline Encounter, Jesus placed an option before him. He could either Respond to the Call to be a Fisher of Men or Retreat to the Sea to be a Fisher of Fish. Peter Responded.

In verse 3, when Peter said, “I am going fishing.” This proclamation carries a lot more significance than appears on the surface. Peter, was communicating, “I GIVE UP! I am going back to being a Fisher of Fish!” Because of his influence, everyone joined in and followed him. They were thinking, "let’s go back to what we know best - this ministry stint is a bust!" Peter Retreated!!

In my own life, I experienced a Shoreline Encounter after experiencing a heart attack and open heart surgery. I found myself on the Shoreline with a choice; “Do I give up and Retreat or Do I Discover God’s new assignment and Respond?” Although tempted to Retreat, I Chose to Respond and God has given me a whole new ministry.

For the next few weeks, we will dissect and explore chapter 21 of John. At various times in our life, we will find ourselves at the Shoreline. It might feel like God has abandoned us on the Shoreline. But, I believe that God’s Spirit is revealing a new mission to us during these times.

By the end of this study we will have explored all three things that, I believe, God wants to accomplish in and through us in a Shoreline Encounter.

WHAT DOES JESUS WANT TO ACCOMPLISH DURING OUR SHORELINE ENCOUNTERS?

I. JESUS WANTS TO SEE A FRESH DEDICATION TO HIM!

II. JESUS WANTS TO SEE A FRESH DEPENDENCE ON HIM!

III. JESUS WANTS TO SEE A FRESH DIRECTION WITH HIM!

RETREAT --- SHORELINE --- RESPOND

(Which Direction will you move from your Shoreline?)