"Undeserving"
Lamentations 4:1-5:22
Hebrews 2:1-18
Psalm 103:1-22
Proverbs 26:23
We all have expectations. When we walk into a store, we expect that employees will treat customers with respect. If we buy something, it will be in good working order. We should be satisfied. We paid for it, we deserve it.
What a blessing it is to serve God. "I bless the holy name of God with all my heart. Yes, I will bless the Lord and not forget the glorious things he does for me. He forgives all my sin. He heals me. He ransoms me from hell. He surrounds me with lovingkindness and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things! My youth is renewed like the eagle's! He gives justice to all who are treated unfairly." Ps 103:1-7
How do you feel reading that scripture? It's too easy to read all of that and say, "Boy, I sure am glad for all that!" and go on with the day. We can become callous to the blessing of salvation.
"He is merciful and tender toward those who don't deserve it; he is slow to get angry and full of kindness and love. He never bears a grudge, nor remains angry forever. He has not punished us as we deserve for all our sin, for his mercy toward those who fear and honor him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth." Ps 103:8-11
"those who don't deserve it..." Who is that? that's me. I walk in and out of the church doors at least a couple dozen times each week. I must be cautious lest I take for granted the grace God has given me. I should never walk into his presence as if I deserve to be there. I should not walk through life as if I deserve to be a child of God. I don't. All i deserve is the punishment for my sin. Praise the Lord, "he has not punished us as we deserve..."
I'm thankful that through the power of his blood we can boldly come before him. "He has removed our sins as far away from us as the east is from the west." Ps 103:12 He has made us pure. Even though we don't deserve it. "For he knows we are but dust, and that our days are few and brief, like grass, like flowers, blown by the wind and gone forever."
How does an individual live if they feel like they "deserve" God's favor? They make for tough customers. We had friends years ago who had a goal to get a free meal at a restaurant every time. They would try to find something to make a stink about. It was actually quite embarrassing. When asked about it, the comment was, "hey, I paid for this meal, and it's their job to keep us happy." Well, let's just say they had their work cut out for them.
Do you know that it's not God's "job" to keep us happy? He has a purpose for all creation, and we are so blessed to be even thought of as part of the family. How awful to walk around in life as if "I paid for this Christianity, so I deserve better..."
Lord, I'm so thankful that you chose me to be one of your very own. I'm full of flaws and I've failed you many times, and yet your love for me just makes it all seem to disappear. Forgive me for times that I walk around as a spoiled child acting arrogant like I deserve your favor. I don't. Help me to walk daily in the humility of one who's been forgiven so much.
"Let everything everywhere bless the Lord. And how I bless him too!" Ps. 103:22
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
10.30.7 "Trick or Treat!"
"Trick or Treat!"
Lamentations 2:20 - 3:66
Hebrews 1:1-14
Psalm 102:1-28
Proverbs 26:21-22
Sin is sneaking up on you. It's waiting for a chance to infect you. You're probably thinking that this is going to have something to do with halloween. It doesn't. It has to do with one of the biggest lures and deceptions in the body of Christ. This is a sin that probably all Christians have taken part of at some point. Sometimes it's been willful, other times it came out of nowhere, but the opportunity is always there. It's always at the door. It's not only at your door. There's someone near who's often willing to dive into the sin with you.
"Gossip is a dainty morsel eaten with great relish." Prov. 26:22
What is it about gossip? For some reason people like to talk about other people. "Did you hear about..." Why is that such a lure? Why are we enthralled with the problems of others? A few days ago the Proverb reading said, "Yanking a dog's ears is no more foolish than interfering in an argument that isn't any of your business." Prov. 26:17
Sometimes we think that if we phrase gossip in the form of a prayer request, we've cleared ourselves of the sin part. That's not necessarily true. Our human nature wants to feel better about itself. Often it takes the opportunity to shine light on someone else's faults or struggles just to elevate ourselves.
There is some lure to gossip. It's like a piece of candy. I like those brown pink and white ones with the coconut... mmmm... you pop it in your mouth and your mouth waters, savoring the flavor. There's something about our human nature that salivates over hearing the troubles and / or faults of others. If we are not careful we find ourselves savoring their trial.
How do we know when something is gossip, and not just talking about our lives? One way is to recognize when the voices go low. Another is when it's said, "Don't tell anybody this, but..."
Wouldn't it be great to be gossip free? Where trust and freedom abound? That's the fruit of Relationships Devoted to Unity. If I know you would never say anything to harm me, and you know the same about me, we can trust each other to work together in ministry... to help each other through any situation. I will treat your needs with honor, and I know you will defend me to the end. That's a the kind of Body I want to be a part of. One that is truly Devoted to Unity.
Yesterday's Proverb was verse 20: "Fire goes out for lack of fuel, and tensions disappear when gossip stops." I love the thought of "tensions disappear". How wonderful that is! Let's prioritize that atmosphere in the body of Christ!
Don't be lured in by the "treat" of gossip. It's really a "trick" that destroys unity. Unity is VERY important to Christ, so we need to treat it with the utmost care. Defend one another!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Lamentations 2:20 - 3:66
Hebrews 1:1-14
Psalm 102:1-28
Proverbs 26:21-22
Sin is sneaking up on you. It's waiting for a chance to infect you. You're probably thinking that this is going to have something to do with halloween. It doesn't. It has to do with one of the biggest lures and deceptions in the body of Christ. This is a sin that probably all Christians have taken part of at some point. Sometimes it's been willful, other times it came out of nowhere, but the opportunity is always there. It's always at the door. It's not only at your door. There's someone near who's often willing to dive into the sin with you.
"Gossip is a dainty morsel eaten with great relish." Prov. 26:22
What is it about gossip? For some reason people like to talk about other people. "Did you hear about..." Why is that such a lure? Why are we enthralled with the problems of others? A few days ago the Proverb reading said, "Yanking a dog's ears is no more foolish than interfering in an argument that isn't any of your business." Prov. 26:17
Sometimes we think that if we phrase gossip in the form of a prayer request, we've cleared ourselves of the sin part. That's not necessarily true. Our human nature wants to feel better about itself. Often it takes the opportunity to shine light on someone else's faults or struggles just to elevate ourselves.
There is some lure to gossip. It's like a piece of candy. I like those brown pink and white ones with the coconut... mmmm... you pop it in your mouth and your mouth waters, savoring the flavor. There's something about our human nature that salivates over hearing the troubles and / or faults of others. If we are not careful we find ourselves savoring their trial.
How do we know when something is gossip, and not just talking about our lives? One way is to recognize when the voices go low. Another is when it's said, "Don't tell anybody this, but..."
Wouldn't it be great to be gossip free? Where trust and freedom abound? That's the fruit of Relationships Devoted to Unity. If I know you would never say anything to harm me, and you know the same about me, we can trust each other to work together in ministry... to help each other through any situation. I will treat your needs with honor, and I know you will defend me to the end. That's a the kind of Body I want to be a part of. One that is truly Devoted to Unity.
Yesterday's Proverb was verse 20: "Fire goes out for lack of fuel, and tensions disappear when gossip stops." I love the thought of "tensions disappear". How wonderful that is! Let's prioritize that atmosphere in the body of Christ!
Don't be lured in by the "treat" of gossip. It's really a "trick" that destroys unity. Unity is VERY important to Christ, so we need to treat it with the utmost care. Defend one another!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Monday, October 29, 2007
10.29.7 "The DLOW Challenge"
"The DLOW Challenge"
Lamentations 1:1 - 2:19
Philemon 1:1-25
Psalm 101:1-8
Proverbs 26:20
So, are you living the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship? Where's the easiest place for you to live your "D-LOW"? I would imagine that for most it's a church setting. We know how we're supposed to act spiritual there, so we put it on. For some it may be at work. I've talked to a few who work in a factory where they can sing to the top of their lungs and no one can hear them. How's your DLOW when you're driving?
Living the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship entails turning every situation into a chance to commune with God. It's rejoicing in trials and victories alike. It's recognizing that every frustration is an opportunity to hear his voice in a new way. It's offering him our highest form of worship: Obedience.
Do you know what can be the hardest place to let your DLOW shine?? HOME! Home is where we let it all out. Our family sees our flaws. In public we've worked to maintain an image. We wanna be light to the world, so we're really careful about what we say. We keep our attitudes in check. We even try to point others to scriptural principles. So, what happens at home?
David was a man after God's own heart. He had the same issue. "I will try to walk a blameless path, but how I need your help, especially in my own home, where I long to act as I should." Ps 101:2
What happens when tensions rise in the home? Where's the DLOW? It's interesting that when we begin to set into motion the habit of worship and obedience at home, it becomes MUCH easier everywhere else.
Do you ever wonder why reality TV is so popular? My theory is that people like to see the portrayal of how people REALLY are. Most people live their lives constantly building walls of pride and pretension. With these shows, the reality cameras are always on, so people are shown for who they really are. My guess is the popularity is there because the viewers realize that "I'm not so bad" when they realize others are the same or "worse" than they are.
Who I am at home is WHO I AM. Once Annalese found my name tag and was walking around saying. "Look I'm Pastor Greg, you're just Greg!" She was getting a big kick out of it. The question is how much difference is there between Greg & Pastor Greg? When the name tag goes on what has to change? If I'm Living the DLOW, there is no mask. No pretension.
When the atmosphere of the home is one where worship is alive, it's amazing how family members can encourage one another. My daughter said, "Daddy, I was looking for this and I prayed and God help me find it." That may not seem like a big deal, but when we connect our relationship with the Lord to the everyday victories and frustrations, we are beginning to Live the DREAM.
How's the DLOW in your home? Make the presence of God known in your home. When someone has a hard day, stop and pray together. Respond to situations in a Godly manner. Respond with worship and obedience & see what begins to happen. Live the Dynamic LIFESTYLE of Worship.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Lamentations 1:1 - 2:19
Philemon 1:1-25
Psalm 101:1-8
Proverbs 26:20
So, are you living the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship? Where's the easiest place for you to live your "D-LOW"? I would imagine that for most it's a church setting. We know how we're supposed to act spiritual there, so we put it on. For some it may be at work. I've talked to a few who work in a factory where they can sing to the top of their lungs and no one can hear them. How's your DLOW when you're driving?
Living the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship entails turning every situation into a chance to commune with God. It's rejoicing in trials and victories alike. It's recognizing that every frustration is an opportunity to hear his voice in a new way. It's offering him our highest form of worship: Obedience.
Do you know what can be the hardest place to let your DLOW shine?? HOME! Home is where we let it all out. Our family sees our flaws. In public we've worked to maintain an image. We wanna be light to the world, so we're really careful about what we say. We keep our attitudes in check. We even try to point others to scriptural principles. So, what happens at home?
David was a man after God's own heart. He had the same issue. "I will try to walk a blameless path, but how I need your help, especially in my own home, where I long to act as I should." Ps 101:2
What happens when tensions rise in the home? Where's the DLOW? It's interesting that when we begin to set into motion the habit of worship and obedience at home, it becomes MUCH easier everywhere else.
Do you ever wonder why reality TV is so popular? My theory is that people like to see the portrayal of how people REALLY are. Most people live their lives constantly building walls of pride and pretension. With these shows, the reality cameras are always on, so people are shown for who they really are. My guess is the popularity is there because the viewers realize that "I'm not so bad" when they realize others are the same or "worse" than they are.
Who I am at home is WHO I AM. Once Annalese found my name tag and was walking around saying. "Look I'm Pastor Greg, you're just Greg!" She was getting a big kick out of it. The question is how much difference is there between Greg & Pastor Greg? When the name tag goes on what has to change? If I'm Living the DLOW, there is no mask. No pretension.
When the atmosphere of the home is one where worship is alive, it's amazing how family members can encourage one another. My daughter said, "Daddy, I was looking for this and I prayed and God help me find it." That may not seem like a big deal, but when we connect our relationship with the Lord to the everyday victories and frustrations, we are beginning to Live the DREAM.
How's the DLOW in your home? Make the presence of God known in your home. When someone has a hard day, stop and pray together. Respond to situations in a Godly manner. Respond with worship and obedience & see what begins to happen. Live the Dynamic LIFESTYLE of Worship.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Sunday, October 28, 2007
10.28.7 "Seduction and Destruction"
"Seduction and Destruction"
Jeremiah 51:54-52:34
Titus 3:1-15
Psalm 100:1-5
Proverbs 26:18-19
There is a powerful part of our human nature. Much of it's power lies in the fact that its attack is subtle. Its entry into our life is not something that we even guard against. We welcome it we entertain it. We dwell on it and it grows. We're not worried that its roots are going deeper and deeper, because it's a good thing... we think. It's hard to know at what point it becomes out of control, but many times it ends up on the throne of our thoughts. We don't even realize that this "friend" has now become our master, and we're controlled by it.
What is this rebel, this insurrectionist? This thing that causes such a subtle yet devastating war inside? It's none other than Opinion.
"Don't get involved in arguing over unanswerable questions and controversial theological ideas; keep out of arguments and quarrels about obedience to Jewish laws, for this kind of thing isn't worthwhile; it only does harm. If anyone is causing divisions among you, he should be given a first and second warning. After that have nothing more to do with him, for such a person has a wrong sense of values. He is sinning, and he knows it." Titus 3:9-11
Unity is important to God. The majority of the time, it is Opinion that destroys unity. Division is most often birthed when an individual has an opinion of how something could be done better. It is a good idea, but whoever is in authority doesn't want to it that way. Opinion feels that it hasn't been understood, so it pushes a little harder to make a point... to no avail. Suddenly, Opinion has changed it's name to Offense. Offense feels justified, because Opinion was a really good idea. Offense begins to search for allies, and looks for platforms to promote this great Opinion. The only thing is that the drive is now Offense. Offense is intent on Opposition. The Seduction of Opinion is now leading to Destruction of Unity.
What makes this so destructive is the lure of Opinion in the first place. It might not necessarily have been off base theologically, nor did it begin with impure motives, but momentum was built as Opinion was given more honor than it was due. The Values and Goals of the Body have been lost as Opinion as grown to the point of blocking them out. It has taken the throne. Sometimes this happens because some find their personal value in their opinion. If their opinion is rejected, then they feel rejected, so they fight for the right for opinion to live.
Discipleship many times is the "ministry of damage control". I usually say that in jest, but there is truth in it. Much of the time we find alignment by getting out of line and needing to be brought back in to line. Paul's instructions to Titus don't say "if someone is divisive, kick them out right away." He says warn them. However, he does say that there is a point to not give them a voice any longer. If an individual will not accept "alignment", "such a person has a wrong sense of values."
This is a difficult part of growing in the Body of Christ. This is why it is so VITAL that the mission and vision are shared by all. It keeps our values in check. It keeps us aligned with scripture. Being Empowered through Biblical Training helps keep Opinion aligned with the Word, and Relationships Devoted to Unity keeps our dedication to building one another up, and keeps our opinion from growing out of control as we are committed to one another.
Keep Opinion in its proper perspective today.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Jeremiah 51:54-52:34
Titus 3:1-15
Psalm 100:1-5
Proverbs 26:18-19
There is a powerful part of our human nature. Much of it's power lies in the fact that its attack is subtle. Its entry into our life is not something that we even guard against. We welcome it we entertain it. We dwell on it and it grows. We're not worried that its roots are going deeper and deeper, because it's a good thing... we think. It's hard to know at what point it becomes out of control, but many times it ends up on the throne of our thoughts. We don't even realize that this "friend" has now become our master, and we're controlled by it.
What is this rebel, this insurrectionist? This thing that causes such a subtle yet devastating war inside? It's none other than Opinion.
"Don't get involved in arguing over unanswerable questions and controversial theological ideas; keep out of arguments and quarrels about obedience to Jewish laws, for this kind of thing isn't worthwhile; it only does harm. If anyone is causing divisions among you, he should be given a first and second warning. After that have nothing more to do with him, for such a person has a wrong sense of values. He is sinning, and he knows it." Titus 3:9-11
Unity is important to God. The majority of the time, it is Opinion that destroys unity. Division is most often birthed when an individual has an opinion of how something could be done better. It is a good idea, but whoever is in authority doesn't want to it that way. Opinion feels that it hasn't been understood, so it pushes a little harder to make a point... to no avail. Suddenly, Opinion has changed it's name to Offense. Offense feels justified, because Opinion was a really good idea. Offense begins to search for allies, and looks for platforms to promote this great Opinion. The only thing is that the drive is now Offense. Offense is intent on Opposition. The Seduction of Opinion is now leading to Destruction of Unity.
What makes this so destructive is the lure of Opinion in the first place. It might not necessarily have been off base theologically, nor did it begin with impure motives, but momentum was built as Opinion was given more honor than it was due. The Values and Goals of the Body have been lost as Opinion as grown to the point of blocking them out. It has taken the throne. Sometimes this happens because some find their personal value in their opinion. If their opinion is rejected, then they feel rejected, so they fight for the right for opinion to live.
Discipleship many times is the "ministry of damage control". I usually say that in jest, but there is truth in it. Much of the time we find alignment by getting out of line and needing to be brought back in to line. Paul's instructions to Titus don't say "if someone is divisive, kick them out right away." He says warn them. However, he does say that there is a point to not give them a voice any longer. If an individual will not accept "alignment", "such a person has a wrong sense of values."
This is a difficult part of growing in the Body of Christ. This is why it is so VITAL that the mission and vision are shared by all. It keeps our values in check. It keeps us aligned with scripture. Being Empowered through Biblical Training helps keep Opinion aligned with the Word, and Relationships Devoted to Unity keeps our dedication to building one another up, and keeps our opinion from growing out of control as we are committed to one another.
Keep Opinion in its proper perspective today.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Saturday, October 27, 2007
10.27.7 "THAT'S Attractive!"
"THAT'S Attractive!"
Jeremiah 51:1-53
Titus 2:1-15
Psalm 99:1-9
Proverbs 26:17
Titus 2:1 says, "But as for you, speak up for the right living that goes along with true Christianity." What is the '"right living" that goes along with "true Christianity"? It's just enough that we're saved, right? Isn't that all that's important? The truth is that salvation is just the first step in an incredible and exciting journey. What Paul is speaking to Titus about is that hey, let's start "walkin' the talk". Let's start "growin' up". This is what discipleship is about. Making Disciples needs to be a high priority.
What is discipleship? It's the process of alignment to "the right living that goes along with true Christianity." This is what we are all involved in together: Strengthening, teaching, and encouraging one another.
I get my self into trouble sometimes because I say what I'm thinking. Once I had someone ask me to pray from them. They were going to an event with extended family members. This individual is the only one saved. This person said, "pray for me because every time we get together I get really upset at [a certain relative] and we start screaming at each other. I really lose my temper." I asked them, "Are you hoping they get saved?" "Of Course!" I said, "Why? So they can be just like you???"
While that isn't the most sensitive discipleship technique, it proves a point. Titus 2:9-10 says, "Urge slaves to obey their masters and to try their best to satisfy them. They must not talk back, nor steal, but must show themselves to be entirely trustworthy. In this way they will make people want to believe in our Savior and God." This is most directly applied to the Christian in the work place. How am I as an employee? Am I trying to get away with as much as I can or am I loyal and trustworthy?
You are an advertisement for Christianity. How good is the ad? The NIV says in verse 10 "... so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive." Are people attracted to God by your lifestyle? Do they see integrity, joy, endurance?
Most of the time I think the ad for Christianity comes across as. "complain about your circumstances, complain about society, don't go drinking, and don't sleep in on Sunday mornings cuz you have to go to church..." Weee! doesn't that sound fun! Where do I sign up for THAT??
Living a Godly life is so full of joy and through the Spirit there is incredible power just a prayer away! Strength for any situation and wisdom beyond measure are at our disposal. Why isn't THAT on the billboard of our life??
My family spent some time yesterday with an older couple who are just incredible advertisements for God. He had loaned us a video, and when we returned it he told the story of when he bought it. He had gone into Wal-Mart looking for this Christian movie. When he asked the young lady for help, he began talking to her and told her about the love of God, and invited her to church. That was in May. Since then, she's been in church, received Christ, and is growing in him. It's important that I mention that this was a few days before he was to go in for cancer surgery.
No matter what our situation, mood, stress... whatever it is, our purpose is unchanged. We are where we are to reach people for Christ. EVERY opportunity is important. We are to encourage one another on to good things. We must grow!
Each of us are in the process of discipleship. We are also discipling one another. Let's align ourselves to this truth in God's word. Let's live lives that make people want to believe in God. THAT'S attractive.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Jeremiah 51:1-53
Titus 2:1-15
Psalm 99:1-9
Proverbs 26:17
Titus 2:1 says, "But as for you, speak up for the right living that goes along with true Christianity." What is the '"right living" that goes along with "true Christianity"? It's just enough that we're saved, right? Isn't that all that's important? The truth is that salvation is just the first step in an incredible and exciting journey. What Paul is speaking to Titus about is that hey, let's start "walkin' the talk". Let's start "growin' up". This is what discipleship is about. Making Disciples needs to be a high priority.
What is discipleship? It's the process of alignment to "the right living that goes along with true Christianity." This is what we are all involved in together: Strengthening, teaching, and encouraging one another.
I get my self into trouble sometimes because I say what I'm thinking. Once I had someone ask me to pray from them. They were going to an event with extended family members. This individual is the only one saved. This person said, "pray for me because every time we get together I get really upset at [a certain relative] and we start screaming at each other. I really lose my temper." I asked them, "Are you hoping they get saved?" "Of Course!" I said, "Why? So they can be just like you???"
While that isn't the most sensitive discipleship technique, it proves a point. Titus 2:9-10 says, "Urge slaves to obey their masters and to try their best to satisfy them. They must not talk back, nor steal, but must show themselves to be entirely trustworthy. In this way they will make people want to believe in our Savior and God." This is most directly applied to the Christian in the work place. How am I as an employee? Am I trying to get away with as much as I can or am I loyal and trustworthy?
You are an advertisement for Christianity. How good is the ad? The NIV says in verse 10 "... so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive." Are people attracted to God by your lifestyle? Do they see integrity, joy, endurance?
Most of the time I think the ad for Christianity comes across as. "complain about your circumstances, complain about society, don't go drinking, and don't sleep in on Sunday mornings cuz you have to go to church..." Weee! doesn't that sound fun! Where do I sign up for THAT??
Living a Godly life is so full of joy and through the Spirit there is incredible power just a prayer away! Strength for any situation and wisdom beyond measure are at our disposal. Why isn't THAT on the billboard of our life??
My family spent some time yesterday with an older couple who are just incredible advertisements for God. He had loaned us a video, and when we returned it he told the story of when he bought it. He had gone into Wal-Mart looking for this Christian movie. When he asked the young lady for help, he began talking to her and told her about the love of God, and invited her to church. That was in May. Since then, she's been in church, received Christ, and is growing in him. It's important that I mention that this was a few days before he was to go in for cancer surgery.
No matter what our situation, mood, stress... whatever it is, our purpose is unchanged. We are where we are to reach people for Christ. EVERY opportunity is important. We are to encourage one another on to good things. We must grow!
Each of us are in the process of discipleship. We are also discipling one another. Let's align ourselves to this truth in God's word. Let's live lives that make people want to believe in God. THAT'S attractive.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Friday, October 26, 2007
10.26.7 "What Kind of Truth?"
"What Kind of Truth?"
Jeremiah 49:23- 50:46
Titus 1:1-16
Psalm 97:1-98:9
Proverbs 26:13-16
"From Paul, the slave of God and the messenger of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to bring faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know God's truth - the kind of truth that changes lives - so that they can have eternal life, which God promised them before the world began - and he cannot lie." Titus 1:1-2
The truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth. What does that mean? It's hard to say any more. Unfortunately, truth has become a tool rather than a standard. People manipulate the truth to fit their means. "How do I look? tell me the truth..." how often is that one answered truthfully?
Once I was rear-ended at a four-way stop. I didn't have much damage, if any as it was a car hitting the back of my pickup, but it bent up his hood quite a bit. I went back to talk to the guy who hit me. We were both fine, and he said, "This was all my fault!" It was true, but I've seen/heard enough to know that now-a-days you have to be very guarded about what you say at the scene of an accident. Someone could take advantage of that and sue you big time. (Don't worry, I'm didn't do that!) It's sad that truth has been misused so much.
God's word is often manipulated as well. People will use a portion of it to promote their ideas. They may take a couple verses and build a doctrine out of it. We think that could never be us, but think about the way many Christians deal with unbelievers. We see their conduct and we want to pull out a scripture that will serve our purposes of getting them to act the way we want them to. That's not the truth that changes lives. To see what Jesus thinks of this, take a gander at Matthew 23.
I had a once in a lifetime opportunity yesterday. I was able to go up in an Air Refueling jet w/ the National Guard. They were having clergy day, and invited many pastors to participate. It was great. I had the opportunity to ride in the "boom" area where the tanker we were in lowers the arm so the receiver plane can get fuel. It was incredible to watch the pilots & boom operator communicate and coordinate all of this. All I could think of was "that's a lot of math!" Two huge jets 20 feet apart traveling at high speeds 2100 feet above the ground. It was incredible.
I also had the opportunity to sit in the cockpit, and listen to what the pilots were saying. The pilots of our plane seemed so young ( I must be getting old!)
They had their checklists out at all times. As we were maneuvering in a holding pattern following our lead tanker, one of the pilots asked a question, and the other answered, "There are no problems if you just follow the book. Just follow procedure."
What kind of truth is in a flight manual? Is it the kind that changes lives? Well I guess it could be argued that if you don't follow it, it would DEFINITELY change lives!
The truth that we discover in God's word is the kind of truth that changes lives, not the truth that should change to serve our purposes.
In Titus 1:9, Paul is stating the requirements for pastors. He says, "Their belief in the truth which they have been taught must be strong and steadfast, so that they will be able to teach it to others and show those who disagree with them where they are wrong." This is a spiritual truth that is not only the goal of pastors. Each believer should be strong in the word. This keeps us from trying to convince people in our own strength or wisdom. Understanding the balance of scripture keeps us from building an unstable doctrine and trying to impose that on others. It also equips us to reveal life-changing truth to those who so desperately need it.
In the next verses of Titus 1, Paul warns to stay away from foolish arguments. These arguments often blind people to the truth. Being Empowered through Biblical Training equips us to help others discover the truth of the Good News and not the "situational" truth of man. Too often we get into discussions and try to convince others of our opinion rather than bringing out the truth. As you get involved in conversations with believers and unbelievers, listen for the truth. Wait for an opportunity to bring God's truth to any situation. Not to suit your needs, but to give life to those who need to hear it. What kind of truth? The kind that changes lives.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Jeremiah 49:23- 50:46
Titus 1:1-16
Psalm 97:1-98:9
Proverbs 26:13-16
"From Paul, the slave of God and the messenger of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to bring faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know God's truth - the kind of truth that changes lives - so that they can have eternal life, which God promised them before the world began - and he cannot lie." Titus 1:1-2
The truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth. What does that mean? It's hard to say any more. Unfortunately, truth has become a tool rather than a standard. People manipulate the truth to fit their means. "How do I look? tell me the truth..." how often is that one answered truthfully?
Once I was rear-ended at a four-way stop. I didn't have much damage, if any as it was a car hitting the back of my pickup, but it bent up his hood quite a bit. I went back to talk to the guy who hit me. We were both fine, and he said, "This was all my fault!" It was true, but I've seen/heard enough to know that now-a-days you have to be very guarded about what you say at the scene of an accident. Someone could take advantage of that and sue you big time. (Don't worry, I'm didn't do that!) It's sad that truth has been misused so much.
God's word is often manipulated as well. People will use a portion of it to promote their ideas. They may take a couple verses and build a doctrine out of it. We think that could never be us, but think about the way many Christians deal with unbelievers. We see their conduct and we want to pull out a scripture that will serve our purposes of getting them to act the way we want them to. That's not the truth that changes lives. To see what Jesus thinks of this, take a gander at Matthew 23.
I had a once in a lifetime opportunity yesterday. I was able to go up in an Air Refueling jet w/ the National Guard. They were having clergy day, and invited many pastors to participate. It was great. I had the opportunity to ride in the "boom" area where the tanker we were in lowers the arm so the receiver plane can get fuel. It was incredible to watch the pilots & boom operator communicate and coordinate all of this. All I could think of was "that's a lot of math!" Two huge jets 20 feet apart traveling at high speeds 2100 feet above the ground. It was incredible.
I also had the opportunity to sit in the cockpit, and listen to what the pilots were saying. The pilots of our plane seemed so young ( I must be getting old!)
They had their checklists out at all times. As we were maneuvering in a holding pattern following our lead tanker, one of the pilots asked a question, and the other answered, "There are no problems if you just follow the book. Just follow procedure."
What kind of truth is in a flight manual? Is it the kind that changes lives? Well I guess it could be argued that if you don't follow it, it would DEFINITELY change lives!
The truth that we discover in God's word is the kind of truth that changes lives, not the truth that should change to serve our purposes.
In Titus 1:9, Paul is stating the requirements for pastors. He says, "Their belief in the truth which they have been taught must be strong and steadfast, so that they will be able to teach it to others and show those who disagree with them where they are wrong." This is a spiritual truth that is not only the goal of pastors. Each believer should be strong in the word. This keeps us from trying to convince people in our own strength or wisdom. Understanding the balance of scripture keeps us from building an unstable doctrine and trying to impose that on others. It also equips us to reveal life-changing truth to those who so desperately need it.
In the next verses of Titus 1, Paul warns to stay away from foolish arguments. These arguments often blind people to the truth. Being Empowered through Biblical Training equips us to help others discover the truth of the Good News and not the "situational" truth of man. Too often we get into discussions and try to convince others of our opinion rather than bringing out the truth. As you get involved in conversations with believers and unbelievers, listen for the truth. Wait for an opportunity to bring God's truth to any situation. Not to suit your needs, but to give life to those who need to hear it. What kind of truth? The kind that changes lives.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Thursday, October 25, 2007
10.25.7 "Take the Time to Praise"
"Take the Time to Praise"
Jeremiah 48:1-49:22
2 Timothy 4:1-22
Psalm 95:1-96:13
Proverbs 26:9-12
Many times it's easy to get entrenched in the routines of life and we forget the most important thing: Taking time to praise the Lord. Let's take the time today.
"Oh, come, let us sing to the Lord! Give a joyous shout in honor of the Rock of our salvation! Come before him with thankful hearts. Let us sing him psalms of praise. For the Lord is a great God, the great King of all gods. He controls the formation of the depths of the earth and the mightiest mountains; all are his. He made the sea and formed the land; they too are his. Come, kneel before the Lord our Maker, for he is our God. We are his sheep and he is our Shepherd. Oh, that you would hear him calling you today and come to him!" Ps:95:1-7
I wrote a song a couple years ago similar to this Psalm:
I'm amazed that the One who made the mighty oceans roar,
Placed the stars in the heavens, formed the mountains of the earth,
Gave the infant breath of life, turned the sea into dry land,
Is the One who carries me.
Think about that. The creator of the universe is carrying you! I love the last part of verse 7. "Oh, that you would hear him calling you today and come to him!" We get so distracted by the stress we try to carry on our own that we lose track of his voice.
Come to him in worship today. "Sing a new song to the Lord! Sing it everywhere around the world! Sing out his praises! Bless his name. Each day tell someone that he saves." Ps 96:1-2
This Psalm shows that worship isn't just between us and him! His worship should be made known to unbelievers as well. "Publish his glorious acts throughout the earth. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does. For the Lord is great beyond description, and greatly to be praised. Worship only him among the gods! For the gods of other nations are merely idols, but our God made the heavens!" Ps 96:3-5
I love Ps 96:9: "Worship the Lord with the beauty of holy lives." What a great way to worship God: Living a holy life. You can only imagine what that means to God when we live that way. When you live that way, your lifestyle is an expression of praise for others to see how great your God is. Notice it's not a "holier than thou" life. When we worship properly, it puts us in our proper place. It doesn't exalt me, it humbles me. Living a holy life is living a humble life. When speaking with a co-worker about why we don't party the way they do it should not be a conversation of condemnation. It should be a revelation of how great God is, not how great WE are!
Pastor Laurie has a cousin who does hayrides on his farm. He sent out this email last year:
Friday night We had a group out for a hayride, during what would be the last hayride, one of the ladies (who has been loosing weight) went the throw a hand full of hay at someone and managed to loose her diamond wedding ring.
Well the last hour the group was there, was spent searching for the preverbal ring in a haystack. Well after an exhaustive search and pulling all the hay off the wagon they came up with nothing.
Saturday morning I was out in the barn cleaning and preparing for the Saturday night event and received a call from the husband asking if it would be ok for them to come out with the metal detector to search for the ring. ( I am thinking knock yourself out) 80+ acres of corn field to look over and trying to find this small gold ring.
Well, they left the driveway with their raincoats on and their metal detector in hand. 2-1/2 hours later they were making the final pass in the cornfield and came back across the road on to our drive way, both feeling very defeated and basically very down (not to mention wet and shoes full of mud). The Lord spoke to (the husband) and said in that small voice, you need to "praise and worship me in this situation". Lyn took the Lords advice quite literally and began to praise and worship the Lord right then and there. As they approached the back end of their vehicle, (the wife) went to wash her feet in the puddle right behind the vehicle, as she looked down she saw the ring laying right in the middle of the puddle!
So, lesson learned here would be when things are not looking very promising, just Praise and Worship the Lord!
Take the Time to praise today! Live the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship. Take note of what it does inside of you. Then take note of what he does through you!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Jeremiah 48:1-49:22
2 Timothy 4:1-22
Psalm 95:1-96:13
Proverbs 26:9-12
Many times it's easy to get entrenched in the routines of life and we forget the most important thing: Taking time to praise the Lord. Let's take the time today.
"Oh, come, let us sing to the Lord! Give a joyous shout in honor of the Rock of our salvation! Come before him with thankful hearts. Let us sing him psalms of praise. For the Lord is a great God, the great King of all gods. He controls the formation of the depths of the earth and the mightiest mountains; all are his. He made the sea and formed the land; they too are his. Come, kneel before the Lord our Maker, for he is our God. We are his sheep and he is our Shepherd. Oh, that you would hear him calling you today and come to him!" Ps:95:1-7
I wrote a song a couple years ago similar to this Psalm:
I'm amazed that the One who made the mighty oceans roar,
Placed the stars in the heavens, formed the mountains of the earth,
Gave the infant breath of life, turned the sea into dry land,
Is the One who carries me.
Think about that. The creator of the universe is carrying you! I love the last part of verse 7. "Oh, that you would hear him calling you today and come to him!" We get so distracted by the stress we try to carry on our own that we lose track of his voice.
Come to him in worship today. "Sing a new song to the Lord! Sing it everywhere around the world! Sing out his praises! Bless his name. Each day tell someone that he saves." Ps 96:1-2
This Psalm shows that worship isn't just between us and him! His worship should be made known to unbelievers as well. "Publish his glorious acts throughout the earth. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does. For the Lord is great beyond description, and greatly to be praised. Worship only him among the gods! For the gods of other nations are merely idols, but our God made the heavens!" Ps 96:3-5
I love Ps 96:9: "Worship the Lord with the beauty of holy lives." What a great way to worship God: Living a holy life. You can only imagine what that means to God when we live that way. When you live that way, your lifestyle is an expression of praise for others to see how great your God is. Notice it's not a "holier than thou" life. When we worship properly, it puts us in our proper place. It doesn't exalt me, it humbles me. Living a holy life is living a humble life. When speaking with a co-worker about why we don't party the way they do it should not be a conversation of condemnation. It should be a revelation of how great God is, not how great WE are!
Pastor Laurie has a cousin who does hayrides on his farm. He sent out this email last year:
Friday night We had a group out for a hayride, during what would be the last hayride, one of the ladies (who has been loosing weight) went the throw a hand full of hay at someone and managed to loose her diamond wedding ring.
Well the last hour the group was there, was spent searching for the preverbal ring in a haystack. Well after an exhaustive search and pulling all the hay off the wagon they came up with nothing.
Saturday morning I was out in the barn cleaning and preparing for the Saturday night event and received a call from the husband asking if it would be ok for them to come out with the metal detector to search for the ring. ( I am thinking knock yourself out) 80+ acres of corn field to look over and trying to find this small gold ring.
Well, they left the driveway with their raincoats on and their metal detector in hand. 2-1/2 hours later they were making the final pass in the cornfield and came back across the road on to our drive way, both feeling very defeated and basically very down (not to mention wet and shoes full of mud). The Lord spoke to (the husband) and said in that small voice, you need to "praise and worship me in this situation". Lyn took the Lords advice quite literally and began to praise and worship the Lord right then and there. As they approached the back end of their vehicle, (the wife) went to wash her feet in the puddle right behind the vehicle, as she looked down she saw the ring laying right in the middle of the puddle!
So, lesson learned here would be when things are not looking very promising, just Praise and Worship the Lord!
Take the Time to praise today! Live the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship. Take note of what it does inside of you. Then take note of what he does through you!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
10.24.7 "WuduyaNogood?"
"WuduyaNogood?"
Jeremiah 44:24-47:7
2 Timothy 2:22 - 3:17
Psalm 94:1-2
Proverbs 26:1-2
I'm guessing you look at that title and are like... "what??" That's how I was when i heard it. My wife and I had driven down to Arkansas to visit a friend. My friends dad greeted us with, "WuduyaNogood?" We smiled and nodded acting like we knew what he said. I wasnt' sure if it was a friendly insult, a cajun greeting, or what. I finally asked him to explain. It's "what do you know that's good?" Basically "WASSUP!" (THAT I understand!)
So, WuduyaNogood?
Knowledge is an incredible thing. What you know shapes what you believe. What you believe shapes how you act. So in actuality, your actions reveal what you know. So, What do you know? Our quest for knowledge needs to be based on truth, not on opinion or circumstance. In a Sunday school class, all our heads nod because we "agree" with that. However, many times our actions and the way we deal with situations bring into question whether or not we really do believe this.
Let's look at it this way: Are you a disciple of Christ? Look at the requirement of John 8:31-32 "...If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Do we know the truth? How do we know it? It is EXTREMELY important that we gain truth from the Word of God. In Timothy 3 Paul is warning of how in the last days the truth will become very confusing. A lot of "gray area". Sounds like today doesn't it? Too often Christians get lured in to foolish arguments and discussions over issues that are not based on truth. And ultimately they don't lead individuals to live holy lives.
So, we need to base our lives on the Word. "You know how, when you were a small child, you were taught the holy Scriptures; and it is these that make you wise to accept God's salvation by trusting in Christ Jesus. The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right. It is God's way of making us well prepared at every point, fully equipped to do good to everyone." 2 Timothy 3:14-17
Knowing the Word teaches us truth, and helps us align to that truth, which in turn helps us to do right. It prepares us for everything we come up against.
You may be reading along saying, "yeah, I know all this." But here is a major connection we need to make in this: 2 Timothy 2:23-26 "Again I say, don't get involved in foolish arguments which only upset people and make them angry. God's people must not be quarrelsome; they must be gentle, patient teachers of those who are wrong. Be humble when you are trying to teach those who are mixed up concerning the truth. For if you talk meekly and courteously to them they are more likely , with God's help, to turn away from their wrong ideas and believe what is true. Then they will come to their senses and escape from Satan's trap of slavery to sin which he uses to catch them whenever he likes, and then they can begin doing the will of God."
This is a really big deal.
First, we must know the solid truth of scripture. We need to know what God says, and align our lives to that.
Secondly, we need to use this knowledge to be able to see what the root of the issue is when it comes to foolish arguments, or more importantly when it comes to dealing with someone's sin, or where they are not "aligned" with truth.
Third, a VERY important thing is that knowing the truth is not JUST about what you know, it's about having the maturity to humbly reveal the truth to others at the appropriate time and in the appropriate way. Jesus says we are the light of the world. We need to be the light that people are drawn to, not one they run from. Revealing the truth to them in arrogance does not make them want to be like you.
Finally, don't get caught in the illusion that YOUR knowledge will turn people from sin. It's God. Your knowledge of truth that you gain from scripture "equips" you to bring the light of truth to any situation (in humility, of course). Then "they are more likely, with God's help, to turn away from their wrong ideas and believe what is true." (2 Tim. 2:25) When they know this truth, the truth will set them free.
Your world is desperate for you to get this. You MUST be "Empowered Through Biblical Training". Those around you need you to be. You need to show another the key to open the doors of the prison of sin they are in. So, WuduyaNogood? Hopefully you got it out of the Word today!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Jeremiah 44:24-47:7
2 Timothy 2:22 - 3:17
Psalm 94:1-2
Proverbs 26:1-2
I'm guessing you look at that title and are like... "what??" That's how I was when i heard it. My wife and I had driven down to Arkansas to visit a friend. My friends dad greeted us with, "WuduyaNogood?" We smiled and nodded acting like we knew what he said. I wasnt' sure if it was a friendly insult, a cajun greeting, or what. I finally asked him to explain. It's "what do you know that's good?" Basically "WASSUP!" (THAT I understand!)
So, WuduyaNogood?
Knowledge is an incredible thing. What you know shapes what you believe. What you believe shapes how you act. So in actuality, your actions reveal what you know. So, What do you know? Our quest for knowledge needs to be based on truth, not on opinion or circumstance. In a Sunday school class, all our heads nod because we "agree" with that. However, many times our actions and the way we deal with situations bring into question whether or not we really do believe this.
Let's look at it this way: Are you a disciple of Christ? Look at the requirement of John 8:31-32 "...If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Do we know the truth? How do we know it? It is EXTREMELY important that we gain truth from the Word of God. In Timothy 3 Paul is warning of how in the last days the truth will become very confusing. A lot of "gray area". Sounds like today doesn't it? Too often Christians get lured in to foolish arguments and discussions over issues that are not based on truth. And ultimately they don't lead individuals to live holy lives.
So, we need to base our lives on the Word. "You know how, when you were a small child, you were taught the holy Scriptures; and it is these that make you wise to accept God's salvation by trusting in Christ Jesus. The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right. It is God's way of making us well prepared at every point, fully equipped to do good to everyone." 2 Timothy 3:14-17
Knowing the Word teaches us truth, and helps us align to that truth, which in turn helps us to do right. It prepares us for everything we come up against.
You may be reading along saying, "yeah, I know all this." But here is a major connection we need to make in this: 2 Timothy 2:23-26 "Again I say, don't get involved in foolish arguments which only upset people and make them angry. God's people must not be quarrelsome; they must be gentle, patient teachers of those who are wrong. Be humble when you are trying to teach those who are mixed up concerning the truth. For if you talk meekly and courteously to them they are more likely , with God's help, to turn away from their wrong ideas and believe what is true. Then they will come to their senses and escape from Satan's trap of slavery to sin which he uses to catch them whenever he likes, and then they can begin doing the will of God."
This is a really big deal.
First, we must know the solid truth of scripture. We need to know what God says, and align our lives to that.
Secondly, we need to use this knowledge to be able to see what the root of the issue is when it comes to foolish arguments, or more importantly when it comes to dealing with someone's sin, or where they are not "aligned" with truth.
Third, a VERY important thing is that knowing the truth is not JUST about what you know, it's about having the maturity to humbly reveal the truth to others at the appropriate time and in the appropriate way. Jesus says we are the light of the world. We need to be the light that people are drawn to, not one they run from. Revealing the truth to them in arrogance does not make them want to be like you.
Finally, don't get caught in the illusion that YOUR knowledge will turn people from sin. It's God. Your knowledge of truth that you gain from scripture "equips" you to bring the light of truth to any situation (in humility, of course). Then "they are more likely, with God's help, to turn away from their wrong ideas and believe what is true." (2 Tim. 2:25) When they know this truth, the truth will set them free.
Your world is desperate for you to get this. You MUST be "Empowered Through Biblical Training". Those around you need you to be. You need to show another the key to open the doors of the prison of sin they are in. So, WuduyaNogood? Hopefully you got it out of the Word today!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
10.23.7 "A Soldier, an Athlete and a Farmer"
"A Soldier, an Athlete and a Farmer"
Jeremiah 42:1-44:23
2 Timothy 2:1-21
Psalm 92:1-93:5
Proverbs 26:3-5
"Take your share of suffering as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, just as I do, and as Christ's soldier do not let yourself become tied up in worldly affairs, for then you cannot satisfy the one who has enlisted you in his army. Follow the Lord's rules for doing his work, just as an athlete either follows the rules or is disqualified and wins no prize. Work hard, like a farmer who gets paid well if he raises a large crop. Think over these three illustrations, and may the Lord help you to understand how they apply to you." 2 Timothy 2:3-7
Let's do what it says in verse 7 today: "Think over these three illustrations and may the Lord help you to understand how they apply to you."
1. A soldier: When I think of a soldier, I think of how trained he is. Knowing the value of his future, he has committed himself to the training that will help him survive. He will obey every order from his commanding officer. He is completely devoted to the men in his unit. They would never let a fellow soldier stand alone. The mission is always in mind. He has been trained so that suffering will not throw him off course. He will endure to the end. He will give his life.
How does that apply to the Christian life? I must obey the Lord. I must intensely follow the training set out by my spiritual leaders knowing they have my well-being in mind. I must devote myself to fellow believers. I must help them so they don't stand alone. I must endure suffering to the very end.
2. An Athlete: When I think of an athlete I first think of the discipline necessary for them to be successful. The greatest opponent they have ever faced is the one within. As Paul says, they must follow the rules lest they be disqualified. I think of how there is a goal: winning the prize.
As a Christian I must constantly keep focused on keeping my body under subjection. I cannot win battles on the outside unless I win them on the inside first. I need to understand that there are rules of competition in the Word of God. I must be faithful to all he commands keeping the goal in mind: winning the prize the Lord has laid out for me.
3. A Farmer: When I think of a farmer I think of HARD WORK! I think of how there are no "days off". A farmer rises early each day to take care of stock and crops. He must faithfully attend to every situation at hand, thinking ahead to potential threats on his livestock, and on his crops. He builds fences to protect that which he's been entrusted. I think of the amount of time it takes to bring forth a harvest. I think of the harvest and how all hands are on deck to bring it in. Yesterday I spent 8 hours moving a ton and a half of stone & 7 yards of mulch. My body is feeling it today. Knowing this is the hard labor farmers do daily is incredible.
As a Christian, I must build fences against anything that would threaten what is entrusted to my care. There is no "day off" to being a believer. It must be a part of who I am. Each morning i must wake up with the mindset that the harvest is coming. I must give everything I have to bring the harvest in. I know that the harvest is coming!
As you live the DREAM today, remember as Paul instructs Timothy: the Soldier, the Athlete and the Farmer. Live the Christian life with this intensity.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Jeremiah 42:1-44:23
2 Timothy 2:1-21
Psalm 92:1-93:5
Proverbs 26:3-5
"Take your share of suffering as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, just as I do, and as Christ's soldier do not let yourself become tied up in worldly affairs, for then you cannot satisfy the one who has enlisted you in his army. Follow the Lord's rules for doing his work, just as an athlete either follows the rules or is disqualified and wins no prize. Work hard, like a farmer who gets paid well if he raises a large crop. Think over these three illustrations, and may the Lord help you to understand how they apply to you." 2 Timothy 2:3-7
Let's do what it says in verse 7 today: "Think over these three illustrations and may the Lord help you to understand how they apply to you."
1. A soldier: When I think of a soldier, I think of how trained he is. Knowing the value of his future, he has committed himself to the training that will help him survive. He will obey every order from his commanding officer. He is completely devoted to the men in his unit. They would never let a fellow soldier stand alone. The mission is always in mind. He has been trained so that suffering will not throw him off course. He will endure to the end. He will give his life.
How does that apply to the Christian life? I must obey the Lord. I must intensely follow the training set out by my spiritual leaders knowing they have my well-being in mind. I must devote myself to fellow believers. I must help them so they don't stand alone. I must endure suffering to the very end.
2. An Athlete: When I think of an athlete I first think of the discipline necessary for them to be successful. The greatest opponent they have ever faced is the one within. As Paul says, they must follow the rules lest they be disqualified. I think of how there is a goal: winning the prize.
As a Christian I must constantly keep focused on keeping my body under subjection. I cannot win battles on the outside unless I win them on the inside first. I need to understand that there are rules of competition in the Word of God. I must be faithful to all he commands keeping the goal in mind: winning the prize the Lord has laid out for me.
3. A Farmer: When I think of a farmer I think of HARD WORK! I think of how there are no "days off". A farmer rises early each day to take care of stock and crops. He must faithfully attend to every situation at hand, thinking ahead to potential threats on his livestock, and on his crops. He builds fences to protect that which he's been entrusted. I think of the amount of time it takes to bring forth a harvest. I think of the harvest and how all hands are on deck to bring it in. Yesterday I spent 8 hours moving a ton and a half of stone & 7 yards of mulch. My body is feeling it today. Knowing this is the hard labor farmers do daily is incredible.
As a Christian, I must build fences against anything that would threaten what is entrusted to my care. There is no "day off" to being a believer. It must be a part of who I am. Each morning i must wake up with the mindset that the harvest is coming. I must give everything I have to bring the harvest in. I know that the harvest is coming!
As you live the DREAM today, remember as Paul instructs Timothy: the Soldier, the Athlete and the Farmer. Live the Christian life with this intensity.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Monday, October 22, 2007
10.22.7 "Know the One you Trust"
"Know the One you Trust"
Jeremiah 39:1-41:18
2 Timothy 1:1-18
Psalm 90:1-91:16
Proverbs 26:1-2
In Paul's second letter to Timothy he says, "And God has chosen me to be his missionary, to preach to the Gentiles and teach them. That is whey I am suffering here in ail and I am certainly not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to safely guard all that I have given him until the day of his return. Hold tightly to the pattern of truth I taught you, especially concerning the faith and love Christ Jesus offers you." 2 Timothy 1:11-13
There are several things to note, but first think of this: Paul is in jail BECAUSE he's been chosen by God. Paul understands that it's not a diversion from God's plan, it's a part of it! Oh, that we would all have that kind confidence in the midst of trials.
The main phrase to focus on today is "I know the one in whom I trust." Now THAT'S a great place to be! I'm thinking that most of the people reading this DEVO can say that with a fairly decent amount of certainty. You KNOW the one in whom you trust. But each one of us need to realize that we are surrounded by people who don't. I'm not just talking about the unbeliever. I'm talking about believers who have not grown in discipleship and have fallen into the trap of "circumstantial theology".
Little things can get in and throw the life of the believer way off course if they do not heed what Paul instructs Timothy in verse 13: "Hold tightly to the pattern of truth I taught you..." We need to understand the tremendous importance of disciplining our minds to the knowledge of God through His word. Studying his character helps us know His voice.
Wherever you are at in your growth in Christ, you need to be helping those around you to know the one in whom they trust. Too many Christians are attempting to live a double life. They believe one thing in church and when they read their word. They believe it with all their heart! But that belief system is shut off when troubles and trials come. Circumstantial theology kicks in, and some of the wackiest decisions are made having nothing to do with truth. Then they are in a mess, and wonder what happened to their Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship.
If you've ever wondered why it's important to be in God's house and in Sunday School and Wednesday night activities, realize that when we are together with other believers we are strengthening our resolve to know the one we trust. We are reinforcing that which is true. Then, when the trial comes to challenge the depth of our resolve, we can say with confidence that We KNOW him and He will carry us through!
Know God. That simple instruction can bring you safely through some incredible storms. It can also equip you to help someone else weather their storm!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Jeremiah 39:1-41:18
2 Timothy 1:1-18
Psalm 90:1-91:16
Proverbs 26:1-2
In Paul's second letter to Timothy he says, "And God has chosen me to be his missionary, to preach to the Gentiles and teach them. That is whey I am suffering here in ail and I am certainly not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to safely guard all that I have given him until the day of his return. Hold tightly to the pattern of truth I taught you, especially concerning the faith and love Christ Jesus offers you." 2 Timothy 1:11-13
There are several things to note, but first think of this: Paul is in jail BECAUSE he's been chosen by God. Paul understands that it's not a diversion from God's plan, it's a part of it! Oh, that we would all have that kind confidence in the midst of trials.
The main phrase to focus on today is "I know the one in whom I trust." Now THAT'S a great place to be! I'm thinking that most of the people reading this DEVO can say that with a fairly decent amount of certainty. You KNOW the one in whom you trust. But each one of us need to realize that we are surrounded by people who don't. I'm not just talking about the unbeliever. I'm talking about believers who have not grown in discipleship and have fallen into the trap of "circumstantial theology".
Little things can get in and throw the life of the believer way off course if they do not heed what Paul instructs Timothy in verse 13: "Hold tightly to the pattern of truth I taught you..." We need to understand the tremendous importance of disciplining our minds to the knowledge of God through His word. Studying his character helps us know His voice.
Wherever you are at in your growth in Christ, you need to be helping those around you to know the one in whom they trust. Too many Christians are attempting to live a double life. They believe one thing in church and when they read their word. They believe it with all their heart! But that belief system is shut off when troubles and trials come. Circumstantial theology kicks in, and some of the wackiest decisions are made having nothing to do with truth. Then they are in a mess, and wonder what happened to their Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship.
If you've ever wondered why it's important to be in God's house and in Sunday School and Wednesday night activities, realize that when we are together with other believers we are strengthening our resolve to know the one we trust. We are reinforcing that which is true. Then, when the trial comes to challenge the depth of our resolve, we can say with confidence that We KNOW him and He will carry us through!
Know God. That simple instruction can bring you safely through some incredible storms. It can also equip you to help someone else weather their storm!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Sunday, October 21, 2007
10.21.7 "It's not about the Toys!"
"It's not about the Toys!"
Jeremiah 37:1-38:28
I Timothy 6:1-21
Psalm 89:38-52
Proverbs 25:28
"Tell those who are rich not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which will soon be gone, but their pride and trust should be in the living God who always richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and should give happily to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God has given them. By doing this they will be storing up real treasure for themselves in heaven - it is the only safe investment for eternity!" I Tim 6:17-19
I Timothy 6 is a chapter about Active Ministry Involvement. It may not seem like that's the topic when you first look at it, but Active Ministry Involvement is far more than being an usher, or a choir member or working in the nursery. As with all of the DREAM principles, this is not just something we "do" this is about who we ARE.
The principle of Active Ministry Involvement (AM I) is Responsibility. This principle is consistent throughout scripture. God wants us to offer him what he has given us so he can bless it and use it to serve others. This principle doesn't make a lot of sense to the world... Imagine that!
We're commanded to "Always be ready to share..." can't you see how great it is to have that as a part of your character? We've all seen kids who share well... and those who don't! You know what is so important about sharing? It's not about the toys! It's about the character of the child. Sometimes the reason we want kids to share is so they wont fight. To be honest that may be part of my mindset, but I'm realizing right now that it's not about the toys. It's a much larger spiritual principle at work. We are to use our resources to serve others.
This includes your behavior in the workplace. "Christian slaves should work hard for their owners and respect them; never let it be said that Christ's people are poor workers. Don't let the name of God or his teaching be laughed at because of this. If their owner is a Christian, that is no excuse for slowing down; rather they should work all the harder because a brother in the faith is being helped by their efforts." I Tim. 6:1-3
Do you realize that money and talent aren't your only resources? One of your resources is "the name of God". You are a Christian. That means "of Christ". The way you work, act, and talk all reflect your stewardship of the name of God. You carry his reputation. This responsibility is yours. What are you going to do with it?
There is a Christian financial guy on the radio who I really enjoy listening to when I get the chance. He has some very sound principles that encourage us to live debt free. It's awesome to know what God can do when his people are out from the bondage of debt. The only thing I don't like is that sometimes some interpret the concept of being debt free to mean, "so you can enjoy your money." That's not accurate. It's God's money! All of "our" resources are from God, therefore they ARE God's. We have to make sure our resources don't become "gods". I Tim. 6:10 says, "For the love of money is the first step toward all kinds of sin." Why is that? because it is selfishness. Selfishness is the root of sin. That's what separates us from God.
In John 15, Jesus says that we will be known as disciples by our fruit. According to I Tim. 6:19, applying the principle of responsibility is the way to live a "fruitful Christian life down here." So when it comes to AM I, you can ask yourself, "Am I?" For you is it about the toys, or the joys of helping those in need? It takes discipline (Empowered Through Biblical Training) to get into this mindset. It's important. This is the best investment ever. That's not just a "feel good" phrase. It's the ultimate reality. We will be held to account for this principle. Apply it today!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Jeremiah 37:1-38:28
I Timothy 6:1-21
Psalm 89:38-52
Proverbs 25:28
"Tell those who are rich not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which will soon be gone, but their pride and trust should be in the living God who always richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and should give happily to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God has given them. By doing this they will be storing up real treasure for themselves in heaven - it is the only safe investment for eternity!" I Tim 6:17-19
I Timothy 6 is a chapter about Active Ministry Involvement. It may not seem like that's the topic when you first look at it, but Active Ministry Involvement is far more than being an usher, or a choir member or working in the nursery. As with all of the DREAM principles, this is not just something we "do" this is about who we ARE.
The principle of Active Ministry Involvement (AM I) is Responsibility. This principle is consistent throughout scripture. God wants us to offer him what he has given us so he can bless it and use it to serve others. This principle doesn't make a lot of sense to the world... Imagine that!
We're commanded to "Always be ready to share..." can't you see how great it is to have that as a part of your character? We've all seen kids who share well... and those who don't! You know what is so important about sharing? It's not about the toys! It's about the character of the child. Sometimes the reason we want kids to share is so they wont fight. To be honest that may be part of my mindset, but I'm realizing right now that it's not about the toys. It's a much larger spiritual principle at work. We are to use our resources to serve others.
This includes your behavior in the workplace. "Christian slaves should work hard for their owners and respect them; never let it be said that Christ's people are poor workers. Don't let the name of God or his teaching be laughed at because of this. If their owner is a Christian, that is no excuse for slowing down; rather they should work all the harder because a brother in the faith is being helped by their efforts." I Tim. 6:1-3
Do you realize that money and talent aren't your only resources? One of your resources is "the name of God". You are a Christian. That means "of Christ". The way you work, act, and talk all reflect your stewardship of the name of God. You carry his reputation. This responsibility is yours. What are you going to do with it?
There is a Christian financial guy on the radio who I really enjoy listening to when I get the chance. He has some very sound principles that encourage us to live debt free. It's awesome to know what God can do when his people are out from the bondage of debt. The only thing I don't like is that sometimes some interpret the concept of being debt free to mean, "so you can enjoy your money." That's not accurate. It's God's money! All of "our" resources are from God, therefore they ARE God's. We have to make sure our resources don't become "gods". I Tim. 6:10 says, "For the love of money is the first step toward all kinds of sin." Why is that? because it is selfishness. Selfishness is the root of sin. That's what separates us from God.
In John 15, Jesus says that we will be known as disciples by our fruit. According to I Tim. 6:19, applying the principle of responsibility is the way to live a "fruitful Christian life down here." So when it comes to AM I, you can ask yourself, "Am I?" For you is it about the toys, or the joys of helping those in need? It takes discipline (Empowered Through Biblical Training) to get into this mindset. It's important. This is the best investment ever. That's not just a "feel good" phrase. It's the ultimate reality. We will be held to account for this principle. Apply it today!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Saturday, October 20, 2007
10.20.7 "If You Don't Believe it, Tear it Out!"
"If You Don't Believe it, Tear it Out!"
Jeremiah 35:1-36:32
I Timothy 5:1-25
Psalm 89:14-37
Proverbs 25:25-27
When I was a student at North Central Bible College (Now called North Central University), we had daily chapel services. One of the professors was speaking one day, and as he read a few scriptures, he'd tear the page right out of his bible and he crumpled it up and threw it on the floor. His message was very clear. If you don't believe it, you could just as well tear it out. (I should mention that we later found out that the professor had put another book inside his bible and was ripping out those pages, not destroying the bible!)
I was reminded of that sermon as I read Jeremiah 36. "This word came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 'Take a scroll and write on it all the words I have spoken to you concerning Israel, Judah and all the other nations from the time I began speaking to you in the reign of Josiah till now. Perhaps when the people of Judah hear about every disaster I plan to inflict on them, each of them will turn from his wicked way; then I will forgive their wickedness and their sin."
Jeremiah then dictates all the words to Baruch who writes them on a scroll. Baruch then reads them before the people and ultimately the scroll is brought before King Jehoiakim. "It was the ninth month and the king was sitting in the winter apartment, with a fire burning in the firepot in front of him. whenever Jehudi had read three or four columns of the scroll, the king cut them off with a scribe's knife and threw them into the firepot, until the entire scroll was burned in the fire. The king and all his attendants who heard all these words showed no fear, nor did they tear their clothes. Even though Elnathan, Delaiah and Gemariah urged the king not to burn the scroll, he would not listen to them." Jer. 36:22-25
The King orders the arrest of Jeremiah and Baruch, but the Lord hides them. Then the Lord says to Jeremiah, "Take another scroll and write on it all the words that were on the first scroll, which Jehoiakim King of Judah burned up. (Jer.36:28) In Verse 32 it says, "So Jeremiah took another scroll and gave it to the scribe Baruch... and as Jeremiah dictated, Baruch wrote on it all the words of the scroll that Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire. And many similar words were added to them."
There are several things to think about from this portion of scripture:
1. Think of God's love. The whole purpose of his commands are that "Perhaps when the people hear... each of them will turn from his wicked way... then I will forgive." (36:3). God's word empowers us for repentance!
2. Think of the obedience of Jeremiah. To write down ALL the words the Lord had spoken to him! He knew this would ultimately get him into trouble, yet he did it. It was a lot of work.
3. Think of his faithfulness in spite of the results. After all his work, the scroll had been burned up. How many of us would say, "Sorry God, your idea didn't work! I'm not going there again!"
4. One of the more convicting thoughts is this: Think of the king. Sitting at the comfort of his fire, hearing the word of God, deciding not to heed it, and throwing it into the fire. How does that apply to us? How many times am I hearing the word of the Lord, and for one reason or another I choose not to follow, apply, or obey what I just heard? Maybe I've heard it so much I've become numb to it. What I am in essence doing is tearing it out and throwing it into the fire of my comfort. How tragic. Now God will have to speak it again. With more words than the time before!
Let the Word of God reach you today. Don't tear it out. Let it equip you for repentance. Let it transform you!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Jeremiah 35:1-36:32
I Timothy 5:1-25
Psalm 89:14-37
Proverbs 25:25-27
When I was a student at North Central Bible College (Now called North Central University), we had daily chapel services. One of the professors was speaking one day, and as he read a few scriptures, he'd tear the page right out of his bible and he crumpled it up and threw it on the floor. His message was very clear. If you don't believe it, you could just as well tear it out. (I should mention that we later found out that the professor had put another book inside his bible and was ripping out those pages, not destroying the bible!)
I was reminded of that sermon as I read Jeremiah 36. "This word came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 'Take a scroll and write on it all the words I have spoken to you concerning Israel, Judah and all the other nations from the time I began speaking to you in the reign of Josiah till now. Perhaps when the people of Judah hear about every disaster I plan to inflict on them, each of them will turn from his wicked way; then I will forgive their wickedness and their sin."
Jeremiah then dictates all the words to Baruch who writes them on a scroll. Baruch then reads them before the people and ultimately the scroll is brought before King Jehoiakim. "It was the ninth month and the king was sitting in the winter apartment, with a fire burning in the firepot in front of him. whenever Jehudi had read three or four columns of the scroll, the king cut them off with a scribe's knife and threw them into the firepot, until the entire scroll was burned in the fire. The king and all his attendants who heard all these words showed no fear, nor did they tear their clothes. Even though Elnathan, Delaiah and Gemariah urged the king not to burn the scroll, he would not listen to them." Jer. 36:22-25
The King orders the arrest of Jeremiah and Baruch, but the Lord hides them. Then the Lord says to Jeremiah, "Take another scroll and write on it all the words that were on the first scroll, which Jehoiakim King of Judah burned up. (Jer.36:28) In Verse 32 it says, "So Jeremiah took another scroll and gave it to the scribe Baruch... and as Jeremiah dictated, Baruch wrote on it all the words of the scroll that Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire. And many similar words were added to them."
There are several things to think about from this portion of scripture:
1. Think of God's love. The whole purpose of his commands are that "Perhaps when the people hear... each of them will turn from his wicked way... then I will forgive." (36:3). God's word empowers us for repentance!
2. Think of the obedience of Jeremiah. To write down ALL the words the Lord had spoken to him! He knew this would ultimately get him into trouble, yet he did it. It was a lot of work.
3. Think of his faithfulness in spite of the results. After all his work, the scroll had been burned up. How many of us would say, "Sorry God, your idea didn't work! I'm not going there again!"
4. One of the more convicting thoughts is this: Think of the king. Sitting at the comfort of his fire, hearing the word of God, deciding not to heed it, and throwing it into the fire. How does that apply to us? How many times am I hearing the word of the Lord, and for one reason or another I choose not to follow, apply, or obey what I just heard? Maybe I've heard it so much I've become numb to it. What I am in essence doing is tearing it out and throwing it into the fire of my comfort. How tragic. Now God will have to speak it again. With more words than the time before!
Let the Word of God reach you today. Don't tear it out. Let it equip you for repentance. Let it transform you!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Friday, October 19, 2007
10.19.7 "Exercise"
"Exercise"
Jeremiah 33:1-34:22
I Timothy 4:1-16
Psalm 89:1-13
Proverbs 25:23-24
Exercise. How does that word hit you? To me I end up with the feeling of "yeah... I know I should, but..." I do enjoy sports, though. That's probably more because of my competitive nature than it is for the good of exercise. Some people love to exercise. Those endorphines kick in, and there's a rush of energy there. While I have made steps toward improving exercise, I don't know that I've ever found that endorphin stage yet... Or maybe I'm endorphin-intolerant...
"Spend your time and energy in the exercise of keeping spiritually fit. Bodily exercise is all right, but spiritual exercise is much more important and is a tonic for all you do. So exercise yourself spiritually and practice being a better Christian, because that will help you not only now in this life, but in the next life too." I Timothy 4:7-8
The process of exercise is one of putting your body to work in places of resistance. By nature your body doesn't want to jog, but jogging exercises the muscles and cardio-vascular system. It's not a lot different in keeping spiritually fit. The way our spiritual lives are exercised is in places of resistance. In places where our flesh doesn't necessarily want to be. For example, Spiritual exercise is getting up earlier to insure time in the Word. It is being godly in ungodly surroundings. It's ministering in difficult places, maybe even with difficult individuals.
I enjoy playing basketball with some guys at the church in the early morning even though I'm not good at basketball. I miss most of my shots, and if I'm not careful I foul guys a lot because I'm still learning to understand the game. Everyone is at a different level of experience and skill, but I'm grateful that they have the patience to allow me to play, To try to get better, to exercise. The same principle should apply to the Christian walk. I shouldn't quit because I make a mistake. I need to commit to the process of exercise. Those with perfectionist personalities can really struggle with this, because they want to get it right the first time. If they don't they feel like quitting.
The struggle with inadequacy can also paralyze Christian growth. My biggest problem in basketball is probably being out of shape. So should I not play because I'm not in shape? No, because if I quit, I wont get in shape. In the Christian walk, I may be working on my anger. If I find myself in a situation where I lose my temper and quit, I've lost my chance to work through this issue.
It takes discipline to commit to the Christian walk. It takes exercise to grow. The process we struggle through is actually one that encourages others. "Be their ideal; let them follow the way you teach and live; be a pattern for them in your love, your faith, and your clean thoughts... Be sure to use the abilities God has given you through his prophets when the elders of the church laid their hands upon your head. Put these abilities to work; throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone may notice your improvement and progress. Keep a close watch on all you do and think. Stay true to what is right and God will bless you and use you to help others." I Tim. 4:12, 14-16
Get your spiritual workout in today. Use every situation as an opportunity to grow in Christ. Those around you desperately need you to be who God created you to be. That can only happen through your exercise.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Jeremiah 33:1-34:22
I Timothy 4:1-16
Psalm 89:1-13
Proverbs 25:23-24
Exercise. How does that word hit you? To me I end up with the feeling of "yeah... I know I should, but..." I do enjoy sports, though. That's probably more because of my competitive nature than it is for the good of exercise. Some people love to exercise. Those endorphines kick in, and there's a rush of energy there. While I have made steps toward improving exercise, I don't know that I've ever found that endorphin stage yet... Or maybe I'm endorphin-intolerant...
"Spend your time and energy in the exercise of keeping spiritually fit. Bodily exercise is all right, but spiritual exercise is much more important and is a tonic for all you do. So exercise yourself spiritually and practice being a better Christian, because that will help you not only now in this life, but in the next life too." I Timothy 4:7-8
The process of exercise is one of putting your body to work in places of resistance. By nature your body doesn't want to jog, but jogging exercises the muscles and cardio-vascular system. It's not a lot different in keeping spiritually fit. The way our spiritual lives are exercised is in places of resistance. In places where our flesh doesn't necessarily want to be. For example, Spiritual exercise is getting up earlier to insure time in the Word. It is being godly in ungodly surroundings. It's ministering in difficult places, maybe even with difficult individuals.
I enjoy playing basketball with some guys at the church in the early morning even though I'm not good at basketball. I miss most of my shots, and if I'm not careful I foul guys a lot because I'm still learning to understand the game. Everyone is at a different level of experience and skill, but I'm grateful that they have the patience to allow me to play, To try to get better, to exercise. The same principle should apply to the Christian walk. I shouldn't quit because I make a mistake. I need to commit to the process of exercise. Those with perfectionist personalities can really struggle with this, because they want to get it right the first time. If they don't they feel like quitting.
The struggle with inadequacy can also paralyze Christian growth. My biggest problem in basketball is probably being out of shape. So should I not play because I'm not in shape? No, because if I quit, I wont get in shape. In the Christian walk, I may be working on my anger. If I find myself in a situation where I lose my temper and quit, I've lost my chance to work through this issue.
It takes discipline to commit to the Christian walk. It takes exercise to grow. The process we struggle through is actually one that encourages others. "Be their ideal; let them follow the way you teach and live; be a pattern for them in your love, your faith, and your clean thoughts... Be sure to use the abilities God has given you through his prophets when the elders of the church laid their hands upon your head. Put these abilities to work; throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone may notice your improvement and progress. Keep a close watch on all you do and think. Stay true to what is right and God will bless you and use you to help others." I Tim. 4:12, 14-16
Get your spiritual workout in today. Use every situation as an opportunity to grow in Christ. Those around you desperately need you to be who God created you to be. That can only happen through your exercise.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Thursday, October 18, 2007
10.18.7 "Growth following Growth Producing Growth"
"Growth Following Growth Producing Growth"
Jeremiah 31:27-32;44
1 Timothy 3:1-16
Psalm 88:1-18
Proverbs 25:20-22
I Timothy 3 is a chapter that lists several requirements for church leaders. However, if you are not a pastor or deacon, it does not exclude you from these requirements. The items listed are characteristics of Christian maturity which is something we are all working toward.
Christian maturity is not an easy process. If you've felt that way, it may comfort you to know that Paul acknowledges this in I Tim. 3:16 "It is quite true that the way to live a godly life is not an easy matter. But the answer lies in Christ..." As we discover Christ, we discover the strength and power to live a godly life.
You may have heard this question before: "Does God give vision to disciplined people, or does He give vision so people develop discipline?" The answer is "both". In fact, it's a cycle of increasing direction and growth. For example, as we discover Christ, he gives us a vision of who we are to be, and we develop the discipline to become that. Through growing in discipline, we are greater positioned to hear his voice, and he gives us a vision of what he wants us to do. In response, we discipline ourselves in preparation. The cycle continues.
As we grow in Christ, we will discover that growth in one area of our life causes growth in another which in turn opens up new growth opportunities. In DREAM terms when we grow in "E", we must grow in "A", which positions us to grow in "R", etc.
Making sense? Let me hit it from the specifics of I Tim. 3:1-5 "It is a true saying that if a man wants to be a pastor he has a good ambition. For a pastor must be a good man whose life cannot be spoken against. He must have only one wife, and he must be hard working and thoughtful, orderly, and full of good deeds. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and must be a good Bible teacher. He must not be a drinker or quarrelsome, but he must be gentle and kind, and not be one who loves money. He must have a well-behaved family, with children who obey quickly and quietly. For if a man can't make his own little family behave, how can he help the whole church?"
The principle shown here is that the "Position" of pastor ("Active Ministry Involvement") requires the increased disciplines ("Empowered through Biblical Training") of hard work, good Bible teaching, which should manifest itself in a healthy family and reputation ("Relationships Devoted to Unity"). As I mentioned earlier, the strength to do this is found in Christ ("Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship"), and it says in verse 7 that this should be noticed by "those who aren't Christians" ("Mission to Reach Our World for Christ")
So is this just for pastors? Not at all. Look at today's Proverb 25:20-21: "Being happy-go-lucky around a person whose heart is heavy is as bad as stealing his jacket in cold weather, or rubbing salt in his wounds. If your enemy is hungry, give him food! if he is thirsty, give him something to drink!" You just read this verse as you are being "Empowered Through Biblical Training". At some level, that is a step of discipline. What follows is that you are now compelled to comply to this truth of Relationships Devoted to Unity. When someone else is really hurting, stop whistling and help them in their time of need! This will put you in the position for growth in Active Ministry Involvement: giving to them from your resources, which could be as simple as taking the time to listen.
Daily we should take inventory of whether or not we are Living the DREAM. At any given moment, one area will be stronger than another. But we cannot separate them from each other. You may feel secure in how you are a "witnessing machine" and have a big "M" on your chest, but if you are not in the Word (E) or you have issues with other Christians (R), you have things to work on. It's more accurate to say you have things for Christ to work on!
It's important that we allow the Spirit into all areas to do His work. Whatever your vocation or calling is, the growth required of a pastor is required of all of us. If we step out in any area too far without the support of the others we are in great danger of a fall. This will not only affect us, but will damage those around us, as we are all part of one Body.
Allow God to do His work in you and through you today!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Jeremiah 31:27-32;44
1 Timothy 3:1-16
Psalm 88:1-18
Proverbs 25:20-22
I Timothy 3 is a chapter that lists several requirements for church leaders. However, if you are not a pastor or deacon, it does not exclude you from these requirements. The items listed are characteristics of Christian maturity which is something we are all working toward.
Christian maturity is not an easy process. If you've felt that way, it may comfort you to know that Paul acknowledges this in I Tim. 3:16 "It is quite true that the way to live a godly life is not an easy matter. But the answer lies in Christ..." As we discover Christ, we discover the strength and power to live a godly life.
You may have heard this question before: "Does God give vision to disciplined people, or does He give vision so people develop discipline?" The answer is "both". In fact, it's a cycle of increasing direction and growth. For example, as we discover Christ, he gives us a vision of who we are to be, and we develop the discipline to become that. Through growing in discipline, we are greater positioned to hear his voice, and he gives us a vision of what he wants us to do. In response, we discipline ourselves in preparation. The cycle continues.
As we grow in Christ, we will discover that growth in one area of our life causes growth in another which in turn opens up new growth opportunities. In DREAM terms when we grow in "E", we must grow in "A", which positions us to grow in "R", etc.
Making sense? Let me hit it from the specifics of I Tim. 3:1-5 "It is a true saying that if a man wants to be a pastor he has a good ambition. For a pastor must be a good man whose life cannot be spoken against. He must have only one wife, and he must be hard working and thoughtful, orderly, and full of good deeds. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and must be a good Bible teacher. He must not be a drinker or quarrelsome, but he must be gentle and kind, and not be one who loves money. He must have a well-behaved family, with children who obey quickly and quietly. For if a man can't make his own little family behave, how can he help the whole church?"
The principle shown here is that the "Position" of pastor ("Active Ministry Involvement") requires the increased disciplines ("Empowered through Biblical Training") of hard work, good Bible teaching, which should manifest itself in a healthy family and reputation ("Relationships Devoted to Unity"). As I mentioned earlier, the strength to do this is found in Christ ("Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship"), and it says in verse 7 that this should be noticed by "those who aren't Christians" ("Mission to Reach Our World for Christ")
So is this just for pastors? Not at all. Look at today's Proverb 25:20-21: "Being happy-go-lucky around a person whose heart is heavy is as bad as stealing his jacket in cold weather, or rubbing salt in his wounds. If your enemy is hungry, give him food! if he is thirsty, give him something to drink!" You just read this verse as you are being "Empowered Through Biblical Training". At some level, that is a step of discipline. What follows is that you are now compelled to comply to this truth of Relationships Devoted to Unity. When someone else is really hurting, stop whistling and help them in their time of need! This will put you in the position for growth in Active Ministry Involvement: giving to them from your resources, which could be as simple as taking the time to listen.
Daily we should take inventory of whether or not we are Living the DREAM. At any given moment, one area will be stronger than another. But we cannot separate them from each other. You may feel secure in how you are a "witnessing machine" and have a big "M" on your chest, but if you are not in the Word (E) or you have issues with other Christians (R), you have things to work on. It's more accurate to say you have things for Christ to work on!
It's important that we allow the Spirit into all areas to do His work. Whatever your vocation or calling is, the growth required of a pastor is required of all of us. If we step out in any area too far without the support of the others we are in great danger of a fall. This will not only affect us, but will damage those around us, as we are all part of one Body.
Allow God to do His work in you and through you today!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
10.17.7 "The DREAM Job"
"The DREAM Job"
Jeremiah 30:1-31:26
I Timothy 2:1-15
Psalm 87:1-7
Proverbs 25:18-19
As we put focused attention on living the DREAM, much of our scriptural application has been about what God is doing in our lives. It is very important that we do our part to grow in maturity, but it's not just an internal thing. It should be making a difference in every area of our life. Maturity is measured in how we treat other people.
I Timothy 2:1-3 says, "Here are my directions: Pray much for others; plead for God's mercy upon them; give thanks for all he is going to do for them. Pray in this way for kings and all others who are in authority over us, or are in places of high responsibility, so that we can live in peace and quietness, spending our time in godly living and thinking much about the Lord. This is good and pleases God our Savior, for he longs for all to be saved and to understand this truth".
We really need to be praying for those around us. Especially for those in authority over us. The "norm" in our society is that we complain about our boss, our working conditions, and others we work with. We tend to dwell on things that cause us to be irritated with personalities or practices that are different than the way WE think they should be.
Think about what prayer does. The obvious thing is that God answers prayer. As you pray for someone in authority over you or in a place of high responsibility, God moves. There are times when the answer is immediate and obvious, but there are other times it's more subtle, but in God's will and timing, it's answered.
But also think about what prayer does IN you. When you have those people who "fertilize" your "Fruit of the Spirit", and you begin to pray for them, you begin to see them as God does. Praying for one another puts us in a posture of humility. Like Paul says, we must "give thanks for all he is going to do for them." This helps us get our minds off our selfishness and off our opinions, and onto what God is trying to complete in those around us.
If you are Living the DREAM, you should be different than those around you. You should not be around the water cooler complaining and talking about others, you should be setting the temperature of encouragement. Today's proverbs puts it pretty clear: "Telling lies about someone is as harmful as hitting him with an axe, or wounding him with a sword, or shooting him with a sharp arrow." Prov. 25:18. It is WAY too often that Christians justify doing this type of behavior. We cannot take part in this activity. Sometimes I fear we think we can get away with it if we phrase it in a form of a prayer request. "Please pray with me for a co-worker who is an idiot." The arrow is shot.
We must understand that if we act improperly toward those we work for and those in authority over us, it undermines our integrity. WE become the weak link. That is NOT living the DREAM. Prov. 25:19 says, "Putting confidence in an unreliable man is like chewing with a sore tooth, or trying to run on a broken foot."
How does your authority view you? Can you be trusted? Do they know that you have their back? That you are guarding them? Or do they feel like they are running on a broken foot? We do a disservice to the Kingdom when a Christian is "high maintenance" in the work place. We need to be people of honor, integrity, and faithfulness. Whining is not a fruit of the Spirit, nor is it a principle of DREAM. Do you have trouble with someone? Stop whining and start praying. God will show you the path to reconciliation.
In 1 Timothy 2:5 the "truth" that God wants every one to understand is this: "That God is on one side and all the people on the other side, and Christ Jesus, himself man, is between them to bring them together, by giving his life for all mankind." Each one of us are part of this. We need to be pointing to Christ not creating an obstacle by being unreliable. This is our Mission. Reaching our World for Christ. You can't just turn it off. That's why you're doing what you're doing.
That's why you've got your DREAM job!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Jeremiah 30:1-31:26
I Timothy 2:1-15
Psalm 87:1-7
Proverbs 25:18-19
As we put focused attention on living the DREAM, much of our scriptural application has been about what God is doing in our lives. It is very important that we do our part to grow in maturity, but it's not just an internal thing. It should be making a difference in every area of our life. Maturity is measured in how we treat other people.
I Timothy 2:1-3 says, "Here are my directions: Pray much for others; plead for God's mercy upon them; give thanks for all he is going to do for them. Pray in this way for kings and all others who are in authority over us, or are in places of high responsibility, so that we can live in peace and quietness, spending our time in godly living and thinking much about the Lord. This is good and pleases God our Savior, for he longs for all to be saved and to understand this truth".
We really need to be praying for those around us. Especially for those in authority over us. The "norm" in our society is that we complain about our boss, our working conditions, and others we work with. We tend to dwell on things that cause us to be irritated with personalities or practices that are different than the way WE think they should be.
Think about what prayer does. The obvious thing is that God answers prayer. As you pray for someone in authority over you or in a place of high responsibility, God moves. There are times when the answer is immediate and obvious, but there are other times it's more subtle, but in God's will and timing, it's answered.
But also think about what prayer does IN you. When you have those people who "fertilize" your "Fruit of the Spirit", and you begin to pray for them, you begin to see them as God does. Praying for one another puts us in a posture of humility. Like Paul says, we must "give thanks for all he is going to do for them." This helps us get our minds off our selfishness and off our opinions, and onto what God is trying to complete in those around us.
If you are Living the DREAM, you should be different than those around you. You should not be around the water cooler complaining and talking about others, you should be setting the temperature of encouragement. Today's proverbs puts it pretty clear: "Telling lies about someone is as harmful as hitting him with an axe, or wounding him with a sword, or shooting him with a sharp arrow." Prov. 25:18. It is WAY too often that Christians justify doing this type of behavior. We cannot take part in this activity. Sometimes I fear we think we can get away with it if we phrase it in a form of a prayer request. "Please pray with me for a co-worker who is an idiot." The arrow is shot.
We must understand that if we act improperly toward those we work for and those in authority over us, it undermines our integrity. WE become the weak link. That is NOT living the DREAM. Prov. 25:19 says, "Putting confidence in an unreliable man is like chewing with a sore tooth, or trying to run on a broken foot."
How does your authority view you? Can you be trusted? Do they know that you have their back? That you are guarding them? Or do they feel like they are running on a broken foot? We do a disservice to the Kingdom when a Christian is "high maintenance" in the work place. We need to be people of honor, integrity, and faithfulness. Whining is not a fruit of the Spirit, nor is it a principle of DREAM. Do you have trouble with someone? Stop whining and start praying. God will show you the path to reconciliation.
In 1 Timothy 2:5 the "truth" that God wants every one to understand is this: "That God is on one side and all the people on the other side, and Christ Jesus, himself man, is between them to bring them together, by giving his life for all mankind." Each one of us are part of this. We need to be pointing to Christ not creating an obstacle by being unreliable. This is our Mission. Reaching our World for Christ. You can't just turn it off. That's why you're doing what you're doing.
That's why you've got your DREAM job!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
10.16.7 "With All your Heart"
"With All your Heart"
Jeremiah 28:1-29:32
I Timothy 1:1-20
Psalm 86:1-17
Proverbs 25:17
"I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jer. 29:11) This is one of my favorite scriptures because it's such an encouraging scripture. It's awesome to know that the God of the universe knows my name. He is concerned with my path. He's concerned with where I am.
It is extremely important to always remember the context of this verse, however. In Jeremiah 28 there is a "battle" of two prophetic messages. In Jer. 27, God instructed Jeremiah to wear a yoke on his neck as a symbol, and bring the message that God's people are headed into captivity. Things are going to be hard. This is a result of disobedience, and there will be consequence. In chapter 28, Hananiah, the son of the prophet Gibeon speaks to Jeremiah in front of everyone and says, in essence, "No THIS is the word of the Lord..." and breaks Jeremiah's yoke, and declares God's people free, and basically tells the people what they want to hear. Even Jeremiah responded, "Amen! May your prophecies come true! I hope the Lord does everything you say." (Jer. 28:6)
But, as great as Hananiah's message was, it wasn't the word of the Lord. God's plan was that Israel would be in captivity for 70 years. He told them Babylon would rule the world. He told them to submit to the process. He told them to build homes and plant trees. They're going to be in captivity for a while.
My personality is the type that wants to tell people what they want to hear. I want to be an encouragement. Because of that tendency, when someone comes with a trial, I WANT to say, "this will be over before you know it! Victory will come today!" While there may be times where that IS the word of the Lord, there are many times that is NOT the word of the Lord. It may be that the Lord is using this trial for a purpose that is far greater than we could understand.
So the question is: Is it worth it?
The Israelites would much more love to align themselves with Hananiah's message, but what good would that do them? Would their hearts change? No. The Lord commanded them to submit to their captivity, and to prosper where he had placed them.
The fact that they're in captivity doesn't change the fact that God has a plan for their life. In fact, the captivity serves to GIVE a future and a hope, not to be in the way of it. I think that's an important message to always remember, but the purpose of the captivity is found in verse 13: "You will find me when you seek me, if you look for me in earnest." The NIV says, "... when you seek me with all of your heart."
In the midst of the trial, God is found IF we seek him with all our heart. Sometimes we fall short because, "my boss isn't fair!... My spouse wont change... This hurts too bad..." We want the circumstance to show change before we're willing to allow our heart to change. What the Lord is saying is, the circumstance isn't changing anytime soon, so allow me to change your heart. Produce fruit where you are.
The objective is not rosy circumstances, it's a pure heart.
In I Timothy 1:5, Paul says, "What I am eager for is that all the Christians there will be filled with love that comes from pure hearts, and that their minds will be clean and their faith strong." in verse 19 he says, "cling tightly to your faith in Christ and always keep your conscience clear, doing what you know is right."
What's tying these all together? "... seek me with all your heart." "... love that comes from pure hearts... Minds clean..." "... conscience clear..."
We need to be giving God our all, all the time. What is the highest form of worship? Obedience. Ps. 86:11 says, "Tell me where you want me to go and I will go there. May every fiber of my being unite in reverence to your name."
"May every fiber of my being..." That is the intensity in which we will truly experience the "Dynamics" of the Lifestyle of Worship. Too often worship is an event. It's a sunday morning service. What a tragedy when our obedience is an "event". Just a moment where we were aligned to God's direction.
Give your all to him today. Serve Him with all of your heart. Give Him a pure mind. Choose to do right. Worship Him with every fiber of your being so that wherever He says to go, you will go there.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Jeremiah 28:1-29:32
I Timothy 1:1-20
Psalm 86:1-17
Proverbs 25:17
"I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jer. 29:11) This is one of my favorite scriptures because it's such an encouraging scripture. It's awesome to know that the God of the universe knows my name. He is concerned with my path. He's concerned with where I am.
It is extremely important to always remember the context of this verse, however. In Jeremiah 28 there is a "battle" of two prophetic messages. In Jer. 27, God instructed Jeremiah to wear a yoke on his neck as a symbol, and bring the message that God's people are headed into captivity. Things are going to be hard. This is a result of disobedience, and there will be consequence. In chapter 28, Hananiah, the son of the prophet Gibeon speaks to Jeremiah in front of everyone and says, in essence, "No THIS is the word of the Lord..." and breaks Jeremiah's yoke, and declares God's people free, and basically tells the people what they want to hear. Even Jeremiah responded, "Amen! May your prophecies come true! I hope the Lord does everything you say." (Jer. 28:6)
But, as great as Hananiah's message was, it wasn't the word of the Lord. God's plan was that Israel would be in captivity for 70 years. He told them Babylon would rule the world. He told them to submit to the process. He told them to build homes and plant trees. They're going to be in captivity for a while.
My personality is the type that wants to tell people what they want to hear. I want to be an encouragement. Because of that tendency, when someone comes with a trial, I WANT to say, "this will be over before you know it! Victory will come today!" While there may be times where that IS the word of the Lord, there are many times that is NOT the word of the Lord. It may be that the Lord is using this trial for a purpose that is far greater than we could understand.
So the question is: Is it worth it?
The Israelites would much more love to align themselves with Hananiah's message, but what good would that do them? Would their hearts change? No. The Lord commanded them to submit to their captivity, and to prosper where he had placed them.
The fact that they're in captivity doesn't change the fact that God has a plan for their life. In fact, the captivity serves to GIVE a future and a hope, not to be in the way of it. I think that's an important message to always remember, but the purpose of the captivity is found in verse 13: "You will find me when you seek me, if you look for me in earnest." The NIV says, "... when you seek me with all of your heart."
In the midst of the trial, God is found IF we seek him with all our heart. Sometimes we fall short because, "my boss isn't fair!... My spouse wont change... This hurts too bad..." We want the circumstance to show change before we're willing to allow our heart to change. What the Lord is saying is, the circumstance isn't changing anytime soon, so allow me to change your heart. Produce fruit where you are.
The objective is not rosy circumstances, it's a pure heart.
In I Timothy 1:5, Paul says, "What I am eager for is that all the Christians there will be filled with love that comes from pure hearts, and that their minds will be clean and their faith strong." in verse 19 he says, "cling tightly to your faith in Christ and always keep your conscience clear, doing what you know is right."
What's tying these all together? "... seek me with all your heart." "... love that comes from pure hearts... Minds clean..." "... conscience clear..."
We need to be giving God our all, all the time. What is the highest form of worship? Obedience. Ps. 86:11 says, "Tell me where you want me to go and I will go there. May every fiber of my being unite in reverence to your name."
"May every fiber of my being..." That is the intensity in which we will truly experience the "Dynamics" of the Lifestyle of Worship. Too often worship is an event. It's a sunday morning service. What a tragedy when our obedience is an "event". Just a moment where we were aligned to God's direction.
Give your all to him today. Serve Him with all of your heart. Give Him a pure mind. Choose to do right. Worship Him with every fiber of your being so that wherever He says to go, you will go there.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Monday, October 15, 2007
10.15.7 "Get to Work!"
"Get to Work!"
Jeremiah 26:1-27:22
2 Thessalonians 3:1-18
Psalm 85:1-13
Proverbs 25:16
"Now here is a command, dear brothers, given in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ by his authority:..."
Got your ears perked up? This must be big. Paul has been talking about the coming of Christ in 2 Thes, and now he makes this statement in 2 Thes. 3:6. It must be important. What could it be?
Here it is: "Stay away from any Christian who spends his days in laziness and does not follow the ideal of hard work we set up for you." What do you think of that? Sounds harsh doesn't it?
As we spend time studying scripture, we begin to discover in a new light, the things that are really important to God. What DREAM principle applies to this scripture? Is it a lesson on "Relationships devoted to Unity"? Not this verse. A few verses later that comes in.
This scripture shows the importance God places on Active Ministry Involvement. As we've discussed before, the principle of AMI is Responsibility. As with the other principles, this is not just a good idea. It's a necessary element in the way God created us. It's something we must apply to lives to grow in our Christian walk... To Live the DREAM.
It may be easy for some to think, "Well, I'm in the choir. I'm living the 'A' of DREAM." or "I got that covered, I'm an usher..." We have to come to terms with the fact that it's not just about being a part of a group. It's about applying the principle of Responsibility to every area of life.
An individual who is not properly Empowered Through Biblical Training can read this verse and take it upon themselves to go around and judge how hard each one is working, and then form division in the church based on those judgments, destroying unity. This isn't the point. In verse 15 it says, "Don't think of him as an enemy, but speak to him as you would to a brother who needs to be warned." This is where "Relationships Devoted to Unity" kicks in: You show you care about me enough to talk to me when you feel I am not being responsible with the resources God has given me.
What Paul is showing by saying "stay away" from the lazy ones is that it is really easy to get lured into their mindset. Verse 11 says, "Yet we hear that some of you are living in laziness, refusing to work, and wasting your time in gossiping." A gossip needs someone to talk to. It's very easy to get drawn into that trap. There's a lure to it that is dangerous. The same is true with laziness. Individuals who are not being good stewards of their resources often will say, "Why work so hard? come on over Sunday night. Let's watch TV..." It has the appearance of a comfortable lifestyle, and I'm sure it may be comfortable. But comfort is not a scriptural principle. Responsibility is.
Let's encourage one another to "quiet down, get to work" (I Thess. 3:12) and also to "never be tired of doing right." (3:13) Make sure you are being Responsible with what God has given you.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Jeremiah 26:1-27:22
2 Thessalonians 3:1-18
Psalm 85:1-13
Proverbs 25:16
"Now here is a command, dear brothers, given in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ by his authority:..."
Got your ears perked up? This must be big. Paul has been talking about the coming of Christ in 2 Thes, and now he makes this statement in 2 Thes. 3:6. It must be important. What could it be?
Here it is: "Stay away from any Christian who spends his days in laziness and does not follow the ideal of hard work we set up for you." What do you think of that? Sounds harsh doesn't it?
As we spend time studying scripture, we begin to discover in a new light, the things that are really important to God. What DREAM principle applies to this scripture? Is it a lesson on "Relationships devoted to Unity"? Not this verse. A few verses later that comes in.
This scripture shows the importance God places on Active Ministry Involvement. As we've discussed before, the principle of AMI is Responsibility. As with the other principles, this is not just a good idea. It's a necessary element in the way God created us. It's something we must apply to lives to grow in our Christian walk... To Live the DREAM.
It may be easy for some to think, "Well, I'm in the choir. I'm living the 'A' of DREAM." or "I got that covered, I'm an usher..." We have to come to terms with the fact that it's not just about being a part of a group. It's about applying the principle of Responsibility to every area of life.
An individual who is not properly Empowered Through Biblical Training can read this verse and take it upon themselves to go around and judge how hard each one is working, and then form division in the church based on those judgments, destroying unity. This isn't the point. In verse 15 it says, "Don't think of him as an enemy, but speak to him as you would to a brother who needs to be warned." This is where "Relationships Devoted to Unity" kicks in: You show you care about me enough to talk to me when you feel I am not being responsible with the resources God has given me.
What Paul is showing by saying "stay away" from the lazy ones is that it is really easy to get lured into their mindset. Verse 11 says, "Yet we hear that some of you are living in laziness, refusing to work, and wasting your time in gossiping." A gossip needs someone to talk to. It's very easy to get drawn into that trap. There's a lure to it that is dangerous. The same is true with laziness. Individuals who are not being good stewards of their resources often will say, "Why work so hard? come on over Sunday night. Let's watch TV..." It has the appearance of a comfortable lifestyle, and I'm sure it may be comfortable. But comfort is not a scriptural principle. Responsibility is.
Let's encourage one another to "quiet down, get to work" (I Thess. 3:12) and also to "never be tired of doing right." (3:13) Make sure you are being Responsible with what God has given you.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Sunday, October 14, 2007
10.14.7 "Where the Fruit Trees Grow"
"Where the Fruit Trees Grow"
Jeremiah 23:21 - 25:38
2 Thessalonians 2:1-17
Psalm 84:1-12
Proverbs 25:15
I remember as a kid hearing the scripture about the "fruit of the Spirit", and seeing pretty pictures, and how sweet it was. Now growing up, I have a little better understanding of what it takes to make fruit grow. If I ever wrote a book about the Fruit of the Spirit, I would title it "Where the Fruit Trees Grow". As I was reading today's Psalm, I was reminded of this. Galatians 5:22-23 isn't a part of today's reading from the One-Year Bible, but I thought it would be a good reminder:
"But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Gal. 5:22-23
Those are 9 good things to have aren't they? It would be great if you could just run to Pick-n-Save produce section, rip off a plastic bag, and fill it with what you're going to need for that day. "I'll take a dozen patience... let's see... the kids like kindness... i suppose i should have a bit of self-control..."
It really doesn't work that way does it? Growing fruit is no easy process. It's not found at Pick-n-Save in fact, Psalm 84 gives us a bit of insight into where we can look.
"Happy are those who are strong in the Lord, who want above all else to follow your steps. When they walk through the Valley of Weeping it will become a place of springs where pools of blessing and refreshment collect after rains! They will grow constantly in strength and each of them is invited to meet with the Lord in Zion." Ps 84:5-7
The Fruit of the Spirit is a necessary part of your growth in Christ. You need it. Guess what! Some of these trees grow in the Valley of Weeping. We all walk through this valley at one time or another. Unfortunately, sometimes we want to run through this valley. We close our eyes, cover our ears, and can't wait until we get out of it. We rush through it without ever opening our baskets to gather fruit. Our focus on self and concern that we've lost our comfort causes us to miss out on so much. We're frustrated at the rains that come, and miss the "pools of blessing and refreshment that collect after rains!"
It's awesome to see God work in people's lives. I see individuals who have walked through the Valley & come out with a priceless treasure. Unfortunately I've seen those who come out bitter for having been there. The saddest part is knowing that the journey the Lord has for them can't be travelled without gaining the fruit that only grows in THAT valley. Somewhere down the line, there will be a sense of "repeating the test".
Where do the fruit trees grow? I can tell you that the patience tree is not in a quiet place. It's on a freeway. or at a red light when you're late for work. (or trying to get one of the plastic bags apart at Pick and Save!) Self-control is right next to Krispy-Kreme. Joy is in a very dark place. Love... that's a hard one. This one grows in the most undeserving place. This is a valley of danger... risk... the potential for hurt is high. It would be great if this tree were in a Hallmark shop on Valentine's day, but not so. It takes a lot of "fertilizer" for this fruit to become what it needs to be.
Remember the whole "Pure Joy" thing in James 1:2? You know, "consider it pure joy when you face trials..." Well, this is what it's about. This is why the armor goes on each day. It's for a purpose. It's not just to survive the Valley of Weeping. It's to come out better for it.
Maybe right now you're in a pleasant part of the journey. No valleys, just beautiful meadows & mountain tops. But someone very close to you could be at the darkest point in the Valley. Their eyes are closed, and they want to scream. You've been through a valley before. Reach in your basket. Pull out the fruit. What you may not realize is that the fruit was never for you in the first place. It was to help someone else. As you bring kindness and gentleness to another, help them open their eyes and see the pools of blessing. There's refreshment there.
Don't miss the most important part of these verses: "Happy are those who are strong in the Lord, who want above all else to follow your steps." The key to a successful journey is to follow in the steps the Lord has laid out. Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." Don't get worried when the path leads through a valley. It's all the more important to be Empowered through Biblical Training. Too often that's the first to go. "Too busy to read the Word... Too tired to go to church..." No wonder the valley gets so dark. There's no light.
Be refreshed today wherever you are at. The fruit is nearby.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Jeremiah 23:21 - 25:38
2 Thessalonians 2:1-17
Psalm 84:1-12
Proverbs 25:15
I remember as a kid hearing the scripture about the "fruit of the Spirit", and seeing pretty pictures, and how sweet it was. Now growing up, I have a little better understanding of what it takes to make fruit grow. If I ever wrote a book about the Fruit of the Spirit, I would title it "Where the Fruit Trees Grow". As I was reading today's Psalm, I was reminded of this. Galatians 5:22-23 isn't a part of today's reading from the One-Year Bible, but I thought it would be a good reminder:
"But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Gal. 5:22-23
Those are 9 good things to have aren't they? It would be great if you could just run to Pick-n-Save produce section, rip off a plastic bag, and fill it with what you're going to need for that day. "I'll take a dozen patience... let's see... the kids like kindness... i suppose i should have a bit of self-control..."
It really doesn't work that way does it? Growing fruit is no easy process. It's not found at Pick-n-Save in fact, Psalm 84 gives us a bit of insight into where we can look.
"Happy are those who are strong in the Lord, who want above all else to follow your steps. When they walk through the Valley of Weeping it will become a place of springs where pools of blessing and refreshment collect after rains! They will grow constantly in strength and each of them is invited to meet with the Lord in Zion." Ps 84:5-7
The Fruit of the Spirit is a necessary part of your growth in Christ. You need it. Guess what! Some of these trees grow in the Valley of Weeping. We all walk through this valley at one time or another. Unfortunately, sometimes we want to run through this valley. We close our eyes, cover our ears, and can't wait until we get out of it. We rush through it without ever opening our baskets to gather fruit. Our focus on self and concern that we've lost our comfort causes us to miss out on so much. We're frustrated at the rains that come, and miss the "pools of blessing and refreshment that collect after rains!"
It's awesome to see God work in people's lives. I see individuals who have walked through the Valley & come out with a priceless treasure. Unfortunately I've seen those who come out bitter for having been there. The saddest part is knowing that the journey the Lord has for them can't be travelled without gaining the fruit that only grows in THAT valley. Somewhere down the line, there will be a sense of "repeating the test".
Where do the fruit trees grow? I can tell you that the patience tree is not in a quiet place. It's on a freeway. or at a red light when you're late for work. (or trying to get one of the plastic bags apart at Pick and Save!) Self-control is right next to Krispy-Kreme. Joy is in a very dark place. Love... that's a hard one. This one grows in the most undeserving place. This is a valley of danger... risk... the potential for hurt is high. It would be great if this tree were in a Hallmark shop on Valentine's day, but not so. It takes a lot of "fertilizer" for this fruit to become what it needs to be.
Remember the whole "Pure Joy" thing in James 1:2? You know, "consider it pure joy when you face trials..." Well, this is what it's about. This is why the armor goes on each day. It's for a purpose. It's not just to survive the Valley of Weeping. It's to come out better for it.
Maybe right now you're in a pleasant part of the journey. No valleys, just beautiful meadows & mountain tops. But someone very close to you could be at the darkest point in the Valley. Their eyes are closed, and they want to scream. You've been through a valley before. Reach in your basket. Pull out the fruit. What you may not realize is that the fruit was never for you in the first place. It was to help someone else. As you bring kindness and gentleness to another, help them open their eyes and see the pools of blessing. There's refreshment there.
Don't miss the most important part of these verses: "Happy are those who are strong in the Lord, who want above all else to follow your steps." The key to a successful journey is to follow in the steps the Lord has laid out. Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." Don't get worried when the path leads through a valley. It's all the more important to be Empowered through Biblical Training. Too often that's the first to go. "Too busy to read the Word... Too tired to go to church..." No wonder the valley gets so dark. There's no light.
Be refreshed today wherever you are at. The fruit is nearby.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Saturday, October 13, 2007
10.13.7 "Faith Rewarded with Power"
"Faith Rewarded with Power"
Jeremiah 22:1-23:20
2 Thessalonians 1:1-12
Psalm 83:1-18
Proverbs 25:110-14
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 "And so we keep on praying for you that our God will make you the kind of children he wants to have - will make you as good as you wish you could be! - rewarding your faith with his power. Then everyone will be praising the name of the Lord Jesus Christ because of the results they see in you; and your greatest glory will be that you belong to him. The tender mercy of our God and of the Lord Jesus Christ has made all this possible for you."
I really enjoyed these verses this morning. It's not that there's something profound or yet undiscovered, but it is a great reminder of some very important things.
1. God is trying to make us into the children he wants to have. There is intentionality to God's purposes for our life. He is working in us and through us for our good!
2. His work in us is to make us as good as we wish we could be. If you're like me, there are a lot of times you can get frustrated with yourself. I know I'm not who I should be. But the great thing is that as I let him do his work, I will become what I need to be!
3. This whole process takes the power of God! What this portion of scripture shows is that our faith is rewarded with power. Notice the sequence. As we move in faith, we experience His power! Too often I think I wait around for his power and I never exercise faith. This doesn't have to be huge leaps of faith. It is just in these little steps of faith where we begin to experience the power which increases our faith.
4. There should be observable results! What God is doing in your life should result in developing character and conduct that others see. Can others see growth in you? Can they see it in me? I'm not talking about piety or "holier-than-thou" type of growth, I'm talking about genuine steps of Christian maturity. I really have to think about it. When was the last time someone praised the name of the Lord Jesus Christ because of the results they saw in me?
5. It's only by the mercy of God that any of this is possible. We don't deserve this attention for growth that God gives us. We deserve far less. Yet in the price Jesus paid for us, all of this is possible for you.
If there's a tidbit I want to take today, it's that I must take steps of faith. His power will follow. This power will equip me to accomplish what he has for me. It will give me strength to become who He wants me to be. As I experience this, I know my faith will grow.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Jeremiah 22:1-23:20
2 Thessalonians 1:1-12
Psalm 83:1-18
Proverbs 25:110-14
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 "And so we keep on praying for you that our God will make you the kind of children he wants to have - will make you as good as you wish you could be! - rewarding your faith with his power. Then everyone will be praising the name of the Lord Jesus Christ because of the results they see in you; and your greatest glory will be that you belong to him. The tender mercy of our God and of the Lord Jesus Christ has made all this possible for you."
I really enjoyed these verses this morning. It's not that there's something profound or yet undiscovered, but it is a great reminder of some very important things.
1. God is trying to make us into the children he wants to have. There is intentionality to God's purposes for our life. He is working in us and through us for our good!
2. His work in us is to make us as good as we wish we could be. If you're like me, there are a lot of times you can get frustrated with yourself. I know I'm not who I should be. But the great thing is that as I let him do his work, I will become what I need to be!
3. This whole process takes the power of God! What this portion of scripture shows is that our faith is rewarded with power. Notice the sequence. As we move in faith, we experience His power! Too often I think I wait around for his power and I never exercise faith. This doesn't have to be huge leaps of faith. It is just in these little steps of faith where we begin to experience the power which increases our faith.
4. There should be observable results! What God is doing in your life should result in developing character and conduct that others see. Can others see growth in you? Can they see it in me? I'm not talking about piety or "holier-than-thou" type of growth, I'm talking about genuine steps of Christian maturity. I really have to think about it. When was the last time someone praised the name of the Lord Jesus Christ because of the results they saw in me?
5. It's only by the mercy of God that any of this is possible. We don't deserve this attention for growth that God gives us. We deserve far less. Yet in the price Jesus paid for us, all of this is possible for you.
If there's a tidbit I want to take today, it's that I must take steps of faith. His power will follow. This power will equip me to accomplish what he has for me. It will give me strength to become who He wants me to be. As I experience this, I know my faith will grow.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Friday, October 12, 2007
10.12.7 "We're all in this together"
"We're all in this together"
Jeremiah 19:1-21:14
1 Thessalonians 5:2-28
Psalm 82:1-8
Proverbs 25:8-10
(Now that "High School Musical" has come out, this DEVO title comes w/ a tune stuck in your head! - if you have kids you know exactly what it mean!)
Leadership can be challenging sometimes. There are times when you'd love to make the "easy" decision, but you know you can't. Following God is not an exercise in popularity. Jeremiah realized this, and took an opportunity to vent about it a bit. "O Lord, you deceived me when you promised me your help. I have to give them your messages because you are stronger than I am, but now I am the laughingstock of the city, mocked by all. You have never once let me speak a word of kindness to them; always it is disaster and horror and destruction. No wonder they scoff and mock and make my name a household joke. And I can't quit! For if I say I'll never again mention the Lord - never more speak in his name - then his word in my heart is like fire that burns in my bones, and I can't hold it in any longer." (Jer. 20:7-9)
Godly leaders lead because of the fire of God in them. I'm so thankful for the team God has placed here at Oak Creek. No one is in this for themselves. These are people who are called by God, and are walking in obedience. I have the privilege of working with leaders of many different ministries in preparation for illustrated sermons, musicals, young married activities, and so many other events. I am so blessed by the individuals that are giving so much of their life to lead others to Christ.
Many of you on this list are not a part of Oak Creek Assembly of God, but no matter where you're at, the leaders that serve over you or with you have given so much as well.
I thought of these individuals as I read today's scripture.
"Dear brothers, honor the officers of your church who work hard among you and warn you against all that is wrong. Think highly of them and give them your wholehearted love because they are straining to help you. And remember, no quarreling among yourselves." I Thess. 5:12-13
Having grown up in church ministry and been a part of it all my life, I can so greatly appreciate Paul's context of honoring your leaders: no quarreling among yourselves.
If you are involved in ministry, you know that there will always be times of struggle, miscommunication, and even hurt. There are times when someone will disagree with methods or decisions, and because each of us are different, some of those decisions and practices will really upset someone. Depending on the circumstance, this can be a minor thing, or it can really turn into a barn-burner.
I've been on both sides of these situations. The perspective given in today's scripture is so valuable no matter where you are at. WE'RE ALL ON THE SAME TEAM! I've seen it on the Packer's sidelines just like i've seen it on the Vikings sideline: Two players walking off the field hollering at each other. Usually it's a receiver and a quarterback. They're often fighting about not getting the ball enough, or a blown route, or for fumbling the ball. Sometimes these are minor skirmishes, but none the less they happen.
Players on the same team will make mistakes. That's not what's important. What's important is that we never forget that we're on the same team! I've not yet met anyone who's out for evil intent in ministry. There have been times I've been close to wondering, but when the dust settles, it was usually a matter of miscommunication... a blown route... a fumbled ball. But you know what? That's WHY we're in this together: to help each other along. to strengthen. to encourage.
In the very next verse Paul continues: "Dear brothers, warn those who are lazy; comfort those who are frightened; take tender care of those who are weak; and be patient with everyone. See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to everyone else." I Thes. 5:14-15
If we live this way, the Body becomes so healthy. The perspective is not lost. There may be hurts, there may still be fumbles & interceptions, but the important thing is that we are a team. This is what unity is about. We're all in this together!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Jeremiah 19:1-21:14
1 Thessalonians 5:2-28
Psalm 82:1-8
Proverbs 25:8-10
(Now that "High School Musical" has come out, this DEVO title comes w/ a tune stuck in your head! - if you have kids you know exactly what it mean!)
Leadership can be challenging sometimes. There are times when you'd love to make the "easy" decision, but you know you can't. Following God is not an exercise in popularity. Jeremiah realized this, and took an opportunity to vent about it a bit. "O Lord, you deceived me when you promised me your help. I have to give them your messages because you are stronger than I am, but now I am the laughingstock of the city, mocked by all. You have never once let me speak a word of kindness to them; always it is disaster and horror and destruction. No wonder they scoff and mock and make my name a household joke. And I can't quit! For if I say I'll never again mention the Lord - never more speak in his name - then his word in my heart is like fire that burns in my bones, and I can't hold it in any longer." (Jer. 20:7-9)
Godly leaders lead because of the fire of God in them. I'm so thankful for the team God has placed here at Oak Creek. No one is in this for themselves. These are people who are called by God, and are walking in obedience. I have the privilege of working with leaders of many different ministries in preparation for illustrated sermons, musicals, young married activities, and so many other events. I am so blessed by the individuals that are giving so much of their life to lead others to Christ.
Many of you on this list are not a part of Oak Creek Assembly of God, but no matter where you're at, the leaders that serve over you or with you have given so much as well.
I thought of these individuals as I read today's scripture.
"Dear brothers, honor the officers of your church who work hard among you and warn you against all that is wrong. Think highly of them and give them your wholehearted love because they are straining to help you. And remember, no quarreling among yourselves." I Thess. 5:12-13
Having grown up in church ministry and been a part of it all my life, I can so greatly appreciate Paul's context of honoring your leaders: no quarreling among yourselves.
If you are involved in ministry, you know that there will always be times of struggle, miscommunication, and even hurt. There are times when someone will disagree with methods or decisions, and because each of us are different, some of those decisions and practices will really upset someone. Depending on the circumstance, this can be a minor thing, or it can really turn into a barn-burner.
I've been on both sides of these situations. The perspective given in today's scripture is so valuable no matter where you are at. WE'RE ALL ON THE SAME TEAM! I've seen it on the Packer's sidelines just like i've seen it on the Vikings sideline: Two players walking off the field hollering at each other. Usually it's a receiver and a quarterback. They're often fighting about not getting the ball enough, or a blown route, or for fumbling the ball. Sometimes these are minor skirmishes, but none the less they happen.
Players on the same team will make mistakes. That's not what's important. What's important is that we never forget that we're on the same team! I've not yet met anyone who's out for evil intent in ministry. There have been times I've been close to wondering, but when the dust settles, it was usually a matter of miscommunication... a blown route... a fumbled ball. But you know what? That's WHY we're in this together: to help each other along. to strengthen. to encourage.
In the very next verse Paul continues: "Dear brothers, warn those who are lazy; comfort those who are frightened; take tender care of those who are weak; and be patient with everyone. See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to everyone else." I Thes. 5:14-15
If we live this way, the Body becomes so healthy. The perspective is not lost. There may be hurts, there may still be fumbles & interceptions, but the important thing is that we are a team. This is what unity is about. We're all in this together!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Thursday, October 11, 2007
10.11.7 "Formed or Crushed?"
"Formed or Crushed?"
Jeremiah 16:16-18:23
I Thessalonians 4:1-5:2a
Psalm 81:1-16
Proverbs 25:6-7
There was a small window in my life where I thought I might be good at art. I think it was a period of about 2 days in 7th grade. Our assignment was to make a little head and face out of clay. The first day of the project was great! I was seeing my creation take form. But what happened the 2nd day "reshaped" my desires. One of the "punks" in my class thought my project belonged to a friend of his, and he smashed the side of it. I couldn't really do much in the few minutes before the grading began, so it was a bad grade, and i never really found the motivation again.
Jeremiah 18:1-4 says, "The Lord gave another message to Jeremiah. He said, "go down to the potter's shop and I will speak to you there. so i did as he told me and found the potter working at his wheel. But the jar he was making did not turn out as he had hoped, so he crushed it into a lump of clay again and started over." Verse 6 says, "As the clay is in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand."
The phrase that really sticks out to me today is, "But the jar he was making did not turn out as he had hoped..." God is the potter we are the clay. Are we turning out as he hoped?
The main difference between us and my little clay project is that the primary issue as to whether or not we turn out according to the Artist's design is whether or not we allow Him to shape us. When we are pliable in his hands, we become who he intends for us to be. When we decide we don't want his "shape", he has no option but to crush us and start again.
I Thess. 4:1,2 says, "... You already know how to please God in your daily living, for you know the commands we gave you from the Lord Jesus himself. Now we beg you - yes, we demand of you in the name of the Lord Jesus that you live more and more closely to that ideal."
The acrostic "DREAM" is not a magic formula for Christianity. It is simply a reminder of the foundational principles necessary to "please God in your daily living." We are pliable in the Potter's Hands when we put into practice what the Lord is revealing to us!
I remember some powerful times the Lord has spoken to my heart. I have been given clear direction. It's not enough to have been given direction. There's no "merit badge" for that. What we are held to account for is our obedience. This is the essence of the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship.
Here's what the Psalmist has to say about it: "But no, my people won't listen. Israel doesn't want me around. so I am letting them go their blind and stubborn way, living according to their own desires. But oh, that my people would listen to me! Oh, that Israel would follow me, walking in my paths! How quickly then I would subdue her enemies! How soon my hands would be upon her foes!" Ps. 81:11-14
Paul jumps into "Relationships Devoted to Unity" in verse 9. "But concerning the pure brotherly love that there should be among God's people, I don't need to say very much, I'm sure! For God himself is teaching you to love one another." Well, Paul "shouldn't" need to say very much, but I think there are some brotherly love issues that need to be put into practice. We need to "... live more and more closely to that ideal." This REALLY needs to be a priority of the Church. Too many of our actions are motivated by offense, rights and opinions instead of brotherly love.
Reading this portion of scripture is in itself "Empowered Through Biblical Training", but Paul refers to living by the "rules" in verse 8. "If anyone refuses to live by these rules he is not disobeying the rules of men but of God who gives his Holy Spirit to you." You may think because this refers to obedience, it's a "D" thing, but the essence of "E" is discipline in the context of aligning to God's Word. I'm reminded of the song lyrics, "This is my daily bread: your very Word spoken to me." We need the empowerment of the Spirit found through the discipline of the Word.
Active Ministry Involvement is referred to in verse 11 & 12. "This should be your ambition: to live a quiet life, minding your own business and doing your own work, just as we told you before.... and you will not need to depend on others for enough money to pay your bills." The principle of Responsibility needs to be applied to the work before us. Paul says that applying this principle will result in God's provision.
Also, at the beginning of verse 12 Paul says the fruit of living the "A" is the "M". "As a result, people who are not Christians will trust and respect you." Our Mission to Reach our World for Christ should not only be a focused action, it should be the fruit of everything we do.
As we "live more and more closely to that ideal", as I Thes. 4:2 says, we place ourselves in the center of the Potter's wheel. We need to put into practice the things we know are right.
Where are you at right now? Are you being formed, or do you find yourself in a season of crushing? As difficult as it is, the crushing is not a bad thing. It's a sign that the Potter has not given up.
I'm thankful that the Lord is a much better artist than I am. He doesn't give up like I did, When someone bashes in the side of his project, He just crushes it down and begins again to form it into all he "desires it to be".
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Jeremiah 16:16-18:23
I Thessalonians 4:1-5:2a
Psalm 81:1-16
Proverbs 25:6-7
There was a small window in my life where I thought I might be good at art. I think it was a period of about 2 days in 7th grade. Our assignment was to make a little head and face out of clay. The first day of the project was great! I was seeing my creation take form. But what happened the 2nd day "reshaped" my desires. One of the "punks" in my class thought my project belonged to a friend of his, and he smashed the side of it. I couldn't really do much in the few minutes before the grading began, so it was a bad grade, and i never really found the motivation again.
Jeremiah 18:1-4 says, "The Lord gave another message to Jeremiah. He said, "go down to the potter's shop and I will speak to you there. so i did as he told me and found the potter working at his wheel. But the jar he was making did not turn out as he had hoped, so he crushed it into a lump of clay again and started over." Verse 6 says, "As the clay is in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand."
The phrase that really sticks out to me today is, "But the jar he was making did not turn out as he had hoped..." God is the potter we are the clay. Are we turning out as he hoped?
The main difference between us and my little clay project is that the primary issue as to whether or not we turn out according to the Artist's design is whether or not we allow Him to shape us. When we are pliable in his hands, we become who he intends for us to be. When we decide we don't want his "shape", he has no option but to crush us and start again.
I Thess. 4:1,2 says, "... You already know how to please God in your daily living, for you know the commands we gave you from the Lord Jesus himself. Now we beg you - yes, we demand of you in the name of the Lord Jesus that you live more and more closely to that ideal."
The acrostic "DREAM" is not a magic formula for Christianity. It is simply a reminder of the foundational principles necessary to "please God in your daily living." We are pliable in the Potter's Hands when we put into practice what the Lord is revealing to us!
I remember some powerful times the Lord has spoken to my heart. I have been given clear direction. It's not enough to have been given direction. There's no "merit badge" for that. What we are held to account for is our obedience. This is the essence of the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship.
Here's what the Psalmist has to say about it: "But no, my people won't listen. Israel doesn't want me around. so I am letting them go their blind and stubborn way, living according to their own desires. But oh, that my people would listen to me! Oh, that Israel would follow me, walking in my paths! How quickly then I would subdue her enemies! How soon my hands would be upon her foes!" Ps. 81:11-14
Paul jumps into "Relationships Devoted to Unity" in verse 9. "But concerning the pure brotherly love that there should be among God's people, I don't need to say very much, I'm sure! For God himself is teaching you to love one another." Well, Paul "shouldn't" need to say very much, but I think there are some brotherly love issues that need to be put into practice. We need to "... live more and more closely to that ideal." This REALLY needs to be a priority of the Church. Too many of our actions are motivated by offense, rights and opinions instead of brotherly love.
Reading this portion of scripture is in itself "Empowered Through Biblical Training", but Paul refers to living by the "rules" in verse 8. "If anyone refuses to live by these rules he is not disobeying the rules of men but of God who gives his Holy Spirit to you." You may think because this refers to obedience, it's a "D" thing, but the essence of "E" is discipline in the context of aligning to God's Word. I'm reminded of the song lyrics, "This is my daily bread: your very Word spoken to me." We need the empowerment of the Spirit found through the discipline of the Word.
Active Ministry Involvement is referred to in verse 11 & 12. "This should be your ambition: to live a quiet life, minding your own business and doing your own work, just as we told you before.... and you will not need to depend on others for enough money to pay your bills." The principle of Responsibility needs to be applied to the work before us. Paul says that applying this principle will result in God's provision.
Also, at the beginning of verse 12 Paul says the fruit of living the "A" is the "M". "As a result, people who are not Christians will trust and respect you." Our Mission to Reach our World for Christ should not only be a focused action, it should be the fruit of everything we do.
As we "live more and more closely to that ideal", as I Thes. 4:2 says, we place ourselves in the center of the Potter's wheel. We need to put into practice the things we know are right.
Where are you at right now? Are you being formed, or do you find yourself in a season of crushing? As difficult as it is, the crushing is not a bad thing. It's a sign that the Potter has not given up.
I'm thankful that the Lord is a much better artist than I am. He doesn't give up like I did, When someone bashes in the side of his project, He just crushes it down and begins again to form it into all he "desires it to be".
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
10.10.7 "God's Plan of Trouble"
"God's Plan of Trouble"
Jeremiah 14:11-16:15
I Thessalonians 2:9-3:13
Psalm 80:1-19
Proverbs 25:1-5
Do you ever feel like Christian growth is a process of 2 steps forward & one step back? Maybe you feel like it's the other way around: 1 step forward & 2 steps back. What causes us to feel that way? Usually it's a trial that knocks us off our horse.
Why do trials have such a strong effect on us? Especially when we've made some step of obedience to grow in God? I think it's because we don't expect them. We forget a great principle:
TRIALS ARE A PART OF GOD'S PLAN!
If you don't know this, you've probably been blind sided many times. In I Thes. 3:3 it says, "But of course you know that such troubles are a part of God's plan for us Christians." We also read in James 1 how we are to consider them "pure joy".
We nod our heads in Sunday School like we understand, but when they come, we whine and want to quit. There are times in my life where I've surrendered something to God. I've followed his command. Because I went through so much, I subconsciously think that "God owes me." My attitude is that of, "Ok, I did this for you, so you better make my path smooth!" Sounds foolish, right? I'm sure you've never done it!
I can't tell you how many times I see people giving up on their progress in a marriage relationship because they hit a bump in the road. They give up on things that God has called them to do because of circumstances that have happened. Paul must have seen this too. in verse 5 he says, "... when I could bear the suspense no longer I sent Timothy to find out whether your faith was still strong. I was afraid that perhaps Satan had gotten the best of you and that all our work had been useless."
I'm sick of seeing Satan getting the best of Christians. It really irritates me. I've seen it over and over again. Christians bail on their progress because "it's just too hard". The writer of Hebrews says in 12:5, "In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood." Yet, we lose heart long before that point.
Today's Proverb 25:4 says, "When you remove dross from silver, you have sterling ready for the silversmith." How is dross removed? by heating it up and skimming off the top. Going through the trial is the way we get "heated up". More often than not, our response is to pull out of the process long before the dross can come off.
We shoot ourselves in the foot. We want God to use us, so he begins to prepare us. We don't like the process, so we pull out... then we wonder why he's not using us. We get stuck in this cycle over and over and over.
How about when the next trial comes, we recognize the nastiness that rises up within us as dross and let him skim it off? Then see what happens. Dross is ugly. We're not going to like it. It's going to make us vulnerable, and maybe even ashamed. When we pull out of the process too soon, we let Satan get the best of us. That's not God's plan, and it shouldn't be ours. These trials are a part of growing up. Expect them. Expect to dig deeper into the Word when they come. Expect to learn. Expect to come through it better for it. A trial is not a step backward. If we allow God to do his work, each trial is 2 steps forward.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Jeremiah 14:11-16:15
I Thessalonians 2:9-3:13
Psalm 80:1-19
Proverbs 25:1-5
Do you ever feel like Christian growth is a process of 2 steps forward & one step back? Maybe you feel like it's the other way around: 1 step forward & 2 steps back. What causes us to feel that way? Usually it's a trial that knocks us off our horse.
Why do trials have such a strong effect on us? Especially when we've made some step of obedience to grow in God? I think it's because we don't expect them. We forget a great principle:
TRIALS ARE A PART OF GOD'S PLAN!
If you don't know this, you've probably been blind sided many times. In I Thes. 3:3 it says, "But of course you know that such troubles are a part of God's plan for us Christians." We also read in James 1 how we are to consider them "pure joy".
We nod our heads in Sunday School like we understand, but when they come, we whine and want to quit. There are times in my life where I've surrendered something to God. I've followed his command. Because I went through so much, I subconsciously think that "God owes me." My attitude is that of, "Ok, I did this for you, so you better make my path smooth!" Sounds foolish, right? I'm sure you've never done it!
I can't tell you how many times I see people giving up on their progress in a marriage relationship because they hit a bump in the road. They give up on things that God has called them to do because of circumstances that have happened. Paul must have seen this too. in verse 5 he says, "... when I could bear the suspense no longer I sent Timothy to find out whether your faith was still strong. I was afraid that perhaps Satan had gotten the best of you and that all our work had been useless."
I'm sick of seeing Satan getting the best of Christians. It really irritates me. I've seen it over and over again. Christians bail on their progress because "it's just too hard". The writer of Hebrews says in 12:5, "In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood." Yet, we lose heart long before that point.
Today's Proverb 25:4 says, "When you remove dross from silver, you have sterling ready for the silversmith." How is dross removed? by heating it up and skimming off the top. Going through the trial is the way we get "heated up". More often than not, our response is to pull out of the process long before the dross can come off.
We shoot ourselves in the foot. We want God to use us, so he begins to prepare us. We don't like the process, so we pull out... then we wonder why he's not using us. We get stuck in this cycle over and over and over.
How about when the next trial comes, we recognize the nastiness that rises up within us as dross and let him skim it off? Then see what happens. Dross is ugly. We're not going to like it. It's going to make us vulnerable, and maybe even ashamed. When we pull out of the process too soon, we let Satan get the best of us. That's not God's plan, and it shouldn't be ours. These trials are a part of growing up. Expect them. Expect to dig deeper into the Word when they come. Expect to learn. Expect to come through it better for it. A trial is not a step backward. If we allow God to do his work, each trial is 2 steps forward.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
10.9.7 "Great Plans of Amounting to Nothing"
"Great Plans of Amounting to Nothing"
Jeremiah 12:1-14:10
I Thessalonians 1:1-2:8
Psalm 79:1-13
Proverbs 24:30-34
Do you ever wonder why individuals go through life accomplishing nothing? Do you think that was the plan from the beginning? No one ever plans to fail, yet it happens. why? I'm not talking about failure in the sense of the many attempts it took to create the light bulb. Those failures were the path necessary to accomplish the goal. I'm talking about failure in the sense of today's reading:
"I walked by the field of a certain lazy fellow and saw that it was overgrown with thorns, and covered with weeds; and its walls were broken down. Then, as I looked, I learned this lesson: 'A little extra sleep, A little more slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest' means that poverty will break in upon you suddenly like a robber, and violently like a bandit." Prov. 24:30-34
Consider the lazy man. I can relate to him. I am by nature very lazy. I could spend several days doing nothing, and not have a problem with it. I have to have goals in mind, and even a little bit of stress to motivate me. If I don't, the couch is my home.
The point of the lazy man is this. His thoughts are not, "I will never do work". His thoughts are "just a little more sleep." his thoughts are not, "I will just let my walls fall down & let poverty come in." His thoughts are "I'll get to that later." I've often mentioned that I have the "gift" of procrastination. It's a dangerous gift. There's a seduction to putting things off that is far more dangerous than it seems.
What kinds of things do we put off? Of course, there's the "honey do" list that we have. That can vary in urgency. A cable on our garage door came off the spindle & the door was stuck open. That was something I had to get to right away. It affected the security of our home. There's usually a lightbulb somewhere that needs changing, but how quickly it gets changed depends on it's location.
What about spiritually? We put off getting right with God. "Yeah, I should repent of that... but... I'll do it later." We know we should get up in the morning to do devotions... but "just a little more sleep..." Little do we know the danger in those words. Suddenly the flood waters come and the levies are not secure.
We all have dreams and goals and plans to some measure or another. We need to understand that God has a purpose in putting those things in our heart. The enemy of these dreams is the couch of comfort. Each and every moment of every day we need to understand that we are building a foundation for what God wants to do in our life. When we see the value of what's at stake, is it worth sleeping in?
No dream is free. Many times I've had someone come to me with a great idea for a new ministry, and it really is a great idea, but they will drop it on my desk and walk away, expecting someone else to pay the price for it to happen. There is a cost of discipline that must accompany the dream for it to become a reality.
No DREAM is free, either. We need to live the balanced Christian Life, but it doesn't just happen because we understand the DREAM principles. It doesn't just happen because we read a devotional everyday, or even write one. Discipline in every area of life is necessary to this process.
It is so easy to live life falling short of potential. No one really plans on it. It happens for lack of discipline. It is possible to be who God created you to be. It happens when we discipline ourselves to follow in obedience to his direction and his timing, and align our thoughts and beliefs to his Word.
God's plans for you are not "great plans of amounting to nothing." They are to "prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future." Jer. 29:11. Live like those are your plans. Then when disaster strikes it will find your walls secure and your harvest ready.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Jeremiah 12:1-14:10
I Thessalonians 1:1-2:8
Psalm 79:1-13
Proverbs 24:30-34
Do you ever wonder why individuals go through life accomplishing nothing? Do you think that was the plan from the beginning? No one ever plans to fail, yet it happens. why? I'm not talking about failure in the sense of the many attempts it took to create the light bulb. Those failures were the path necessary to accomplish the goal. I'm talking about failure in the sense of today's reading:
"I walked by the field of a certain lazy fellow and saw that it was overgrown with thorns, and covered with weeds; and its walls were broken down. Then, as I looked, I learned this lesson: 'A little extra sleep, A little more slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest' means that poverty will break in upon you suddenly like a robber, and violently like a bandit." Prov. 24:30-34
Consider the lazy man. I can relate to him. I am by nature very lazy. I could spend several days doing nothing, and not have a problem with it. I have to have goals in mind, and even a little bit of stress to motivate me. If I don't, the couch is my home.
The point of the lazy man is this. His thoughts are not, "I will never do work". His thoughts are "just a little more sleep." his thoughts are not, "I will just let my walls fall down & let poverty come in." His thoughts are "I'll get to that later." I've often mentioned that I have the "gift" of procrastination. It's a dangerous gift. There's a seduction to putting things off that is far more dangerous than it seems.
What kinds of things do we put off? Of course, there's the "honey do" list that we have. That can vary in urgency. A cable on our garage door came off the spindle & the door was stuck open. That was something I had to get to right away. It affected the security of our home. There's usually a lightbulb somewhere that needs changing, but how quickly it gets changed depends on it's location.
What about spiritually? We put off getting right with God. "Yeah, I should repent of that... but... I'll do it later." We know we should get up in the morning to do devotions... but "just a little more sleep..." Little do we know the danger in those words. Suddenly the flood waters come and the levies are not secure.
We all have dreams and goals and plans to some measure or another. We need to understand that God has a purpose in putting those things in our heart. The enemy of these dreams is the couch of comfort. Each and every moment of every day we need to understand that we are building a foundation for what God wants to do in our life. When we see the value of what's at stake, is it worth sleeping in?
No dream is free. Many times I've had someone come to me with a great idea for a new ministry, and it really is a great idea, but they will drop it on my desk and walk away, expecting someone else to pay the price for it to happen. There is a cost of discipline that must accompany the dream for it to become a reality.
No DREAM is free, either. We need to live the balanced Christian Life, but it doesn't just happen because we understand the DREAM principles. It doesn't just happen because we read a devotional everyday, or even write one. Discipline in every area of life is necessary to this process.
It is so easy to live life falling short of potential. No one really plans on it. It happens for lack of discipline. It is possible to be who God created you to be. It happens when we discipline ourselves to follow in obedience to his direction and his timing, and align our thoughts and beliefs to his Word.
God's plans for you are not "great plans of amounting to nothing." They are to "prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future." Jer. 29:11. Live like those are your plans. Then when disaster strikes it will find your walls secure and your harvest ready.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Monday, October 8, 2007
10.8.7 "Life is a Paid Gig"
"Life is a Paid Gig"
Jeremiah 10:1-11:23
Colossians 3:18-4:18
Psalm 78:59-72
Proverbs 24:28-29
The music majors in college had quite a variety of goals. Some wanted to go into recording, some into teaching, and some into performing. Some wanted to go into teaching because they loved it, and others, because of all the options, teaching was the safest choice. It was the safest choice because it was a pretty secure "paid gig". I remember some friends getting their first paid gig. They would play in an orchestra, or with a band and actually get a check. It was pretty cool.
We often have a different mindset when we're involved in something that we're paid to do versus something that we've just "volunteered" for. If there's cash involved, you can be sure we'll be on time. You can be sure that the work will be done. But hey, if I'm just volunteering, I'm doing you such a favor, that it's a bonus if I show up at all... right?
The "volunteer mentality" has no place in the Christian walk. If you view yourself as a volunteer, you develop an unhealthy mindset. You don't have to show up for commitments, because you're "just a volunteer". You don't go the extra mile. You act as if you're doing the organization a favor.
Paul addresses this pretty directly. "Work hard and cheerfully at all you do, just as though you were working for the Lord and not merely for your masters, remembering that it is the Lord Christ who is going to pay you, giving you your full portion of all he owns. He is the one you are really working for. And if you don't do your best for him, he will pay you in a way that you won't like - for he has no special favorites who can get away with shirking." Col. 3:23-25
We are created for Active Ministry Involvement. We have a Responsibility to use our gifts to serve others. When we develop the understanding that this is not optional, we put intensity into what we're doing. There is something incredible about the way the Lord takes our efforts and places his blessings upon them. There is fruit. We have to understand that this is an unchanging principle. We ARE being paid. One way or another. Remember the parable of the talents. We will be rewarded, or chastised for what we've done with what we've been given.
So much of our culture is based on the paycheck: getting the raise... payday, etc. We forget how temporary that is. It will not last. The reward of the Lord, however is eternal. He's watching! Work with all your might. There are no circumstances or relational issues that excuse you from this principle. Too many times people get "offended" into doing a bad job. If a church leader or someone at work says something that we take personally or take offense at, we "take our toys and go home." How do think the Lord looks at that? He's watching. And accounting.
The Responsibility of Active Ministry Involvement is universal. It applies in all circumstances no matter how difficult or easy. This is the "A" DREAM. We can't grow in maturity without getting this. To live with a volunteer mentality is like putting a glass ceiling on the maturing process in your life.
Work as if this is a paid gig... because it is!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Jeremiah 10:1-11:23
Colossians 3:18-4:18
Psalm 78:59-72
Proverbs 24:28-29
The music majors in college had quite a variety of goals. Some wanted to go into recording, some into teaching, and some into performing. Some wanted to go into teaching because they loved it, and others, because of all the options, teaching was the safest choice. It was the safest choice because it was a pretty secure "paid gig". I remember some friends getting their first paid gig. They would play in an orchestra, or with a band and actually get a check. It was pretty cool.
We often have a different mindset when we're involved in something that we're paid to do versus something that we've just "volunteered" for. If there's cash involved, you can be sure we'll be on time. You can be sure that the work will be done. But hey, if I'm just volunteering, I'm doing you such a favor, that it's a bonus if I show up at all... right?
The "volunteer mentality" has no place in the Christian walk. If you view yourself as a volunteer, you develop an unhealthy mindset. You don't have to show up for commitments, because you're "just a volunteer". You don't go the extra mile. You act as if you're doing the organization a favor.
Paul addresses this pretty directly. "Work hard and cheerfully at all you do, just as though you were working for the Lord and not merely for your masters, remembering that it is the Lord Christ who is going to pay you, giving you your full portion of all he owns. He is the one you are really working for. And if you don't do your best for him, he will pay you in a way that you won't like - for he has no special favorites who can get away with shirking." Col. 3:23-25
We are created for Active Ministry Involvement. We have a Responsibility to use our gifts to serve others. When we develop the understanding that this is not optional, we put intensity into what we're doing. There is something incredible about the way the Lord takes our efforts and places his blessings upon them. There is fruit. We have to understand that this is an unchanging principle. We ARE being paid. One way or another. Remember the parable of the talents. We will be rewarded, or chastised for what we've done with what we've been given.
So much of our culture is based on the paycheck: getting the raise... payday, etc. We forget how temporary that is. It will not last. The reward of the Lord, however is eternal. He's watching! Work with all your might. There are no circumstances or relational issues that excuse you from this principle. Too many times people get "offended" into doing a bad job. If a church leader or someone at work says something that we take personally or take offense at, we "take our toys and go home." How do think the Lord looks at that? He's watching. And accounting.
The Responsibility of Active Ministry Involvement is universal. It applies in all circumstances no matter how difficult or easy. This is the "A" DREAM. We can't grow in maturity without getting this. To live with a volunteer mentality is like putting a glass ceiling on the maturing process in your life.
Work as if this is a paid gig... because it is!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
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