1.31.8 "The Price of Freedom"

"The Price of Freedom"

Exodus 12:14-13:16
Matthew 20:29-21:22
Psalm 25:16-22
Proverbs 6:12-15

Why does it take blood to bring freedom? I know that's a heavy question to start a devotional with, but think about it. Why blood? On the last day of the 430th year of the Israelites being in Egypt, they go free. What was the final act that brought it about?

"Then Moses called all the elders of Israel together and said to them, 'Go pick out a lamb or young goat for each of your families, and slaughter the Passover animal. Drain the blood into a basin. Then take a bundle of hyssop branches and dip it into the blood. Brush the hyssop across the top and sides of the doorframes of your houses. And no one may go out through the door until morning. For the Lord will pass through the land to strike down the Egyptians. But when he sees the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe, the Lord will pass over your home. He will not permit his death angel to enter your house and strike you down." (Exodus 12:21-23)

Verse 30 says, "Pharaoh and all his officials and all the people of Egypt woke up during the night, and loud wailing was heard throughout the land of Egypt. There was not a single house where someone had not died."

Can you imagine being there at that time? We know the end of the story, so we can make some sense of it. But to be there... to think, "Moses, WHAT are you talkin' about??" To take the blood of an animal and spread it on the doorposts... to hear the wailing of the Egyptians.

There is a price for freedom.

It takes blood to be free.

There is no exception.

Egypt represents the bondage of sin. Jesus shed his blood to set us free.

"Yeah, I know that!" You may be thinking. "This is basic Christianity!" Well, we need to be reminded of what it REALLY takes to be free. We live in a society that wants to find freedom through diplomacy. I'm not saying that can't happen in politics, but I AM telling you it can't happen with sin.

You can't "new year's resolution" your way to being free from sin. It can only come through the Blood.

In reading the passages of scripture today, I noted how the Israelites are commanded to commemorate this day of freedom. "On this night the Lord kept his promise to bring his people out of the land of Egypt. So this night belongs to him, and it must be commemorated every year." (Ex 12:42) In 13:14 it says, "And in the future your children will ask you, 'What does all this mean?' Then you will tell them, 'With the power of his mighty hand, the Lord brought us out of Egypt, the place of our slavery.'"

We need to not only "know" the price of freedom, we need to remember it & pass it on to our kids. This MUST be a part of our lives!

Thank you Lord for the price you paid for my freedom!





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

1.30.8 "Stop for Directions"

"Stop for Directions"

Exodus 10:1-12:13
Matthew 20:1-28
Psalm 25:1-15
Proverbs 6:6-11

It's a timeless tale: Man and woman driving in a car and they're lost. Of course, the woman says, "let's stop for directions." The man looks at her like he'd rather die. The man does the most logical thing: he turns the radio down as he looks at street signs. He knows the reason he's lost. It's the noise. He gives his wife another look... It's really a pride thing. You have to forge you're own way. The man is the Hero! Heaven forbid you surrender your plans to another.

So many live their life that way as well. "I must blaze a trail!" "I need to figure this out for myself!"

"None of those who have faith in God will ever be disgraced for trusting him... Show me the path where I should go, O Lord; point out the right road for me to walk. Lead me; teach me; for you are the God who gives me salvation. I have no hope except in you." Ps. 25:3-4

Life is full of roads. Some look easy, some look difficult, but each one is unique, and all are laid out before us. Which one is the right one? When we see the skyline of where we want to go in the distance, sometimes we turn on a road that seems to be going that direction only to find that there are detours, troubles and even curves that lead to where we were never meant to be.

I love flying. My goal is to even do skydiving sometime in the future. I love the view from the sky. I had the opportunity to go on a refueling mission with the local National Guard refueling team. En route to where we were meeting the jet that was getting refueled, I was allowed to lay in the "boom bay", which is in the very rear of the plane. The guy who controls the fueling boom lays on his stomach to guide the hookup between the two planes. As I was laying in the bay, there's nothing between me and the ground but a window. I love the view of all the highways and fields, and cities. From that perspective, semi-trucks look so small. Not nearly like the agents of death my wife thinks we are when I'm driving next to them on the free way.

From the "sky" view, you can see where the roads go. From the ground view, the entrance ramp to so many roads look the same. It is easy for us in life to also get caught in the trap of "I wonder where this goes..." and start to wander down a trail that was never intended for us.

God has a plan for our life. He longs that we have an intimate relationship so that he can reveal to us the secrets of his heart. He wants to give us the directions.

"The Lord is good and glad to teach the proper path to all who go astray; he will teach the ways that are right and best to those who humbly turn to him." Ps. 25:8-9

There's no sense in traveling without direction from the Lord. The road you're on may seem full of potholes and scenery that you were never hoping for, but God has you on this road so that you can become who he's created you to be. Along this road is someone who desperately needs you to be who God has created you to be. There comes a time when we need to quit complaining about the journey and allow God to give us his direction.

It's vital that we are Empowered through Biblical Training. We need to be in his word to hear his voice. If we're not, we're traveling blind. If we are in the word, we can hear his voice and obey it.

"And when we obey him, every path he guides us on is fragrant with his lovingkindness and his truth." Ps. 25:10




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

1.29.8 "When Do You Want to Be Free?"

"When Do You Want to Be Free?"

Exodus 8:1-9:35
Matthew 19:13-30
Psalm 24:1-10
Proverbs 6:1-5

The fear of the unknown can be paralyzing. I've read that individuals will choose to remain in a miserable state rather than risk the unknown of change. This happens with believers as well. Often God's people are in bondage because they don't realize they don't have to be. Jesus has paid the price, and we can BE FREE!

I've always been perplexed by the hardness of Pharoah's heart. Plague after plague, he would refuse to follow through on a promise to let God's people go. There is one particular instance doesn't make any sense at all.

It's the plague of frogs. Frogs are EVERYWHERE. in the kitchen in the beds, in the food... (on a side note, a friend of mine commented about the magicians who also brought frogs out of the river: "What were they thinking by adding more frogs!?) :)

"Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and begged, 'Plead with God to take the frogs away, and I will let the people go and sacrifice to him.'" Ex. 8:8

It's the next part that I find interesting. Moses asks him when he wants the frogs to go. Pharoah's answer: "Do it tomorrow."

To me that sounds just stupid. Why in the world would he want another minute of this pestilence?

What caught my attention is how this is an example of someone who delays getting right with God. The Spirit draws us to him, and shines his light on sin, and we know we need to lay it down. So often, though, we delay the surrender. The problem is we like the sin. There can be a false sense of comfort in the bondage of sins grip. When do you want to be free? Tomorrow? Why not today?

Jesus brought me out of Egypt. Now it's my job to get Egypt out of me. I need to be free today. Anything that could hold me back from his presence must be immediately surrendered to him. My passion and fear of the Lord must be of the intensity to allow no delay. We need to "seize the potential of the present."

Be Free TODAY!

rribbit!


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

1.28.8 "The Two Shall Become One"

"The Two Shall Become One"

Exodus 5:22-7:25
Matthew 18:21-19:12
Psalm 23:1-6
Proverbs 5:22-23

We're currently doing a sermon series called, "They Say... I Say..." The premise is how the popular culture doesn't proclaim God's truth. Yesterday we explored Divorce. With the majority of marriages ending in divorce in America today, there must be a popular belief that divorce is ok. Unfortunately, that is leaking into the church. But we should be different. We must be Empowered through Biblical Training. If we do not take the principles of scripture and apply them to our lives, we will so easily succumb to the tainted doctrines of worldliness.

In today's reading from the One Year Bible, the Pharisees are trying to trap Jesus. They want him to slip up so they can turn the people against him. (Sounds like a presidential campaign doesn't it?) They ask his opinion on divorce.

Jesus responds with scripture that we've all heard many times. "'Don't you read the Scriptures?' he replied. 'in them it is written that at the beginning God created man and woman, and that a man should leave his father and mother, and be forever united to his wife. The two shall become one - no longer two, but one! And no man may divorce what God has joined together.'" (Matt. 19:4-6)

Marriage is a precious thing to God. The enemy knows that and will do whatever he can to get people to mess it up. The sad thing is that the enemy has deceived many into justifying divorce. He has painted a picture that divorce is ok. What is even more sad is that Christians are believing that lie.

There is no room for the concept of divorce in the life of the believer. What has happened is that the enemy has whispered some thoughts and "exceptions" into the mind of believers who may be struggling in their marriage, and the door has been opened to the thought of marriage breakup. This is extremely dangerous.

One of the most common lies that Christians use to entertain the idea of divorce is the idea that "I married the wrong person". "I wasn't listening to God when I married this one." This is a dangerous lie that some listen to so long that it becomes a cancer that drowns out the voice of truth.

"No man may divorce what God has joined together." It doesn't say that only "marriages from obedient people are joined by God". We are created so that the two become one. It's as foolish as a mother saying, "I was living in sin on the day I became pregnant with this child, so now that the child is 2 and driving me crazy, I need to kill the child." I'm horrified to even type that statement. Yet why aren't we horrified as believers when we see marriages falling apart?

It's time that we close the door to the idea of divorce. You may be in a place where you need to close this door in your own marriage. We need to come to terms with the fact that this is not an option.

It's been said to me, "Well, I know it's a sin to divorce, but I'll just ask forgiveness afterwards." Is that a statement of someone who fears God?

The priority in the life of a believer is to enter an intimate relationship with the Lord. So many fear doing this for many reasons. I know several who don't want to get right with God because of fear that He will heal the marriage that they don't want to be in.

What do you think about divorce? Are you pretty passive about it? Is the word allowed in your home? In our home we don't threaten murder when disciplining our child nor do we ever allow the word divorce in our home. To do so would open the door to immeasurable risks.

Too often people wait too long to talk to someone when the marriage is a struggle. If you're in a place where the marriage relationship is strained, value it enough to talk to someone about it. Don't talk to someone with a worldly perspective who will advise you to have an "abortion". Talk to someone who understands what marriage is supposed to be. Too often pride prevents couples from seeking help. The cancer grows.

God has a plan for your life. He put you together with your mate for a purpose. He wants to complete his work in your marriage so he can work through your marriage. Marriage is a very important Relationship Devoted to Unity.


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

1.27.8 "What is that in your Hand?"

"What is that in your Hand?"

Exodus 4:1-5:21
Matthew 18:1-20
Psalm 22:19-31
Proverbs 5:15-21

Exodus 4 is one of my favorite passages of scripture. I love this discussion between God and Moses via the burning bush. I don't love this story because I'm proud of Moses' responses to God, but because I see myself in his responses.

God calls Moses to lead the people out of Egypt. He's heard their cries, and he's ready to move. He's chosen his man to do it: Moses.

Moses says in verse 1. "What if they wont believe or listen to me? What if they say, 'The Lord never appeared to you?'' Isn't that our usual response when God puts something on our heart? "Hey God, I bet you didn't think of this... What if... How about..." And we begin to go into this delay pattern of trying to excuse ourselves out of obedience.

Listen to what God asks Moses in verse 2: "What is that in your hand?" "A shepherd's staff," Moses replied.

I think that same question echoes down through the ages to all of us. "What is that in your hand?" God wants to change our world through you & me. We're simple, common people. We have faults, we have weaknesses. But he just asks, "what do you have?"

God has Moses throw the staff on the ground and miracles happen. All God asks of us is that we lay our "stuff" down. Our skills, our talents, our resources, our possessions... all of it. Then miracles begin to happen. He uses what he's already given us to do great things.

Too often we want to become someone else, or wait until we have enough, or we find some other excuse to not step out in obedience.

We need to stop the excuses and move. In verse 20, it says Moses headed back to Egypt, and "in his hand he carried the staff of God." Something happens when we lay it all down. We realize it's God's. He can do incredible things through your personality. Through the time you have. Through your relationships.

What is that in your hand? Lay it down.


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

1.26.8 "Let God Connect the Dots"

"Let God Connect the Dots"

Exodus 2:11-3:22
Matthew 17:10-27
Psalm 22:1-18
Proverbs 5:7-14


"God's will for us is less about our comfort than it is about our contribution. God would never choose for us safety at the cost of significance. God created you so that your life would count, not so that you could count the days of your life." - Erwin McManus

There is a great need out there. The Lord desires to use you to meet that need. You may or may not realize it yet, but there are desires in your heart that are already connected to that need.

Moses was raised in the house of the king. It was the good life. However, he felt a strong connection to his Hebrew brothers. "One day, many years later when Moses had grown up and become a man, he went out to visit his fellow Hebrews and saw the terrible conditions they were under." The story continues to tell how he saw an Egyptian mistreat a Hebrew, so he killed the Egyptian. He then goes into hiding in the wilderness.

Moses had a burden for his people, but at that time he had not placed it in the hands of God. He had not gone through the wilderness experience to meet the need in God's strength and timing. Look at the result: the sin of murder.

Beginning in Exodus 3, Moses meets God via the burning bush. This is an incredible experience with the glory and the voice of God. In Ex. 3:7-10 the Lord says, "I have seen the deep sorrows of my people in Egypt, and have heard their pleas for freedom... I have come to deliver them... Now I am going to send you..."

God is now connecting the need of the people to the desire of Moses. In actuality by now, Moses has spent so long in hiding, and he knows the mistakes he's made, that in his mind, he is not the man for the job. "But I'm not the person for a job like that!" Moses exclaimed. ex. 3:11.

As far as Moses was concerned, the dream was dead. Not to God, though. He had placed the desires in Moses' heart long ago. It was now time to connect the dots.

How about you? What desires are in your heart? You could be in many different places. You could be out there in your own strength trying to pursue the desires. You could be running from the mistakes of the past. You may be in the position where you don't even remember the desire anymore. Maybe you're in the place where God is telling you "it's time". You're scared. You don't think you're the one to be obedient.

God will never call you to do something and not give you the strength to accomplish it. No matter where you're at in this journey, give your desires to God. Make yourself wholly available to him. In his time you're going to see HIM connect the dots.




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

1.25.8 "The Danger of Being Human"

"The Danger of Being Human"

Genesis 50:1 - Exodus 2:10
Matthew 16:13-17:9
Psalm 21:1-13
Proverbs 5:1-6

"Jesus turned to Peter and said, 'Get away from me, you Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me.'" Matt. 16:23a

Wow! How would you like to be Peter at that point in time? The Son of the Most High calling you Satan! A mere 5 verses before Jesus was saying to Peter, "You are Peter, a stone; and upon this rock I will build my church; and all the powers of hell shall not prevail against it." (16:18) So, why the big change?

What was it that caused Jesus to react so strongly to Peter? The rest of verse 23 says, "You are thinking merely from a human point of view, and not from God's."

The danger of being human is thinking in human terms. We so often get trapped in the confines of our human senses and understanding that we begin to lay out "God's plan" on our terms rather than on His. We react to difficulties and challenges in the flesh and not in the Spirit.

I think every one of us would have wanted to say what Peter said in verse 22. Jesus had been talking about how he would be crucified. Peter said, "Heaven forbid, sir, This is not going to happen to you!" What's wrong with that? Here's what's wrong. It's reacting in human terms with human logic, and not in Godly understanding.

"Then Jesus said to the disciples, 'If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For anyone who keeps his life for himself shall lose it; and anyone who loses his life for me shall find it again. What profit is there if you gain the whole world - and lose eternal life? What can be compared with the value of eternal life?" Matt 16:24-26

As long as our flesh lives, we are in danger of gaining the whole world and losing eternal life. When we take up our cross, we are giving our flesh the death sentence. I must become a "Dead Man Walking"!

True worship is a dagger in the heart of the flesh. The Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship is not singing the songs we like so we can "get something out of" a worship service. True worship is unhindered communion with God marked by Love, Fear, and Obedience. When trials come, I must discipline myself to not react in human terms and human understanding. I must turn to God and surrender all I have to him. I must lay myself bare before him. THEN, as a Dead Man Walking, I am in a position to allow him to complete his work in me and through me.

This state of humanness is far more dangerous than I realize. The seduction of my comfort and my opinion and my desires is constantly working to give flesh "time off for good behavior". I need to fear God with the intensity to constrain myself to carry my cross. Proverbs 5:1-6 says, "My son, pay attention to my wisdom; listen carefully to my wise counsel. Then you will show discernment, and your lips will express what you've learned. Fro the lips of an immoral woman are as sweet as honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil. But in the end she is as bitter as poison, as dangerous as a double-edged sword. her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave."

I get a kick out of Peter. In the next section of scripture, Peter, James & John go up the mountain with Jesus. Jesus becomes transfigured so that his face "shone like the sun and his clothing became dazzling white. Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared and were talking with him. Peter blurted out, 'Sir, it's wonderful that we can be here! If you want me to, I'll make three shelters, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.'" Matt 17:2-4

Again, not what one would consider sin, but definitely thinking in human terms. The presence of God is revealed to them, and brings them to the place they need to be. "... a bright cloud came over them, and a voice form the cloud said, 'This is my beloved Son, and I am wonderfully pleased with him. Obey him.' At this the disciples fell face downward to the ground, terribly frightened. Jesus came over and touched them. 'Get up,' he said, 'don't be afraid.'" (17:5-7)

To be where we need to be, we must experience the presence of the Lord. We must worship him in spirit and in truth. We must set aside all that hinders. We must take up our cross, die to the flesh, and obey him!


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

1.24.8 "The Big Dream"

"The Big Dream"

Genesis 48:1-49:33
Matthew 15:29-16:12
Psalm 20:1-9
Proverbs 4:20-27

The "DREAM" (all caps) that we speak of each day represents the elements of the Balanced Christian Life. God also has a "Big Dream" that he has given each one of us. Do you realize the great plans God has for your life? Do you understand that God has created you to be a world changer? The details of God's plan for each of us will vary quite a bit. God's plan for some of us is to be world changers for a few people, others for millions, but if you know God at all, you know that he desires to use each one of us to carry out His plan. He has a "Big Dream" for every one of us

In Matthew 15, Jesus has been healing hundreds of people. There are 4,000 of them gathered there. verse 31 says, "What a spectacle it was! Those who hadn't been able to say a word before were talking excitedly, and those with missing arms and legs had new ones..."

Can you imagine a sight like that? Absolutely incredible. Today's message comes from the next section:

"Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, 'I pity these people - they've been here with me for three days now, and have nothing left to eat; I don't want to send them away hungry or they will faint along the road.' the disciples replied, 'And where would we get enough here in the desert for all this mob to eat?' Jesus asked them, "How much food do you have?' And they replied, 'Seven loaves of bread and a few small fish!' Then Jesus told all of the people to sit down on the ground, and he took the seven loaves and the fish, and gave thanks to God for them, and divided them into pieces, and gave them to the disciples who presented them to the crowd. And everyone ate until full - 4,000 men besides the women and children! And afterwards, when the scraps were picked up, there were seven basketfuls left over!"

It's a great story, but I believe with all my heart that within there is an outline for the "Big Dream" God has for my life and for yours.

1. See the need. Jesus saw how hungry the people were & didn't want to send them away. You may already have an intense burden for something. You may not be there yet. Either way, the Big Dream is for the purpose of meeting a need. What need do you see? What needs to be "fixed"? Who do you see hurting?

2. The need is probably overwhelming. The disciples asked where they would get enough food. The need seemed impossible to meet. Most of the time, your Big Dream is to meet a need that seems impossible to meet. You may have expressed your burden for this need to someone, and they've said something like "yeah right. Like that could ever happen." You need to understand, that their response doesn't negate the fact that God has placed this within you.

3. What do you have? Jesus didn't tell the disciples, "You know what? You're right. I didn't realize the magnitude of this need. We are in trouble." He said, "What do you have?" That question is asked of us today. What do you have? Everyone of us have a God-given "SHAPE". This stands for Spiritual gifts, Heart (passions), Ability, Personality, and Experience. What is your SHAPE? Do you realize that you are the way you are so that God could use you the way he needs to?

4. Give it to Jesus. Jesus took what they had and gave thanks for it & blessed it. We need to be thankful for the SHAPE God made us, and give ourselves entirely to him so he can bless it.

5. The results are up to him. So many times we view success or failure in human terms. True success is really the answer to one question: Was I obedient? When it comes to the Big Dream for your life, are you walking in obedience? Under God's blessing, the results are exponential when we live a life of radical obedience.

This is a lesson in Active Ministry Involvement. The principle is Responsibility. Are you being responsible to give him all of your resources to meet the need he has laid out in front of you?

Take time today to pray that God will open your eyes to the need. Don't stop because it seems overwhelming. Take inventory of what you have and offer it to him. Pray that he would use your obedience to bring about the results he desires.




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

1.23.8 "The Glory of God"

"The Glory of God"

Genesis 46:1-47:31
Matthew 15:1-28
Psalm 19:1-14
Proverbs 4:14-19

"The heavens are telling the glory of God; they are a marvelous display of his craftsmanship. Day and night they keep on telling about God. Without a sound or word, silent in the skies, their message reaches out to all the world. The sun lives in the heavens where God placed it and moves out across the skies as radiant as a bridegroom going to his wedding, or as joyous as an athlete looking forward to a race! The sun crosses the heavens from end to end, and nothing can hide from its heat." (Ps. 19:1-6)

"The heavens are telling the glory of God..." That's a phrase I've heard all my life. I had never really thought about it. One day I was looking out the dining room window watching some birds going about their business. I was thinking of this scripture, and looking at the trees and the sky & I was wondering, how does this bring glory to God? I mean i think it's beautiful, but I don't see any birds with their eyes closed in prayer, and for that matter, they don't even pray before they eat!!!

The Lord spoke to my heart at that moment and said, "They bring me glory by doing what they are created to do."

That really pierced my heart. I began to think about whether or not I bring glory to him. To often I think that there's moments i bring glory to him by praying, or singing a song. That's good stuff, but that's not the essence of it all.

I bring glory to God by doing what I'm created to do. My worship shouldn't be a couple of songs & a prayer here & there. It needs to be a Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship - a life of obedience to his voice, consistent in prayerful communion with him and thankfulness. I need to make sure I'm committed to Relationships Devoted to Unity by intentionally engaging in healthy relationships with others. I must be Empowered through Biblical Training by studying his word and committing myself to discipleship. I need to be faithful to use all my resources in Active Ministry Involvement. I need to live with the Mission to Reach our World for Christ as my purpose for being.

To bring glory to God, I must Live the DREAM. That's what I'm created to do.

This example is a couple years old, but it illustrates the point so well. We had friends over a while back, and they brought their dog/horse. He's a huge goldendoodle named Buddy. (golden retriever/poodle) He looks like Fozzie Bear. This dog lives with the belief that he is created to chase a ball. That's all he wants to do. We were playing a board game and he would stand next to the table and stare at you for a solid half an hour waiting for you to throw the ball. When there was no ball to be found (because of the ingestion of a previous ball, which is a whole other story...), the dog would wander around as someone looking for purpose in life.

How many people do we see walking around looking for purpose? Why not share the DREAM with them? Let them know why they were created. Let them know what God can do in their life. Let them know they can bring glory to God.

"Get the ball, Buddy!"


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

1.22.8 "What Are You Looking At?"

"What Are You Looking At?"

Genesis 44:1-45:28
Matthew 14:13-36
Psalm 18:37-50
Proverbs 4:11-13

If you want to walk on water, quit looking at the waves.

Today's reading from Matthew is a familiar story. Jesus sends the disciples across the lake.

Starting in verse 24 it says, "Night fell, and out on the lake the disciples were in trouble. For the wind had risen and they were fighting heavy seas. About four o'clock in the morning Jesus came to them, walking on the water! They screamed in terror, for they thought he was a ghost. But Jesus immediately spoke to them, reassuring them. 'Don't be afraid!' he said. Then Peter called to him: 'Sir, if it is really you, tell me to come over to you, walking on the water.'"

Peter then walks toward Jesus. Verse 30 says, "But when he looked around at the high waves, he was terrified and began to sink. 'Save me Lord!' He shouted. Instantly Jesus reached out his hand and rescued him. 'O man of little faith,' Jesus said. 'Why did you doubt me?' And when they had climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped."

There is such incredible teaching from God's Word. Look at how the progression of this story gives us a life lesson:

It caught my attention how Jesus sent them across the lake, and as night fell the storm started. It wasn't until 4 in the morning that Jesus came out to them. We know God has a plan for our lives. Too often we think that if we walk in obedience to the plan there wont be any storms. That's not the case at all. Storms will happen. Storms do not negate the fact that we are doing what we are called to do.

Sometimes we get so caught up in the storm that when Jesus comes to us in the midst of it, we don't even recognize him. The storms of life can make so much 'noise' that we don't hear the voice that says, "Do not be afraid!"

We need to develop a full understanding of the fact that God doesn't just want us to "survive" the storm, he wants us to experience miracles through it. The circumstances of the storm did not change when Jesus told Peter to step out in faith. The waves didn't die down before he did it.

Too often, the waves keep us in the boat. We hear God speaking to us & we say, "That's ridiculous!" We miss the opportunity to experience the miracle.

What happens to Peter is a life lesson to us all. He steps out in obedience, but he takes his eyes of Jesus. Then he begins to sink.

What are you looking at today? The Master or the waves? With our eyes on Jesus, we can have a victory that is beyond belief. Maybe your eyes have been on the waves, and you can feel yourself sinking. All you have to do is cry out, "Save me, Lord!" the scripture says, "Instantly Jesus reached out his hand and rescued him." Jesus will do the same for you.

Take note that after Peter cried out to the Lord it didn't say, "Instantly the storm stopped." Yes, Jesus took his hand but the storm didn't stop until they were back in the boat. Often I think we get the mentality that if we cry out to God the waves of circumstance around us should change immediately. There are times that may happen, but what really should change is our heart. Our faith should grow. What should happen is that we shouldn't care if there are waves our not. We are in his hand.

We need to keep our eyes on Jesus. The storms are different for each one of us, but that doesn't change the principle of keeping our eyes on Jesus. The Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship is a life of obedience.

What are you looking at?




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

1.21.8 "What a God He Is!"

"What a God He Is!"

Genesis 42:18-43:34
Matthew 13:47-14:12
Psalm 18:16-36
Proverbs 4:7-10

"What a God he is! How perfect in every way! All his promises prove true. He is a shield for everyone who hides behind him. For who is God except our Lord? Who but he is as a rock? He fills me with strength and protects m e wherever I go. He gives me the surefootedness of a mountain goat upon the crags. He leads me safely along the top of the cliffs. He prepares me for battle and gives me strength to draw an iron bow!" Ps. 18:30-34

We need to hear this stuff every day. There are times we know this without question, but there are those other times where we really need to be reminded.

He is your shield, your defender! He will never call you to do something without giving you the strength to do it. There will be some precarious times, but he will keep you secure.

He will prepare you for battle as you spend time in his word.

Get to know God! He is is awesome! The most incredible thing about our God is that there's no way you can fathom his awesome majesty. We will never get to know him enough until the day we will really see him "as he is".

Lord, I want to know you more! I want to be in your presence. Help me to keep from making my time with you "about me". Help me to keep my eyes on you. Help me to realize that with you as my focal point, all else comes into perspective, and even the greatest trial is nothing in your presence!

What a God He 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

1.20.8 "Know the Word"

"Know the Word"

Genesis 41:17-42:17
Matthew 13:24-46
Psalm 18:1-15
Proverbs 4:1-6

"Young men, listen to me as you would to your father. Listen, and grow wise, for I speak the truth - don't turn away... [My father] told me never to forget his words. 'If you follow them,' he said, 'you will have a long and happy life. Learn to be wise,' he said,' and develop good judgment and common sense! I cannot overemphasize this point.' Cling to wisdom - she will protect you. Love her - she will guard you." Prov. 4:1-6

Have you ever tried to convince someone the urgency of something and they just didn't get it? It can be as simple as, "if you don't put a coat on, you'll be sorry". Or, it can be more urgent. "I'd turn off the breaker before changing that light switch..."

Today's proverb uses the phrase, "I cannot overemphasize this point". We desperately need Godly wisdom. Godly wisdom comes from the Word. We must be Empowered Through Biblical Training. How are you doing with your bible reading? Most make some kind of commitment at the beginning of the year. Sometimes a day is missed, discouragement sets in, and the goal is given up.

To not be in the Word daily means that one doesn't understand the urgency.

We need to be sure of what the Word says because of the "thorns" around us. In Matthew, Jesus tells the parable of a farmer who has sown seed. His enemy came and planted thistles. "The farmer's men came and told him, 'Sir, the field where you planted that choice seed is full of thistles!... Shall we pull out the thistles?' 'No,' he replied. 'You'll hurt the wheat if you do. Let both grow together until the harvest, and I will tell the reapers to sort out the thistles and burn them...'"

Worldliness is all around us. Sometimes it's tough to tell what's "wheat" and what's "thistle". Knowing the Word brings clarity. Knowing the Word helps us know God. Jesus says in verses 40-43 "Just as in this story the thistles are separated and burned, so shall it be at the end of the world: I will send my angels and they will separate out of the Kingdom every temptation and all who are evil, and throw them into the furnace and burn them. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the godly shall shine as the sun in their Father's Kingdom. Let those with ears, listen!"

Knowing the future as revealed in the word should place upon our hearts the urgency to be in the word. The enemy doesn't want us in the word.

"Death bound me with chains, and the floods of ungodliness mounted a massive attack against me." Ps. 18:4

The word is our defense. What foolishness to think we can stand against that in our own strength. We need to be fortified in the Word.

Being Empowered Through Biblical Training produces fruit in every area of life. Through time in the word the power of the Spirit grows in us. After all Joseph had been through, listen to Pharaoh's comments about him. "As they discussed who should be appointed for the job, Pharaoh said, 'Who could do it better than Joseph? For he is a man who is obviously filled with the Spirit of God.'" (Gen 41:38)

As we become who God has created us to be, the world will see that we are "obviously filled with the Spirit of God."

This is a game "for keeps". This is a big deal. There are so many excuses of why not to read the word. They all pale in comparison to the real urgency of the situation. We need to KNOW God! We need to KNOW his Word!!




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

1.19.8 "The Makings of a Great Story"

"The Makings of a Great Story"

Genesis 39:1-41:16
Matthew 12:46-13:23
Psalm 17:1-15
Proverbs 3:33-35


I love the story of Joseph. I think it's my favorite. There are many people who love this story. What makes it such a great story?

I love how his brothers hate him. I think it's great that they plot to kill him. It's really cool how they decide to throw him in a pit. It's moving to read how his father's heart breaks at the report of Joseph's "death". Being sold to slavery must have been so cool! Getting to ride those camels...

That's not all! It gets better! He gets to go to prison for something he didn't do! He's put in chains. I love to read how he helps this guy who forgets about him for 2 years! Ah, what a story...

What parts of this story make it great to you? Oh sure, there are those other elements. There's the love of his father. He gets a great coat of many colors. He has awesome dreams of the future. He's put in charge of the household of Potiphar. Then, he's given charge of the jail! Ultimately, he's brought into the king's presence, and obtains the most powerful position in the kingdom.

Too often we forget that these are elements of the same story.

I had the pleasure of having dinner with a missionary from Cambodia. He has some stories. Someone he doesn't know gave him $100,000 to build a school for the government in his country. At another time, he was in a group of people who raised $250,000 for the mission field in 15 minutes. He told about how 2 major league baseball players each gave several hundred thousand dollars to his missions work.

Great story, right?

The missionary also told how he and his family stood on the street in front of his house as a jeep with a mounted machine gun came around the corner shooting everyone that was outside. His family got inside in time. He told of the raw sewage that surrounded the school. He told of fleeing the country with his family at night. he told of how his house was the only thing between two warring factions. He told of machine guns being pointed in his face as his family watched.

Guess what... Same story.

What's your story? There's a consistent pattern in the "great" stories. It's the pattern of God's faithfulness. What makes God's faithfulness so evident is the obedience of his people. The story of Joseph and the story of Mark Bouman (the missionary) are stories of men. They're just people like you and me. Their lives have effected untold thousands.

Whether I realize it or not, my life has all the makings of a great story. I have a key roll. No matter what circumstances are in front of me, all I have to do is obey what God commands. It may or may not involve prisons, camels or machine guns, but that doesn't make a difference. My Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship is not contingent on comfort, ease, or convenience. It's a decision I make. I will give God my life. All of it. I will offer him the highest form of worship: my obedience.

Right there are all the makings of a great story!




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

1.18.8 "Stewardship of Influence"

"Stewardship of Influence"

Genesis 39:1-41:16
Matthew 12:46-13:23
Psalm 17:1-15
Proverbs 3:33-35

The "A" of DREAM is: Active Ministry Involvement. It's easy to think that if you're signed up for a couple of groups, or busy with "stuff" that you've got that covered, but this means much more than signing up for an activity to take part in. This element of the DREAM is driven by the principle of Responsibility. Responsibility or stewardship must apply to every area of our life. In the same way we can't be living a "Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship" when we pick & choose what to obey, we can't be living the principles of Active Ministry Involvement when we only apply stewardship to certain areas of our life.

I think that too often we don't realize the significance of our influence. No matter what our personality style is, we effect someone. Someone is in our "circle of influence". Someone is watching.

Jesus says, "A tree is identified by its fruit. A tree from a select variety produces good fruit; poor varieties don't. You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For a man's heart determines his speech. A good man's speech reveals the rich treasures within him. An evil-hearted man is filled with venom, and his speech reveals it. And I tell you this, that you must give account on judgment Day for every idle word you speak. Your words now reflect your fate then: either you will be justified by them or you will be condemned." (Matthew 12:33-37)

I don't know how that strikes you, but for me it shines light on the weight of responsibility we have. God has given me this life. What have I done with it? Have I taken the resources he's given me and produced fruit of complaining, foul language, selfishness, division or pride? Or how does my fruit bring glory to God?

What's going on in my heart? It's reflected in every conversation I have throughout the day. It's very easy to be relaxed and loose with talk and say whatever you feel like saying. We cut ourselves so much slack because we're sure everyone assumes the best about us. "Surely they know what I mean to say."

If you're surrounded by offended people, you can't just check it off as "I'm just misunderstood" and go on your way. We are accountable for our words.

Our number one priority must be to have hearts that have been refined in the fire of God's presence. This is the "fertilizer" that will bring about the fruit of a Godly life. We must then make sure that we are good stewards of our influence. Throwing around words casually is like throwing money out the window. It's poor stewardship.

This applies to actions as well. We can too easily justify things we do as "ok". We forget the impact that has on other people. We are called to be good stewards of all the resources God has given us. To live the DREAM, we must be good stewards of our influence as well.

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

1.17.8 "Prepare to Hear from God"

"Prepare to Hear from God"

Genesis 35:1-36:43
Matthew 12:1-21
Psalm 15:1-5
Proverbs 3:21-26

What is God telling you to do?

How easy is it to answer that question? It will be different for each one of us. So often I hear the answer. "I think he wants me to..." or, it's "I don't know. I can't tell if it's God or just me." At times I've used those same answers myself.

What's with that? Do you think it's God's desire that we feel the need to decipher signs and circumstances to find his will?

We have a dilemma. We need to Live the DREAM. At the hub of the Balanced Christian Life is the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship. True worship is obedience. Obedience to what? Obedience to what God is telling me to do. What's he telling me to do? "I don't know. I can't tell if it's God or just me..."

In today's reading, the Lord calls Jacob to a place where he desires to talk to him.

"Move on to Bethel now, and settle there,' God said to Jacob, 'and build an altar to worship me - the God who appeared to you when you fled from you brother Esau.' So Jacob instructed all those in his household to destroy the idols they had brought with them, and to wash themselves and to put on fresh clothing. 'For we are going to Bethel,' he told them, 'and I will build an altar there...' Upon Jacob's arrival at Bethel, en route from Paddan-aram, God appeared to him once again and blessed him." Gen 35:1-3,9

Take note of what Jacob did to prepare himself and his people to hear from God. They got rid of their idols and put on fresh clothes.

We live in a day and age of God's mercy and grace. However, I think many have tainted their relationship with the Lord because of a misunderstanding of what that means. I mentioned yesterday about "adding" Jesus to your life instead of "giving" him your life. What this looks like in practical terms is God's people walking around in dirty clothes and arms full of idols and wondering if the voice they're hearing is "God or me".

The difficulty in hearing his voice is not because he is not speaking. It's not because he doesn't want to speak. It's because I've not prepared myself to hear from him. I've allowed the noise of this world to drown out His voice. I've been close enough to sin to dirty my clothes.

Sleeping too long can be an idol. My comfort clouds my ears from his voice. Getting to bed earlier so I can get up earlier is a way that I can prepare myself to hear his voice. Limiting worldly influence is a huge part of it as well. If I spend all my time listening to news & commentary, I will begin to subtly develop a belief system based on the politics of man rather than scriptural principles.

So many times individuals have come to me not knowing the voice of God and not knowing what to do. My usual question to them is, "What's the last thing you KNOW he told you to do?" Usually there's an answer. Often it's something seemingly small and insignificant. "Then go there and do it."

We can't take a shortcut around this 'obedience' thing. We must obey to be his people. We must be able to hear his voice. Therefore, we must set aside idols, put on fresh clothes, and prepare to hear from him. It's HIS desire to speak to us.

A common misinterpretation is that we need to be "good enough" to meet with God. That's not correct. It's impossible for anyone to be "good enough", so there's no sense in that. We must simply be prepared. We need to consecrate ourselves. Be set apart. Be quiet.

Prepare to meet with God.


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

1.16.8 "The Yoke is On You"

"The Yoke is On You"

Genesis 32:13-34:31
Matthew 11:7-30
Psalm 14:1-7
Proverbs 3:19-20

The title begs for a Sven & Ole joke (yoke for the Scandinavians). One day Sven & Ole go ice fishing. They get to one spot and they hear a voice from above saying, "There are no fish under the ice." They move about 25 feet away and hear it again "There are no fish under the ice." Finally Ole asks, "Are you God?" The voice returns, "No, I'm the skating rink announcer."

Well, that's not the kind of yoke we're talking about today. These verses from Matthew today are some of my favorite.

"Come to me and I will give you rest - all of you who work so hard beneath a heavy yoke. Wear my yoke - for it fits perfectly - and let me teach you; for I am gentle and humble, and you shall find rest for you souls; for I give you only light burdens." Matthew 11:28-30

Our traditional understanding of a yoke is a collar type thing that is put over two oxen to pull the load together. There was another application for those Jesus was speaking to. The Law was considered a yoke. Matthew Henry's Bible Commentary says, "Those who complain of the burden of the ceremonial law, which was an intolerable yoke, and was made much more so by the tradition of the elders, let them come to Christ, and they shall be made easy; he came to free his church from this yoke, to cancel the imposition of those carnal ordinances, and to introduce a purer and more spiritual way of worship; but it is rather to be understood of the burthen of sin, both the guilt and the power of it.

The laws of God had become so burdensome in the hands of men. Christ came to give us a new burden. His burden is easy & light.

What burdens do you carry today? How heavy they are to you may be an indication that some things may be out of balance.

If we are carrying the load the Lord has given us, it's never too much. When we take the yoke of Christ, we are joined together with him. Going back to the symbolism in the context of oxen, we can observe if we are walking in the yoke of Christ. If the burden seems out of balance, there are several things that may be happening.

First, we may be trying to move in a different direction. God has plans for our life, and sometimes we get our eyes off course, and want to pull a certain way. The result is this struggle against the yoke.

Another problem may be that we are moving against God's timing. We may be trying to move ahead of God. We see the goal, we see what he's called us to do, and we wanna jump after it. Just because it's his will does not mean that it's his timing. We may also be moving too slow. The Lord may be spurring us on to move in a certain direction, and we drag our feet. Once again there is tension in the yoke.

How does your yoke feel on you today? Is it heavy, is it light? The yoke of Christ is a yoke of peace. When there are storms and trials and tragedy, there is still such a sense of strength and endurance because of the one who has borne the weight of the load.

We are not "adding" Christ to our life, We are giving him our life. We don't reach out and touch the yoke occasionally. We must bear his yoke upon us. that means give him everything.

Matthew Henry's states:
A yoke speaks some hardship, but if the beast must draw, the yoke helps him. Christ’s commands are all in our favour: we must take this yoke upon us to draw in it. We are yoked to work, and therefore must be diligent; we are yoked to submit, and therefore must be humble and patient: we are yoked together with our fellow-servants, and therefore must keep up the communion of saints: and the words of the wise are as goads, to those who are thus yoked.

No matter how big the trial, how busy the schedule, or terrifying the storm may seem, when Christ is the Lord, the yoke is easy and the burden is light. There is tremendous freedom in submission to Christ. It's not a yoke of bondage, it's a yoke of freedom. All other yokes lead to bondage & death.

So, what yoke is on 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

1.15.8 "This Life"

"This Life"

Genesis 31:17-32:12
Matthew 10:24-11:6
Psalm 13:1-6
Proverbs 3:16-18

Think about your life. How do you describe it? What joys do you have? What sorrows? Everyone of us will have a unique perspective on how we view our life. Most often our outlook of life in general is greatly skewed by the kind of day we're having.

Do you know that your life is not your own? I don't mean "Sunday School Answer" know it, I mean REALLY know it. My life is a precious gift from God. But it's actually not my life. It's his. He's entrusted me with it. He has great plans to see mighty returns with this life. I am his investment.

Boy, that sounds like there's a lot of pressure doesn't it? It sounds like I have to really work to produce fruit from my life. It would be easy to think, "I need to take my life and makes something of it." Although that may seem where this is going, that's not the correct posture.

"If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give it up for me, you will save it." Matthew 10:39

That's a familiar verse, but it's so profound in its impact. Imagine you hold $10 in your hand. You must save it, but the only way you can save it is to give it away. How does that make sense?

It only makes sense based on who you give it to.

Jesus gave his life for me so I could live to give it to him. That's the only way I can have life. I'm not here to live for me. I'm not here to make sure I look good, to make sure I'm successful, to make sure I'm comfortable. I'm here to offer everything I have to Christ. All of my health, my sickness, my joy, sorrow, "my" possessions... everything is for Him and His glory.

The dangerous thought that keeps us from living this out is, "I gotta do something for me!" That separates us from God. We need to live for him. Give our all to him. The more we hang on to, the more we lose.

This life is not my life. This life is his life.


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

1.14.8 "The Kingdom of Heaven is Near"

"The Kingdom of Heaven is Near"

Genesis 30:1-31:16
Matthew 10:1-23
Psalm 12:1-8
Proverbs 3:13-15

In Matthew 10 Jesus is commissioning his disciples. He's giving them instructions to go change the world. His message is very clear. "Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near." Sometimes we so caught up in the calendar of life, it's easy to forget the urgency of the message.

We first need to live like the Kingdom is near. Do you remember those old 70's end times movies? They used to scare me as a kid. At the time watching it, there was such a sense of reality to the rapture of the church that seems to be gone today. We need to prepare ourselves as a bride ready for the wedding day. it could be today. This needs to be the urgency we live in. Knowing that we must be ready should keep our hearts on the mission.

"Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure the lepers, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!" (vs 8) How's that for a "to-do" list? "Honey I gotta run out for a few minutes and raise the dead. I should be back for dinner!" How do we make that a part of our lives? the last phrase is key, "Give as freely as you have received!"

We need to experience God working in and through our lives as never before. Our lives have become clouded with so many "things". They're not bad things necessarily, but they have distracted us enough to keep us from spending time in his presence. They keep us from being laid bare before him. When we consecrate ourselves to be fully in his presence, we receive a fire in our soul that cannot be quenched. There is a light that shines to the world around us that cannot be dimmed.

We must have an urgency to spend time in the presence of the Lord. This needs to be the highest priority. Usually my thought process is, "let me finish one more thing & then I'll do it..." There needs to be a setting aside of everything and a diving in to spend time with him.

When that happens, I know the power of God is present. He fills to overflowing. He builds my faith. He renews vision. I believe the day is coming when we will see more Healing of the sick, raising of the dead, etc. It's going to come when the people of God throw off everything that could hinder & make meeting God the only thing on the agenda.

I imagine when Jesus came to earth. It must have been so frustrating to KNOW how real eternity is, and yet see people so wrapped up in their day that they totally enter eternity unprepared for the true reality. Must continually have eternity in mind. The Kingdom of Heaven is MUCH closer than we realize!

We are on a Mission to Reach our World for Christ. This is our purpose. To not take the path of living in this realm is to not be who we are created to be. Live the "M" 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

1.13.8 "The Promise and the Preparation"

"The Promise and the Preparation"

Genesis 28:1-29:35
Matthew 9:18-38
Psalm 11:1-7
Proverbs 3:11-12

Two days ago we looked into "The Pain and the Promise". Today's theme is very similar. The stories of the descendants of Abraham are fascinating. There are so many things that seem so quirky at first glance, but to see how God lays out his plan and completes his work is very cool.

Here's a question for consideration: Does God give vision to disciplined people, or does God give vision so people develop discipline? Today's passages bring an element of that discussion to light.

Jacob, the son of Isaac & Rebekah has "stolen" the birthright of his brother Esau. Esau gave up everything for the bowl of chili. Isaac, is very upset about this, but as we read yesterday, he honors it. This "deceiver" now holds the promise of Abraham.

So now what? What should happen? Well, because of the angst between Jacob & Esau, Isaac & Rebekah feel it's in the best interest to send Jacob off to find a wife. As he's alone in the countryside, he sets up camp. He uses a stone for a pillow. The keeper of the promise alone at night with his head on a rock. Up to this point he is carrying the promise that he has received from his father. He's about experience the promise for himself.

You know the story, he has a vision of a stairway to heaven. It's incredible! "For you will have descendants as many as dust!... All the nations of the earth will be blessed through you and your descendants. What's more, I am with you and will protect you wherever you do, and will bring you back safely to this land; I will be with you constantly until I have finished giving you all I am promising you."

How cool is that! How would you react to that vision? What was his father's promise has now become his!

Each one of us have the call of God on our life. There is a plan. There is direction. We may be more or less aware of it. Why doesn't the promise "just happen"? What's the delay? We can learn so much from Jacob.

First, note that he must begin with an EXPERIENCE with God! This experience placed the fire of the promise deep within Jacob. He took that stone pillow and stood it on end, and called the place "Bethel". That place was never forgotten. Notice how often it is referred to throughout scripture. It means "the house of God". For him to have this experience, he was out of the routines of life. He was alone. We need to get alone with God. We need to set ourselves apart from the craziness to experience him. To see him for who he is. We need to get the fire within us.

In the next chapter (Gen. 29) Jacob encounters Rachel & falls in love. The next events may seem unrelated to the promise, but I find something very interesting. You know the story, Jacob works for Laban for 7 years for the privilege of marrying Rachel. At the end of 7 years, Laban pulls a "switcheroo" and gives him Leah. Jacob ends up working another 7 years to marry Rachel.

What's the significance of this? Notice how Jacob got the birthright. It was through deception. He has an experience with God, and now he needs to go through a time where God refines his character. What's his biggest flaw? Deception. What does Jacob go through? Being deceived.

Through this 14 year experience the Lord is bringing Jacob through a time of discipline. Now, it's our nature to think that this is a time of "punishment". Not so. Remember to "discipline" means "to bring into alignment". Jacob must discipline himself to work for 14 years to be prepared for the promise of Rachel.

What's that mean for us? We need to stop looking at daily circumstances and trials as something that is contrary to the plans God has for us. EVERY event in our life must be treated as an opportunity for God to complete his work in US. So often we get on the "victim" path and we whine about how Laban tricked us, and how we think God forgot us and how this should be easy. We miss the point. God NEEDS to refine us! Heaven forbid we go out as before and pass on to future generations the flaws in our spiritual DNA.

Remember the story of the woman to touched the hem of Jesus' garment? That's in today's reading as well. That story is famous. We talk about it all the time. Do remember the circumstances of when that happened? Jesus was on his way to do something else! A rabbi had asked for his daughter to be raised from the dead. Jesus could have just said from where he was, "go home, she's alive", but he didn't. For "some reason" there was travel involved. There was a path. And now a woman sick for years is healed.

Some time ago, a friend of mine was in a new job. He knew it was for a plan... a purpose. Having only been there a couple days, he lead a drug addict to the Lord. It's AMAZING what can happen "on the way" if we get the big picture of what God is trying to accomplish.

Too often we get the advice that David gets in Psalm 11. Friends (or even the enemy) can tell us this is to hard! This is hopeless. We need to have the response of David. "How dare you tell me, 'Flee to the mountains for safety,' when I am trusting the Lord?...'Law and order have collapsed,' we are told. 'What can the righteous do but flee?' But the Lord i still in his holy temple; he still rules from heaven."

In all situations, however bleak, God is on his throne!

The Proverb for today says, "Young man, do not resent it when God chastens and corrects you, for his punishment is proof of his love. Just as a father punishes a son he delights in to make him better, so the Lord corrects you." Again, too often we look at difficulties as punishment for the sake of punishment. We must look at it as God's way of bringing us into alignment.

Jacob wasn't being "punished" for being a deceiver, he was experiencing an opportunity to be brought into alignment. He was experiencing the re-alignment of his character.

The principle of Empowered through Biblical Training is discipline. We must bring ourselves into alignment of the word to experience the fullness of the promise God has for us.



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

1.12.8 "The First of All I Have"

"The First of All I Have"

Genesis 26:17-27:46
Matthew 9:1-17
Psalm 10:16-18
Proverbs 3:9-10

"Honor the Lord by giving him the first part of all your income, and he will fill your barns with wheat and barley and overflow your wine vats with the finest wines." -Prov. 3:9-10

Is tithing important to you? Is it a part of your life? What's the big deal about the tithe? I've grown up learning the importance of giving to God right away, but for some, it may not make sense. In fact, someone told me that they believe "it's just the church's strategy to make more money."

To have that kind of perception shows a lack of understanding of the nature of God as well as missing a scriptural principle.

The first commandment is Thou shall have no other God's before me. What does that mean? God is first. Too often we push this to the 'left over' commandment. We don't give to God from our "first", we give to him from what is "left".

This doesn't just apply to the tithe. It applies to all our resources. What about our time? "I just didn't have time to wait on God today." "I'm too busy to use my gifts for the kingdom."

Notice the pattern in the lack of understanding? "it's all about me & MY stuff". When we give to God first, it sets in motion a chain effect. The first thing is that we are walking in obedience. Scripture commands it. The next benefit is that we are training our flesh to understand that "all of this is God's anyway." Another benefit is that he pours out his blessing. Why is that? It's because we've shown we can be trusted. When we give to God first, we know how to handle blessing appropriately. God doesn't want to see his people "hoard" blessing.

So many times we try to separate the financial portion of our life from other areas. We compartmentalize this area as if it effects nothing else. The truth is that it is very related to the core of our being. "Where your treasure is, your heart is there also."

The act of tithe is in an act of obedience: Worship. The principle of stewardship is found in Active Ministry Involvement. It is showing Responsibility in using what he has given us for his glory. So, can you live the DREAM without tithing being a part of your being? Not really. Can you Live the DREAM by only giving God what is "left" of our time and resources? Not really. We must understand that this is a vital part of the maturing process. As we grow to know him more, we see how this is a necessary portion of the Balanced Christian Life. Give Him your "First" 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

1.11.8 "The Pain and the Promise"

"The Pain and the Promise"

Genesis 24:52-26:16
Matthew 8:18-34
Psalm 10:1-15
Proverbs 3:7-8

What is the most precious "human" event in life? I would think that most would answer: the birth of a child. What is the most painful "human" event in life? I would think that most [women, at least!] would answer: the birth of a child.

"Isaac pleaded with Jehovah to give Rebekah a child, for even after many years of marriage she had no children. Then at last she became pregnant. And it seemed as though children were fighting each other inside her! "I can't endure this," she exclaimed, so she asked the Lord about it."

As you look throughout scripture there seems to a connection to pain and promise. It seems that the greater the pain, the greater the promise. Abraham is promised that he will be the father of many nations. Look at the pain of barrenness that Sarah has for so many years. This is repeated in Rebekah.

God's people are in Egypt for 400 years. They are led out by Moses toward the promised land, but there's 40 years of desert.

A sacrifice is necessary to pay the price for our sins, so God gave his only Son who suffered and died... the intense pain bringing so great a promise.

One may think "well that's kind of sadistic. To receive the promise you must have pain?" As a slave to comfort the whole concept of pain can be easily misunderstood. The reality is that for us to be trusted with the promise, we must experience being refined. The refining process is rarely comfortable. In fact, comfort works against refining. The "wilderness" events in our lives are there for the purpose of securing Godly character in difficult times. Remember James 1:2-3 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers when you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."

What is the application of this message? There are marriages that are going through rocky times. God is there. He sees it. It's worth it to stick it out. The greater the pain the greater the promise. The marriage that weathers the storm comes together with intense strength and promise. So many can't see this. They feel like "Hey, I want the Promised Land, not the wilderness!" And their heart begins to run away. What a tragedy to realize that running from the pain is running from the promise.

This applies to work situations. Some individuals live a life as a "victim" to their surroundings. Because of a difficult boss, or unfair treatment they look for another job based on the uncomfortable circumstances rather than on the voice of God. It may very well be that they are in that position for the very purpose of developing Godly character.

What happens when people "bail" from the painful situations? More often than not, the test is repeated. Remember that Jesus "for the joy set before him endured the cross." Such great pain, such enduring promise.

God is not a God of pain for the sake of pain. He created us for having an intimate relationship with Him. If you've ever gone through difficulty or tragedy, or trial, you know that these are the times that you learn to trust God as never before. This is where you rely on HIS strength, and not your own.

Whatever pain you are going through right now, understand that you are in the "gestation period" of promise. God is faithful to His Word. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He will carry you if you trust Him.




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

1.10.8 "The Vision of Your Leader"

"The Vision of Your Leader"

Genesis 23:1-24:51
Matthew 8:1-17
Psalm 9:13-20
Proverbs 3:1-6

Every single one of us is under the authority of someone else. What is your attitude about that? How do you feel about being under authority? In Genesis 24 there's a simple little story that lays out some principles in the heart of Abraham's servant that we can apply when dealing with the authorities in our life.

"Abraham was now a very old man, and God blessed him in every way. One day Abraham said to his household administrator, who was his oldest servant, .... 'Go instead to my homeland, to my relatives, and find a wife for [Isaac] there.'" (Gen. 24:1,2,4)

The mission is to find Isaac a wife. Who does Abraham choose for this task? His household administrator, who is also his oldest servant. I'm impressed first by the fact that this is an individual who has given his life to care for the little things in Abraham's life. Abraham expresses his desire to him. He lays out his vision. He wants a daughter-in-law from his own people.

"'But suppose I can't find a girl who will come so far from home?' the servant asked. 'Then shall I take Isaac there, to live among your relatives?'" (Gen. 24:5)

This verse REALLY impressed me. You're thinking: "what's the big deal about this?" What impresses me is that the servant was not just focussing on accomplishing a task. He was committed to searching the heart of his leader. He wanted to know the parameters of the vision. He wanted to go past the "task" mentality. He was committed to success. How many times are we given an assignment, and we jump on it either over-enthusiastically, or even with no enthusiasm, and we either take the initial mission a different direction, or we put such lame effort into it that it barely gets done.

It's a good thing the servant asked the question he did. Abraham was emphatic about certain criteria for this mission. He lays that out in verses 6-8.

I love verse 9. "So the servant vowed to follow Abraham's instructions." How committed are we to the leaders God has placed over us? Are we committed to the point that we can "vow" to follow their instructions? So many times it's easy to let our opinions usurp the throne, and either misdirect the mission, or even ultimately subvert it. It's in our human nature to be short sighted and lose the big picture. We take our opinion and make a new "vision" out of it, and now we have "2". you know what that's called? Di-vision.

The Lord desires that we live Relationships Devoted to Unity in our workplace. We need to model Godly character in working to carry out the vision of our leader. This should apply to ministries. The nursery worker should give their life to carry out the vision of the coordinator. This applies to all areas of responsibility in our life.

There are some incredibly practical principles in here. ("Hey this Bible's got some good stuff in it!")

I will highlight a few things.
1. The servant knows that success is dependent upon God's favor of the project. v 12 says, "O Jehovah, the God of my master... show kindess to my master Abraham and help me to accomplish the purpose of my journey."

2. The servant has defined a strategy for accomplishing the mission. v 14.

3. He didn't jump right away when it looked like the answer had presented itself. Rebekah seemed right away to fit the bill. He watched her closely and made sure she was of the character that would be suitable to his master. v 21

4. He praises God through the process. v 26-27

5. He makes sure he accomplishes the vision through the "chain of command". He goes to Rebekah's family and speaks with them. He doesn't just grab her by the hair and drag her back to Abraham. You're probably thinking, "well of course not!". In this particular case it would seem obvious to not take that route, but too often, our boss tells us to do something, and we go forth with our mandate, and we don't care who we leave wounded along the road. God's authority structure is in place at all levels, and when his will and his timing are working together, he will make a way for success within the structure he has ordained.

6. Vision Casting. This one is HUGE! in verses 33-48 the servant lays out the vision of his leader. He lays out the heart of it. He tells of how God connected the dots. He's not just "doing his job", he's casting a vision that was not his own to begin with, but it has become his. It's so easy to just say, "my boss said this... so i gotta do this... so let me do it..." instead of casting a vision that is greater than self.

7. in verse 49, he calls for a commitment from others, and we see the success of his vision casing. "The Lord has obviously brought you here, so what can we say? Take her and go! Yes, let her be the wife of your master's son, as Jehovah has directed."

The servants heart for the vision of his leader brings glory to God at every level. You can see why he became the household administrator. He could be trusted. His commitment was to the heart of his leader.

The characteristics of this servant are the characteristics of an individual who is living in Relationships Devoted to Unity. If we begin to apply these principles to every element of work, home, church, ministry, and life, we will begin to see some incredible things. Make today a day of carrying out the Vision of Your Leader!




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

1.9.8 "Dead Man Walking"

"Dead Man Walking"

Genesis 20:1-22:24
Matthew 7:15-29
Psalm 9:1-12
Proverbs 2:16-22

The chapters in Genesis we've been reading recount the story of Abraham and his son of promise. We've heard it many times, and we must make sure to apply it's truths to our lives.

"Then God did as he had promised, and Sarah became pregnant and gave Abraham a baby son in his old age, at the time God had said; and Abraham named him Isaac (meaning 'Laughter!")." Gen 21:1-3

This is IT! you KNOW how long Abraham & Sarah have been waiting for this promise! You know what they've gone through in getting there. They made the mistake of trying to solve the promise on their own which resulted in Ishmael, they made the mistake of doubting and laughing AT God's promise. But now, in spite of all that, the promise is fulfilled. Their laughter is now that of the joy of a fulfilled promise.

In chapter 22, there's a new conversation between Abraham and the Lord.

"Abraham!" "Yes, Lord?" you can almost hear the joy in Abraham's voice his faith is so great because of seeing God's faithfulness. It's almost as if he can't wait to hear what God says next....

"Take with you your only son - yes, Isaac whom you love so much - and go to the land of Moriah and sacrifice him there as a burnt offering..."

Scripture doesn't record Abraham replying to God. MY heart would cry, "BUT GOD!!!! THIS IS THE PROMISE!!!! YOU SAID!!!!"

There are things we can't understand. We have this silly notion that we have to understand, but the Lord only desires our obedience. EVERYTHING else pales in comparison to that.

Can you imagine what happened inside of Abraham's heart? Listen to his faithfulness:

"The next morning Abraham got up early, chopped wood for a fire upon the altar, saddled his donkey, and took with him his son Isaac..."

Verse 4 says, "On the third day of the journey..."

Can you imagine? walking 3 days toward the mountain where you are to sacrifice the most precious gift you have ever had?

I may not have the specifics right, but I believe that when a death row inmate walks down the corridor, someone yells, "Dead Man Walking!"

For Abraham to walk in obedience in this way, he has had to have died to his flesh. Every step of that 3 day journey is a blow to the flesh.

Can you imagine what happened inside when Isaac looked up at him, met his eyes, and said, "Father," Isaac asked, "we have the wood and the flint to make the fire, but where is the lamb for the sacrifice?"

I can imagine a crack in his voice as he answered, "God will see to it, my son." And they went on...

I can hear heaven shouting, "DEAD MAN WALKING!" It wasn't for Isaac's death sentence, it was for the death of Abraham's flesh. It was for the death of his dream.

This should be our goal! We must die to the flesh. Isaac could so easily have become an idol in Abraham's life. If I were Abraham, my response would have so easily been, "NO, God! You promised him to me! He's MINE!" I say that because there are parts of me that need to die. How often we take the gifts and promises of God and we attach ourselves to them. We think they belong to us. They never do.

Needless to say, God does not call us all to literally take the path Abraham took. Child Services would definitely step in! However, the same death needs to occur within us in all things. We need to raise the knife to selfishness, insecurity, comfort, pride, image. We need to walk in obedience.

For Abraham, God stepped in. "Lay down the knife; don't hurt the lad in any way," the Angel said, "for I know that God is first in your life - you have not withheld even your beloved son from me." (Gen 22:12) in verse 16 it says, "I the Lord have sworn by myself that because you have obeyed me and have not withheld even your beloved son from me, I will bless you with incredible blessings and multiply your descendants into countless thousands and millions..." verse 18 ends " - all because you have obeyed me."

In Matthew 7 Jesus is talking about false teachers. He says in verse 21, "Not all who sound religious are really godly people. They may refer to me as 'Lord,' but still wont get to heaven. For the decisive question is whether they obey my Father in heaven".

What is does a Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship look like? It's a life of obedience. It's "Dead Man Walking!" When we make it a habit to die to the flesh, we learn to LIVE in the power of the Spirit! The first steps toward the mountain of sacrifice can seem so difficult, but when we live in the freedom of death to the flesh, life is AWESOME! There's nothing that can sway us from the plan of God! Circumstances that seemed so huge in the past are no longer giants. They are merely opportunities for God to make his name great!

"Dead Man Walking!"

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

1.8.8 "Why Worry?"

"Why Worry?"

Genesis 18:16-19:38
Matthew 6:25-7:14
Psalm 8:1-9
Proverbs 2:6-15

Today's excerpt in Matthew 6:25-34 is a message that is very easy to understand, but for some reason difficult for many to put into practice.

"Don't worry about things..."

Sounds simple doesn't it? Why do we find it hard to keep from worry? Jesus tries to get us to further understand: "Look at the birds! They don't worry about what to eat - they don't need to sow or reap or store up food - for your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are."

What do we think we can accomplish by worrying? "Will all your worries add a single moment to your life?"

"And why worry about your clothes? Look at the field lilies! They don't worry about theirs. Yet King Solomon in all his glory was not clothed as beautifully as they. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you, O men of little faith?"

Why do you think Jesus spent time talking about this? Why is it important?

He says something that shows what the problem is: "Why be like the heathen? For they take pride in all these things and are deeply concerned about them."

Here's what the problem is with worry. When we are caught up in worry, we are living as if God is not in control. When we worry about situations, we are living as if the answers come from us, as if we could manipulate things to turn out the way we want.

It sounds harsh, but the root of worry is selfishness. When I worry, it's all about me. I'm concerned that my comfort zone may be threatened.

Living a life without worry is living in complete surrender to God's plan & provision. It's knowing that all things come from him, and are for his glory.

"But your heavenly Father already knows perfectly well that you need them, and he will give them to you if you give him first place in your life and live as he wants you to."

"So don't be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time."

Lord, I give you first place today. Whatever you have for me is what I will pursue. I set myself apart to hear your voice. You will take care of the rest!


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

1.7.8 "What are You Laughing At?"

"What are You Laughing At?"

Genesis 16:1-18:19
Matthew 6:1-24
Psalm 7:1-17
Proverbs 2:1-5

God has a plan for your life. On any given day, we are more or less aware of the fact that he has a plan, not to mention our understanding or lack thereof of the specifics of it. Why is that? Why don't we see more of God's plan? Is it because of Him, or because of us?

The story of Abraham & Sarah is a "great read". I would love to have met these two. They seem to be very interesting people. At the beginning of Chapter 16 of Genesis, their names are still Abram & Sarai. In chapter 17 their names are changed to Abraham (meaning "father of nations") and Sarah (Meaning "princess")

Abram knows God has given him a promise. When he was 75 years old, God told Abram to "go to the land I will guide you to. If you do, I will cause you to become the father of a great nation; I will bless you and make your name famous." (Genesis 12:1-2)

Abram is obedient. Sarai also knows the plan. She realizes though, that the clock is ticking. "We're not getting any younger Abram..." (not a verse, but I can hear it!) When Abram is 86 Sarai realizes that God must need a little help. (If this were the movie, the music would get more ominous here.)

Sarai's plan is this: "Since the Lord has given me no children... you may sleep with my servant girl, and her children shall be mine" And Abram agreed. When Hagar (the servant girl) realized she was pregnant, "she became very proud and arrogant toward her mistress Sarai. Then Sarai said to Abram, 'It's all your fault. For now this servant girl of mine despises me, though I myself gave her the privilege of being your wife. May the Lord judge you for doing this to me!'" (Can you see why the Lord changed her name to Princess???)

Sarai and Abram took God's plan into their own hands. They manipulated it. They tried to make it THEIR plan. Remember in yesterday's reading the warning about getting your own way? Well, read the account of Hagar in Gen.16:7-16. It's the birth of the Islamic nation... You can see the fruit of Ishmael motivating so much of the world today.

In chapter 17, God reiterates the promise in terms of a contract with Abraham & Sarah. He says, "'It is a contract that I shall be your God and the God of your posterity. And I will give all this land of Canaan to you and them, forever. And I will be your God. Your part of the contract,' God told him, 'is to obey its terms. You personally and all your posterity have this continual responsibility..." Gen. 17:8-10

That applies to our lives. Our job is simply to obey his direction whatever that may be. We want to know SO BAD what he has in store... what his plan is. The danger is, if we know too much, we too often take HIS plan into OUR hands and MESS IT UP. We try to manipulate God's will. In Gen 18:17 God says, "Should I hide my plan from Abraham?"

Now Abraham is 99 years old, and again the Lord reiterates the promise. When the Lord speaks to them this time, both Abraham and Sarah laugh (Gen.17:17; 18:12)

"Then God said to Abraham, 'Why did Sarah laugh? Why did she say 'Can an old woman like me have a baby?' Is anything too hard for God?" (18:13-14)

So many times we hope for the promise that seems so impossible. We almost laugh because it can't be done. "Can God heal my marriage?" "Can God save my loved one?" What are you laughing at? What seems impossible?

Our part of the deal is to discipline ourselves to obedience. He is a faithful God. We need to position ourselves to receive from Him. We need to constrain ourselves to the center of His will as he reveals it to us, EVEN IF IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE. We have to guard from beginning to manipulate the Plan into what WE think it should be. All we do is tie his hands from making HIS name great!

Be obedient 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

1.6.8 "The Bitter Fruit of 'My Way'"

"The Bitter Fruit of 'My Way'"

Genesis 13:5-15:21
Matthew 5:27-48
Psalm 6:1-10
Proverbs 1:29-33

Remember the jingle, "Have it your way..." And then there's the song, "I did it My Way". (The objective of today's devo is to get an irritating song in your head... you know, like "Flintstones, meet the Flintstones...")

What is it about these themes? They appeal to that side of us that wants to get our way. (Not the flintstones...) Our flesh is wired for self-advancement and self preservation. This, however is not God's way.

In Proverbs, wisdom is calling out, "For you closed your eyes to the facts and did not choose to reverence and trust the Lord, and you turned your back on me, spurning my advice. That is why you must eat the bitter fruit of having your own way, and experience the full terrors of the pathway you have chosen. For you turned away from me - to death; your own complacency will kill you. Fools! But all who listen to me shall live in peace and safety, unafraid."

I was captivated by the phrases "you must eat the bitter fruit of having your own way," and "experience the full terrors of the pathway you have chosen." Wow. That sounds foreboding, doesn't it?

What is the fruit of having your own way? Lets look to the example in Genesis. It's a story we've heard before. "Lot too was very wealthy, with sheep and cattle and many servants. But the land could not support both Abram and Lot with all their flocks and herds. There were too many animals for the available pasture. So fights broke out between the herdsmen..."

This is actually a lesson in "Relationships Devoted to Unity". There are a few principles in the study on unity that apply here. 1. All conflict is the result of an unmet need. (land cannot support all the herds) 2. A need can only be met through the principle of Submission. 3. Many times the submission comes from the one who "shouldn't have to".

Here's what happens. "Then Abram talked it over with Lot. 'This fighting between our men has got to stop,' he said. 'We can't afford to let a rift develop between our clans. Close relatives such as we are must present a united front!" Notice the value Abram places on unity.

Here's where submission steps in. "'I'll tell you what we'll do. Take your choice of any section of the land you want, and we will separate. If you want that part over there to the east, then I'll stay here in the western section. Or, if you want the west, then I'll go over there to the east'. Lot took a long look at the fertile plains of the Jordan River, well watered everywhere... the whole section was like the Garden of Eden... So this is what Lot chose."

Wait a minute... why should Abram have to do that?? He's the elder, the one who should be honored. The reason is that Abram understood Godliness. He knew that the value of unity highly outweighed "being right".

So what about the "bitter fruit of having your own way"? Well Lot got his own way. He settled near Sodom. Gen. 13:13 says, "The men of this area were unusually wicked, and sinned greatly against Jehovah." We all well know the future of Sodom & Gomorrah, but even before that happens there's a war that breaks out amongst about a half dozen kings. At the end of this war, Lot is captured, and his city & possessions taken into captivity. If you ask me, that's reaping the "bitter fruit".

If I were Abram, it probably would be in my nature to say "Well, you asked for it, you got it..." (is my life too motivated by jingles??) That's not the way Abram took. He pursued those who took Lot captive & returned everything that had been taken. Gen. 15:1 says, "Afterwards Jehovah spoke to Abram in a vision, and this is what he told him: 'Don't be fearful, Abram, for I will defend you. And I will give you great blessings." Notice the differing "fruits" of Lot & Abram.

In Matthew 5, Jesus is teaching these same principles in a different light. "... If you are slapped on one cheek, turn the other too. If you are ordered to court, and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat too. If the military demand that you carry their gear for a mile, carry it two. Give to those who ask, and don't turn away from those who want to borrow. There is a saying, 'Love your friends and hate your enemies,' But I say: Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way you will be acting as true sons of your Father in heaven." Matt. 5:39-45

Godly wisdom and maturity is found in listening to his commands and denying our flesh. We so badly want to be "right" when it comes to relationships and to what we "deserve". I'm sure there's so many times that we even contend with God regarding an issue until the point he says, "Alright, have it your way..." And sure enough in one way or another we end up having to "experience the full terrors of the pathway [we] have chosen".

When we get "our way", we become complacent, and as Proverbs says, "your own complacency will kill you."

You wanna live life on the edge? Live the principle of submission. That will perk things up. There's no complacency here. When we will really see the difference is when this becomes a part of who we are. When it becomes our natural response to act in Godly submission to the needs of others, we are truly living the "R" of DREAM.



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