"The Discipleship Dilemma"
Matthew 28:19-20
John 15:1-17
Happy Leap Year! Today we're looking at some verses outside of the One-Year Bible reading track as there isn't a given reading for the 29th.
Have you ever been given a job and really had a hard time completing it because you didn't understand it? I think there is a vast majority of believers who suffer from a sense of paralysis because there's not an understanding of the assignment. In the great commission of Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands all of us, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
When you hear the words, "Go and make disciples", what feeling do you experience? I believe for many there's a feeling of intimidation because we don't understand what that means. When we hear the words "teaching to obey..." there's this level of confrontation that can be somewhat disconcerting. It's really important however, to look at the context of who's giving this command, and how he put this into action.
The Pharisees were people who walked around looking at people, and judging whether or not they were measuring up to the commands of God. They were judgmental. They looked down their nose at people. I think when we consider discipling people, our misconceptions of what it means may cause us to align with the methodology of the Pharisees.
But that's what we've got to reconsider. Jesus' method of discipleship was not a yardstick of judgment reminding people of how they fell short. His purpose and plan was to build relationships with people, and through those relationships teach them the ways of the Lord.
Listen to what Jesus says to his disciples: "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands, and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as i have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit -- fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other." (John 15:9-17)
Notice the key mindset: FRIENDSHIP.
When we have an incorrect view of discipleship, and we align with the methods of the pharisees, we don't engage in the process. We're not connected to the vine. We're not bearing fruit. This is the dilemma: We're commanded to disciple, but don't do it.
We need to understand that the priority of discipleship is Making Friends! As we focus on building relationships and becoming Godly friends, THEN the exponential expansion of discipleship begins to take place. Our friendships need to have the focus of encouragement, servanthood, and love. Jesus said that the world will know we are his disciples by our love for one another. He didn't say it was by the fact that we have a discipleship workbook in our hand.
Make disciples today! You can do it! Build your friendships!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
2.28.8 "God's Way"
"God's Way"
Leviticus 22:17-23:44
Mark 9:30-10:12
Psalm 44:1-8
Proverbs 10:19
"Don't talk so much. You keep putting your foot in your mouth. Be sensible and turn off the flow!" (Prov. 10:19 TLB) This verse has nothing to do with today's devotional, but what a great verse!! Scripture memorization is a great thing, but don't memorize that one to use in the heat of battle! Last night I was teaching a class, and misprinted the reference for a verse. I said, "Here's a key verse in relating to others: 'Finally, the woman died.'... oops that can't be right..." Sorry, back to the devotional:
In Mark 10, the Pharisees are trying to trap Jesus. They chose the issue of divorce. According to the law given by Moses, there were circumstances that justify divorce. Listen to Jesus' reply
"And why did he say that? I'll tell you why - it was a concession to your hardhearted wickedness. But it certainly isn't God's way. For from the very first he made man and woman to be joined together permanently in marriage; therefore a man is to leave his father and mother, and he and his wife are united so that they are no longer two, but one. And no man may separate what God has joined together." Mark 10:5-9
There has been a growing sense that divorce is "ok". That it's an option. That it's not a good thing, but it beats staying in a "bad" situation. This is incredibly ungodly.
"... from the very first he made man and woman to be joined together... no man may separate what God has joined together."
Marriage is put together by God. Even when people choose to get married as an act of rebellion, the sacred institution of marriage is covered by God. It is a foundation that is deeper than any of us realize. This is a major target of the enemy. Why does satan want to get at marriage? Believe it or not, it's not because he wants to get at us. It's because he wants to get at God. To destroy a marriage is to destroy the integrity of what God has put together.
Think of the lies Satan puts in the mind of people. "I missed God when I married that one... I'll just try again." "I'll try to make this marriage work as long as she does." There are many more I'd love to share, but you get the idea. These lies plant seeds that reap destruction in so many lives.
What Satan has done to break apart marriages has decimated the future of so many young people today. My wife has mentioned so many times how kids her class have such a look of despair on their face because mom & dad are "breaking up". They're carrying a weight they should never have to. Why doesn't this upset us more?
As believers we need to put our flag in the ground and claim the marriages as something God has put together. We need this for so many reasons. We need it for our kids. Without the foundation of marriage, the security that children need is gone. We need it as sign to the unbeliever. The healthy marriage is becoming so rare, and so many are so hungry for it. If we make this a priority in the marriage of each believer, it will shine a light that the world so desperately needs. We need it to honor God. He put this together. We need to reclaim it. "Satan, you are not going to get at God through my marriage!"
You know someone who is really struggling in their marriage. They may not have shown it by their actions, or may not have said anything, but there is such a constant barrage from the world that "you deserve more from your marriage!..." it's creating seeds of discontent in many. Be assertive in taking a stand. Make the right kind of "noise" to drown out the lies of the enemy.
Wherever you are at in your life whether it be married or not, acknowledge the priority of the marriage commitment. Make a commitment to honor and uphold this God-ordained institution. Pray for the healing of the marriages around you. Watch for opportunities to influence the thinking of those around you.. Encourage others to know there IS hope! Pray that we experience revival in homes through the prioritization of the Godly marriage.
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
Leviticus 22:17-23:44
Mark 9:30-10:12
Psalm 44:1-8
Proverbs 10:19
"Don't talk so much. You keep putting your foot in your mouth. Be sensible and turn off the flow!" (Prov. 10:19 TLB) This verse has nothing to do with today's devotional, but what a great verse!! Scripture memorization is a great thing, but don't memorize that one to use in the heat of battle! Last night I was teaching a class, and misprinted the reference for a verse. I said, "Here's a key verse in relating to others: 'Finally, the woman died.'... oops that can't be right..." Sorry, back to the devotional:
In Mark 10, the Pharisees are trying to trap Jesus. They chose the issue of divorce. According to the law given by Moses, there were circumstances that justify divorce. Listen to Jesus' reply
"And why did he say that? I'll tell you why - it was a concession to your hardhearted wickedness. But it certainly isn't God's way. For from the very first he made man and woman to be joined together permanently in marriage; therefore a man is to leave his father and mother, and he and his wife are united so that they are no longer two, but one. And no man may separate what God has joined together." Mark 10:5-9
There has been a growing sense that divorce is "ok". That it's an option. That it's not a good thing, but it beats staying in a "bad" situation. This is incredibly ungodly.
"... from the very first he made man and woman to be joined together... no man may separate what God has joined together."
Marriage is put together by God. Even when people choose to get married as an act of rebellion, the sacred institution of marriage is covered by God. It is a foundation that is deeper than any of us realize. This is a major target of the enemy. Why does satan want to get at marriage? Believe it or not, it's not because he wants to get at us. It's because he wants to get at God. To destroy a marriage is to destroy the integrity of what God has put together.
Think of the lies Satan puts in the mind of people. "I missed God when I married that one... I'll just try again." "I'll try to make this marriage work as long as she does." There are many more I'd love to share, but you get the idea. These lies plant seeds that reap destruction in so many lives.
What Satan has done to break apart marriages has decimated the future of so many young people today. My wife has mentioned so many times how kids her class have such a look of despair on their face because mom & dad are "breaking up". They're carrying a weight they should never have to. Why doesn't this upset us more?
As believers we need to put our flag in the ground and claim the marriages as something God has put together. We need this for so many reasons. We need it for our kids. Without the foundation of marriage, the security that children need is gone. We need it as sign to the unbeliever. The healthy marriage is becoming so rare, and so many are so hungry for it. If we make this a priority in the marriage of each believer, it will shine a light that the world so desperately needs. We need it to honor God. He put this together. We need to reclaim it. "Satan, you are not going to get at God through my marriage!"
You know someone who is really struggling in their marriage. They may not have shown it by their actions, or may not have said anything, but there is such a constant barrage from the world that "you deserve more from your marriage!..." it's creating seeds of discontent in many. Be assertive in taking a stand. Make the right kind of "noise" to drown out the lies of the enemy.
Wherever you are at in your life whether it be married or not, acknowledge the priority of the marriage commitment. Make a commitment to honor and uphold this God-ordained institution. Pray for the healing of the marriages around you. Watch for opportunities to influence the thinking of those around you.. Encourage others to know there IS hope! Pray that we experience revival in homes through the prioritization of the Godly marriage.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
2.27.8 "Have you Been to the Mountain?"
"Have you Been to the Mountain?"
Leviticus 20:22-22:16
Mark 9:1-29
Psalm 43:1-5
Proverbs 10:18
Wouldn't it be great if things came a little easier? I'm sure you are like me. I want to be who God has created me to be. But, to be honest, I'd much rather that it just "happen" to me. I'm lazy by nature. I wish that laziness were a spiritual gift, because then I could boast of my maturity!
We want to be like Christ. We want the wisdom to deal with the Pharisees in our lives. We want to be able to lay hands on the sick and see them healed. We want the ability to say in every circumstance, "not my will but thine be done!" What does that take?
In Mark 9 there's a story of Jesus approaching a crowd of people who are arguing with 9 of his disciples. As it turns out, there's a demon possessed boy and the disciples aren't able to cast it out. Jesus casts the demon out. "Afterwards, when Jesus was alone in the house with his disciples, they asked him, 'Why couldn't we cast that demon out?' Jesus replied, 'Cases like this require prayer.'" (Mark 9:28-29)
One thing that is consistent throughout the gospels is Jesus' devotion to get alone to pray. Sometimes he's more successful than others about the "alone" part, but you can definitely see it's priority in his life. At the beginning of Mark 9, Jesus asks 3 of his disciples to go with him up the mountain. His face begins to shine in glory, and his clothes become dazzling white. He is in the presence of the Almighty.
As he comes down the mountain to this scene with the other disciples, it says, "The crowed watched Jesus in awe as he came toward them." (Mark 9:15) It was obvious to EVERYONE who he was. It was obvious he had been with God.
There's a need all around us. It's a need for us to be who God has created us to be. How is that going to happen? It's going to happen when we "go up the mountain" in our private time with the Lord. We need to get alone to pray. Mediocrity breeds mediocrity. When we are not disciplined to meet with God, we can't experience his full glory, nor can we see his hand move like we should.
We need to find time to be alone. We need to seek God. We need to experience first hand the transforming power of His Spirit.
Many times we can think that the trials of our life are the arena for transforming our character. That's not really true. The trials of life test our character and reveal what's inside. The character needs to be transformed in the arena of our time with the Lord. Jesus' face didn't glow when he argued with the Pharisees. It didn't glow as great miracles were occurring. The glow came from the Glory of being set apart in time with God.
I need to get to the mountain on a regular basis. There are moments in my life that are ripe for miracles, and I miss them because of my bent towards mediocrity. I must increase my discipline to prioritize time in prayer. I'm not talking about needing to spend more time going down my list of needs. I'm talking about time to KNOW God. Time to open up to whatever HE wants to deal with in me. I need to allow myself to be transformed!
Make sure you find time to get to the mountain today, and each new day! The Lord desires to meet us there.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Leviticus 20:22-22:16
Mark 9:1-29
Psalm 43:1-5
Proverbs 10:18
Wouldn't it be great if things came a little easier? I'm sure you are like me. I want to be who God has created me to be. But, to be honest, I'd much rather that it just "happen" to me. I'm lazy by nature. I wish that laziness were a spiritual gift, because then I could boast of my maturity!
We want to be like Christ. We want the wisdom to deal with the Pharisees in our lives. We want to be able to lay hands on the sick and see them healed. We want the ability to say in every circumstance, "not my will but thine be done!" What does that take?
In Mark 9 there's a story of Jesus approaching a crowd of people who are arguing with 9 of his disciples. As it turns out, there's a demon possessed boy and the disciples aren't able to cast it out. Jesus casts the demon out. "Afterwards, when Jesus was alone in the house with his disciples, they asked him, 'Why couldn't we cast that demon out?' Jesus replied, 'Cases like this require prayer.'" (Mark 9:28-29)
One thing that is consistent throughout the gospels is Jesus' devotion to get alone to pray. Sometimes he's more successful than others about the "alone" part, but you can definitely see it's priority in his life. At the beginning of Mark 9, Jesus asks 3 of his disciples to go with him up the mountain. His face begins to shine in glory, and his clothes become dazzling white. He is in the presence of the Almighty.
As he comes down the mountain to this scene with the other disciples, it says, "The crowed watched Jesus in awe as he came toward them." (Mark 9:15) It was obvious to EVERYONE who he was. It was obvious he had been with God.
There's a need all around us. It's a need for us to be who God has created us to be. How is that going to happen? It's going to happen when we "go up the mountain" in our private time with the Lord. We need to get alone to pray. Mediocrity breeds mediocrity. When we are not disciplined to meet with God, we can't experience his full glory, nor can we see his hand move like we should.
We need to find time to be alone. We need to seek God. We need to experience first hand the transforming power of His Spirit.
Many times we can think that the trials of our life are the arena for transforming our character. That's not really true. The trials of life test our character and reveal what's inside. The character needs to be transformed in the arena of our time with the Lord. Jesus' face didn't glow when he argued with the Pharisees. It didn't glow as great miracles were occurring. The glow came from the Glory of being set apart in time with God.
I need to get to the mountain on a regular basis. There are moments in my life that are ripe for miracles, and I miss them because of my bent towards mediocrity. I must increase my discipline to prioritize time in prayer. I'm not talking about needing to spend more time going down my list of needs. I'm talking about time to KNOW God. Time to open up to whatever HE wants to deal with in me. I need to allow myself to be transformed!
Make sure you find time to get to the mountain today, and each new day! The Lord desires to meet us there.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
2.26.8 "The Goal is Death"
"The Goal is Death"
Leviticus 19:1-20:21
Mark 8:11-38
Psalm 42:1-11
Proverbs 10:17
We all know that the believer needs to have a different mindset than that of the world. We need to have the mind of Christ.
How far are we willing to go with that?
The most basic of all human instincts is "self-preservation". It's in our instinct that when we hear a lion roar, our "fight or flight" reflexes begin to kick in. (more "flight" than "fight"!) As natural as this is, this must be something we overcome as we mature in Christ. We must die to our instinct of self preservation. I'm not saying that we should run to the zoo and jump into the cage, but we must be intentional about dying to the flesh. It must be our goal.
Jesus lays this out for us. "Then he began to tell them about the terrible things he would suffer, and that he would be rejected by the elders and the Chief Priests and the other Jewish leaders - and be killed, and that he would rise again three days afterwards. He talked about it quite frankly with them, so Peter took him aside and chided him. 'You shouldn't say things like that,' he told Jesus.
"Jesus turned and looked at his disciples and then said to Peter very sternly, 'Satan, get behind me! you are looking at this only from a human point of view and not from God's.'"
How would you feel if you were Peter? I picture the cartoon where the character shrinks down to the size of a mouse. My thoughts would be, "But I'm just trying to help! Don't you see how I'm trying to help you? Don't you see that I'm trying to build up your ministry?" Peter had the best intentions. But they were wrong.
Why were they wrong? Because they were the result of a fleshly response: self-preservation. Jesus recognized that, and took it very seriously.
"Then he called his disciples and the crowds to come over and listen. 'If any of you wants to be my follower,' he told them, 'you must put aside your own pleasures and shoulder your cross, and follow me closely. If you insist on saving your life, you will lose it. Only those who throw away their lives for my sake and for the sake of the Good News will ever know what it means to really live. And how does a man benefit if he gains the whole world and loses his soul in the process?"
We've talked in the past of "Dead Man Walking". It refers to taking every step with the knowledge that our goal is death. This should not be a "theory", or a catch phrase. It must be a way of life. "I lay down my desires, my pleasures, and I stay close to Christ, making intentional steps toward the death of my flesh."
That sounds so difficult, but what's the alternative? To live for me? To live the "Mediocre Christian Life"?
If my goal is to live for Christ, my objective must be to die for 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
Leviticus 19:1-20:21
Mark 8:11-38
Psalm 42:1-11
Proverbs 10:17
We all know that the believer needs to have a different mindset than that of the world. We need to have the mind of Christ.
How far are we willing to go with that?
The most basic of all human instincts is "self-preservation". It's in our instinct that when we hear a lion roar, our "fight or flight" reflexes begin to kick in. (more "flight" than "fight"!) As natural as this is, this must be something we overcome as we mature in Christ. We must die to our instinct of self preservation. I'm not saying that we should run to the zoo and jump into the cage, but we must be intentional about dying to the flesh. It must be our goal.
Jesus lays this out for us. "Then he began to tell them about the terrible things he would suffer, and that he would be rejected by the elders and the Chief Priests and the other Jewish leaders - and be killed, and that he would rise again three days afterwards. He talked about it quite frankly with them, so Peter took him aside and chided him. 'You shouldn't say things like that,' he told Jesus.
"Jesus turned and looked at his disciples and then said to Peter very sternly, 'Satan, get behind me! you are looking at this only from a human point of view and not from God's.'"
How would you feel if you were Peter? I picture the cartoon where the character shrinks down to the size of a mouse. My thoughts would be, "But I'm just trying to help! Don't you see how I'm trying to help you? Don't you see that I'm trying to build up your ministry?" Peter had the best intentions. But they were wrong.
Why were they wrong? Because they were the result of a fleshly response: self-preservation. Jesus recognized that, and took it very seriously.
"Then he called his disciples and the crowds to come over and listen. 'If any of you wants to be my follower,' he told them, 'you must put aside your own pleasures and shoulder your cross, and follow me closely. If you insist on saving your life, you will lose it. Only those who throw away their lives for my sake and for the sake of the Good News will ever know what it means to really live. And how does a man benefit if he gains the whole world and loses his soul in the process?"
We've talked in the past of "Dead Man Walking". It refers to taking every step with the knowledge that our goal is death. This should not be a "theory", or a catch phrase. It must be a way of life. "I lay down my desires, my pleasures, and I stay close to Christ, making intentional steps toward the death of my flesh."
That sounds so difficult, but what's the alternative? To live for me? To live the "Mediocre Christian Life"?
If my goal is to live for Christ, my objective must be to die for 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
Monday, February 25, 2008
2.25.8 "The Generous Spirit"
"The Generous Spirit"
Leviticus 16:29-18:30
Mark 7:24-8:10
Psalm 41:1-13
Proverbs 10:15-16
"The good man's earnings advance the cause of righteousness. The evil man squanders his on sin." Prov. 10:16 (TLB)
We've all heard the phrase "it's not about you." We've probably heard it a couple more times than our flesh would like to hear it! As much as we may not want to hear that, it needs to become a part of who we are. To be who God has created us to be, we need to understand what it REALLY means to live a life that's "not about me".
Think of all your resources right now. Your time, talent, income, all of it. Would you put it in the category of "advancing the cause of righteousness" or "squandered on sin"? Immediately we connect the "sin" as the kind of stuff the prodigal son did. Squandering on partying, etc. Well, we can also get caught in the trap of squandering our resources on comfort and worldly objectives. We must accept the challenge to continually keep an eye on where are resources are going. Are they advancing the cause of righteousness?
I have a big ol' snowblower. I got it for $100 dollars as it is very old, but it works. Prior to that, when i was shoveling, I would look down the street at my neighbors w/ a snowblower & think, "it would be nice if they'd offer to help with my driveway." Now, I'm the one with the snowblower, and I have a couple of neighbors who don't have a snow blower. Guess what I need to do... advance the cause of righteousness.
When we take what God has given us and focus it on the needs of others, there is blessing on our lives.
"God blesses those who are kind to the poor. He helps them out of their troubles. He protects them and keeps them alive; he publicly honors them and destroys the power of their enemies. He nurses them when they are sick, and soothes their pains and worries." Psalm 41:1-3
We come across so many people with troubles, each one having varying degrees of how well they "deal" with it. Notice this pattern: Those least affected by circumstance are those with a generous spirit. In other words, those who have a healthy understanding of stewardship and are generous to others are FAR less thrown off course by a crisis.
At the same time, those who are so overwhelmed by the trials of life seem to be individuals who are not giving. They are not concerned with the needs of others. They like to keep the attention on themselves and on their personal crisis.
On which type of individual does the blessing of God rest?
Notice what the scripture says about the ones who are kind to the poor. "helps them out of their troubles... destroys the power of their enemies... nurses them when they are sick... soothes their pains and worries..." Notice how those who are kind to the poor still have troubles, enemies, sickness, pain, and worry. The difference is not that the road has no challenges, the difference is that there is someone along side who helps them through all of this.
The generous spirit needs to be a part of who we are to live the "A" of DREAM. We must apply this to our being. Look for opportunities today to "invest" in your blessing!
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
Leviticus 16:29-18:30
Mark 7:24-8:10
Psalm 41:1-13
Proverbs 10:15-16
"The good man's earnings advance the cause of righteousness. The evil man squanders his on sin." Prov. 10:16 (TLB)
We've all heard the phrase "it's not about you." We've probably heard it a couple more times than our flesh would like to hear it! As much as we may not want to hear that, it needs to become a part of who we are. To be who God has created us to be, we need to understand what it REALLY means to live a life that's "not about me".
Think of all your resources right now. Your time, talent, income, all of it. Would you put it in the category of "advancing the cause of righteousness" or "squandered on sin"? Immediately we connect the "sin" as the kind of stuff the prodigal son did. Squandering on partying, etc. Well, we can also get caught in the trap of squandering our resources on comfort and worldly objectives. We must accept the challenge to continually keep an eye on where are resources are going. Are they advancing the cause of righteousness?
I have a big ol' snowblower. I got it for $100 dollars as it is very old, but it works. Prior to that, when i was shoveling, I would look down the street at my neighbors w/ a snowblower & think, "it would be nice if they'd offer to help with my driveway." Now, I'm the one with the snowblower, and I have a couple of neighbors who don't have a snow blower. Guess what I need to do... advance the cause of righteousness.
When we take what God has given us and focus it on the needs of others, there is blessing on our lives.
"God blesses those who are kind to the poor. He helps them out of their troubles. He protects them and keeps them alive; he publicly honors them and destroys the power of their enemies. He nurses them when they are sick, and soothes their pains and worries." Psalm 41:1-3
We come across so many people with troubles, each one having varying degrees of how well they "deal" with it. Notice this pattern: Those least affected by circumstance are those with a generous spirit. In other words, those who have a healthy understanding of stewardship and are generous to others are FAR less thrown off course by a crisis.
At the same time, those who are so overwhelmed by the trials of life seem to be individuals who are not giving. They are not concerned with the needs of others. They like to keep the attention on themselves and on their personal crisis.
On which type of individual does the blessing of God rest?
Notice what the scripture says about the ones who are kind to the poor. "helps them out of their troubles... destroys the power of their enemies... nurses them when they are sick... soothes their pains and worries..." Notice how those who are kind to the poor still have troubles, enemies, sickness, pain, and worry. The difference is not that the road has no challenges, the difference is that there is someone along side who helps them through all of this.
The generous spirit needs to be a part of who we are to live the "A" of DREAM. We must apply this to our being. Look for opportunities today to "invest" in your blessing!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Sunday, February 24, 2008
2.24.8 "What Worship Isn't"
"What Worship Isn't"
Leviticus 15:1-16:28
Mark 7:1-23
Psalm 40:11-17
Proverbs 10:13-14
A great way to discover what God wants is to find out what he doesn't want! In today's reading in Mark, the Pharisees are questioning Jesus about why the disciples don't fully follow their ceremonial washing traditions. Jesus definitely has an opinion about this!
"You bunch of hypocrites! Isaiah the prophet described you very well when he said, 'These people speak very prettily about the Lord but they have no love for him at all. Their worship is a farce, for they claim that God commands the people to obey their petty rules.' How right Isaiah was! For you ignore God's specific orders and substitute your own traditions. You are simply rejecting God's laws and trampling them under your feet for the sake of tradition." (Mark 7:6-9)
We know from past studies that the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship is a life of Obedience. It's possible to know this and still not "get it". Worshipful Obedience is not a matter of obeying "tradition". It's not a matter of going through the motions of a Christian life. It's not a matter of trying to act in a way that doesn't offend other people. It's not trying to "look" holy.
The Obedience God desires is obedience that comes form knowing him. From spending time with him. Time in his word. Time in prayer and listening to his voice. When you know God and you know his heart, THEN there's an obedience that's pure. Righteous acts are the fruit of knowing him. There's a sincere desire to be holy and to keep from sin because you know it displeases him.
God's plan is not for a bunch of sour judgmental people to walk around pointing out the faults of others, and complaining about what's wrong in the world. People who are very "traditional" in action, but cold of heart are too common, and that is not what God has in mind for his people.
We need to worship him in Spirit and in truth. We need to allow his Spirit to work freely in our lives to direct us in His way. We must love one another, get into the word, use our resources for his glory, and be a light to this dark world. We must live the 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
Leviticus 15:1-16:28
Mark 7:1-23
Psalm 40:11-17
Proverbs 10:13-14
A great way to discover what God wants is to find out what he doesn't want! In today's reading in Mark, the Pharisees are questioning Jesus about why the disciples don't fully follow their ceremonial washing traditions. Jesus definitely has an opinion about this!
"You bunch of hypocrites! Isaiah the prophet described you very well when he said, 'These people speak very prettily about the Lord but they have no love for him at all. Their worship is a farce, for they claim that God commands the people to obey their petty rules.' How right Isaiah was! For you ignore God's specific orders and substitute your own traditions. You are simply rejecting God's laws and trampling them under your feet for the sake of tradition." (Mark 7:6-9)
We know from past studies that the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship is a life of Obedience. It's possible to know this and still not "get it". Worshipful Obedience is not a matter of obeying "tradition". It's not a matter of going through the motions of a Christian life. It's not a matter of trying to act in a way that doesn't offend other people. It's not trying to "look" holy.
The Obedience God desires is obedience that comes form knowing him. From spending time with him. Time in his word. Time in prayer and listening to his voice. When you know God and you know his heart, THEN there's an obedience that's pure. Righteous acts are the fruit of knowing him. There's a sincere desire to be holy and to keep from sin because you know it displeases him.
God's plan is not for a bunch of sour judgmental people to walk around pointing out the faults of others, and complaining about what's wrong in the world. People who are very "traditional" in action, but cold of heart are too common, and that is not what God has in mind for his people.
We need to worship him in Spirit and in truth. We need to allow his Spirit to work freely in our lives to direct us in His way. We must love one another, get into the word, use our resources for his glory, and be a light to this dark world. We must live the 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
Saturday, February 23, 2008
2.23.8 "You Feed Them!"
"You Feed Them!"
Leviticus 14:1-57
Mark 6:30-56
Psalm 40:1-10
Proverbs 10:11-12
The feeding of the 5000 is a story that is familiar to many of us. Either from the pictures when we were kids, or just our own imaginations we can visualize the scene. The little boy, the loaves & fish, the 12 basketfuls left over. As I read the story again this morning, I pictured some things that I haven't before. This is a story unfolding the principles of Responsibility found in Active Ministry Involvement.
"Then Jesus suggested, 'Let's get away from the crowds for a while and rest.' For so many people were coming and going that they scarcely had time to eat." (Mark 6:31) If I was one of the disciples, I would have been "YESS!!! finally a bit of R&R! We NEED this!"
"So they left by boat for a quieter spot. But many people saw them leaving and ran on ahead along the shore and met them as they landed. So the usual vast crowd was there as he stepped from the boat; and he had pity on them... and he taught them many things they needed to know." (vs. 32-34)
GREAT! all these people messing with our vacation!
"Late in the afternoon his disciples came to him and said, 'Tell the people to go away to the nearby villages and farms and buy themselves some food, for there is nothing to eat here in this desolate spot, and it is getting late.'
"But Jesus said, 'You feed them.' 'With what?' they asked. 'It would take a fortune to buy food for all this crowd!' 'How much food do we have?' he asked. 'Go and find out.'" (vs. 35-38)
You know what happens next. They found 5 loaves & 2 fish & Jesus had the crowd sit in groups, and took the food they had in his hands, blessed it and gave it to the disciples to hand out.
"And the crowd ate until they could hold no more! There were about 5000 men there for that meal, and afterwards twelve basketfuls of scraps were picked up off the grass!" (vs. 42-44)
Here are some points that we can take from this:
1. Rest is important, but it's not the main objective. The disciples had just come from ministering, and Jesus knew they needed rest. HOWEVER, rest doesn't always come WHEN we think we need it. Many times the miracle is when we go just a little farther. I believe so many people quit before the miracle. Jesus and the disciples had every "right" to say, "we're too tired to minister to you. Don't call me on my day off." But that isn't what happened. They ministered. If you spend ever day ministering/working with your next vacation day or day off as the main thing on your mind, you're missing the point!
2. You see the need for a reason. They were on their way to rest when the need presented itself. Seeing the need, they bring it to the attention of their leader. In my words, it's "Leader, there's a need here, and you should do something." What I notice here today is Jesus saying, in my words, "You are right. There is a need here. The reason you are seeing this need is that I have placed this burden on your heart because I plan to use YOU to meet the need!" I wish I had a nickel for every time someone came to me with their burden they would like me to fix. I don't want to be hypocritical because I also have gone to my leaders wanting them to fix my burden. Jesus says, "You feed them."
3. It never seems like there's enough to do it. When Jesus tells them to meet the need, they say, "With what?" It seems impossible. So many people stop here. They're intimidated by the need and their own realization of inadequacy, and they bail. They stop there.
4. Take inventory of what you DO have. Jesus instructs them to "go and find out" what resources they have available. There are a million things we don't have that can give us an "excuse" to stop before the miracle. Jesus isn't asking us to list what we are deficient in, he's asking us for what we DO have. What are our resources? Do the spiritual gifts inventory. Take an assessment survey or your passions and experiences and abilities. Look at what IS available.
5. Put what you have in the Lord's hands. There's an amazing thing that happens when Jesus takes what we have and puts his blessing on it. It multiplies it far beyond what we can imagine. Putting it in his hands can be harder than it sounds. We really like to use "our" gifts "our" way. To give it to him, we need to give it to him without terms. "Lord, do whatever you want to do with what I have." What he wants to do with it is usually not what we expect. That's ok. It all his anyway!
6. When it's all done, hang around for cleanup! Don't overlook the part where it says, "twelve basketfuls of scraps were picked up off the grass!" This ministry did not end with the "high fives" of the disciples talking about how great that miracle was. They stuck it out until the task was totally completed. This is how we show true responsibility in using our gifts for the Lord.
Active Ministry Involvement is far more than joining a group. It's taking responsibility for the time, talents and resources that God has given us, placing it back in his hands, and being a faithful steward of it all. This includes what you do at your workplace. It includes what you do at home. "You feed them!"
As I look at all this today, I must ask myself, "Active Ministry Involvement... AM I?"
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
Leviticus 14:1-57
Mark 6:30-56
Psalm 40:1-10
Proverbs 10:11-12
The feeding of the 5000 is a story that is familiar to many of us. Either from the pictures when we were kids, or just our own imaginations we can visualize the scene. The little boy, the loaves & fish, the 12 basketfuls left over. As I read the story again this morning, I pictured some things that I haven't before. This is a story unfolding the principles of Responsibility found in Active Ministry Involvement.
"Then Jesus suggested, 'Let's get away from the crowds for a while and rest.' For so many people were coming and going that they scarcely had time to eat." (Mark 6:31) If I was one of the disciples, I would have been "YESS!!! finally a bit of R&R! We NEED this!"
"So they left by boat for a quieter spot. But many people saw them leaving and ran on ahead along the shore and met them as they landed. So the usual vast crowd was there as he stepped from the boat; and he had pity on them... and he taught them many things they needed to know." (vs. 32-34)
GREAT! all these people messing with our vacation!
"Late in the afternoon his disciples came to him and said, 'Tell the people to go away to the nearby villages and farms and buy themselves some food, for there is nothing to eat here in this desolate spot, and it is getting late.'
"But Jesus said, 'You feed them.' 'With what?' they asked. 'It would take a fortune to buy food for all this crowd!' 'How much food do we have?' he asked. 'Go and find out.'" (vs. 35-38)
You know what happens next. They found 5 loaves & 2 fish & Jesus had the crowd sit in groups, and took the food they had in his hands, blessed it and gave it to the disciples to hand out.
"And the crowd ate until they could hold no more! There were about 5000 men there for that meal, and afterwards twelve basketfuls of scraps were picked up off the grass!" (vs. 42-44)
Here are some points that we can take from this:
1. Rest is important, but it's not the main objective. The disciples had just come from ministering, and Jesus knew they needed rest. HOWEVER, rest doesn't always come WHEN we think we need it. Many times the miracle is when we go just a little farther. I believe so many people quit before the miracle. Jesus and the disciples had every "right" to say, "we're too tired to minister to you. Don't call me on my day off." But that isn't what happened. They ministered. If you spend ever day ministering/working with your next vacation day or day off as the main thing on your mind, you're missing the point!
2. You see the need for a reason. They were on their way to rest when the need presented itself. Seeing the need, they bring it to the attention of their leader. In my words, it's "Leader, there's a need here, and you should do something." What I notice here today is Jesus saying, in my words, "You are right. There is a need here. The reason you are seeing this need is that I have placed this burden on your heart because I plan to use YOU to meet the need!" I wish I had a nickel for every time someone came to me with their burden they would like me to fix. I don't want to be hypocritical because I also have gone to my leaders wanting them to fix my burden. Jesus says, "You feed them."
3. It never seems like there's enough to do it. When Jesus tells them to meet the need, they say, "With what?" It seems impossible. So many people stop here. They're intimidated by the need and their own realization of inadequacy, and they bail. They stop there.
4. Take inventory of what you DO have. Jesus instructs them to "go and find out" what resources they have available. There are a million things we don't have that can give us an "excuse" to stop before the miracle. Jesus isn't asking us to list what we are deficient in, he's asking us for what we DO have. What are our resources? Do the spiritual gifts inventory. Take an assessment survey or your passions and experiences and abilities. Look at what IS available.
5. Put what you have in the Lord's hands. There's an amazing thing that happens when Jesus takes what we have and puts his blessing on it. It multiplies it far beyond what we can imagine. Putting it in his hands can be harder than it sounds. We really like to use "our" gifts "our" way. To give it to him, we need to give it to him without terms. "Lord, do whatever you want to do with what I have." What he wants to do with it is usually not what we expect. That's ok. It all his anyway!
6. When it's all done, hang around for cleanup! Don't overlook the part where it says, "twelve basketfuls of scraps were picked up off the grass!" This ministry did not end with the "high fives" of the disciples talking about how great that miracle was. They stuck it out until the task was totally completed. This is how we show true responsibility in using our gifts for the Lord.
Active Ministry Involvement is far more than joining a group. It's taking responsibility for the time, talents and resources that God has given us, placing it back in his hands, and being a faithful steward of it all. This includes what you do at your workplace. It includes what you do at home. "You feed them!"
As I look at all this today, I must ask myself, "Active Ministry Involvement... AM I?"
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Friday, February 22, 2008
2.22.8 "Just a Pimple"
"Just a Pimple"
Leviticus 15:1-16:28
Mark 7:1-23
Psalm 40:11-17
Proverbs 10:13-14
Here's your memory verse for today:
"The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, 'If anyone notices a swelling in his skin, or a scab or boil or pimple with transparent skin, leprosy is to be suspected. He must be brought to Aaron the priest or to one of his sons for the spot to be examined. If the hair in this spot turns white, and if the spot looks to be more than skin-deep, it is leprosy, and the priest must declare him a leper." Lev. 13:1-3
How's that for an inspirational verse? It's easy to bypass readings like this in the book of Leviticus because they seem to not have any spiritual application. But take a closer look.
There are several chapters devoted to discussing what sores look like, and how an individual must be separated from the people for a time to see if the sore would spread. There are even instructions for testing clothing. The children of Israel had no knowledge of germ theory. There was no medical understanding like there is today. But God knew & knows even more than we do about all these things. He knew how dangerous disease could be for the people of God. It could wipe the people out if they were not careful to keep themselves pure and follow his direction.
"Winking at sin leads to sorrow; bold reproof leads to peace." Proverbs 10:10
In the same way an entire people can be wiped out from a little pimple, a "little" sin can cause incredible damage. It's too easy for us to wink at sin. We think "it's not so bad". What does sin do? It separates us from God. A "little" sin seduces us into being "ok" with a "little" separation from God.
In the same way that the Israelites couldn't fathom the danger of a little pimple, we can't fathom the great danger of a "little" sin. Winking at sin is equivalent to willfully placing a cancerous tumor in our body. Sounds ridiculous doesn't it? It really is. We need to deal with sin with the intensity that God desires because of the potential for disaster. We need to bring the reproof that leads to peace.
Don't wink at the pimple of sin today. Deal with it. Ask the Lord to bring the sin to light so it can be cleansed in his presence.
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
Leviticus 15:1-16:28
Mark 7:1-23
Psalm 40:11-17
Proverbs 10:13-14
Here's your memory verse for today:
"The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, 'If anyone notices a swelling in his skin, or a scab or boil or pimple with transparent skin, leprosy is to be suspected. He must be brought to Aaron the priest or to one of his sons for the spot to be examined. If the hair in this spot turns white, and if the spot looks to be more than skin-deep, it is leprosy, and the priest must declare him a leper." Lev. 13:1-3
How's that for an inspirational verse? It's easy to bypass readings like this in the book of Leviticus because they seem to not have any spiritual application. But take a closer look.
There are several chapters devoted to discussing what sores look like, and how an individual must be separated from the people for a time to see if the sore would spread. There are even instructions for testing clothing. The children of Israel had no knowledge of germ theory. There was no medical understanding like there is today. But God knew & knows even more than we do about all these things. He knew how dangerous disease could be for the people of God. It could wipe the people out if they were not careful to keep themselves pure and follow his direction.
"Winking at sin leads to sorrow; bold reproof leads to peace." Proverbs 10:10
In the same way an entire people can be wiped out from a little pimple, a "little" sin can cause incredible damage. It's too easy for us to wink at sin. We think "it's not so bad". What does sin do? It separates us from God. A "little" sin seduces us into being "ok" with a "little" separation from God.
In the same way that the Israelites couldn't fathom the danger of a little pimple, we can't fathom the great danger of a "little" sin. Winking at sin is equivalent to willfully placing a cancerous tumor in our body. Sounds ridiculous doesn't it? It really is. We need to deal with sin with the intensity that God desires because of the potential for disaster. We need to bring the reproof that leads to peace.
Don't wink at the pimple of sin today. Deal with it. Ask the Lord to bring the sin to light so it can be cleansed in his presence.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Thursday, February 21, 2008
2.21.8 "The Teachable Spirit"
"The Teachable Spirit"
Leviticus 11:1-12:8
Mark 5:21-43
Psalm 38:1-22
Proverbs 10:8-9
"The wise man is glad to be instructed, but a self-sufficient fool falls flat on his face." Proverbs 10:8
To live the DREAM, we must be Empowered through Biblical Training. How does this occur? As we've discussed, "discipline" is the principle of "E", but is that it? If I discipline myself to attend church, sunday school and bible study am I Empowered? Not necessarily.
As a college student, I took MANY classes. Through some of them I was empowered. Some I was not. Why? It has to do with my teachability. No, not by ability to teach, but my desire to open up and allow the information take root.
We must have a teachable spirit to truly mature in Christ. What is teachability? First and foremost, it's a pride issue. It's a willingness to lay down "ego" for the sake of hearing what the Spirit of God may say.
As a minister, many come to me with the issues of life. Some come with a desire for God to move, and want to know the principles in his Word and how they apply to life. Others just want to keep you informed of their soap opera crises. Others basically just want to dump the struggle on someone, make their point, and leave the way they came, living the same life that got them to where they are now. Then they wonder why they keep "repeating the test".
We all have insecurities. For each of us they manifest in different ways. We know we have weaknesses, but we hate it when they are exposed. We don't like the way we feel when others see our weakness.
What happens in the discipleship process is that the light of truth shines on our weakness. We are only "Empowered" as we allow ourselves to be exposed to the truth, and allow the Lord to complete his work in us.
When we do this we die to pride. We humble ourselves. We become teachable.
Defensiveness is one of the obstacles to becoming who God has created us to be. When we are corrected we want to give the reason "why" we were in error as if there is some excuse. Look at Adam & Eve: "She gave me the fruit and I ate it" "It was the serpent..." For us it may be: "I'm tired and I deserve this..." "Well at least I'm not as bad as so & so..."
There's a significant amount of hypocrisy that wants to rise up in us when we can see the shortcomings of others and be so quick to want to "help" them see the light, but we don't want that light to shine on us.
There's a brokenness or vulnerability that is necessary to becoming truly "Empowered". It's not easy, but it beats the alternative: to fall flat on your face. It's so much better to be teachable than to have to be broken by our hardness of heart.
Ask the Lord to teach you today. Don't put up defenses against what he may show 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
Leviticus 11:1-12:8
Mark 5:21-43
Psalm 38:1-22
Proverbs 10:8-9
"The wise man is glad to be instructed, but a self-sufficient fool falls flat on his face." Proverbs 10:8
To live the DREAM, we must be Empowered through Biblical Training. How does this occur? As we've discussed, "discipline" is the principle of "E", but is that it? If I discipline myself to attend church, sunday school and bible study am I Empowered? Not necessarily.
As a college student, I took MANY classes. Through some of them I was empowered. Some I was not. Why? It has to do with my teachability. No, not by ability to teach, but my desire to open up and allow the information take root.
We must have a teachable spirit to truly mature in Christ. What is teachability? First and foremost, it's a pride issue. It's a willingness to lay down "ego" for the sake of hearing what the Spirit of God may say.
As a minister, many come to me with the issues of life. Some come with a desire for God to move, and want to know the principles in his Word and how they apply to life. Others just want to keep you informed of their soap opera crises. Others basically just want to dump the struggle on someone, make their point, and leave the way they came, living the same life that got them to where they are now. Then they wonder why they keep "repeating the test".
We all have insecurities. For each of us they manifest in different ways. We know we have weaknesses, but we hate it when they are exposed. We don't like the way we feel when others see our weakness.
What happens in the discipleship process is that the light of truth shines on our weakness. We are only "Empowered" as we allow ourselves to be exposed to the truth, and allow the Lord to complete his work in us.
When we do this we die to pride. We humble ourselves. We become teachable.
Defensiveness is one of the obstacles to becoming who God has created us to be. When we are corrected we want to give the reason "why" we were in error as if there is some excuse. Look at Adam & Eve: "She gave me the fruit and I ate it" "It was the serpent..." For us it may be: "I'm tired and I deserve this..." "Well at least I'm not as bad as so & so..."
There's a significant amount of hypocrisy that wants to rise up in us when we can see the shortcomings of others and be so quick to want to "help" them see the light, but we don't want that light to shine on us.
There's a brokenness or vulnerability that is necessary to becoming truly "Empowered". It's not easy, but it beats the alternative: to fall flat on your face. It's so much better to be teachable than to have to be broken by our hardness of heart.
Ask the Lord to teach you today. Don't put up defenses against what he may show you.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
2.20.8 "'Tis the Season"
"'Tis the Season"
Leviticus 9:7-10:20
Mark 4:26-5:20
Psalm 37:30-40
Proverbs 10:6-7
We are an impatient people. At the school bus stop this morning another parent & I were talking about how we are SO ready for spring! We live in a society where technological advances happen so quickly that we "expect" change. We know the latest and greatest is just around the corner. We like things to happen fast. We get frustrated when our email doesn't load on our phone fast enough, or when it takes to long to make our meal. When our microwave died, I had no idea how it would rock my world. I went to make my snack, and I thought i was going to starve for about 10 or 15 minutes! (Thankfully there's a McDonald's within 5 minutes of home.)
When it comes to our life, we so many times get caught up in the moment, we forget the big picture of what God is trying to accomplish. We forget that life consists of "seasons". So many times individuals enter a difficult time and get so quickly discouraged or disillusioned they give up on everything.
Lisa and I went through a season about 10 years ago when our life was incredibly chaotic. We're busy now, but it pales in comparison to what it was then. We had people telling us "I don't know how you can do it." "You need to back down..." The difficult part was that we were doing what we felt the Lord leading us to do. We really prayed about what we should do, and the Lord revealed that we were in a "season". He led us to not change anything for another year. After that year, he led us to change. Realizing that it was only a season helped us to stick it out.
Today's reading in Psalm 37 says, "Don't be impatient for the Lord to act! Keep traveling steadily along his pathway and in due season he will honor you with every blessing, and you will see the wicked destroyed."
You may be in a job situation and you want to bail on the plan. Don't bail on anything until you feel God's blessing on the decision. You may be going through marriage difficulties. Don't give up. It's a season.
Prove yourself faithful during difficult times. Stick it out. Keep traveling steadily on the path of where God has placed you. Too many times we bail right before God was going to move. Our impatience robs God of the chance to make his name great on our behalf.
Sometimes the fact that there's a storm causes us to doubt if God was in it at all. In Mark 4:35-41 is the story of Jesus calming the storm. You remember, he had been sleeping in the back of the boat etc. I've highlighted a couple key thoughts in that story. "Jesus said..." It was his idea. "Soon a fierce storm came up." Even when obeying God, storms will come. "The disciples woke him up, shouting, 'Teacher, don't you care...'" It's our human nature to think that God doesn't care that we're in a storm. The reality is that storms don't take God by surprise. "Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm." God can handle any storm. "Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?" The Lord wants us to learn to not fear or panic in the midst of the storm we are in.
You only have to ask yourself, "Am I obeying what God is directing me to do?" If your answer is "yes", then Stay the course! If you're answer is "no", then seek counsel from mature Christian friends. If you're answer is "I don't know!", then turn off the noise that's distracting you from hearing his voice, get alone with him, and follow his direction.
Be obedient to what the Lord has directed you to do. Don't let circumstances lure you to manipulate situations in the flesh. Be disciplined to keep yourself to the course. God will never call you to anything without giving you the strength to accomplish it. If you feel like it's "too hard" it's because you are trying to change it in your own strength. Rest in his presence. Rest in his timing. God is in control!
In "due season he will honor 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
Leviticus 9:7-10:20
Mark 4:26-5:20
Psalm 37:30-40
Proverbs 10:6-7
We are an impatient people. At the school bus stop this morning another parent & I were talking about how we are SO ready for spring! We live in a society where technological advances happen so quickly that we "expect" change. We know the latest and greatest is just around the corner. We like things to happen fast. We get frustrated when our email doesn't load on our phone fast enough, or when it takes to long to make our meal. When our microwave died, I had no idea how it would rock my world. I went to make my snack, and I thought i was going to starve for about 10 or 15 minutes! (Thankfully there's a McDonald's within 5 minutes of home.)
When it comes to our life, we so many times get caught up in the moment, we forget the big picture of what God is trying to accomplish. We forget that life consists of "seasons". So many times individuals enter a difficult time and get so quickly discouraged or disillusioned they give up on everything.
Lisa and I went through a season about 10 years ago when our life was incredibly chaotic. We're busy now, but it pales in comparison to what it was then. We had people telling us "I don't know how you can do it." "You need to back down..." The difficult part was that we were doing what we felt the Lord leading us to do. We really prayed about what we should do, and the Lord revealed that we were in a "season". He led us to not change anything for another year. After that year, he led us to change. Realizing that it was only a season helped us to stick it out.
Today's reading in Psalm 37 says, "Don't be impatient for the Lord to act! Keep traveling steadily along his pathway and in due season he will honor you with every blessing, and you will see the wicked destroyed."
You may be in a job situation and you want to bail on the plan. Don't bail on anything until you feel God's blessing on the decision. You may be going through marriage difficulties. Don't give up. It's a season.
Prove yourself faithful during difficult times. Stick it out. Keep traveling steadily on the path of where God has placed you. Too many times we bail right before God was going to move. Our impatience robs God of the chance to make his name great on our behalf.
Sometimes the fact that there's a storm causes us to doubt if God was in it at all. In Mark 4:35-41 is the story of Jesus calming the storm. You remember, he had been sleeping in the back of the boat etc. I've highlighted a couple key thoughts in that story. "Jesus said..." It was his idea. "Soon a fierce storm came up." Even when obeying God, storms will come. "The disciples woke him up, shouting, 'Teacher, don't you care...'" It's our human nature to think that God doesn't care that we're in a storm. The reality is that storms don't take God by surprise. "Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm." God can handle any storm. "Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?" The Lord wants us to learn to not fear or panic in the midst of the storm we are in.
You only have to ask yourself, "Am I obeying what God is directing me to do?" If your answer is "yes", then Stay the course! If you're answer is "no", then seek counsel from mature Christian friends. If you're answer is "I don't know!", then turn off the noise that's distracting you from hearing his voice, get alone with him, and follow his direction.
Be obedient to what the Lord has directed you to do. Don't let circumstances lure you to manipulate situations in the flesh. Be disciplined to keep yourself to the course. God will never call you to anything without giving you the strength to accomplish it. If you feel like it's "too hard" it's because you are trying to change it in your own strength. Rest in his presence. Rest in his timing. God is in control!
In "due season he will honor 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
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
2.19.8 "What kind of dirt are you?"
"What kind of dirt are you?"
Leviticus 7:28-9:6
Mark 3:31-4:25
Psalm 37:12-29
Proverbs 10:5
"And be sure to put into practice what you hear. The more you do this, the more you will understand what I tell you." Mark 4:24
In today's reading in Mark, Jesus tells the story of the farmer who sows seed. We know that the seed lands in different places. 1. path (which the birds ate) 2. shallow soil (grew quickly, but roots weren't deep enough) 3. among thorns (which caused seed to produce no grain) 4. Good soil (which produced great crops)
We can often hear parables or familiar bible passages and we kind of nod in acknowledgment of their point & move on, but we really should take the time to pause and evaluate "what does this mean for my life?"
Let's look at a few points we need to take away from this parable.
-Each of us are dirt. The Word of God has been planted in us. The question then remains, "What kind of dirt am I?
1. The footpath. verse 15 says, "The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message only to have Satan come at once and take it away." What happens when you hear the word of the Lord? Is your mind so well worn by worldly influence that the voice of God is snatched from your hearing?
2. The rocky soil. "The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don't have deep roots, they don't last long. they fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God's word." (Mark 4:16-17) This doesn't describe someone living the balanced Christian life, it's someone living the "emotional" Christian life. There are tears at the altar, and jumping during the exciting worship, but because of lack of roots, it's the waves of trial that cause them to lose what they have. Are your roots deep? Are you connected to the Body of Christ in such a way that you can weather the storms of persecution?
3. The thorny soil. "The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God's word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced." (4:18-19) So many times I hear the stories of those who are "too busy" working or wrapped up in other concerns to do what God has gifted them to do. Some are paralyzed by worries and insecurities, and others are lulled to ineffectiveness by the lure of the illusion that things will be less busy "soon". The message that God has is crowded out.
4. The good soil. "And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God's word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!" There's one way to tell if you're good soil. Are you producing fruit? If not, what's the problem? What's holding you back?
Hosea 10:12 says "Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers righteousness on you."
It's your job to keep your soil in good condition. Only God can bring about a harvest in your life, but you must care for your soil.
Be GOOD dirt!
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
Leviticus 7:28-9:6
Mark 3:31-4:25
Psalm 37:12-29
Proverbs 10:5
"And be sure to put into practice what you hear. The more you do this, the more you will understand what I tell you." Mark 4:24
In today's reading in Mark, Jesus tells the story of the farmer who sows seed. We know that the seed lands in different places. 1. path (which the birds ate) 2. shallow soil (grew quickly, but roots weren't deep enough) 3. among thorns (which caused seed to produce no grain) 4. Good soil (which produced great crops)
We can often hear parables or familiar bible passages and we kind of nod in acknowledgment of their point & move on, but we really should take the time to pause and evaluate "what does this mean for my life?"
Let's look at a few points we need to take away from this parable.
-Each of us are dirt. The Word of God has been planted in us. The question then remains, "What kind of dirt am I?
1. The footpath. verse 15 says, "The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message only to have Satan come at once and take it away." What happens when you hear the word of the Lord? Is your mind so well worn by worldly influence that the voice of God is snatched from your hearing?
2. The rocky soil. "The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don't have deep roots, they don't last long. they fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God's word." (Mark 4:16-17) This doesn't describe someone living the balanced Christian life, it's someone living the "emotional" Christian life. There are tears at the altar, and jumping during the exciting worship, but because of lack of roots, it's the waves of trial that cause them to lose what they have. Are your roots deep? Are you connected to the Body of Christ in such a way that you can weather the storms of persecution?
3. The thorny soil. "The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God's word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced." (4:18-19) So many times I hear the stories of those who are "too busy" working or wrapped up in other concerns to do what God has gifted them to do. Some are paralyzed by worries and insecurities, and others are lulled to ineffectiveness by the lure of the illusion that things will be less busy "soon". The message that God has is crowded out.
4. The good soil. "And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God's word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!" There's one way to tell if you're good soil. Are you producing fruit? If not, what's the problem? What's holding you back?
Hosea 10:12 says "Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers righteousness on you."
It's your job to keep your soil in good condition. Only God can bring about a harvest in your life, but you must care for your soil.
Be GOOD dirt!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Sunday, February 17, 2008
2.18.8 "Trust in the Lord"
"Trust in the Lord"
Leviticus 6:1-7:27
Mark 3:7-30
Psalm 37:1-11
Proverbs 10:3-4
"Never envy the wicked! Soon they fade away like grass and disappear. Trust in the Lord instead." Ps 37:1
Sometimes life doesn't seem fair. Sometimes it looks like the blessings get misdirected and land on the wicked. Our flesh so many times wants to say, "Hey, I deserve..." It's 'natural' for us to want things for ourselves... Of course, by 'natural' I mean "human nature", not godliness. When we succumb to the lure of envy, we actually pull ourself away from the place of peace.
"Be kind and good to others; then you will live safely here in the land and prosper, feeding in safety. Be delighted with the Lord. Then he will give you all your heart's desires." Ps 37:3-4
There's something that begins to happen within us when we take the path of kindness and goodness instead of envy and selfishness. There's a transformation that begins when we delight in the Lord. We find that our heart's desires align with his.
"Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him to help you do it and he will." vs. 5
We too often try to carry too much on our own. We blaze our own trail. We carry our own weight. There is such peace and safety when we place it in the hands of the creator of the universe. When we place it in his hands, we can live with renewed intensity knowing that he will be faithful to carry us through.
"Your innocence will be clear to everyone. He will vindicate you with the blazing light of justice shining down as from the noonday sun. Rest in the Lord; wait patiently for him to act. Don't be envious of evil men who prosper. Stop your anger! Turn off your wrath. Don't fret and worry - it only leads to harm. For the wicked shall be destroyed, but those who trust the Lord shall be given every blessing. Only a little while and the wicked shall disappear. You will look for them in vain." vs. 6-10
These verses have incredibly powerful meaning when you're going through a situation in where there are false accusations or even misunderstanding. It is in our human nature to want to stand and defend ourselves. We want to shout our innocence. We want to retaliate. The path that we must take, however is leaving it in God's hands. Vindication comes through him, and him alone. I love the thought of justice being a blazing light shining down as from the noonday sun. Though the enemy may use the darkness of confusion and deception, the Light of God's Truth will shine forth. This is a supernatural phenomenon that we must wait for and rely on.
"But all who humble themselves before the Lord shall be given every blessing and shall have wonderful peace." vs. 11
The life of humility is the way to go! the Lord is fighting the battles, bringing peace and blessing, and providing for every need!
Place your Trust in the Lord he will NEVER fail 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
Leviticus 6:1-7:27
Mark 3:7-30
Psalm 37:1-11
Proverbs 10:3-4
"Never envy the wicked! Soon they fade away like grass and disappear. Trust in the Lord instead." Ps 37:1
Sometimes life doesn't seem fair. Sometimes it looks like the blessings get misdirected and land on the wicked. Our flesh so many times wants to say, "Hey, I deserve..." It's 'natural' for us to want things for ourselves... Of course, by 'natural' I mean "human nature", not godliness. When we succumb to the lure of envy, we actually pull ourself away from the place of peace.
"Be kind and good to others; then you will live safely here in the land and prosper, feeding in safety. Be delighted with the Lord. Then he will give you all your heart's desires." Ps 37:3-4
There's something that begins to happen within us when we take the path of kindness and goodness instead of envy and selfishness. There's a transformation that begins when we delight in the Lord. We find that our heart's desires align with his.
"Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him to help you do it and he will." vs. 5
We too often try to carry too much on our own. We blaze our own trail. We carry our own weight. There is such peace and safety when we place it in the hands of the creator of the universe. When we place it in his hands, we can live with renewed intensity knowing that he will be faithful to carry us through.
"Your innocence will be clear to everyone. He will vindicate you with the blazing light of justice shining down as from the noonday sun. Rest in the Lord; wait patiently for him to act. Don't be envious of evil men who prosper. Stop your anger! Turn off your wrath. Don't fret and worry - it only leads to harm. For the wicked shall be destroyed, but those who trust the Lord shall be given every blessing. Only a little while and the wicked shall disappear. You will look for them in vain." vs. 6-10
These verses have incredibly powerful meaning when you're going through a situation in where there are false accusations or even misunderstanding. It is in our human nature to want to stand and defend ourselves. We want to shout our innocence. We want to retaliate. The path that we must take, however is leaving it in God's hands. Vindication comes through him, and him alone. I love the thought of justice being a blazing light shining down as from the noonday sun. Though the enemy may use the darkness of confusion and deception, the Light of God's Truth will shine forth. This is a supernatural phenomenon that we must wait for and rely on.
"But all who humble themselves before the Lord shall be given every blessing and shall have wonderful peace." vs. 11
The life of humility is the way to go! the Lord is fighting the battles, bringing peace and blessing, and providing for every need!
Place your Trust in the Lord he will NEVER fail 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
2.17.8 "Deeply Disturbed by Indifference"
"Deeply Disturbed by Indifference"
Leviticus 4:1-5:19
Mark 2:13-3:6
Psalm 36:1-12
Proverbs 10:1-2
Have you ever heard that "the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing"? As we go through life maturing in our walk with the Lord, we have this constant struggle with the flesh. We know we're supposed to die to the flesh, but for some reason, it seems to be on "life-support", and just wont stay dead.
If we don't keep our flesh under the subjection of the spirit, it begins to create a false sense of what being a Christian is all about. We have to remember that knowing Christ must cause us to focus on the needs of others. If this is not our focus, we have lost our purpose. We have become no different than the Pharisees in Jesus' day.
In Mark 3:1-6, Jesus is in the synagogue in Capernaum. "Since it was the Sabbath, Jesus' enemies watched him closely. Would he heal the man's hand? If he did, they planned to arrest him! Jesus asked the man to come and stand in front of the congregation. Then turning to his enemies he asked, 'Is it all right to do kind deeds on Sabbath days? Or is this a day for doing harm? Is it a day to save lives or to destroy them?' But they wouldn't answer him.
"Looking around at them angrily, for he was deeply disturbed by their indifference to human need, he said to the man, 'Reach out your hand.' He did, and instantly his hand was healed! At once the Pharisees went away and met with the Herodians to discuss plans for killing Jesus."
If the Son of God is "deeply disturbed", I think it's important that we take note as to why. It says what disturbed him was "their indifference to human need". What happened to the Pharisees that would create this "indifference"? It seems obvious that their religion was "about them". The laws they practiced and kept were for the purpose of serving their needs more than it was to know the heart of a loving God who is concerned for those in need.
It's good that doesn't happen any more. It's good that Christians today don't become so self-absorbed and critical of others that they fail to realize what the standards are for in the first place. Ok, so I'm being sarcastic.
Our purpose is our "Mission to Reach our World for Christ". This is what everything is for. We can become so inward focussed on our own needs and opinions that we've lost the drive for our purpose. We must make sure that we see the needs around us and we strive to meet them.
I would hate to come to the realization that Jesus was deeply disturbed by MY indifference to human need. I want my heart to become like his, and not like that of the Pharisees. I must die to my flesh. I must seek to serve others. I must live the 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
Leviticus 4:1-5:19
Mark 2:13-3:6
Psalm 36:1-12
Proverbs 10:1-2
Have you ever heard that "the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing"? As we go through life maturing in our walk with the Lord, we have this constant struggle with the flesh. We know we're supposed to die to the flesh, but for some reason, it seems to be on "life-support", and just wont stay dead.
If we don't keep our flesh under the subjection of the spirit, it begins to create a false sense of what being a Christian is all about. We have to remember that knowing Christ must cause us to focus on the needs of others. If this is not our focus, we have lost our purpose. We have become no different than the Pharisees in Jesus' day.
In Mark 3:1-6, Jesus is in the synagogue in Capernaum. "Since it was the Sabbath, Jesus' enemies watched him closely. Would he heal the man's hand? If he did, they planned to arrest him! Jesus asked the man to come and stand in front of the congregation. Then turning to his enemies he asked, 'Is it all right to do kind deeds on Sabbath days? Or is this a day for doing harm? Is it a day to save lives or to destroy them?' But they wouldn't answer him.
"Looking around at them angrily, for he was deeply disturbed by their indifference to human need, he said to the man, 'Reach out your hand.' He did, and instantly his hand was healed! At once the Pharisees went away and met with the Herodians to discuss plans for killing Jesus."
If the Son of God is "deeply disturbed", I think it's important that we take note as to why. It says what disturbed him was "their indifference to human need". What happened to the Pharisees that would create this "indifference"? It seems obvious that their religion was "about them". The laws they practiced and kept were for the purpose of serving their needs more than it was to know the heart of a loving God who is concerned for those in need.
It's good that doesn't happen any more. It's good that Christians today don't become so self-absorbed and critical of others that they fail to realize what the standards are for in the first place. Ok, so I'm being sarcastic.
Our purpose is our "Mission to Reach our World for Christ". This is what everything is for. We can become so inward focussed on our own needs and opinions that we've lost the drive for our purpose. We must make sure that we see the needs around us and we strive to meet them.
I would hate to come to the realization that Jesus was deeply disturbed by MY indifference to human need. I want my heart to become like his, and not like that of the Pharisees. I must die to my flesh. I must seek to serve others. I must live the 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
Saturday, February 16, 2008
2.16.8 "The Balance of Discipline & Responsibility"
"The Balance of Discipline & Responsibility"
Leviticus 1:1-3:17
Mark 1:29-2:12
Psalm 35:17-28
Proverbs 9:13-18
"By sunset the courtyard was filled with the sick and demon-possessed, brought to him for healing; and a huge crowd of people from all over the city of Capernaum gathered outside the door to watch. So Jesus healed great numbers of sick folk that evening and ordered many demons to come out of their victims. (But he refused to allow the demons to speak, because they knew who he was.)
"The next morning he was up long before daybreak and went out alone into the wilderness to pray. Later, Simon and the others went out to find him, and told him, 'Everyone is asking for you.' But he replied, 'We must go on to other towns as well, and give my message to them too, for that is why I came.'" (Mark 1:32-38)
Jesus was a busy man. The responsibilities he had were huge in human terms, not to mention the spiritual impact. There is one thing that is important to note about the life of Christ. He did not allow his Responsibilities to exceed his discipline. He had many crowds after him, yet He knew the value of time in prayer. He woke up before dawn to find the time. It took more discipline to match the responsibilities before him.
This is an important principle that we need to apply to Live the DREAM. Too often we get out of balance in this area. For a variety of reasons our responsibilities increase. This is in itself not a bad thing, but to maintain balance, we must make sure that our discipline grows.
Discipline is the spiritual principle of Empowered through Biblical Training and Responsibility is the principle of Active Ministry Involvement. As our "ministry" expands, we must grow proportionally in the disciplines of spiritual growth.
Our "ministry" is not just church involvement, it is the responsibilities of work, home, and the use of our time, talent and resources. It is so important that we understand how great these responsibilities are. When we acknowledge their value, we must respond by making whatever steps of discipline that are necessary to empower us to be who God has created us to be.
There have been times when my responsibilities have seemed overwhelming. My flesh's first reaction is to "back off". To walk away from the responsibilities. In seeking the Lord, what I've found is that my proper response is not to shirk responsibility, but to increase the discipline. With time in the Word, and seeking the direction of the Lord, we are equipped to handle the responsibilities properly.
There have been times I have been approached by an individual who has a vision for what God wants to accomplish through them. I love seeing their excitement, but too often, no steps are taken to accomplish it. The steps that are necessary are steps of increased discipline in one area or another. Maybe it's faithfulness. We want these things to "just happen" for us, instead of growing in spiritual discipline to accomplish what is before us. I hate seeing people sitting around wondering why nothing ever happened. They have the talent, they have the vision, but they lack the discipline.
Jesus knew his mission. His life was with purpose. He said, "... that is why I came." We need to keep our mission before us at all times. It will help us to discipline ourselves to handle the responsibilities before us.
Take the time for a self-check today. How does your discipline & responsibility line up? Are they in balance? In what area do you need to increase in discipline? When are you going to start that? Do it today!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Leviticus 1:1-3:17
Mark 1:29-2:12
Psalm 35:17-28
Proverbs 9:13-18
"By sunset the courtyard was filled with the sick and demon-possessed, brought to him for healing; and a huge crowd of people from all over the city of Capernaum gathered outside the door to watch. So Jesus healed great numbers of sick folk that evening and ordered many demons to come out of their victims. (But he refused to allow the demons to speak, because they knew who he was.)
"The next morning he was up long before daybreak and went out alone into the wilderness to pray. Later, Simon and the others went out to find him, and told him, 'Everyone is asking for you.' But he replied, 'We must go on to other towns as well, and give my message to them too, for that is why I came.'" (Mark 1:32-38)
Jesus was a busy man. The responsibilities he had were huge in human terms, not to mention the spiritual impact. There is one thing that is important to note about the life of Christ. He did not allow his Responsibilities to exceed his discipline. He had many crowds after him, yet He knew the value of time in prayer. He woke up before dawn to find the time. It took more discipline to match the responsibilities before him.
This is an important principle that we need to apply to Live the DREAM. Too often we get out of balance in this area. For a variety of reasons our responsibilities increase. This is in itself not a bad thing, but to maintain balance, we must make sure that our discipline grows.
Discipline is the spiritual principle of Empowered through Biblical Training and Responsibility is the principle of Active Ministry Involvement. As our "ministry" expands, we must grow proportionally in the disciplines of spiritual growth.
Our "ministry" is not just church involvement, it is the responsibilities of work, home, and the use of our time, talent and resources. It is so important that we understand how great these responsibilities are. When we acknowledge their value, we must respond by making whatever steps of discipline that are necessary to empower us to be who God has created us to be.
There have been times when my responsibilities have seemed overwhelming. My flesh's first reaction is to "back off". To walk away from the responsibilities. In seeking the Lord, what I've found is that my proper response is not to shirk responsibility, but to increase the discipline. With time in the Word, and seeking the direction of the Lord, we are equipped to handle the responsibilities properly.
There have been times I have been approached by an individual who has a vision for what God wants to accomplish through them. I love seeing their excitement, but too often, no steps are taken to accomplish it. The steps that are necessary are steps of increased discipline in one area or another. Maybe it's faithfulness. We want these things to "just happen" for us, instead of growing in spiritual discipline to accomplish what is before us. I hate seeing people sitting around wondering why nothing ever happened. They have the talent, they have the vision, but they lack the discipline.
Jesus knew his mission. His life was with purpose. He said, "... that is why I came." We need to keep our mission before us at all times. It will help us to discipline ourselves to handle the responsibilities before us.
Take the time for a self-check today. How does your discipline & responsibility line up? Are they in balance? In what area do you need to increase in discipline? When are you going to start that? Do it today!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Friday, February 15, 2008
2.15.8 "This 'Tedious' Job of Obedience"
"This 'Tedious' Job of Obedience"
Exodus 39:1-40:38
Mark 1:1-28
Psalm 35:1-16
Proverbs 9:11-12
For the past several chapters in Exodus, we've been reading of the details of the tabernacle construction. For much of this the majority of us have "endured" the details of the labors of Bezalel and his gang. We're thinking "why do we need to know about the thread and the poles and the lampstand?"
Here's why we need to know it. Ex. 40:16 says, "So Moses proceeded to do all as the Lord had commanded him." Verses 19,21, 23,26, and 29 all end with the phrase "... just as the Lord had commanded him."
Much of what the Lord had commanded took a lot of work. It wasn't glamorous. It wasn't prestigious. There were many details that seemed to be minor. But they were what the Lord commanded.
So what's the big deal? Ex. 40:34 "Then the cloud covered the Tabernacle and the glory of the Lord filled it."
The big deal is the result of obedience. It's the presence of the Lord. What if the story had been, "Yeah, God, we know you wanna build it that other way way, but we saved money & time by just sewing together a bunch of used clothes..." How would that have brought honor to the Lord?
Remember the phrase, "Why be faithful in small things? God has big plans!" There are small things in each one of our lives. We must be obedient in ALL of these. God desires to dwell with us. He wont dwell with disobedience.
Verse 36-37 say, "Whenever the cloud lifted and moved, the people of Israel journeyed onward, following it. But if the cloud stayed, they stayed until it moved."
What a privilege to have the presence of the Lord to give such direction. Do you think the Lord desires that in our lives today? There are things that he is asking of me. There are things that at first glance seem a bit "tedious". I want his presence in my life. I need to be obedient in all things.
My obedience is critical to my Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship. If I obey, he will dwell with me.
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
Exodus 39:1-40:38
Mark 1:1-28
Psalm 35:1-16
Proverbs 9:11-12
For the past several chapters in Exodus, we've been reading of the details of the tabernacle construction. For much of this the majority of us have "endured" the details of the labors of Bezalel and his gang. We're thinking "why do we need to know about the thread and the poles and the lampstand?"
Here's why we need to know it. Ex. 40:16 says, "So Moses proceeded to do all as the Lord had commanded him." Verses 19,21, 23,26, and 29 all end with the phrase "... just as the Lord had commanded him."
Much of what the Lord had commanded took a lot of work. It wasn't glamorous. It wasn't prestigious. There were many details that seemed to be minor. But they were what the Lord commanded.
So what's the big deal? Ex. 40:34 "Then the cloud covered the Tabernacle and the glory of the Lord filled it."
The big deal is the result of obedience. It's the presence of the Lord. What if the story had been, "Yeah, God, we know you wanna build it that other way way, but we saved money & time by just sewing together a bunch of used clothes..." How would that have brought honor to the Lord?
Remember the phrase, "Why be faithful in small things? God has big plans!" There are small things in each one of our lives. We must be obedient in ALL of these. God desires to dwell with us. He wont dwell with disobedience.
Verse 36-37 say, "Whenever the cloud lifted and moved, the people of Israel journeyed onward, following it. But if the cloud stayed, they stayed until it moved."
What a privilege to have the presence of the Lord to give such direction. Do you think the Lord desires that in our lives today? There are things that he is asking of me. There are things that at first glance seem a bit "tedious". I want his presence in my life. I need to be obedient in all things.
My obedience is critical to my Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship. If I obey, he will dwell with me.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Thursday, February 14, 2008
2.14.8 "The Scent of Life"
"The Scent of Life"
Exodus 37:1-38:31
Matthew 28:1-20
Psalm 34:11-22
Proverbs 9:9-10
I'm no expert on the physiology of the brain, but I remember hearing that the area used to process what we smell is close to the memory area. At least that's what i remember smelling... er... hearing... But it's amazing how smelling something brings back memories. Southeast Wisconsin is having an unbelievable winter. It reminds me of growing up in Northern Minnesota. We've had some cold patches where it actually "smelled" cold. (hence the nostalgia, i guess)
Yesterday I was out for a walk and I pulled a leaf off an orange tree and smelled it. Before you think I lost my mind, I should tell you that I'm on a short trip to Phoenix. Don't worry, I wont mention that it was in the mid 70's yesterday... But back to the point... Having been entrenched in winter, it's easy to forget the smell of living things. During some free time yesterday I sat in the grass outside working on my laptop. The smell of the grass reminded me of spring back home. There's flowers on some trees here that don't bode well for the allergy portion of my brain, but there's that smell of life.
So what's all this about? In Matthew 28 we read the Easter story. The women went to the tomb and encountered an angel. "'Don't be afraid!' he said. 'I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn't ehre! He is risen from the dead, jsut as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.'" (Matt. 28:5-7)
In the middle of a cold "dead" winter, we can forget that "life" is on the way. Sometimes the "scent" of our Christian walk has developed a bit of a "stink" to it. We become critical, judgemental, complacent, and even compromising. When we find ourselves in that musty smell of mediocrity, we must go back and remember that Jesus is alive! He lives in us, and when we live in the knowledge and the victory of this understanding, Incredible life springs forth.
We must live in a fresh anointing with intensity, confidence, and hope. Matthew 28:18 says, "Jesus came and told his disciples, I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations," baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
What do you smell like today? Ok, that might not be the best question to ask, but when people see your life today, will it remind them "Jesus is Alive!" This is how we need to live: with the Scent of 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
Exodus 37:1-38:31
Matthew 28:1-20
Psalm 34:11-22
Proverbs 9:9-10
I'm no expert on the physiology of the brain, but I remember hearing that the area used to process what we smell is close to the memory area. At least that's what i remember smelling... er... hearing... But it's amazing how smelling something brings back memories. Southeast Wisconsin is having an unbelievable winter. It reminds me of growing up in Northern Minnesota. We've had some cold patches where it actually "smelled" cold. (hence the nostalgia, i guess)
Yesterday I was out for a walk and I pulled a leaf off an orange tree and smelled it. Before you think I lost my mind, I should tell you that I'm on a short trip to Phoenix. Don't worry, I wont mention that it was in the mid 70's yesterday... But back to the point... Having been entrenched in winter, it's easy to forget the smell of living things. During some free time yesterday I sat in the grass outside working on my laptop. The smell of the grass reminded me of spring back home. There's flowers on some trees here that don't bode well for the allergy portion of my brain, but there's that smell of life.
So what's all this about? In Matthew 28 we read the Easter story. The women went to the tomb and encountered an angel. "'Don't be afraid!' he said. 'I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn't ehre! He is risen from the dead, jsut as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.'" (Matt. 28:5-7)
In the middle of a cold "dead" winter, we can forget that "life" is on the way. Sometimes the "scent" of our Christian walk has developed a bit of a "stink" to it. We become critical, judgemental, complacent, and even compromising. When we find ourselves in that musty smell of mediocrity, we must go back and remember that Jesus is alive! He lives in us, and when we live in the knowledge and the victory of this understanding, Incredible life springs forth.
We must live in a fresh anointing with intensity, confidence, and hope. Matthew 28:18 says, "Jesus came and told his disciples, I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations," baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
What do you smell like today? Ok, that might not be the best question to ask, but when people see your life today, will it remind them "Jesus is Alive!" This is how we need to live: with the Scent of 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
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
2.13.8 "The DREAM Tabernacle"
"The DREAM Tabernacle"
Exodus 35:10-36:38
Matthew 27:32-66
Psalm 34:1-10
Proverbs 9:7-8
We are currently reading the part of the book of Exodus that deals with the instructions for building the tabernacle. This is often a portion of scripture that is more "endured" than studied. Many get bored with all of the details of how everything was done. There's a verse in today's reading that I love.
"Come, all of you who are skilled craftsmen having special talents, and construct what God has commanded us:" Ex. 35:10
You're probably wondering why I like this scripture so much. To me, this scripture is exciting because of the implications of it. Let's look at it through "DREAM Goggles":
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship - We know that the essence of worship is obedience. Those who come to construct are doing "what God has commanded us." They are walking in obedience. They are worshiping through this obedience.
Relationships Devoted to Unity - "Come all of you..." For the people to accomplish this project, they must work together. As we read in the following chapters, there were foremen put in charge of various tasks, etc. Remember that the essence of Unity is Submission. To accomplish what God had called them to do, they had to submit to God-appointed authority.
Empowered through Biblical Training - "... skilled craftsmen..." This one may not be so obvious, but knowing that the principle of "E" is discipline, we can see this principle applied to the lives of the craftsmen. Biblical training is foremost the studying of scripture, but it also encompasses the discipline necessary to "show thyself approved". It includes the discipline necessary to hone whatever gift or ability God has given. These craftsmen were Empowered through the training they had received.
Active Ministry Involvement - "... having special talents..." This is the most obvious of the application of the DREAM principles. The people were commanded to use the gifts they had received to participate in what God had directed them to do. As we see in chapter 36, EVERYONE took part in this. Sure, the most "talented" were given the oversight, but the people were giving from what they had. This included, incense, cloth, and many other resources. The principle of Active Ministry Involvement is Responsibility. God's people were being responsible with their resources. What I think is so cool is that when everyone responded this way, there was more than enough. in fact, in 36:7 it says, "Then at last the people were restrained from bringing more!" Wouldn't that be awesome? God's people expressing such generosity that all the needs are met and overflowing!
Mission to Reach our World for Christ - This is the fruit of all things working together. Why were they doing what they were doing? So God could dwell among them. So the world could see that these people served a God of wonders. The intricate design of the tabernacle was in itself a testimony of his greatness. It brought glory to his name. The principle of our Mission is "Purpose". We must never lose sight that in all we do, the purpose is to reach our world for Christ.
It's awesome to read of God's people living the DREAM! Let's be people who live the DREAM! We need to not just read scriptures and go through motions, we need to get intense about applying it to our lives. It's one thing to have a great tool in your tool box. It's another thing to know how to use it! We must use the tools God has given us to change the world. This is our purpose! This is what it means to Live the 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
Exodus 35:10-36:38
Matthew 27:32-66
Psalm 34:1-10
Proverbs 9:7-8
We are currently reading the part of the book of Exodus that deals with the instructions for building the tabernacle. This is often a portion of scripture that is more "endured" than studied. Many get bored with all of the details of how everything was done. There's a verse in today's reading that I love.
"Come, all of you who are skilled craftsmen having special talents, and construct what God has commanded us:" Ex. 35:10
You're probably wondering why I like this scripture so much. To me, this scripture is exciting because of the implications of it. Let's look at it through "DREAM Goggles":
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship - We know that the essence of worship is obedience. Those who come to construct are doing "what God has commanded us." They are walking in obedience. They are worshiping through this obedience.
Relationships Devoted to Unity - "Come all of you..." For the people to accomplish this project, they must work together. As we read in the following chapters, there were foremen put in charge of various tasks, etc. Remember that the essence of Unity is Submission. To accomplish what God had called them to do, they had to submit to God-appointed authority.
Empowered through Biblical Training - "... skilled craftsmen..." This one may not be so obvious, but knowing that the principle of "E" is discipline, we can see this principle applied to the lives of the craftsmen. Biblical training is foremost the studying of scripture, but it also encompasses the discipline necessary to "show thyself approved". It includes the discipline necessary to hone whatever gift or ability God has given. These craftsmen were Empowered through the training they had received.
Active Ministry Involvement - "... having special talents..." This is the most obvious of the application of the DREAM principles. The people were commanded to use the gifts they had received to participate in what God had directed them to do. As we see in chapter 36, EVERYONE took part in this. Sure, the most "talented" were given the oversight, but the people were giving from what they had. This included, incense, cloth, and many other resources. The principle of Active Ministry Involvement is Responsibility. God's people were being responsible with their resources. What I think is so cool is that when everyone responded this way, there was more than enough. in fact, in 36:7 it says, "Then at last the people were restrained from bringing more!" Wouldn't that be awesome? God's people expressing such generosity that all the needs are met and overflowing!
Mission to Reach our World for Christ - This is the fruit of all things working together. Why were they doing what they were doing? So God could dwell among them. So the world could see that these people served a God of wonders. The intricate design of the tabernacle was in itself a testimony of his greatness. It brought glory to his name. The principle of our Mission is "Purpose". We must never lose sight that in all we do, the purpose is to reach our world for Christ.
It's awesome to read of God's people living the DREAM! Let's be people who live the DREAM! We need to not just read scriptures and go through motions, we need to get intense about applying it to our lives. It's one thing to have a great tool in your tool box. It's another thing to know how to use it! We must use the tools God has given us to change the world. This is our purpose! This is what it means to Live the 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
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
2.12.8 "Deal or No Deal"
"Deal or No Deal"
Exodus 34:1-35:9
Matthew 27:15-31
Psalm 33:12-22
Proverbs 9:1-6
"Deal, or No Deal?" When we were kids it was a matter of negotiating for everything from candy to toys. The basic rule is that you have to decide if what you want is worth giving something up for. It's the name of a game show that drives me nuts. I'm not sure which is worse. the people guessing which box the money is in, or the millions of people watching someone guess which box the money is in... Ok... back to the point...
In Exodus 34 there's a great progression of events. It's impossible for us to imagine, but try to picture this. Moses is on the Mountain with the Lord. "Then the Lord came down in a cloud and stood there with him; ... The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out, 'Yaweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin." (Ex 34:5-7)
I think Moses' response is cool. "Moses immediately threw himself to the ground and worshiped." When we see God for who he really is, how can we do anything but worship? If you are having a hard time worshiping, you need to hone in on his nature, and seek his face. Seek his Character. Now here's the Deal:
In Exodus 34:8, Moses says to the Lord, "Please go with us..." in verse 10-11, the Lord says, "All right, this is the contract I am going to make with you. I will do miracles... all the people of Israel shall see the power of the Lord... Your part of the agreement is to obey all of my commandments;"
Deal or No Deal? Our obedience for his presence...
is it worth it?
Is it worth it to give up the compromises? is it worth it to step out in faith as he directs?
There always seem to be things that can rise up to get in the way of our relationship with the Lord. Many times it's our selfishness. What we too often fail to realize is that selfishness separates us from Him. We remove ourselves from His presence. We break the deal.
We need to be people of obedience to experience the fullness of his glory. Psalm 33:18-22 says, "But the eyes of the Lord are watching over those who fear him, who rely upon his steady love. He will keep them from death even in times of famine! We depend upon the Lord alone to save us. Only he can help us; he protects us like a shield. No wonder we are happy in the Lord! For we are trusting him. We trust his holy name. Yes, Lord, let your constant love surround us, for our hopes are in you alone."
It sounds like a great deal to me!
Take the DEAL!
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
Exodus 34:1-35:9
Matthew 27:15-31
Psalm 33:12-22
Proverbs 9:1-6
"Deal, or No Deal?" When we were kids it was a matter of negotiating for everything from candy to toys. The basic rule is that you have to decide if what you want is worth giving something up for. It's the name of a game show that drives me nuts. I'm not sure which is worse. the people guessing which box the money is in, or the millions of people watching someone guess which box the money is in... Ok... back to the point...
In Exodus 34 there's a great progression of events. It's impossible for us to imagine, but try to picture this. Moses is on the Mountain with the Lord. "Then the Lord came down in a cloud and stood there with him; ... The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out, 'Yaweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin." (Ex 34:5-7)
I think Moses' response is cool. "Moses immediately threw himself to the ground and worshiped." When we see God for who he really is, how can we do anything but worship? If you are having a hard time worshiping, you need to hone in on his nature, and seek his face. Seek his Character. Now here's the Deal:
In Exodus 34:8, Moses says to the Lord, "Please go with us..." in verse 10-11, the Lord says, "All right, this is the contract I am going to make with you. I will do miracles... all the people of Israel shall see the power of the Lord... Your part of the agreement is to obey all of my commandments;"
Deal or No Deal? Our obedience for his presence...
is it worth it?
Is it worth it to give up the compromises? is it worth it to step out in faith as he directs?
There always seem to be things that can rise up to get in the way of our relationship with the Lord. Many times it's our selfishness. What we too often fail to realize is that selfishness separates us from Him. We remove ourselves from His presence. We break the deal.
We need to be people of obedience to experience the fullness of his glory. Psalm 33:18-22 says, "But the eyes of the Lord are watching over those who fear him, who rely upon his steady love. He will keep them from death even in times of famine! We depend upon the Lord alone to save us. Only he can help us; he protects us like a shield. No wonder we are happy in the Lord! For we are trusting him. We trust his holy name. Yes, Lord, let your constant love surround us, for our hopes are in you alone."
It sounds like a great deal to me!
Take the DEAL!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Monday, February 11, 2008
2.11.8 "Don't Take Another Step"
"Don't Take Another Step"
Exodus 32:1-33:23
Matthew 26:69-27:14
Psalm 33:1-11
Proverbs 8:33-36
Moses has been up on Mount Saini receiving the 10 commandments. It was taking a while, so the people got impatient, and decided to create their own God in the form of an idol. Needless to say, that didn't go over to well with God. In Exodus 33:3, the Lord tells moses, "Go up to this land that flows with milk and honey. But I will not travel among you, for you are a stubborn and rebellious people. If i did, I would surely destroy you along the way."
In Verse 15 it says, "For Moses had said, 'If you aren't going with us, don't let us move a step from this place. If you don't go with us, who will ever know that I and my people have found favor with you, and that we are different from any other people upon the face of the earth?'"
I love to tell the story about when my daughter was little. We would stand at the edge of the driveway and "practice" not going into the street. If she would step over the line, she would get in trouble. I wanted to train her that it was not safe to step into the street without holding my hand. She was very good at this. I'll never forget that first time on a Wednesday night she ran across the church driveway without thinking. Thankfully there were no cars coming, but I'll never forget the feeling I had as she ran out on her own into danger.
I imagine that's the way the Lord feels when we "run out" in our own strength. I'm sure his heart breaks to see our ignorance about the danger that we put ourselves in. Sure, there may not be a car coming at the moment, but that almost makes it worse. We start to think, "Hey, I can do this on my own." Our hearts become more independent, and we walk outside of the covering of God. We don't hold his hand.
Just as Moses prayed, I need to depend on the Lord. In this age of grace and blessing, it can be easy to begin to move in my own strength. The world around me needs to see me living in the favor of the Lord. They need to see that we're different.
The Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship is a life moving with the Lord. Staying in his Word trains me to hear his voice. Walking with him equips us to fulfill our Mission to Reach Our World for Christ. Each day we need to cry out to God to walk with us, to hold our hand.
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
Exodus 32:1-33:23
Matthew 26:69-27:14
Psalm 33:1-11
Proverbs 8:33-36
Moses has been up on Mount Saini receiving the 10 commandments. It was taking a while, so the people got impatient, and decided to create their own God in the form of an idol. Needless to say, that didn't go over to well with God. In Exodus 33:3, the Lord tells moses, "Go up to this land that flows with milk and honey. But I will not travel among you, for you are a stubborn and rebellious people. If i did, I would surely destroy you along the way."
In Verse 15 it says, "For Moses had said, 'If you aren't going with us, don't let us move a step from this place. If you don't go with us, who will ever know that I and my people have found favor with you, and that we are different from any other people upon the face of the earth?'"
I love to tell the story about when my daughter was little. We would stand at the edge of the driveway and "practice" not going into the street. If she would step over the line, she would get in trouble. I wanted to train her that it was not safe to step into the street without holding my hand. She was very good at this. I'll never forget that first time on a Wednesday night she ran across the church driveway without thinking. Thankfully there were no cars coming, but I'll never forget the feeling I had as she ran out on her own into danger.
I imagine that's the way the Lord feels when we "run out" in our own strength. I'm sure his heart breaks to see our ignorance about the danger that we put ourselves in. Sure, there may not be a car coming at the moment, but that almost makes it worse. We start to think, "Hey, I can do this on my own." Our hearts become more independent, and we walk outside of the covering of God. We don't hold his hand.
Just as Moses prayed, I need to depend on the Lord. In this age of grace and blessing, it can be easy to begin to move in my own strength. The world around me needs to see me living in the favor of the Lord. They need to see that we're different.
The Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship is a life moving with the Lord. Staying in his Word trains me to hear his voice. Walking with him equips us to fulfill our Mission to Reach Our World for Christ. Each day we need to cry out to God to walk with us, to hold our hand.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Sunday, February 10, 2008
2.10.8 "The Joy of Being Clean"
"The Joy of Being Clean"
Exodus 30:11-31:18
Matthew 26:47-68
Psalm 32:1-11
Proverbs 8:27-32
"What relief for those who have confessed their sins and God has cleared their record. There was a time when I wouldn't admit what a sinner I was. but my dishonesty made me miserable and filled my days with frustration. All day and all night your hand was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water on a sunny day until I finally admitted all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide them. I said to myself, 'I will confess them to the Lord.' And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. Now I say that each believer should confess his sins to God when he is aware of them, while there is time to be forgiven. Judgment will not touch him if he does."
What powerful scriptures today. What a wonderful feeling it is to be clean before the Lord. For some reason are times that our flesh wants to hide our sin. I'll never forget the time my daughter told her first fib. I knew the truth, but I wanted her to come clean. It made me sad to see her try to hide her sin. It was amazing to see that even at such a young age, it was that same pride, or fear of punishment, that kept her from wanting to come clean that we struggle with when we're older. Whatever the motivation, she wasn't happy.
I told her about a time I didn't tell the truth when I was a kid. I told her how bad I felt until I told my parents the truth. I could see her processing this information. She then said, "Actually, dad, this is what happened..." I could visibly see how much better she felt knowing that there was nothing between us.
As believers we should get into the habit of confessing sin when the Spirit convicts us. As we allow the Lord to purify us, we can live in the joy and freedom of knowing we can dwell in his presence and his blessing. This is what it means to live the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship.
Come clean 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
Exodus 30:11-31:18
Matthew 26:47-68
Psalm 32:1-11
Proverbs 8:27-32
"What relief for those who have confessed their sins and God has cleared their record. There was a time when I wouldn't admit what a sinner I was. but my dishonesty made me miserable and filled my days with frustration. All day and all night your hand was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water on a sunny day until I finally admitted all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide them. I said to myself, 'I will confess them to the Lord.' And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. Now I say that each believer should confess his sins to God when he is aware of them, while there is time to be forgiven. Judgment will not touch him if he does."
What powerful scriptures today. What a wonderful feeling it is to be clean before the Lord. For some reason are times that our flesh wants to hide our sin. I'll never forget the time my daughter told her first fib. I knew the truth, but I wanted her to come clean. It made me sad to see her try to hide her sin. It was amazing to see that even at such a young age, it was that same pride, or fear of punishment, that kept her from wanting to come clean that we struggle with when we're older. Whatever the motivation, she wasn't happy.
I told her about a time I didn't tell the truth when I was a kid. I told her how bad I felt until I told my parents the truth. I could see her processing this information. She then said, "Actually, dad, this is what happened..." I could visibly see how much better she felt knowing that there was nothing between us.
As believers we should get into the habit of confessing sin when the Spirit convicts us. As we allow the Lord to purify us, we can live in the joy and freedom of knowing we can dwell in his presence and his blessing. This is what it means to live the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship.
Come clean today!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Saturday, February 9, 2008
2.9.8 "The Cost of Atonement"
"The Cost of Atonement"
Exodus 30:11-31:18
Matthew 26:47-68
Psalm 32:1-11
Proverbs 8:27-32
As we've been reading in Exodus, the Tabernacle has been built. There is now a place to meet with God. Today's reading describe what is necessary to make Aaron, the altar & the priests ready for meeting with God. This is not a pretty event. I wont go into details, but Aaron must place his hand on the head of a ram while it is being killed. The blood is collected and placed in various places as a sign of consecration, holiness, and ultimately to atone for the sins.
Why must this be done? I don't know that we will ever fully understand the magnitude of the cost of atonement. The price it takes to be at one with God. In reading the old testament descriptions of the sacrifices, it's easy to skip over these sections. We don't want the gory details. "Just make us right with God. Don't gross me out with what it takes."
The cost of atonement is so great. Jesus understood what it was going to take. In Matthew 26 he shares the Last Supper with the disciples. Judas has betrayed him. Peter declares that he will never leave, but Jesus knows he will deny him. Jesus brings the disciples to a garden to pray. He understands the cost of what is about to happen.
"Then he told them, 'My soul is crushed with horror and sadness to the point of death...'" Matt. 26:38
O so great a price. This is what it cost for my sin. The son of God in anguish over the reality of what he must go through. There were gory details. This blood would be placed in various places as a sign of consecration, holiness, and ultimately to atone for my sin.
Thank you Jesus, for the price you paid for me. Cover me in your precious blood. Make me yours. I set myself apart for your glory. I will keep myself from sin. Your love is incredible.
Never forget the price of atonement.
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
Exodus 30:11-31:18
Matthew 26:47-68
Psalm 32:1-11
Proverbs 8:27-32
As we've been reading in Exodus, the Tabernacle has been built. There is now a place to meet with God. Today's reading describe what is necessary to make Aaron, the altar & the priests ready for meeting with God. This is not a pretty event. I wont go into details, but Aaron must place his hand on the head of a ram while it is being killed. The blood is collected and placed in various places as a sign of consecration, holiness, and ultimately to atone for the sins.
Why must this be done? I don't know that we will ever fully understand the magnitude of the cost of atonement. The price it takes to be at one with God. In reading the old testament descriptions of the sacrifices, it's easy to skip over these sections. We don't want the gory details. "Just make us right with God. Don't gross me out with what it takes."
The cost of atonement is so great. Jesus understood what it was going to take. In Matthew 26 he shares the Last Supper with the disciples. Judas has betrayed him. Peter declares that he will never leave, but Jesus knows he will deny him. Jesus brings the disciples to a garden to pray. He understands the cost of what is about to happen.
"Then he told them, 'My soul is crushed with horror and sadness to the point of death...'" Matt. 26:38
O so great a price. This is what it cost for my sin. The son of God in anguish over the reality of what he must go through. There were gory details. This blood would be placed in various places as a sign of consecration, holiness, and ultimately to atone for my sin.
Thank you Jesus, for the price you paid for me. Cover me in your precious blood. Make me yours. I set myself apart for your glory. I will keep myself from sin. Your love is incredible.
Never forget the price of atonement.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Friday, February 8, 2008
2.8.8 "Consecrated Sheep or Separated Goats"
"Consecrated Sheep or Separated Goats"
Exodus 28:1-43
Matthew 25:31-26:13
Psalm 31:9-18
Proverbs 8:12-13
The verses we've been reading in Exodus for the past few days have been very descriptive of how the tent of the tabernacle was to be constructed, and what the priests are to wear. I'm impressed by the detail God put into the descriptions. To me it shows how important it is that we prepare to meet with him.
In describing what the priests wear, there is a command to put a gold plate on Aaron's turban that says, "Consecrated to Jehovah". I was thinking this morning of how I need to wear that same sign. My life is dedicated to him. I am no longer my own. The way I walk, think & live needs to be entirely under the sign of "consecrated to Jehovah".
What will the consecrated life look like? We get a good picture in Matthew 25. Jesus says in verse 31ff, "But when I, the Messiah, shall come in my glory, and all the angels with me, then I shall sit upon my throne of glory. And all the nations shall be gathered before me. And I will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and place the sheep at my right hand, and the goats at my left hand.
"Then I, the King, shall say to those at my right, 'come, blessed of my Father, into the kingdom prepared for you from the founding of the world. For I was hungry and you fed me; I was thirsty and you gave me water; I was a stranger and you invited me into your homes; naked and you clothed me; sick and in prison, and you visited me."
In verse 40, he says the familiar line: "When you did it to these my brothers you were doing it to me!"
That's the great part of the story. That describes the life of those who have lived "Consecrated to Jehovah". The sad part is what follows. I wont give all the verses, but it's the story of those who did not help "the least of these". Jesus told them, "When you refused to help the least of these my brothers, you were refusing help to me. And they shall go away into eternal punishment; but the righteous into everlasting life."
The goats were separated from His presence.
I don't want be separated from His presence. I want to be consecrated to Jehovah which means I am separated from the world. Every part of my life should be marked by the actions of one who is set apart FOR Him, not one who is separated FROM 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
Exodus 28:1-43
Matthew 25:31-26:13
Psalm 31:9-18
Proverbs 8:12-13
The verses we've been reading in Exodus for the past few days have been very descriptive of how the tent of the tabernacle was to be constructed, and what the priests are to wear. I'm impressed by the detail God put into the descriptions. To me it shows how important it is that we prepare to meet with him.
In describing what the priests wear, there is a command to put a gold plate on Aaron's turban that says, "Consecrated to Jehovah". I was thinking this morning of how I need to wear that same sign. My life is dedicated to him. I am no longer my own. The way I walk, think & live needs to be entirely under the sign of "consecrated to Jehovah".
What will the consecrated life look like? We get a good picture in Matthew 25. Jesus says in verse 31ff, "But when I, the Messiah, shall come in my glory, and all the angels with me, then I shall sit upon my throne of glory. And all the nations shall be gathered before me. And I will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and place the sheep at my right hand, and the goats at my left hand.
"Then I, the King, shall say to those at my right, 'come, blessed of my Father, into the kingdom prepared for you from the founding of the world. For I was hungry and you fed me; I was thirsty and you gave me water; I was a stranger and you invited me into your homes; naked and you clothed me; sick and in prison, and you visited me."
In verse 40, he says the familiar line: "When you did it to these my brothers you were doing it to me!"
That's the great part of the story. That describes the life of those who have lived "Consecrated to Jehovah". The sad part is what follows. I wont give all the verses, but it's the story of those who did not help "the least of these". Jesus told them, "When you refused to help the least of these my brothers, you were refusing help to me. And they shall go away into eternal punishment; but the righteous into everlasting life."
The goats were separated from His presence.
I don't want be separated from His presence. I want to be consecrated to Jehovah which means I am separated from the world. Every part of my life should be marked by the actions of one who is set apart FOR Him, not one who is separated FROM 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
Thursday, February 7, 2008
2.7.8 "Why be Faithful in Small Things"
"Why be Faithful in Small Things"
Exodus 26:1-27:21
Matthew 25:1-30
Psalm 31:1-8
Proverbs 8:1-11
In December of 2004 the choir was preparing for the musical outreach. As usual, I had about three pages of notes of things that need tweaking. There was everything from keeping quiet in the hallways, to set movement, and how lines were said. I paused for a moment to look at the list. I thought, "Is this stuff really that important?" I felt the Lord speak to my heart. "it is because I have big plans." For the rest of that musical we all encouraged each other with these words: "Why be faithful in small things? Because God has BIG plans!"
This is something that needs to get in the heart of every believer. It aligns with the "Responsibility" principle of Active Ministry Involvement.
Today's reading is the story of the Master who went on a journey and entrusted money to his servants. One received $5000, one $2000, and one $1000. (The talent is actually a monetary unit valued at about $1000).
You know the story. Each was given according to his ability. You know who was faithful and who wasn't. Verse 16 says, "the man who received the $5000 began immediately to buy and sell with it and soon earned another $5000." Listen to what the Master says in verse 21. "his master praised him for good work. 'you have been faithful in handling this small amount,' he told him, 'so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Begin the joyous tasks I have assigned to you.'" He was faithful in small things, equipping him for God's big plans.
One thing that stands out in the Living Bible is the statement of the "wicked" servant who only received the one. he said, "Sir, I knew you were a hard man and I was afraid you would rob me of what I earned, so I hid your money in the earth and here it is!" (verse 25)
Notice how he speaks of the money as his own. He's connected to it. This is something we must guard intensely. ALL that we have is God's.
I'm going to jump a different direction here. Sometimes what we've been given isn't even $1000 dollars. Sometimes it can even be a painful experience. Sometimes it's an unimaginable heartache. Now the same question is asked. "What did you do with what I gave you?"
The enemy wants to take hurt and use it to destroy us. He wants us to burry it in the ground of bitterness and despair so that when the Master returns we will be found lacking.
No matter how small or great the hurt, when put in the hands of God, there is great return. When the most horrible of circumstances occurs, it is still possible to put that to work for God's glory. Oh, it isn't easy. There is a dying to self that will go deeper than anything ever has. It will go to the very core. Our flesh wants to react like the wicked servant. "Look what you've done to me!!!" The sentiments are self-centered. The hurts are real, but they don't have to be ours. He bore our griefs. Carried our sorrows. They are all upon Him.
When we learn the lessons of faithfulness in ALL things, the Master will return to see what has been done. We want him to say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant".
What are you holding in your hand? Is it blessing, talent, joy, sorrow, pain, hurt? Whatever it is, God asks that you be faithful. He has big plans.
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
Exodus 26:1-27:21
Matthew 25:1-30
Psalm 31:1-8
Proverbs 8:1-11
In December of 2004 the choir was preparing for the musical outreach. As usual, I had about three pages of notes of things that need tweaking. There was everything from keeping quiet in the hallways, to set movement, and how lines were said. I paused for a moment to look at the list. I thought, "Is this stuff really that important?" I felt the Lord speak to my heart. "it is because I have big plans." For the rest of that musical we all encouraged each other with these words: "Why be faithful in small things? Because God has BIG plans!"
This is something that needs to get in the heart of every believer. It aligns with the "Responsibility" principle of Active Ministry Involvement.
Today's reading is the story of the Master who went on a journey and entrusted money to his servants. One received $5000, one $2000, and one $1000. (The talent is actually a monetary unit valued at about $1000).
You know the story. Each was given according to his ability. You know who was faithful and who wasn't. Verse 16 says, "the man who received the $5000 began immediately to buy and sell with it and soon earned another $5000." Listen to what the Master says in verse 21. "his master praised him for good work. 'you have been faithful in handling this small amount,' he told him, 'so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Begin the joyous tasks I have assigned to you.'" He was faithful in small things, equipping him for God's big plans.
One thing that stands out in the Living Bible is the statement of the "wicked" servant who only received the one. he said, "Sir, I knew you were a hard man and I was afraid you would rob me of what I earned, so I hid your money in the earth and here it is!" (verse 25)
Notice how he speaks of the money as his own. He's connected to it. This is something we must guard intensely. ALL that we have is God's.
I'm going to jump a different direction here. Sometimes what we've been given isn't even $1000 dollars. Sometimes it can even be a painful experience. Sometimes it's an unimaginable heartache. Now the same question is asked. "What did you do with what I gave you?"
The enemy wants to take hurt and use it to destroy us. He wants us to burry it in the ground of bitterness and despair so that when the Master returns we will be found lacking.
No matter how small or great the hurt, when put in the hands of God, there is great return. When the most horrible of circumstances occurs, it is still possible to put that to work for God's glory. Oh, it isn't easy. There is a dying to self that will go deeper than anything ever has. It will go to the very core. Our flesh wants to react like the wicked servant. "Look what you've done to me!!!" The sentiments are self-centered. The hurts are real, but they don't have to be ours. He bore our griefs. Carried our sorrows. They are all upon Him.
When we learn the lessons of faithfulness in ALL things, the Master will return to see what has been done. We want him to say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant".
What are you holding in your hand? Is it blessing, talent, joy, sorrow, pain, hurt? Whatever it is, God asks that you be faithful. He has big plans.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
2.6.8 "6:53 tonight"
"6:53 tonight"
Exodus 23:14-25:40
Matthew 24:29-51
Psalm 30:1-12
Proverbs 7:24-27
As I'm writing this we've got a bunch of snow coming down. If forecasts are accurate, we'll get a foot to 18" of snow today. Schools are cancelled, there's closings everywhere. I heard it referred to yesterday as the "snowpocalypse" and "stormmaggedon". I think it was more tongue in cheek than anything, making fun of all the "hype" that's out there about this snow "disaster" (Remember that where I grew up, this is nothing!) Often, these forecasts have been inaccuarate. Last week the 1-2" of snow turned out to be 8". Not much fun when it comes to a big driveway. Tough to trust forecasts too much.
So.... 6:53 tonight....
Jesus is coming.
ok, i realize that Matthew 24:36 says, "However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows." So I'm being somewhat facetious here.
What if it was 6:53 tonight? Would you be prepared? We spoke of clean clothes a day or so ago. Would you be found without "spot or wrinkle"? If you knew it was on the calendar for this evening, with what kind of intensity would you live this day?
"So you, too, must keep watch! For you don't know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the son of Man will come when least expected." Matt. 24:42-44
Jesus could come today. (if he did, it would be great if it was before i had to get all this snow off my driveway!) But I MUST be ready all the time! There's urgency to the moment! We must structure our lives that we are on guard against the enemy sneaking into our lives and staining us with the soil of worldliness, and complacency.
Look out your window. How many people can you see who need Christ? Look around your office... If Jesus comes at 6:53, what will 6:54 be like for them?
Have we been living with our mission in mind? verse 46 says, "If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward." verse 48 says, "But what if the servant is evil and thinks, 'My master won't be back for a while,'..." Complacency is evil. We have a mission to reach our world for Christ. We have a mandate to walk in obedience, and to be good stewards of all we've been given charge of.
THIS is what it means to Live the DREAM! Be prepared! This forecast is true: Jesus is coming! We may not make it to 6:53 tonight!
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
Exodus 23:14-25:40
Matthew 24:29-51
Psalm 30:1-12
Proverbs 7:24-27
As I'm writing this we've got a bunch of snow coming down. If forecasts are accurate, we'll get a foot to 18" of snow today. Schools are cancelled, there's closings everywhere. I heard it referred to yesterday as the "snowpocalypse" and "stormmaggedon". I think it was more tongue in cheek than anything, making fun of all the "hype" that's out there about this snow "disaster" (Remember that where I grew up, this is nothing!) Often, these forecasts have been inaccuarate. Last week the 1-2" of snow turned out to be 8". Not much fun when it comes to a big driveway. Tough to trust forecasts too much.
So.... 6:53 tonight....
Jesus is coming.
ok, i realize that Matthew 24:36 says, "However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows." So I'm being somewhat facetious here.
What if it was 6:53 tonight? Would you be prepared? We spoke of clean clothes a day or so ago. Would you be found without "spot or wrinkle"? If you knew it was on the calendar for this evening, with what kind of intensity would you live this day?
"So you, too, must keep watch! For you don't know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the son of Man will come when least expected." Matt. 24:42-44
Jesus could come today. (if he did, it would be great if it was before i had to get all this snow off my driveway!) But I MUST be ready all the time! There's urgency to the moment! We must structure our lives that we are on guard against the enemy sneaking into our lives and staining us with the soil of worldliness, and complacency.
Look out your window. How many people can you see who need Christ? Look around your office... If Jesus comes at 6:53, what will 6:54 be like for them?
Have we been living with our mission in mind? verse 46 says, "If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward." verse 48 says, "But what if the servant is evil and thinks, 'My master won't be back for a while,'..." Complacency is evil. We have a mission to reach our world for Christ. We have a mandate to walk in obedience, and to be good stewards of all we've been given charge of.
THIS is what it means to Live the DREAM! Be prepared! This forecast is true: Jesus is coming! We may not make it to 6:53 tonight!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
2.5.8 "Death Trap"
"Death Trap"
Exodus 21:22-23:13
Matthew 24:1-28
Psalm 29:1-11
Proverbs 7:6-23
When I was in college I had a Toyota Corolla that was quite the piece of work. It started great (which is a major point in northern MN!) and it ran great. It just has some rust issues. When you'd open the trunk you would just see the ground and gas tank. On the drivers side, it was just the carpet between your feet and the ground. (on it's way to being a Flintstone car!) It was a beautiful "primer gray", and when i sold it I was thrilled that i got over $300 for it. It was referred to by some as a death trap.
Proverbs 7 speaks of a "death trap"
"He was like a stag caught in a trap, awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart. He was like a bird flying into a snare, little knowing it would cost him his life." Proverbs. 7:22-23
What is this trap? It's a young man who is "lacking common sense, walking at twilight down the street to the house of this wayward girl, a prostitute."
Sin has a "fate awaiting". There's such a deceptive trap in sin. It becomes so powerful, because there's no "electric fence" instantly zapping the sinner for their waywardness. The consequences are many times delayed, but as subtle as the consequences may seem, the results are devastating.
What is the consequence? When thinking in Sunday School terms, "you go to hell". Well, there's truth to that, but what Jesus says in Matthew 24 really stood out to me today. He is talking about the end times. He speaks of false prophets and wars. Those seem so obvious. But in verse 12 he says, "Sin will be rampant everywhere and will cool the love of many."
Sin numbs us to the love of God. So many times I've heard in marriage counseling, "I just don't love him anymore." No one can point to a day where love stopped, it's just a gradual "loss". This happens spiritually. Small compromises gradually kill the fire for God. A little sin here & there may go unnoticed. There's no lightning from heaven. Nobody knows. Things must be ok, right?
There is a fate awaiting. The most horrible fate is to separated from God. Daily people make sinful decisions and think "I'm still ok." A deep rooted cancer of rebellion against God takes hold and begins the internal mission to kill love for God. Then one day there's a realization, "I don't love him anymore."
We'd want to think "that could never happen to me. I can beat this thing that lures me..." Yet we don't realize that our willingness to allow sin to remain in our life is a death trap.... little knowing it will cost us our lives.
"Praise the Lord, you angels of his; praise his glory and his strength. Praise him for his majestic glory, the glory of his name. Come before him clothed in sacred garments." Psalm 29:1-2
If you were to stand in the light of God's glory at this very second, what stains would appear on your clothing? Are your garments sacred? Would you run in shame trying to hide the stain, and attempt to scrub it out with your own strength and determination? The truth is, He's the only one with the "detergent" that will was our stain away. It's the blood of Jesus shed for us.
Be clean before him today. Be pure. Allow him to cleanse you. And stay away from the "death trap"
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
Exodus 21:22-23:13
Matthew 24:1-28
Psalm 29:1-11
Proverbs 7:6-23
When I was in college I had a Toyota Corolla that was quite the piece of work. It started great (which is a major point in northern MN!) and it ran great. It just has some rust issues. When you'd open the trunk you would just see the ground and gas tank. On the drivers side, it was just the carpet between your feet and the ground. (on it's way to being a Flintstone car!) It was a beautiful "primer gray", and when i sold it I was thrilled that i got over $300 for it. It was referred to by some as a death trap.
Proverbs 7 speaks of a "death trap"
"He was like a stag caught in a trap, awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart. He was like a bird flying into a snare, little knowing it would cost him his life." Proverbs. 7:22-23
What is this trap? It's a young man who is "lacking common sense, walking at twilight down the street to the house of this wayward girl, a prostitute."
Sin has a "fate awaiting". There's such a deceptive trap in sin. It becomes so powerful, because there's no "electric fence" instantly zapping the sinner for their waywardness. The consequences are many times delayed, but as subtle as the consequences may seem, the results are devastating.
What is the consequence? When thinking in Sunday School terms, "you go to hell". Well, there's truth to that, but what Jesus says in Matthew 24 really stood out to me today. He is talking about the end times. He speaks of false prophets and wars. Those seem so obvious. But in verse 12 he says, "Sin will be rampant everywhere and will cool the love of many."
Sin numbs us to the love of God. So many times I've heard in marriage counseling, "I just don't love him anymore." No one can point to a day where love stopped, it's just a gradual "loss". This happens spiritually. Small compromises gradually kill the fire for God. A little sin here & there may go unnoticed. There's no lightning from heaven. Nobody knows. Things must be ok, right?
There is a fate awaiting. The most horrible fate is to separated from God. Daily people make sinful decisions and think "I'm still ok." A deep rooted cancer of rebellion against God takes hold and begins the internal mission to kill love for God. Then one day there's a realization, "I don't love him anymore."
We'd want to think "that could never happen to me. I can beat this thing that lures me..." Yet we don't realize that our willingness to allow sin to remain in our life is a death trap.... little knowing it will cost us our lives.
"Praise the Lord, you angels of his; praise his glory and his strength. Praise him for his majestic glory, the glory of his name. Come before him clothed in sacred garments." Psalm 29:1-2
If you were to stand in the light of God's glory at this very second, what stains would appear on your clothing? Are your garments sacred? Would you run in shame trying to hide the stain, and attempt to scrub it out with your own strength and determination? The truth is, He's the only one with the "detergent" that will was our stain away. It's the blood of Jesus shed for us.
Be clean before him today. Be pure. Allow him to cleanse you. And stay away from the "death trap"
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Monday, February 4, 2008
2.4.8 "The Power of God Revealed"
"The Power of God Revealed"
Exodus 19:16-21:21
Matthew 23:13-39
Psalm 28:1-9
Proverbs 7:1-5
This is it. God has brought the people to the wilderness to meet with him. He's instructed them to consecrate themselves to prepare for this.
All Mt. Sinai was covered with smoke because Jehovah descended upon it in the form of fire; the smoke billowed into the sky as from a furnace, and the whole mountain shook with a violent earthquake. As the trumpet blast grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and God thundered his reply. So the Lord came down upon the top of Mt. Sinai and called Moses up to the top of the mountain, and Moses ascended to God." Ex 19:18-20
Can you imagine being there? It's like standing at the bottom of an erupting volcano. What was this all about? It was about God's passion for his people. He needed to tell them something. Here's what he needed to tell them:
1. You may worship no other god than me.
2. You shall not make yourselves any idols.
3. You shall not use the name of Jehovah your God irreverently.
4. Remember to observe the Sabbath day as a holy day.
5. Honor your father and mother.
6. You must not murder.
7. You must not commit adultery.
8. You must not steal.
9. You must not lie
10. You must not be be envious of your neighbor's house.
We know them as the 10 commandments. We have them as sunday school lessons and decorations in homes, and fight whether or not they should be in public buildings. We've become very casual about them.
Remember how they came:
"All the people saw the lightning and the smoke billowing from the mountain, and heard the thunder and the long, frightening trumpet blast; and they stood at a distance, shaking with fear." Ex. 20:18
Above all, remember how important all this is. Moses said to them, "God has come in this way to show you his awesome power, so that from now on you will be afraid to sin against him!" Ex. 20:20
When God's power is revealed, his commands come forth. There is one thing required of us: obedience. It is the highest form of worship.
Let's obey him this day!
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
Exodus 19:16-21:21
Matthew 23:13-39
Psalm 28:1-9
Proverbs 7:1-5
This is it. God has brought the people to the wilderness to meet with him. He's instructed them to consecrate themselves to prepare for this.
All Mt. Sinai was covered with smoke because Jehovah descended upon it in the form of fire; the smoke billowed into the sky as from a furnace, and the whole mountain shook with a violent earthquake. As the trumpet blast grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and God thundered his reply. So the Lord came down upon the top of Mt. Sinai and called Moses up to the top of the mountain, and Moses ascended to God." Ex 19:18-20
Can you imagine being there? It's like standing at the bottom of an erupting volcano. What was this all about? It was about God's passion for his people. He needed to tell them something. Here's what he needed to tell them:
1. You may worship no other god than me.
2. You shall not make yourselves any idols.
3. You shall not use the name of Jehovah your God irreverently.
4. Remember to observe the Sabbath day as a holy day.
5. Honor your father and mother.
6. You must not murder.
7. You must not commit adultery.
8. You must not steal.
9. You must not lie
10. You must not be be envious of your neighbor's house.
We know them as the 10 commandments. We have them as sunday school lessons and decorations in homes, and fight whether or not they should be in public buildings. We've become very casual about them.
Remember how they came:
"All the people saw the lightning and the smoke billowing from the mountain, and heard the thunder and the long, frightening trumpet blast; and they stood at a distance, shaking with fear." Ex. 20:18
Above all, remember how important all this is. Moses said to them, "God has come in this way to show you his awesome power, so that from now on you will be afraid to sin against him!" Ex. 20:20
When God's power is revealed, his commands come forth. There is one thing required of us: obedience. It is the highest form of worship.
Let's obey him this day!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Sunday, February 3, 2008
2.3.8 "Godly Leadership Principles"
"Godly Leadership Principles"
Exodus 17:8-19:15
Matthew 22:34-23:12
Psalm 27:7-14
Proverbs 6:27-35
There are a couple of stories in today's reading that have been the source of many books on leadership. It's difficult to reduce the treasure of content down to a morning devotional.
The first story is the story of Moses, Aaron and Hur and the battle with the Amalekites. You may remember this from sunday school classes. The story is that Moses & Aaron and Hur were on a hill overlooking the battle. "And as long as Moses held up the rod in his hands, Israel was winning. Moses' arms finally became too tired to hold up the rod any longer; so Aaron and Hur rolled a stone for him to sit on, and they stood on each side, holding up his hands until sunset. As a result, Joshua and his troops crushed the army of Amalek, putting them to the sword." Ex. 17:11-13
Here's a few principles from this one.
-Wherever you are at, you have a leader.
-Your number one job is to make your leader successful.
-What can you do to roll a stone and help lift the arms of your leader?
-Notice that Aaron and Hur did not take the "rod" themselves. Sometimes it's in our nature to want to grab the rod and run with our own agenda. We must meet the need of our leader, not usurp the authority.
The next story deals with some of the same principles, but from a different angle.
Moses' father-in-law, Jethro is visiting, and notices how much time Moses was spending listening to people's complaints. He asked why he was trying to do this alone. "'Well, because the people come to me with their disputes, to ask for God's decisions,' Moses told him. 'I am their judge, deciding who is right and who is wrong, and instructing them in God's ways. I apply the laws of God to their particular disputes.'
"'It's not right!' his father-in-law exclaimed. 'You're going to wear yourself out - and if you do, what will happen to the people? Moses, this job is too heavy a burden for you to try to handle all by yourself. Now listen, and let me give you a word of advice, and God will bless you: Be these people's lawyer - their representative before God - bringing him their questions to decide; you will tell them his decisions, teaching them God's laws, and showing them the principles of godly living.
"'Find some capable, godly, honest men who hate bribes, and appoint them as judges, one judge for each 1000 people; he in turn will have ten judges under him, each in charge of a hundred; and under each of them will be two judges each responsible for the affairs of fifty people; and each of these will have five judges beneath him, each counseling ten person. Let these men be responsible to serve the people with justice at all times. Anything that is too important or complicated can be brought to you. But the smaller matters they can take care of themselves. That way it will be easier for you because you will share the burden with them. If you follow this advice, and if the Lord agrees, you will be able to endure the pressures, and there will be peace and harmony in the camp." Ex. 19:15-23
Here are a few of the many principles from this one:
-Wherever you are, you have leadership responsibilities.
-Each one of us has a unique "intensity" of responsibility, but we are all responsible for someone nonetheless.
-We must be good stewards of our responsibilities.
-We must be careful with "stress". We can't let things get to the point where we are worn out.
-HOWEVER, notice that in dealing with the stress according to Jethro's plan, Moses doesn't shirk the responsibility. In other words, he doesn't quit. He is STILL responsible for all of the people. Too often people feel the stress coming on, and they "pull back". That's not really a godly principle. in other words,
-God doesn't call us to do "less", he calls us to do "more" properly.
-If you are at the "edge" as far as what you feel you can handle, you probably want to back off. You are actually more than likely in the place to "step it up" a bit. Sounds crazy doesn't it?
-Many times our responsibilities increase for the purpose of us raising others up to be who God has created them to be.
-Don't just delegate to make life easier on yourself. Delegate for the purpose of meeting the need better. Notice how much more the justice is available to the people when there are more involved in the leadership process.
-As you delegate responsibilities (whether it's to your kids, or high levels in a corporation) make sure that you take the time to qualify the people for the job. Moses was instructed to find "capable, godly, honest men" to do this. There were qualifications. To not do it this way can lead to trouble down the road.
There are many more things to be pulled from that story, but for the sake of time, i need to jump to the last story.
"Then Jesus said to the crowds, and to his disciples, 'You would think these Jewish leaders and these Pharisees were Moses, the way they keep making up so many laws! And of course you should obey their every whim! It may be all right to do what they say, but above anything else, don't follow their example. For they don't do what they tell you to do." Matt. 21:1-3
The following verses go on to talk more about hypocritical leadership. The points from this are important to get as well:
-Notice that Jesus commands them to follow the instructions of the leadership, even if it seems it is poor leadership. This is very hard for people to understand. Most people feel that a leader's mistake negates the necessity to submit to their leadership.
-When there is a mistake or poor leadership, obey what you can, but take note to not follow the example.
This story is wrapped up in verse 11. "The more lowly your service to others, the greater you are. To be the greatest, be a servant. But those who think themselves great shall be disappointed and humbled; and those who humble themselves shall be exalted."
-Be a servant leader
Does all of this have anything to do with Living the DREAM? Absolutely! These leadership lessons have to do with Relationships Devoted to Unity (submission) and Active Ministry Involvement (Responsibility), and the element of discipline that is applied to study these principles is Empowered Through Biblical Training. The truth of God's word needs to invade our very being and transform us in Godly leadership.
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
Exodus 17:8-19:15
Matthew 22:34-23:12
Psalm 27:7-14
Proverbs 6:27-35
There are a couple of stories in today's reading that have been the source of many books on leadership. It's difficult to reduce the treasure of content down to a morning devotional.
The first story is the story of Moses, Aaron and Hur and the battle with the Amalekites. You may remember this from sunday school classes. The story is that Moses & Aaron and Hur were on a hill overlooking the battle. "And as long as Moses held up the rod in his hands, Israel was winning. Moses' arms finally became too tired to hold up the rod any longer; so Aaron and Hur rolled a stone for him to sit on, and they stood on each side, holding up his hands until sunset. As a result, Joshua and his troops crushed the army of Amalek, putting them to the sword." Ex. 17:11-13
Here's a few principles from this one.
-Wherever you are at, you have a leader.
-Your number one job is to make your leader successful.
-What can you do to roll a stone and help lift the arms of your leader?
-Notice that Aaron and Hur did not take the "rod" themselves. Sometimes it's in our nature to want to grab the rod and run with our own agenda. We must meet the need of our leader, not usurp the authority.
The next story deals with some of the same principles, but from a different angle.
Moses' father-in-law, Jethro is visiting, and notices how much time Moses was spending listening to people's complaints. He asked why he was trying to do this alone. "'Well, because the people come to me with their disputes, to ask for God's decisions,' Moses told him. 'I am their judge, deciding who is right and who is wrong, and instructing them in God's ways. I apply the laws of God to their particular disputes.'
"'It's not right!' his father-in-law exclaimed. 'You're going to wear yourself out - and if you do, what will happen to the people? Moses, this job is too heavy a burden for you to try to handle all by yourself. Now listen, and let me give you a word of advice, and God will bless you: Be these people's lawyer - their representative before God - bringing him their questions to decide; you will tell them his decisions, teaching them God's laws, and showing them the principles of godly living.
"'Find some capable, godly, honest men who hate bribes, and appoint them as judges, one judge for each 1000 people; he in turn will have ten judges under him, each in charge of a hundred; and under each of them will be two judges each responsible for the affairs of fifty people; and each of these will have five judges beneath him, each counseling ten person. Let these men be responsible to serve the people with justice at all times. Anything that is too important or complicated can be brought to you. But the smaller matters they can take care of themselves. That way it will be easier for you because you will share the burden with them. If you follow this advice, and if the Lord agrees, you will be able to endure the pressures, and there will be peace and harmony in the camp." Ex. 19:15-23
Here are a few of the many principles from this one:
-Wherever you are, you have leadership responsibilities.
-Each one of us has a unique "intensity" of responsibility, but we are all responsible for someone nonetheless.
-We must be good stewards of our responsibilities.
-We must be careful with "stress". We can't let things get to the point where we are worn out.
-HOWEVER, notice that in dealing with the stress according to Jethro's plan, Moses doesn't shirk the responsibility. In other words, he doesn't quit. He is STILL responsible for all of the people. Too often people feel the stress coming on, and they "pull back". That's not really a godly principle. in other words,
-God doesn't call us to do "less", he calls us to do "more" properly.
-If you are at the "edge" as far as what you feel you can handle, you probably want to back off. You are actually more than likely in the place to "step it up" a bit. Sounds crazy doesn't it?
-Many times our responsibilities increase for the purpose of us raising others up to be who God has created them to be.
-Don't just delegate to make life easier on yourself. Delegate for the purpose of meeting the need better. Notice how much more the justice is available to the people when there are more involved in the leadership process.
-As you delegate responsibilities (whether it's to your kids, or high levels in a corporation) make sure that you take the time to qualify the people for the job. Moses was instructed to find "capable, godly, honest men" to do this. There were qualifications. To not do it this way can lead to trouble down the road.
There are many more things to be pulled from that story, but for the sake of time, i need to jump to the last story.
"Then Jesus said to the crowds, and to his disciples, 'You would think these Jewish leaders and these Pharisees were Moses, the way they keep making up so many laws! And of course you should obey their every whim! It may be all right to do what they say, but above anything else, don't follow their example. For they don't do what they tell you to do." Matt. 21:1-3
The following verses go on to talk more about hypocritical leadership. The points from this are important to get as well:
-Notice that Jesus commands them to follow the instructions of the leadership, even if it seems it is poor leadership. This is very hard for people to understand. Most people feel that a leader's mistake negates the necessity to submit to their leadership.
-When there is a mistake or poor leadership, obey what you can, but take note to not follow the example.
This story is wrapped up in verse 11. "The more lowly your service to others, the greater you are. To be the greatest, be a servant. But those who think themselves great shall be disappointed and humbled; and those who humble themselves shall be exalted."
-Be a servant leader
Does all of this have anything to do with Living the DREAM? Absolutely! These leadership lessons have to do with Relationships Devoted to Unity (submission) and Active Ministry Involvement (Responsibility), and the element of discipline that is applied to study these principles is Empowered Through Biblical Training. The truth of God's word needs to invade our very being and transform us in Godly leadership.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Saturday, February 2, 2008
2.2.8 "Pencils Down"
"Pencils Down"
Exodus 15:19-17:7
Matthew 22:1-33
Psalm 27:1-6
Proverbs 6:20-26
How does it make you feel when you hear that phrase? There's a part of me that feels instant stress. Those are words that are spoken when the "time is up" when taking a test. As those words were spoken I remember my mind moving so fast, "ooh, i have to answer one more.... I hope I got number 7 right.... i hope i didn't skip any...." At that moment you know the test is done. You had your chance... This test has proven what I know.
When the Israelites left Egypt, they encountered many different circumstances, many of them which were less than comfortable. There were many times of frustration. They were in need. "Then the people complained and turned against Moses." Ex. 15:24 "There, too, the whole community of Israel complained about Moses and Aaron." (Ex. 16:2) "Then Moses told them, 'Do not keep any of it until morning.' But some of them didn't listen and kept some of it until morning." (ex. 16:19-20)
What's with all of this?
"It was there at Marah that the Lord set before them the following decree as a standard to test their faithfulness to him." Ex. 15:25 "I will test them in this to see whether or not they will follow my instructions." Ex. 16:4
"Pencils Down!" so, how did the Israelites do? They had their test. How did they respond? I find it interesting that usually their first line of attack is toward their leader. From yesterday's reading, when the Egyptians are in hot pursuit, "...they said to Moses, 'Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren't there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt? Didn't we tell you this would happen while we were still in Egypt? We said, "Leave us alone!..."'" (Ex. 14:11-12)
Wow! What's with the whining? "are we there yet? are we there yet?"
I think we too easily forget that the challenges in our lives are for the purpose of testing us. They are for the purpose of refining us. This testing "proves" what's inside us. Do we believe what we believe? Do we believe what we know? Remember that God was using the challenges of the wilderness to increase the faith of the Israelites, and to teach them the priceless value of living in obedience. Our experiences are for the same purpose.
Jesus says in Matthew 22: "The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a king who prepared a great wedding feast for his son. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servants to notify those who were invited. But they all refused to come!" (Matt. 22:2-3)
The story goes on and in verse 11 it says, "But when the king came in to meet the guests, he noticed a man who wasn't wearing the proper clothes for a wedding. 'Friend,' he asked,'how is it that you are here without wedding clothes?' But the man had no reply. Then the king said to his aides, 'Bind his hands and feet and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'"
Pencils down.
A time is coming soon, and it's more real than we think. The trumpet will sound "The Pencils Down March", and we will have had our chance. We will have had every opportunity to respond in a Godly way. We will have had every chance to live the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship. We will have had the opportunity to live in Relationships Devoted to Unity, or to complain against our leaders. To be Empowered through Biblical Training, or to skip church and devotions, and live the undisciplined life. To live Active Ministry Involvement or to squander the gifts we've been given. To live out our Mission to reach our World for Christ, or to ramble aimlessly without bringing Glory to God.
What's your test score going to look like?
Pencils 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
Exodus 15:19-17:7
Matthew 22:1-33
Psalm 27:1-6
Proverbs 6:20-26
How does it make you feel when you hear that phrase? There's a part of me that feels instant stress. Those are words that are spoken when the "time is up" when taking a test. As those words were spoken I remember my mind moving so fast, "ooh, i have to answer one more.... I hope I got number 7 right.... i hope i didn't skip any...." At that moment you know the test is done. You had your chance... This test has proven what I know.
When the Israelites left Egypt, they encountered many different circumstances, many of them which were less than comfortable. There were many times of frustration. They were in need. "Then the people complained and turned against Moses." Ex. 15:24 "There, too, the whole community of Israel complained about Moses and Aaron." (Ex. 16:2) "Then Moses told them, 'Do not keep any of it until morning.' But some of them didn't listen and kept some of it until morning." (ex. 16:19-20)
What's with all of this?
"It was there at Marah that the Lord set before them the following decree as a standard to test their faithfulness to him." Ex. 15:25 "I will test them in this to see whether or not they will follow my instructions." Ex. 16:4
"Pencils Down!" so, how did the Israelites do? They had their test. How did they respond? I find it interesting that usually their first line of attack is toward their leader. From yesterday's reading, when the Egyptians are in hot pursuit, "...they said to Moses, 'Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren't there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt? Didn't we tell you this would happen while we were still in Egypt? We said, "Leave us alone!..."'" (Ex. 14:11-12)
Wow! What's with the whining? "are we there yet? are we there yet?"
I think we too easily forget that the challenges in our lives are for the purpose of testing us. They are for the purpose of refining us. This testing "proves" what's inside us. Do we believe what we believe? Do we believe what we know? Remember that God was using the challenges of the wilderness to increase the faith of the Israelites, and to teach them the priceless value of living in obedience. Our experiences are for the same purpose.
Jesus says in Matthew 22: "The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a king who prepared a great wedding feast for his son. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servants to notify those who were invited. But they all refused to come!" (Matt. 22:2-3)
The story goes on and in verse 11 it says, "But when the king came in to meet the guests, he noticed a man who wasn't wearing the proper clothes for a wedding. 'Friend,' he asked,'how is it that you are here without wedding clothes?' But the man had no reply. Then the king said to his aides, 'Bind his hands and feet and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'"
Pencils down.
A time is coming soon, and it's more real than we think. The trumpet will sound "The Pencils Down March", and we will have had our chance. We will have had every opportunity to respond in a Godly way. We will have had every chance to live the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship. We will have had the opportunity to live in Relationships Devoted to Unity, or to complain against our leaders. To be Empowered through Biblical Training, or to skip church and devotions, and live the undisciplined life. To live Active Ministry Involvement or to squander the gifts we've been given. To live out our Mission to reach our World for Christ, or to ramble aimlessly without bringing Glory to God.
What's your test score going to look like?
Pencils 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
Friday, February 1, 2008
2.1.8 "The Shortest Route"
"The Shortest Route"
Exodus 13:17-15:18
Matthew 21:23-46
Psalm 26:1-12
Proverbs 6:16-19
Exodus 13:17 say, "God did not lead them through the land of the Philistines, although that was the most direct route from Egypt to the Promised Land."
We really need to grab hold of the fact that God has a perfect plan that is not necessarily the shortest route. Whatever situation you may be in, there may be a point of frustration in your life, or a future plan that God has called you to that you feel is taking "too long" to get to.
We want the shortest route. We want the easy way. I've felt at different times in my life that the road I'm on has taken me so close to whatever "Promised Land" I'm hoping for that I can actually see it in the distance. Then there's a bend in the road, or a detour that in my mind brings me in the opposite direction. In the flesh it can be so frustrating.
When you drive from Milwaukee to Chicago, there's a point where you first see the Chicago skyline. You only see it for a bit, and then you take a curve. After that it seems like FOREVER before you see it again. In fact you don't see it until you're practically right there. This is often the type of scenario in our pursuit of God's plan for our lives.
Why does God do this? In verse 18 it says, "The reason was that God felt the people might become discouraged by having to fight their way through... he thought they might return to Egypt."
Yes, God has a plan for our lives. Yes, he places visions and dreams within us. He gives us goals. But he also knows that were he to drop them in our lap, we would ruin the plan if we have not spent the time with him in the wilderness.
Egypt is biblical example of the sinful life. Leaving Egypt is "getting saved". Too many "get saved" for the purpose of the "easy life", or the Promised Land. The word of God is very clear that there is a transformation that must occur inside the life of EVERY believer. How does transformation happen? Well, it's not found in a bowl of Cold Stone Creamery ice cream. (unfortunately!) Transformation happens in the wilderness.
I joined a gym a year ago. Over the past few months, they've been very disciplined in charging my account for the membership. My shape hasn't changed, though... To experience transformation, I must engage in the process of discipline, sweat, and wilderness. Joining the gym was a great step toward health, but it happens through perseverance, not just signing up.
The journey the Lord has us on is for the purpose of getting us to sweat off a few pounds of human nature. Yes, you have to get up earlier. Yes, you have to increase your intensity of purpose. Stop whining & realize that's how it happens!
Today's reading in Psalm 26:2 says, "Cross-examine me, O Lord, and see that this is so; test my motives and affections too." In the wilderness our motives and affections are refined. They are refined through opportunities to make his name great. To us, they look alot like obstacles.
When they got to the Red Sea with the Egyptians coming at them, the Israelites' motives were revealed. "And they turned against Moses, whining, 'Have you brought us out here to die in the desert?... Why did you make us leave Egypt?'" Ex. 14:11
God has a purpose in all this. "I have planned this to gain great honor and glory over Pharoah and all his armies, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord." Ex. 14:4
Don't think that God has forgotten you. Understand that there is a reason you are not on the shortest route. He needs to complete his work in you. He needs to show himself great to you and through you. Allow him to have his way. If you don't you will repeat the test.
In the wilderness is where you truly understand how to live the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship. "When the people of Israel saw the mighty miracle the Lord had done for them against the Egyptians, they were afraid and revered the Lord, and believed in him and in his servant Moses." Ex. 14:31
Allow God to complete his work in you on this journey.
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
Exodus 13:17-15:18
Matthew 21:23-46
Psalm 26:1-12
Proverbs 6:16-19
Exodus 13:17 say, "God did not lead them through the land of the Philistines, although that was the most direct route from Egypt to the Promised Land."
We really need to grab hold of the fact that God has a perfect plan that is not necessarily the shortest route. Whatever situation you may be in, there may be a point of frustration in your life, or a future plan that God has called you to that you feel is taking "too long" to get to.
We want the shortest route. We want the easy way. I've felt at different times in my life that the road I'm on has taken me so close to whatever "Promised Land" I'm hoping for that I can actually see it in the distance. Then there's a bend in the road, or a detour that in my mind brings me in the opposite direction. In the flesh it can be so frustrating.
When you drive from Milwaukee to Chicago, there's a point where you first see the Chicago skyline. You only see it for a bit, and then you take a curve. After that it seems like FOREVER before you see it again. In fact you don't see it until you're practically right there. This is often the type of scenario in our pursuit of God's plan for our lives.
Why does God do this? In verse 18 it says, "The reason was that God felt the people might become discouraged by having to fight their way through... he thought they might return to Egypt."
Yes, God has a plan for our lives. Yes, he places visions and dreams within us. He gives us goals. But he also knows that were he to drop them in our lap, we would ruin the plan if we have not spent the time with him in the wilderness.
Egypt is biblical example of the sinful life. Leaving Egypt is "getting saved". Too many "get saved" for the purpose of the "easy life", or the Promised Land. The word of God is very clear that there is a transformation that must occur inside the life of EVERY believer. How does transformation happen? Well, it's not found in a bowl of Cold Stone Creamery ice cream. (unfortunately!) Transformation happens in the wilderness.
I joined a gym a year ago. Over the past few months, they've been very disciplined in charging my account for the membership. My shape hasn't changed, though... To experience transformation, I must engage in the process of discipline, sweat, and wilderness. Joining the gym was a great step toward health, but it happens through perseverance, not just signing up.
The journey the Lord has us on is for the purpose of getting us to sweat off a few pounds of human nature. Yes, you have to get up earlier. Yes, you have to increase your intensity of purpose. Stop whining & realize that's how it happens!
Today's reading in Psalm 26:2 says, "Cross-examine me, O Lord, and see that this is so; test my motives and affections too." In the wilderness our motives and affections are refined. They are refined through opportunities to make his name great. To us, they look alot like obstacles.
When they got to the Red Sea with the Egyptians coming at them, the Israelites' motives were revealed. "And they turned against Moses, whining, 'Have you brought us out here to die in the desert?... Why did you make us leave Egypt?'" Ex. 14:11
God has a purpose in all this. "I have planned this to gain great honor and glory over Pharoah and all his armies, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord." Ex. 14:4
Don't think that God has forgotten you. Understand that there is a reason you are not on the shortest route. He needs to complete his work in you. He needs to show himself great to you and through you. Allow him to have his way. If you don't you will repeat the test.
In the wilderness is where you truly understand how to live the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship. "When the people of Israel saw the mighty miracle the Lord had done for them against the Egyptians, they were afraid and revered the Lord, and believed in him and in his servant Moses." Ex. 14:31
Allow God to complete his work in you on this journey.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
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