"A Life of Purpose"
2 Kings 17:1-18:12
Acts 20:1-38
Psalm 148:1-14
Proverbs 18:6-7
Our world is starved for purpose and meaning. It is sad to watch friends and neighbors scramble to fill their lives with so many things in the attempt of finding fulfillment, only to be left empty. I met a young couple a while back that will never have to worry about money again. They will never have to work. That's what people dream of, right? Yet, I have never seen eyes so empty. They've not found that there is a plan for their life.
True fulfillment is found as we do what we are created to do. We have a purpose, and we must be consistently reminding ourself of our purpose. Life goes by at such an intense speed that it doesn't take long to get off course. We must constrain our self to become who God has created us to be.
Paul lived a life of purpose. In a farewell address to the Ephesian church leaders in Acts 20, he he says some incredible things.
"I have done the Lord's work humbly - yes, and with tears - and have faced grave danger from the plots of the Jews against my life. Yet I never shrank from telling you the truth, either publicly or in your homes. I have had one message for Jews and Gentiles alike - the necessity of turning from sin to God through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. And now I am going to Jerusalem, drawn there irresistibly by the Holy Spirit, not knowing what awaits me, except that the Holy Spirit has told me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead." (Acts 20:19-23)
How about that? Paul is drawn irresistibly by the Holy Spirit, even though he knows that where he goes from here jail & suffering await. How could someone walk so confident? How could they endure? His next statement is profound:
"But life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus - The work of telling others the Good News about God's mighty kindness and love." (Acts 20:24)
I don't know what that verse does to you, but it is FULL of some incredible meaning.
1. "Life is worth nothing" - Wow! Remember how Solomon talks about how life is meaningless - a beating at the wind? So many struggle with this feeling that life is meaningless. Maybe you find yourself struggling in that same area. Meaning in life can only be met one way - Doing what you were created to do. There are so many "sugar-substitutes" in life. These are things that appear to offer meaning, but are empty. Busyness for the sake of busyness is a black hole that sucks so many into its trap. When you see someone today who has the "glazed eye" of the meaningless life, try to bring them to the realization that there is a purpose for them. See where that leads...
2. "...unless I use it for doing the work assigned me..." - This directly relates to Active Ministry Involvement (AM I) . The Principle behind AM I is responsibility. As we've talked before about the parable of the talents we are given the charge of taking the resources of this life and putting them to the work of the kingdom. We will be held to account for this. What is the work assigned you? You will be held to account. Later in Acts 20:28 Paul says, "And now beware! Be sure that you feed and shepherd God's flock - his church, purchased with his blood - for the Holy Spirit is holding you responsible as overseers." You may be thinking this only applies to pastors.... NOT TRUE! think of the ministry you are involved in. You are an overseer for someone! You are responsible for the work of the Lord. Knowing that responsibility should constrain you to remain focussed on the purpose of this life.
3. "..."The work of telling others the Good News about God's mighty kindness and love." Whatever the specific location and nature of our ministry, we all share the same purpose. It's our Mission to Reach Our World for Christ. Some get pretty stressed about this because they feel they don't have the "gift" of evangelism. Regardless of giftings, the purpose is still the same. We are here to Connect people to God. Don't get hung up in the insecurity of theological understanding. Remember it's God who purifies hearts. You don't have to have all the answers, you just need to know Who does! Just share the "Good News about God's mighty kindness and love."
Don't miss the opportunity you have of this day to live a life of purpose. Life is full of worth as you do what you were created to do!
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, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
6.29.8 "How His Heart Must Break"
"How His Heart Must Break"
2 Kings 15:1-16:20
Acts 19:13-41
Psalm 147:1-20
Proverbs 18:4-5
For those of you who are going along in the One Year Bible, we've been plugging along in 2 Kings. I've gone through this many times before, and to be honest, it can be easy to get bored. It's a pattern: Bad king, bad king, good king who doesn't destroy high places, bad king, bad king... etc. from cold observation, it can be very irritating reading.
But think of the Heart of God. His love for His people is unfathomable. Look at what he's done in their lives to fulfill his promises to them. Think of the times he heard them cry out to him, and he provided to meet their need. Quail, Manna, the Red Sea, Jericho... There's a history here. A history of a Loving God doing whatever it takes to draw his people to him.
And yet king after king lives, does evil & dies. Decades roll by through this repetition. Thousands enter eternity knowing not God.
If we read these scriptures from God's perspective, we can almost be moved to tears. The Kings are killing one another & building heathen altars in the temple. Imagine how God must feel to see his people. They KNOW what to do. They KNOW the right thing. They are SO close! And yet they don't tear down the high places.
What would it take for God to send his Son? I can imagine it would be a heart that is broken beyond comprehension. Broken for a people who just don't get it. There is a need to make things right. The sacrifice is great. The pain unfathomable.
And now...
As we live our lives Knowing God, what does he see? Are the days of the Kings gone? Thankfully in this age of grace there are those who remain faithful and strong, and do the right thing, but are the high places gone?
The Kings who did evil in the sight of God did some horrible things. Surely not the body of Christ! Yet there are the shrines of hidden sin and compromise imbedded in the hills of God's people. There are those who resist the conviction of the Holy Spirit by hiding behind busy lives. There are those who have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof. There are those who worship in Spirit, but not in truth. There are those who Make NO effort to keep the unity through the bond of peace. There are those who have NOT hidden his Word in there heart, and as a result there IS sin against Him. There are those who have buried their talent in the ground. There are those who are blind to their neighbors' desperate need for Christ.
They KNOW what to do. They KNOW the right thing. They are SO close! And yet they don't tear down the high places.
How His Heart Must Break.
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 Kings 15:1-16:20
Acts 19:13-41
Psalm 147:1-20
Proverbs 18:4-5
For those of you who are going along in the One Year Bible, we've been plugging along in 2 Kings. I've gone through this many times before, and to be honest, it can be easy to get bored. It's a pattern: Bad king, bad king, good king who doesn't destroy high places, bad king, bad king... etc. from cold observation, it can be very irritating reading.
But think of the Heart of God. His love for His people is unfathomable. Look at what he's done in their lives to fulfill his promises to them. Think of the times he heard them cry out to him, and he provided to meet their need. Quail, Manna, the Red Sea, Jericho... There's a history here. A history of a Loving God doing whatever it takes to draw his people to him.
And yet king after king lives, does evil & dies. Decades roll by through this repetition. Thousands enter eternity knowing not God.
If we read these scriptures from God's perspective, we can almost be moved to tears. The Kings are killing one another & building heathen altars in the temple. Imagine how God must feel to see his people. They KNOW what to do. They KNOW the right thing. They are SO close! And yet they don't tear down the high places.
What would it take for God to send his Son? I can imagine it would be a heart that is broken beyond comprehension. Broken for a people who just don't get it. There is a need to make things right. The sacrifice is great. The pain unfathomable.
And now...
As we live our lives Knowing God, what does he see? Are the days of the Kings gone? Thankfully in this age of grace there are those who remain faithful and strong, and do the right thing, but are the high places gone?
The Kings who did evil in the sight of God did some horrible things. Surely not the body of Christ! Yet there are the shrines of hidden sin and compromise imbedded in the hills of God's people. There are those who resist the conviction of the Holy Spirit by hiding behind busy lives. There are those who have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof. There are those who worship in Spirit, but not in truth. There are those who Make NO effort to keep the unity through the bond of peace. There are those who have NOT hidden his Word in there heart, and as a result there IS sin against Him. There are those who have buried their talent in the ground. There are those who are blind to their neighbors' desperate need for Christ.
They KNOW what to do. They KNOW the right thing. They are SO close! And yet they don't tear down the high places.
How His Heart Must Break.
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, June 28, 2008
6.28.8 "What you lookin' at?"
"What you lookin' at?"
2 King 13:1-14:29
Acts 18:22-19:12
Psalm 146:1-10
Proverbs 18:2-3
I'm sure this is no shock to any of you, but we live in a society that looks to heroes. The heroes range from Political leaders to sports figures, to family member and spiritual leaders. There are interesting dynamics that go along with this hero mentality. We want to emulate our heros. This manifests itself in different ways, from clothing styles to brand of shoe, to using the same kind of golf balls, etc.
Another interesting fruit of hero worship is when the heros let us down. That makes news! Look at the celebrity trials, or political news, etc. Why the big deal? I believe it's because there's a subconscious satisfaction in human nature that when we see a "hero" fail, it excuses our own lack of success.
Remember when you were in school & you didn't have your homework done? You asked your friend if they did theirs because you didn't want to be the only one. There was some version of peace knowing that you weren't alone in your delinquency.
We'd probably all agree that society is full of hero worshipers, but at the same time you're probably saying, "I'm not a hero worshipper!" Let's bring it a little closer to home. Think of an authority in your life, maybe your boss. Now, i know that in most situations your boss is not your hero, but they are your leader nonetheless. Each of us will have a different response or reaction to the success and failures of our leader, depending on our view of them.
Today's scripture is Psalm 146:3 "Don't look to men for help; their greatest leaders fail."
I use the phrase "Sunday School Answer" alot, and it means that in our head we know this, but it may not be felt in our heart. So, as you read this scripture, your Sunday School Answer is "Of course! we look to God for help!" But really examine your heart.
When your leader fails, or makes a mistake, do you find yourself excusing your own behavior or attitude? Do you find yourself justifying your lack of success because of the faults in your leader? If so, what does that mean? Doesn't that mean that you've been looking to man for help?
After reading the "Tale of Three Kings" (a book I highly recommend!) I sent this note to one of the leaders I work with.
"You may be frustrated with me as a leader because of my flaws, but you
must understand that God is completing his work in my life, and has
placed me in this position to accomplish his work. In fact, he has placed you under my
leadership in order to complete his work in your life. My strengths
AND my weaknesses are part of his plan for YOU. How you respond to my
faults are key to helping you work through yours. God's work will not
be made complete unless we work together."
Understand that the point is not to say "I'm a leader... so what if I make a mistake." That's totally the wrong angle.
The point is, we need to stop being shocked that our heros or leaders have flaws. It's as if we are looking for perfection in leadership for us to be able to accomplish what God has called us to. Wrong answer. We need to understand that the rough edges in our leaders are there to work out the rough edges in us. We are all here to equip one another.
A key element to living the "Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship" is that we look to God first in all situations. If you are looking to man for help, you definitely don't got your DLOW. There is such freedom in working for God! You begin to look at flaws & quirks in your leader as opportunities to bless instead of an obstacle. You look at them as a chance to advance in your own character development. To stand in opposition to your leader is to be a rebel. Today's Proverb 18:2 says, "A rebel doesn't care about the facts. All he wants to do is yell." We need to make our goal to kill the rebel within.
In 2 Kings 13, Jehoahaz began his reign over Israel. "But he was an evil king, and he followed the wicked paths of Jeroboam... So the Lord was very angry with Israel... But Jehoahaz prayed for the Lord's help, and the Lord listened to him; for the Lord saw how terribly the king of Syria was oppressing Israel. So the Lord raised up leaders among the Israelis to rescue them from the tyranny of the Syrians; and then Israel lived in safety again as they had in former days." (2 Kings 13:2-5)
Jehoahaz had flaws. The Lord raised up leaders to fill the gaps. That's why God has placed you where he has. You are to equip your leader in whatever area they have need. It can be tough sometimes because your own pride and opinion get in the way. We have to understand that Relationships Devoted to Unity cannot occur without submission. Submission is the active setting aside of pride, will and opinion to meet the need of another.
Look to God today and live the D! Meet the needs of those around you and live the R!
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 King 13:1-14:29
Acts 18:22-19:12
Psalm 146:1-10
Proverbs 18:2-3
I'm sure this is no shock to any of you, but we live in a society that looks to heroes. The heroes range from Political leaders to sports figures, to family member and spiritual leaders. There are interesting dynamics that go along with this hero mentality. We want to emulate our heros. This manifests itself in different ways, from clothing styles to brand of shoe, to using the same kind of golf balls, etc.
Another interesting fruit of hero worship is when the heros let us down. That makes news! Look at the celebrity trials, or political news, etc. Why the big deal? I believe it's because there's a subconscious satisfaction in human nature that when we see a "hero" fail, it excuses our own lack of success.
Remember when you were in school & you didn't have your homework done? You asked your friend if they did theirs because you didn't want to be the only one. There was some version of peace knowing that you weren't alone in your delinquency.
We'd probably all agree that society is full of hero worshipers, but at the same time you're probably saying, "I'm not a hero worshipper!" Let's bring it a little closer to home. Think of an authority in your life, maybe your boss. Now, i know that in most situations your boss is not your hero, but they are your leader nonetheless. Each of us will have a different response or reaction to the success and failures of our leader, depending on our view of them.
Today's scripture is Psalm 146:3 "Don't look to men for help; their greatest leaders fail."
I use the phrase "Sunday School Answer" alot, and it means that in our head we know this, but it may not be felt in our heart. So, as you read this scripture, your Sunday School Answer is "Of course! we look to God for help!" But really examine your heart.
When your leader fails, or makes a mistake, do you find yourself excusing your own behavior or attitude? Do you find yourself justifying your lack of success because of the faults in your leader? If so, what does that mean? Doesn't that mean that you've been looking to man for help?
After reading the "Tale of Three Kings" (a book I highly recommend!) I sent this note to one of the leaders I work with.
"You may be frustrated with me as a leader because of my flaws, but you
must understand that God is completing his work in my life, and has
placed me in this position to accomplish his work. In fact, he has placed you under my
leadership in order to complete his work in your life. My strengths
AND my weaknesses are part of his plan for YOU. How you respond to my
faults are key to helping you work through yours. God's work will not
be made complete unless we work together."
Understand that the point is not to say "I'm a leader... so what if I make a mistake." That's totally the wrong angle.
The point is, we need to stop being shocked that our heros or leaders have flaws. It's as if we are looking for perfection in leadership for us to be able to accomplish what God has called us to. Wrong answer. We need to understand that the rough edges in our leaders are there to work out the rough edges in us. We are all here to equip one another.
A key element to living the "Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship" is that we look to God first in all situations. If you are looking to man for help, you definitely don't got your DLOW. There is such freedom in working for God! You begin to look at flaws & quirks in your leader as opportunities to bless instead of an obstacle. You look at them as a chance to advance in your own character development. To stand in opposition to your leader is to be a rebel. Today's Proverb 18:2 says, "A rebel doesn't care about the facts. All he wants to do is yell." We need to make our goal to kill the rebel within.
In 2 Kings 13, Jehoahaz began his reign over Israel. "But he was an evil king, and he followed the wicked paths of Jeroboam... So the Lord was very angry with Israel... But Jehoahaz prayed for the Lord's help, and the Lord listened to him; for the Lord saw how terribly the king of Syria was oppressing Israel. So the Lord raised up leaders among the Israelis to rescue them from the tyranny of the Syrians; and then Israel lived in safety again as they had in former days." (2 Kings 13:2-5)
Jehoahaz had flaws. The Lord raised up leaders to fill the gaps. That's why God has placed you where he has. You are to equip your leader in whatever area they have need. It can be tough sometimes because your own pride and opinion get in the way. We have to understand that Relationships Devoted to Unity cannot occur without submission. Submission is the active setting aside of pride, will and opinion to meet the need of another.
Look to God today and live the D! Meet the needs of those around you and live the R!
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, June 27, 2008
6.27.8 "I got your back!"
"I got your back!"
2 Kings 10:32 - 12:21
Acts 18:1-21
Psalm 145:1-21
Proverbs 18:1
Acts 18:9-10 - "One night the Lord Spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, "Don't be afraid! Speak Out! Don't Quit! For I am with you and no one can harm you. Many people here in this city belong to me."
This is a great word of encouragement that the Lord takes the time to give Paul. To me, this implies some interesting things:
The Lord knew that Paul needed to hear this. You may not think that's a big deal, but this is Acts 18, not Acts 9. Paul has already been stoned, beaten, and remember just a couple days ago praised his way out of jail. Why would he be afraid? Why would he want to quit?
Tommy Barnett says "you're not successful in ministry until you want to quit every day." That desire to quit very often goes with the territory. Sometimes we can get in such a tailspin because it's like we get mad at ourselves for being discouraged. We feel like a failure just because we feel like quitting.
If Paul needed this word, we sure do!
Don't ever forget, "I am with you and no one can harm you!"
Do what you are called to do. God's got your back. He's already gone before you to prepare the lives of the people you will meet. It may look like things aren't what you were planning on, but God has it taken care of.
Starting in Acts 8:12 a bunch of Jews come against Paul. It's not looking good for him, but at the right time, God changes the course of direction so that Paul doesn't even need to defend himself.
We always want to figure things out. We want to know how it's going to end. We want to make sure the numbers add up. That's not faith. Faith is knowing that God's got your back!
Another way to remind one another who's got our back is listed in Psalm 145.
"Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness.... The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads... The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness. The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. He grants the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them."
Be encouraged today! God's got your back!
So, "Don't be afraid! Speak out! Don't quit! For I am with you and no one can harm 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 Kings 10:32 - 12:21
Acts 18:1-21
Psalm 145:1-21
Proverbs 18:1
Acts 18:9-10 - "One night the Lord Spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, "Don't be afraid! Speak Out! Don't Quit! For I am with you and no one can harm you. Many people here in this city belong to me."
This is a great word of encouragement that the Lord takes the time to give Paul. To me, this implies some interesting things:
The Lord knew that Paul needed to hear this. You may not think that's a big deal, but this is Acts 18, not Acts 9. Paul has already been stoned, beaten, and remember just a couple days ago praised his way out of jail. Why would he be afraid? Why would he want to quit?
Tommy Barnett says "you're not successful in ministry until you want to quit every day." That desire to quit very often goes with the territory. Sometimes we can get in such a tailspin because it's like we get mad at ourselves for being discouraged. We feel like a failure just because we feel like quitting.
If Paul needed this word, we sure do!
Don't ever forget, "I am with you and no one can harm you!"
Do what you are called to do. God's got your back. He's already gone before you to prepare the lives of the people you will meet. It may look like things aren't what you were planning on, but God has it taken care of.
Starting in Acts 8:12 a bunch of Jews come against Paul. It's not looking good for him, but at the right time, God changes the course of direction so that Paul doesn't even need to defend himself.
We always want to figure things out. We want to know how it's going to end. We want to make sure the numbers add up. That's not faith. Faith is knowing that God's got your back!
Another way to remind one another who's got our back is listed in Psalm 145.
"Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness.... The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads... The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness. The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. He grants the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them."
Be encouraged today! God's got your back!
So, "Don't be afraid! Speak out! Don't quit! For I am with you and no one can harm 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
Thursday, June 26, 2008
6.26.8 "This God"
"This God"
2 Kings 9:15b-10:31
Acts 17:1-34
Psalm 144:1-15
Proverbs 17:27-28
"It should be explained that all the Athenians as well as the foreigners in Athens seemed to spend all their time discussing the latest ideas." (Acts 17:21) Doesn't that sound like the way things are today? Everyone's got an opinion, and so many are searching for answers and meaning just through their own ideas.
This morning I was blessed by Paul's message to the men of Athens in Acts 17:22-31. It's a great gospel message.
"Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way, for as I was walking along I saw your many shrines." Notice Paul did not start off with "you people are MESSED UP!" He used a point of connection that affirmed their quest for truth. Even though the direction they went with their search was way off, it was a God-given need they were seeking to fill. Paul went past the surface, identified the core need, and used that as a point of connection.
"And one of your altars had this inscription on it: 'To an Unknown God.' This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I'm telling you about. He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn't live in manmade temples, and human hands can't serve his needs - for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need."
This is a profound statement: "human hands can't serve his needs - for he has no needs." Think about that. God doesn't NEED us to serve him. He doesn't NEED us to be obedient. It's for OUR benefit that we are obedient. It's to complete his purpose in us and through us.
"From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. he decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries. His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him -though he is not far from any one of us. For in him we live and move and exist. As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.' And since this is true, we shouldn't think of God as an idol designed by craftsmen from gold or silver or stone."
"God overlooked people's ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him. For he has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man he has appointed, and he proved to everyone who this is by raising him from the dead."
We don't serve an unknown god. We serve "This God". He is our creator. He has done all this to bring the nations to him. We must repent and turn to him.
What a privilege to love "This God."
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
2 Kings 9:15b-10:31
Acts 17:1-34
Psalm 144:1-15
Proverbs 17:27-28
"It should be explained that all the Athenians as well as the foreigners in Athens seemed to spend all their time discussing the latest ideas." (Acts 17:21) Doesn't that sound like the way things are today? Everyone's got an opinion, and so many are searching for answers and meaning just through their own ideas.
This morning I was blessed by Paul's message to the men of Athens in Acts 17:22-31. It's a great gospel message.
"Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way, for as I was walking along I saw your many shrines." Notice Paul did not start off with "you people are MESSED UP!" He used a point of connection that affirmed their quest for truth. Even though the direction they went with their search was way off, it was a God-given need they were seeking to fill. Paul went past the surface, identified the core need, and used that as a point of connection.
"And one of your altars had this inscription on it: 'To an Unknown God.' This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I'm telling you about. He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn't live in manmade temples, and human hands can't serve his needs - for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need."
This is a profound statement: "human hands can't serve his needs - for he has no needs." Think about that. God doesn't NEED us to serve him. He doesn't NEED us to be obedient. It's for OUR benefit that we are obedient. It's to complete his purpose in us and through us.
"From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. he decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries. His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him -though he is not far from any one of us. For in him we live and move and exist. As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.' And since this is true, we shouldn't think of God as an idol designed by craftsmen from gold or silver or stone."
"God overlooked people's ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him. For he has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man he has appointed, and he proved to everyone who this is by raising him from the dead."
We don't serve an unknown god. We serve "This God". He is our creator. He has done all this to bring the nations to him. We must repent and turn to him.
What a privilege to love "This God."
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
6.25.8 "The Jailer from Thyatira"
"The Jailer from Thyatira"
2 Kings 8:1-9:15a
Acts 16:16-40
Psalm 143:1-12
Proverbs 17:26
We've all heard the story of Paul & Silas singing in prison. Again, it's one of those Sunday School stories that we can remember the pictures of... Men in chains worship God. Often the lesson we glean from that is "when your in trouble, praise God, and you'll get set free." While that is a lesson we must apply to our lives, I think we can look at this from a different angle. There's a much bigger picture.
Acts 16:16-40 covers the story of Paul & Silas being thrown into prison. Let's look at this story from a different perspective.
There's a man in Thyatira. He's a good man, with a good family. He's not rich, but he's not poor either. He has enough. He works for the government as a jailer. He may not realize it, but God has a big plan for his life.
What's it gonna take for God to get the attention of this jailer? Just as the story of the shepherd and the lost sheep, he's willing to go to great lengths to bring him home. He was going to have to connect some dots.
He caused Paul to have a vision of a man from Macedonia. Paul "could only conclude that God was sending us to preach the Good News there." (Acts 15:10) Paul and Silas went to Philippi. They were closer. The first dot was in place.
There was a well off lady from Thyatira named Lydia. She was a faithful worshiper of the Lord. Her business was selling purple cloth, which was more the choice of the wealthy, and gave her the means to bring her household with her as she traveled to expand her sales. No matter where she was, she was faithful to meet with others to discuss scripture. This day, she was was to visit a prayer meeting outside Philippi near a river bank. Philippi? Isn't that where Paul & Silas are? Another dot.
Meanwhile, the Lord was watching over the Jailer from Thyatira.
Paul & Silas decided to check out this prayer meeting they had heard about by the river bank. They went and taught scriptures to some women who came. After they finished, a woman named Lydia accepted all their teachings, and along with her household, was baptized. She begged them to come stay in her home in Thyatira. This wasn't a part of their original plans, but it was part of God's. "She urged us until we did." Acts 16:15
The dots were connecting.
Paul & Silas went regularly to teach by the river. Many came, but never the jailer... There MUST be a way to bring them together.
While they were there, a demon possessed slave girl was driving Paul & Silas nuts. They finally couldn't take it any more, so they set the girl free. This greatly angered the owners of the slave girl. There goes their source of income. They got a mob together. As the mob was forming, another dot was in place. The judges ordered that Paul and Silas be beaten.
But wait! How can this be? These men are obedient! They're doing what they were called to do! It shouldn't be this way!
The Lord felt it each time a rod hit their backs. It hurt him, too, but "dots" are getting closer.
The Jailer heard about the beatings, and didn't much approve, but that wasn't his department. He had a job to do.
Paul and Silas were thrown into prision. The Jailer's superiors told him that he would be killed if he allowed these two to escape. He didn't see what the big deal about these two was, but he knew this was no idle threat. As the prisoners were brought in, the jailer's eyes met theirs. It was a casual glance, but significant in the eyes of eternity. The prisoners were secured.
God was so proud of Paul and Silas. He know their love and commitment to Him could never be diminished by a beating, no matter how severe. Paul had proved that a few weeks before when he was stoned by the people of Lystra. Now, the anticipation was great.
Sure enough, the prisoners began to sing. At first the other prisoners began to mock, but then they were silenced by the praise. It was as if they could feel something shaking inside of them. The jailer saw all of this. He was awed by what he was seeing, but tried to remain true to the task.
Then it happened.
A shaking that hadn't been experienced there before. The earthquake caused the prisoners shackles to fall off. Not just the chains of the prisoners who were singing, but their singing shook EVERYONE'S chains off! Paul & Silas got up and walked out of the area they were in. They could have ran, but something in side caused them to wait to make sure everything was ok.
The Jailer could not believe the destruction, but was more in awe of the fact that no one seemed to be hurt. He knew his responsibility though, and seeing the doors wide open, he knew the prisoners must be gone.
His world stopped. This was the end. He knew what would come. He had brought shame to his family. His love for them caused him to want to protect them from public humiliation. It would be better to handle this himself. He prepared to take his own life.
God was watching.
"Wait!"
It was as if time had stopped.
"Don't do it! We are all here!"
It took a minute for this to sink in. The sound of the words of the prisoners rang as if they were from the hearts of free men. It was then when the jailer realized he found a prison inside himself. He broke.
"Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
It was as if all of heaven stood to cheer. The plan of God was carried out in the life of the Jailer.
There were alot of factors. There were alot of variables.
God's people were faithful. They didn't falter, they didn't question. They couldn't see the big picture.
The dot's were connected.
What about you? What part do you play today? Do you know that you're a part of God's big picture? You may not get whipped by rods, nor see an earthquake, but God's plan is just as miraculous. Just as God was looking out for the Jailer from Thyatira, he's looking out for the Cashier from Kenosha or the Banker from Burlington. One thing you can know for sure...
He's looking out for 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 Kings 8:1-9:15a
Acts 16:16-40
Psalm 143:1-12
Proverbs 17:26
We've all heard the story of Paul & Silas singing in prison. Again, it's one of those Sunday School stories that we can remember the pictures of... Men in chains worship God. Often the lesson we glean from that is "when your in trouble, praise God, and you'll get set free." While that is a lesson we must apply to our lives, I think we can look at this from a different angle. There's a much bigger picture.
Acts 16:16-40 covers the story of Paul & Silas being thrown into prison. Let's look at this story from a different perspective.
There's a man in Thyatira. He's a good man, with a good family. He's not rich, but he's not poor either. He has enough. He works for the government as a jailer. He may not realize it, but God has a big plan for his life.
What's it gonna take for God to get the attention of this jailer? Just as the story of the shepherd and the lost sheep, he's willing to go to great lengths to bring him home. He was going to have to connect some dots.
He caused Paul to have a vision of a man from Macedonia. Paul "could only conclude that God was sending us to preach the Good News there." (Acts 15:10) Paul and Silas went to Philippi. They were closer. The first dot was in place.
There was a well off lady from Thyatira named Lydia. She was a faithful worshiper of the Lord. Her business was selling purple cloth, which was more the choice of the wealthy, and gave her the means to bring her household with her as she traveled to expand her sales. No matter where she was, she was faithful to meet with others to discuss scripture. This day, she was was to visit a prayer meeting outside Philippi near a river bank. Philippi? Isn't that where Paul & Silas are? Another dot.
Meanwhile, the Lord was watching over the Jailer from Thyatira.
Paul & Silas decided to check out this prayer meeting they had heard about by the river bank. They went and taught scriptures to some women who came. After they finished, a woman named Lydia accepted all their teachings, and along with her household, was baptized. She begged them to come stay in her home in Thyatira. This wasn't a part of their original plans, but it was part of God's. "She urged us until we did." Acts 16:15
The dots were connecting.
Paul & Silas went regularly to teach by the river. Many came, but never the jailer... There MUST be a way to bring them together.
While they were there, a demon possessed slave girl was driving Paul & Silas nuts. They finally couldn't take it any more, so they set the girl free. This greatly angered the owners of the slave girl. There goes their source of income. They got a mob together. As the mob was forming, another dot was in place. The judges ordered that Paul and Silas be beaten.
But wait! How can this be? These men are obedient! They're doing what they were called to do! It shouldn't be this way!
The Lord felt it each time a rod hit their backs. It hurt him, too, but "dots" are getting closer.
The Jailer heard about the beatings, and didn't much approve, but that wasn't his department. He had a job to do.
Paul and Silas were thrown into prision. The Jailer's superiors told him that he would be killed if he allowed these two to escape. He didn't see what the big deal about these two was, but he knew this was no idle threat. As the prisoners were brought in, the jailer's eyes met theirs. It was a casual glance, but significant in the eyes of eternity. The prisoners were secured.
God was so proud of Paul and Silas. He know their love and commitment to Him could never be diminished by a beating, no matter how severe. Paul had proved that a few weeks before when he was stoned by the people of Lystra. Now, the anticipation was great.
Sure enough, the prisoners began to sing. At first the other prisoners began to mock, but then they were silenced by the praise. It was as if they could feel something shaking inside of them. The jailer saw all of this. He was awed by what he was seeing, but tried to remain true to the task.
Then it happened.
A shaking that hadn't been experienced there before. The earthquake caused the prisoners shackles to fall off. Not just the chains of the prisoners who were singing, but their singing shook EVERYONE'S chains off! Paul & Silas got up and walked out of the area they were in. They could have ran, but something in side caused them to wait to make sure everything was ok.
The Jailer could not believe the destruction, but was more in awe of the fact that no one seemed to be hurt. He knew his responsibility though, and seeing the doors wide open, he knew the prisoners must be gone.
His world stopped. This was the end. He knew what would come. He had brought shame to his family. His love for them caused him to want to protect them from public humiliation. It would be better to handle this himself. He prepared to take his own life.
God was watching.
"Wait!"
It was as if time had stopped.
"Don't do it! We are all here!"
It took a minute for this to sink in. The sound of the words of the prisoners rang as if they were from the hearts of free men. It was then when the jailer realized he found a prison inside himself. He broke.
"Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
It was as if all of heaven stood to cheer. The plan of God was carried out in the life of the Jailer.
There were alot of factors. There were alot of variables.
God's people were faithful. They didn't falter, they didn't question. They couldn't see the big picture.
The dot's were connected.
What about you? What part do you play today? Do you know that you're a part of God's big picture? You may not get whipped by rods, nor see an earthquake, but God's plan is just as miraculous. Just as God was looking out for the Jailer from Thyatira, he's looking out for the Cashier from Kenosha or the Banker from Burlington. One thing you can know for sure...
He's looking out for 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, June 24, 2008
6.24.8 "Our Army is Bigger than Theirs!"
"Our Army is Bigger than Theirs!"
2 Kings 6:1-7:20
Acts 15:32-16:15
Psalm 142:1-7
Proverbs 17:24-25
We are so limited by our human understanding. We look at life through natural eyes. Don't get me wrong. God gave us common sense for a very good reason, and he expects us to use it, but it takes an internal discipline to look through spiritual eyes.
In 2 Kings 6, The king of Syria is after Elisha. Starting in verse 14, "so one night the king of Syria sent a great army with many chariots and horses to surround the city. When the prophet's servant got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere.
"'Alas, my master, what shall we do now?' he cried out to Elisha.
"'Don't be afraid!' Elisha told him. 'For our army is bigger than theirs!'
"Then Elisha prayed, 'Lord, Open his eyes and let him see!' And the Lord opened the young man's eyes so that he could see horses of fire and chariots of fire everywhere upon the mountain!"
How different could you live each day if you knew that our army is bigger than theirs. Oh, I know we all know this, and we can say it in our best "sunday school" voice, but can you imagine REALLY living this way.
Be honest. When a challenge comes, our first reaction is more like the servant than it is Elisha. "what shall we do now?"
Many times we don't ask that of God, we ask that of a friend, or a family member, and we strategize about how we're going to get out of this mess. It seems so overwhelming... so trying. We MUST fix this. So, we react in our own strength, or worse yet, we give up in despair. Think of what would change if we change our mindset.
If instead we would discipline our thoughts to acknowledge and submit to the fact that our army is indeed bigger, we could experience a new level of victory through life's situations. Elisha has a bit of fun with this Syrian army. He asks God to strike them blind. Then he tells them they've gone to the wrong place. Then he brings them to the Israeli capital, and asks the Lord to open their eyes. Then they throw a feast for them and send them home.
Seems like a trite little story, but I think it's pretty cool. I really believe that as we discipline our thought and understanding to the greatness of God in every situation, we will have our eyes opened to a new level of creativity in dealing with situations that will bring about some incredible victories.
Walk with open eyes today. Indeed, the best is yet to come!
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 Kings 6:1-7:20
Acts 15:32-16:15
Psalm 142:1-7
Proverbs 17:24-25
We are so limited by our human understanding. We look at life through natural eyes. Don't get me wrong. God gave us common sense for a very good reason, and he expects us to use it, but it takes an internal discipline to look through spiritual eyes.
In 2 Kings 6, The king of Syria is after Elisha. Starting in verse 14, "so one night the king of Syria sent a great army with many chariots and horses to surround the city. When the prophet's servant got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere.
"'Alas, my master, what shall we do now?' he cried out to Elisha.
"'Don't be afraid!' Elisha told him. 'For our army is bigger than theirs!'
"Then Elisha prayed, 'Lord, Open his eyes and let him see!' And the Lord opened the young man's eyes so that he could see horses of fire and chariots of fire everywhere upon the mountain!"
How different could you live each day if you knew that our army is bigger than theirs. Oh, I know we all know this, and we can say it in our best "sunday school" voice, but can you imagine REALLY living this way.
Be honest. When a challenge comes, our first reaction is more like the servant than it is Elisha. "what shall we do now?"
Many times we don't ask that of God, we ask that of a friend, or a family member, and we strategize about how we're going to get out of this mess. It seems so overwhelming... so trying. We MUST fix this. So, we react in our own strength, or worse yet, we give up in despair. Think of what would change if we change our mindset.
If instead we would discipline our thoughts to acknowledge and submit to the fact that our army is indeed bigger, we could experience a new level of victory through life's situations. Elisha has a bit of fun with this Syrian army. He asks God to strike them blind. Then he tells them they've gone to the wrong place. Then he brings them to the Israeli capital, and asks the Lord to open their eyes. Then they throw a feast for them and send them home.
Seems like a trite little story, but I think it's pretty cool. I really believe that as we discipline our thought and understanding to the greatness of God in every situation, we will have our eyes opened to a new level of creativity in dealing with situations that will bring about some incredible victories.
Walk with open eyes today. Indeed, the best is yet to come!
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, June 23, 2008
6.23.8 "Relationships Devoted to Unity"
"Relationships Devoted to Unity"
2 Kings 4:18-5:27
Acts 15:1-31
Psalm 141:1-10
Proverbs 17:23
In Acts 15, the early church hits a significant point of challenge in their growth process.
Some men from Judea arrived and began to teach some believers that they weren't saved unless they followed the Jewish custom of circumcision. This had the potential of causing serious division in the church.
Look at the process that follows this disagreement. It is insightful into what it truly means to be devoted to unity. Here's the progression with some notes:
1. "Paul & Barnabas argued and discussed this with them at length..." (15:2) I like the "at length" part of this. If you are truly Devoted to Unity, you don't do the "ding & ditch" method of confrontation. You stick it through and talk it out. Many times we "speak the truth in love" by coughing our opinion at someone and then walking away. We may feel like "I sure told them...", but what has been done to promote unity?
2. "...finally the believers sent them to Jerusalem, accompanied by some local men, to talk to the apostles and elders there about this question." (15:2) There was a recognition that there would be no resolution without the involvement of leaders. This shows a couple things. First, they're committed to resolve this, not split off and start their own sect. Second, it shows they have a great deal of respect for God appointed authority within the church. They will commit to follow the decisions of the leaders.
3. There was an initial meeting where "Paul and Barnabas reported on what God had been doing through their ministry. But then some of the men..." (15:5) stood up and brought up the point of disagreement again. Sometimes Conflict in the church can cloud the big picture. People can get so caught up in the argument, and being right, they are not able to rejoice in what God is doing in the midst of them.
4. "So the apostles ...set a further meeting to decide this question." (15:6) There was a commitment from the leaders to resolve this issue. They recognized that the meeting they were in could not accomplish this, so they set up a special meeting for this very purpose.
5. "At the meeting, after long discussion, Peter stood..." (15:7) and addressed everyone, reminding them of the signs & wonders God has done that show the path he has laid out. He ends with "Don't you believe that all are saved the same way, by the free gift of the Lord Jesus?" (15:11) He spoke with wisdom that came from his personal experience with God. This was not a discussion of opinion, but of the principles of what God had done. It's important that we don't get too hung up on opinion. we must recognize the difference between our opinion and what God is speaking to our hearts.
6. "There was no further discussion, and everyone now listened as Barnabas and Paul told about the miracles God had done through them among the Gentiles." (15:12) Peter's words were further validated through the testimony of Paul and Barnabas. It could have been enough to just go off Peter's words, but the confirmation of the testimony of other leaders added further credibility.
7. "When they finished, James took the floor..." (15:13) James brought out how their testimonies were consistent with Scripture. James must have been the leader as he states, "and so my judgment is..." I marvel at God's process of authority. Effective work in the Body of Christ is accomplished through honoring God's authority structure.
8. In the remaining verses of this story, the leaders and congregation voted to report the decision to all believers and sent delegates with a letter of authority reporting the decision. It shows that a devotion to unity will make sure to communicate to everyone assuring the conflict is resolved. I like how they acknowledge the hurts of the past. "We understand that some believers from here have upset you..." (15:24) This validation of the hurt goes miles for bringing resolution.
If the believers were more devoted to their opinion than unity, this would have been a mess. In every step of the process they did things in accordance with what would be best for the body, while acknowledging the needs of the individual.
As the Body of Christ, we must keep these things in mind when ever conflict arises. We must keep unity as a high priority. One other point is that the frustration of this conflict served to further focus and intensify the objective of the church. Once the decision had been made, the church became more effective in reaching the world for Christ.
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 Kings 4:18-5:27
Acts 15:1-31
Psalm 141:1-10
Proverbs 17:23
In Acts 15, the early church hits a significant point of challenge in their growth process.
Some men from Judea arrived and began to teach some believers that they weren't saved unless they followed the Jewish custom of circumcision. This had the potential of causing serious division in the church.
Look at the process that follows this disagreement. It is insightful into what it truly means to be devoted to unity. Here's the progression with some notes:
1. "Paul & Barnabas argued and discussed this with them at length..." (15:2) I like the "at length" part of this. If you are truly Devoted to Unity, you don't do the "ding & ditch" method of confrontation. You stick it through and talk it out. Many times we "speak the truth in love" by coughing our opinion at someone and then walking away. We may feel like "I sure told them...", but what has been done to promote unity?
2. "...finally the believers sent them to Jerusalem, accompanied by some local men, to talk to the apostles and elders there about this question." (15:2) There was a recognition that there would be no resolution without the involvement of leaders. This shows a couple things. First, they're committed to resolve this, not split off and start their own sect. Second, it shows they have a great deal of respect for God appointed authority within the church. They will commit to follow the decisions of the leaders.
3. There was an initial meeting where "Paul and Barnabas reported on what God had been doing through their ministry. But then some of the men..." (15:5) stood up and brought up the point of disagreement again. Sometimes Conflict in the church can cloud the big picture. People can get so caught up in the argument, and being right, they are not able to rejoice in what God is doing in the midst of them.
4. "So the apostles ...set a further meeting to decide this question." (15:6) There was a commitment from the leaders to resolve this issue. They recognized that the meeting they were in could not accomplish this, so they set up a special meeting for this very purpose.
5. "At the meeting, after long discussion, Peter stood..." (15:7) and addressed everyone, reminding them of the signs & wonders God has done that show the path he has laid out. He ends with "Don't you believe that all are saved the same way, by the free gift of the Lord Jesus?" (15:11) He spoke with wisdom that came from his personal experience with God. This was not a discussion of opinion, but of the principles of what God had done. It's important that we don't get too hung up on opinion. we must recognize the difference between our opinion and what God is speaking to our hearts.
6. "There was no further discussion, and everyone now listened as Barnabas and Paul told about the miracles God had done through them among the Gentiles." (15:12) Peter's words were further validated through the testimony of Paul and Barnabas. It could have been enough to just go off Peter's words, but the confirmation of the testimony of other leaders added further credibility.
7. "When they finished, James took the floor..." (15:13) James brought out how their testimonies were consistent with Scripture. James must have been the leader as he states, "and so my judgment is..." I marvel at God's process of authority. Effective work in the Body of Christ is accomplished through honoring God's authority structure.
8. In the remaining verses of this story, the leaders and congregation voted to report the decision to all believers and sent delegates with a letter of authority reporting the decision. It shows that a devotion to unity will make sure to communicate to everyone assuring the conflict is resolved. I like how they acknowledge the hurts of the past. "We understand that some believers from here have upset you..." (15:24) This validation of the hurt goes miles for bringing resolution.
If the believers were more devoted to their opinion than unity, this would have been a mess. In every step of the process they did things in accordance with what would be best for the body, while acknowledging the needs of the individual.
As the Body of Christ, we must keep these things in mind when ever conflict arises. We must keep unity as a high priority. One other point is that the frustration of this conflict served to further focus and intensify the objective of the church. Once the decision had been made, the church became more effective in reaching the world for Christ.
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, June 22, 2008
6.22.8 "The Rise and Fall of Public Opinion"
"The Rise and Fall of Public Opinion"
2 Kings 3:1-4:17
Acts 14:8-28
Psalm 140:1-13
Proverbs 17:22
In Acts 14 Paul & Barnabas are in Lystra. In verse 10, Paul tells a lame man to "'Stand Up!' He leaped to his feet and started walking!"
What caught my attention in this scripture is how the public receives them in the rest of the chapter. In verse 11-13, the locals begin shouting "'These men are gods in human bodies!' They decided that Barnabas was the Greek god Jupiter, and that Paul, because he was the chief speaker, was Mercury! The local priest of the Temple of Jupiter, located on the outskirts of the city, brought them cartloads of flowers and prepared to sacrifice oxen to them at the city gates before the crowds."
Of course, Paul & Barnabas corrected the people in this, "but even so, Paul and Barnabas could scarcely restrain the people from sacrificing to them!"
So how about this? Verse 19 "Yet only a few days later some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and turned the crowds into a murderous mob that stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, apparently dead."
So, how bout that for a days work? Going from being labeled a god to being stoned to death.
What message can you get from this? Verse 20 says: "But as the believers stood around him, he got up and went back into the city!"
The message for today is: Your calling and your purpose is not contingent on public opinion. It is vital that we as a Body corporately, as well as individual parts of the body are sure of our call and our purpose. There will be times we will be flying high because of the praise of men for a job well done, and there will be times they're shooting at us. Either way, we must never allow our understanding of God's call and his purpose on our lives to get out of balance.
Putting it in another light, Paul's response to the praises of the people was not "I must be doing God's will because they LOVE me!" nor was it "This must not be of God because they've stoned me!"
For us, we must know so deeply what God has for our life, and be so devoted to living the Balanced Christian Life, that we do not allow circumstances to change our course. In doing this "we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming." (Eph 4:14)
God's call on your life is not changed by circumstances. There are times when God will use circumstances to confirm & solidify in your heart what he's created you for, and other times when the circumstances will be used to refine you. But either way, "God's gifts and his call are irrevocable." (Romans 11:29)
No matter what happens today, and no matter what people think of you, live in the confidence that God has a plan for 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 Kings 3:1-4:17
Acts 14:8-28
Psalm 140:1-13
Proverbs 17:22
In Acts 14 Paul & Barnabas are in Lystra. In verse 10, Paul tells a lame man to "'Stand Up!' He leaped to his feet and started walking!"
What caught my attention in this scripture is how the public receives them in the rest of the chapter. In verse 11-13, the locals begin shouting "'These men are gods in human bodies!' They decided that Barnabas was the Greek god Jupiter, and that Paul, because he was the chief speaker, was Mercury! The local priest of the Temple of Jupiter, located on the outskirts of the city, brought them cartloads of flowers and prepared to sacrifice oxen to them at the city gates before the crowds."
Of course, Paul & Barnabas corrected the people in this, "but even so, Paul and Barnabas could scarcely restrain the people from sacrificing to them!"
So how about this? Verse 19 "Yet only a few days later some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and turned the crowds into a murderous mob that stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, apparently dead."
So, how bout that for a days work? Going from being labeled a god to being stoned to death.
What message can you get from this? Verse 20 says: "But as the believers stood around him, he got up and went back into the city!"
The message for today is: Your calling and your purpose is not contingent on public opinion. It is vital that we as a Body corporately, as well as individual parts of the body are sure of our call and our purpose. There will be times we will be flying high because of the praise of men for a job well done, and there will be times they're shooting at us. Either way, we must never allow our understanding of God's call and his purpose on our lives to get out of balance.
Putting it in another light, Paul's response to the praises of the people was not "I must be doing God's will because they LOVE me!" nor was it "This must not be of God because they've stoned me!"
For us, we must know so deeply what God has for our life, and be so devoted to living the Balanced Christian Life, that we do not allow circumstances to change our course. In doing this "we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming." (Eph 4:14)
God's call on your life is not changed by circumstances. There are times when God will use circumstances to confirm & solidify in your heart what he's created you for, and other times when the circumstances will be used to refine you. But either way, "God's gifts and his call are irrevocable." (Romans 11:29)
No matter what happens today, and no matter what people think of you, live in the confidence that God has a plan for 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
Saturday, June 21, 2008
6.21.8 "He knows what He's doing!"
"He knows what He's doing!"
2 Kings 1:1-2:25
Acts 13:42-14:7
Psalm 139:1-24
Proverbs 17:19-21
My encouragement today is: READ PSALM 139!
Do you know that God knew what He was doing when he made you the way He made you?
In Sunday School mode, we all nod our heads, and agree to the first part, but when it gets to "the way he made you" we get hung up a little bit. We think, "Oh, I know God made me, but my personality quirks, my imperfections, my lack of talent..." Somehow we begin to lose sight of this divine plan.
I don't know if you can follow where I'm going with this. Do you ever get frustrated with yourself? The way you get frustrated with yourself can be all over the map, but I'm thinking more in terms of frustrated with yourself for the way you were made. Do you wish that you were someone else? in looks, in knowledge, even in experience?
Ps 139:13-16 "You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body, and knit them together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! It is amazing to think about. Your workmanship is marvelous -- and how well I know it. You were there while I was being formed in utter seclusion! You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your Book!"
Go beyond the surface reading of this text. REALLY think about it. Do you believe it? Do you REALLY?
So many times the body of Christ is paralyzed because of this very issue. We become trapped by insecurity. We are self-conscious. We make a huge deal of our imperfections. Do you know what this really is? It is questioning God's workmanship.
For some reason we think that's ok. Somehow in our simple minds we equate this critical review of God's workmanship as humility. It's not humility, it's pride. WHAT??? How can thinking bad about myself be PRIDE?? It's pride because you are thinking about yourself instead of the Workman who created you.
When I was in Jr Hi & High school, I really struggled with insecurity (and like everyone else, i still do) the summer before my Senior year, I found myself at an altar repenting for the pride of my insecurity. In my senior year, God used me more than any other year to reach those around me.
To Live the DREAM, we must gain a healthy understanding of this. Balance can only be found when the focus is in the proper place. This is not pride in yourself for who you are, but pride in your Creator who made you so unique. "Your workmanship is marvelous -- and how well I know it."
You are a specialized tool to be used for completing his work! How many times to we want to stay in the "tool box" until we feel our tool looks like someone else's? How many times do we refuse to be used because we're sure that's not what this tool is for?
God desires SO much for you to be who He has created you to be! "How precious it is Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly! I can't even count how many times a day your thoughts turn towards me. And when I waken in the morning, you are still thinking of me!" 139:17-18
Oh that we would get this!!! I was talking with a couple of people the other day, and I just think the world of them. They've got awesome personalities, and great sense of humor. One of them said something that blew me out of the water. "I don't really have friends because what do I have to offer? Who would want to be with me?" Don't act so shocked... you've probably said the same thing somewhere at some time.
Imagine what God thinks when we say that? Can you imagine His disappointment when He reaches in to the tool box only to find the tool unavailable because the tool doesn't like the way it's made? Now make it more personal. You're his child. Can you understand how that can feel to a Loving God who thinks about you day and night?
"This is too glorious, too wonderful to believe! I can NEVER be lost to your Spirit! I can never get away from my God!" 139: 6-7 He is constantly with you, and as you let him, constantly working in you, for the purpose of working through you.
How about letting him purify your thoughts today, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test my thoughts. Point out anything you find in me that makes you sad, and lead me along the path of everlasting life." 139:23-24
He made you. the workings of your mind. The personality you have was his workmanship. All the pieces are there for him to use for his glory. Oh, he's not finished with you, so there needs to be some refinement, but all the pieces are there.
Can you pray this today: "Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!" Pray it from your heart.
You will be amazed at how this change in focus begins to bring a new element of godly balance into your 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
2 Kings 1:1-2:25
Acts 13:42-14:7
Psalm 139:1-24
Proverbs 17:19-21
My encouragement today is: READ PSALM 139!
Do you know that God knew what He was doing when he made you the way He made you?
In Sunday School mode, we all nod our heads, and agree to the first part, but when it gets to "the way he made you" we get hung up a little bit. We think, "Oh, I know God made me, but my personality quirks, my imperfections, my lack of talent..." Somehow we begin to lose sight of this divine plan.
I don't know if you can follow where I'm going with this. Do you ever get frustrated with yourself? The way you get frustrated with yourself can be all over the map, but I'm thinking more in terms of frustrated with yourself for the way you were made. Do you wish that you were someone else? in looks, in knowledge, even in experience?
Ps 139:13-16 "You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body, and knit them together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! It is amazing to think about. Your workmanship is marvelous -- and how well I know it. You were there while I was being formed in utter seclusion! You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your Book!"
Go beyond the surface reading of this text. REALLY think about it. Do you believe it? Do you REALLY?
So many times the body of Christ is paralyzed because of this very issue. We become trapped by insecurity. We are self-conscious. We make a huge deal of our imperfections. Do you know what this really is? It is questioning God's workmanship.
For some reason we think that's ok. Somehow in our simple minds we equate this critical review of God's workmanship as humility. It's not humility, it's pride. WHAT??? How can thinking bad about myself be PRIDE?? It's pride because you are thinking about yourself instead of the Workman who created you.
When I was in Jr Hi & High school, I really struggled with insecurity (and like everyone else, i still do) the summer before my Senior year, I found myself at an altar repenting for the pride of my insecurity. In my senior year, God used me more than any other year to reach those around me.
To Live the DREAM, we must gain a healthy understanding of this. Balance can only be found when the focus is in the proper place. This is not pride in yourself for who you are, but pride in your Creator who made you so unique. "Your workmanship is marvelous -- and how well I know it."
You are a specialized tool to be used for completing his work! How many times to we want to stay in the "tool box" until we feel our tool looks like someone else's? How many times do we refuse to be used because we're sure that's not what this tool is for?
God desires SO much for you to be who He has created you to be! "How precious it is Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly! I can't even count how many times a day your thoughts turn towards me. And when I waken in the morning, you are still thinking of me!" 139:17-18
Oh that we would get this!!! I was talking with a couple of people the other day, and I just think the world of them. They've got awesome personalities, and great sense of humor. One of them said something that blew me out of the water. "I don't really have friends because what do I have to offer? Who would want to be with me?" Don't act so shocked... you've probably said the same thing somewhere at some time.
Imagine what God thinks when we say that? Can you imagine His disappointment when He reaches in to the tool box only to find the tool unavailable because the tool doesn't like the way it's made? Now make it more personal. You're his child. Can you understand how that can feel to a Loving God who thinks about you day and night?
"This is too glorious, too wonderful to believe! I can NEVER be lost to your Spirit! I can never get away from my God!" 139: 6-7 He is constantly with you, and as you let him, constantly working in you, for the purpose of working through you.
How about letting him purify your thoughts today, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test my thoughts. Point out anything you find in me that makes you sad, and lead me along the path of everlasting life." 139:23-24
He made you. the workings of your mind. The personality you have was his workmanship. All the pieces are there for him to use for his glory. Oh, he's not finished with you, so there needs to be some refinement, but all the pieces are there.
Can you pray this today: "Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!" Pray it from your heart.
You will be amazed at how this change in focus begins to bring a new element of godly balance into your 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
Friday, June 20, 2008
6.20.8 "Got Your DLOW?"
"Got Your DLOW?"
I Kings 22:1-53
Acts 13:16-41
Psalm 138:1-8
Proverbs 17:17-18
Just a quick reminder this morning about the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship: We need to live in the habit of worship. It needs to be a part of our life. It's our oxygen. I was reminded of this again & again through today's one year bible reading.
In I Kings 22:4-5 Jehoshaphat is agreeing to help Ahab. He says, "Of course! You and I are brothers; my people are yours to command,... But," he added, "we should ask the Lord first, to be sure of what he wants us to do."
Sometimes life can become so "routine" because we just react the way we always do. We often say, "sure I can do that...I can do that..." and like the old TV commercial we end up w/ enough stuff to find ourselves saying "how am I gonna do that??" We commit to things in the flesh rather than making sure we are hearing and responding to the voice of God.
How much better life will be the more we get our DLOW (Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship) goin'. In verse 14, the prophet Micaiah says, "This I vow that I will say only what the Lord tells me to!" How much better would my life be if those were my words!
In Acts 13:22 Paul is speaking in the synogogue, and he discribes David as king, "a man about whom God said, 'David (son of Jesse) is a man after my own heart, for he will obey me." I love the line, "for he will obey me."
Remember today, that your worship not about your songs! Its about your obedience. You can be described as one after God's own heart... if you obey.
Today's Psalm 138:3 says "When I pray, you answer me, and encourage me by giving me the strength I need." God is always faithful to give the strength we need. The song, "Let my words be few" has the line, "Jesus, I am so in love with you." Think about what that means: I am in love with Jesus. What does that imply? That means I can't wait to talk to him. Communicating with him is a priority. I look for ways to please him. I want to honor him in word, action, thought, and throughout my whole life. That's what my DLOW should be like.
It doesn't make a difference what you're going through. Psalm 138:7-8 says, "Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will bring me safely through them. You will clench your fist against my angry enemies! Your power will save me. The Lord will work out his plans for my life."
Isn't it Great that God's got your back? When we are walking in obedience the circumstances may not get all rosy all of a sudden. Remember the prophet Micaiah? Yeah, well after he said only what the Lord wanted him to, he ended up in prison on a bread and water diet. So what does that mean? Does that mean he shouldn't have been obedient?
We can't let our circumstances dictate our obedience. Our obedience must guide our lives REGARDLESS of circumstance. THEN this life of Worship gets DYNAMIC!
Well, Get your DLOW going!
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
I Kings 22:1-53
Acts 13:16-41
Psalm 138:1-8
Proverbs 17:17-18
Just a quick reminder this morning about the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship: We need to live in the habit of worship. It needs to be a part of our life. It's our oxygen. I was reminded of this again & again through today's one year bible reading.
In I Kings 22:4-5 Jehoshaphat is agreeing to help Ahab. He says, "Of course! You and I are brothers; my people are yours to command,... But," he added, "we should ask the Lord first, to be sure of what he wants us to do."
Sometimes life can become so "routine" because we just react the way we always do. We often say, "sure I can do that...I can do that..." and like the old TV commercial we end up w/ enough stuff to find ourselves saying "how am I gonna do that??" We commit to things in the flesh rather than making sure we are hearing and responding to the voice of God.
How much better life will be the more we get our DLOW (Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship) goin'. In verse 14, the prophet Micaiah says, "This I vow that I will say only what the Lord tells me to!" How much better would my life be if those were my words!
In Acts 13:22 Paul is speaking in the synogogue, and he discribes David as king, "a man about whom God said, 'David (son of Jesse) is a man after my own heart, for he will obey me." I love the line, "for he will obey me."
Remember today, that your worship not about your songs! Its about your obedience. You can be described as one after God's own heart... if you obey.
Today's Psalm 138:3 says "When I pray, you answer me, and encourage me by giving me the strength I need." God is always faithful to give the strength we need. The song, "Let my words be few" has the line, "Jesus, I am so in love with you." Think about what that means: I am in love with Jesus. What does that imply? That means I can't wait to talk to him. Communicating with him is a priority. I look for ways to please him. I want to honor him in word, action, thought, and throughout my whole life. That's what my DLOW should be like.
It doesn't make a difference what you're going through. Psalm 138:7-8 says, "Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will bring me safely through them. You will clench your fist against my angry enemies! Your power will save me. The Lord will work out his plans for my life."
Isn't it Great that God's got your back? When we are walking in obedience the circumstances may not get all rosy all of a sudden. Remember the prophet Micaiah? Yeah, well after he said only what the Lord wanted him to, he ended up in prison on a bread and water diet. So what does that mean? Does that mean he shouldn't have been obedient?
We can't let our circumstances dictate our obedience. Our obedience must guide our lives REGARDLESS of circumstance. THEN this life of Worship gets DYNAMIC!
Well, Get your DLOW going!
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, June 19, 2008
6.19.8 "The Power of God's Message"
"The Power of God's Message"
I Kings 20:1-21:29
Acts 12:24-13:15
Psalm 137:1-9
Proverbs 17:16
There are so many crises in this world. Families are in trouble because of lack of communication. Cities are in trouble with crime and poverty. So many problems... If only Jesus would just fix them right? Well, the truth is, Jesus didn't come to solve the world's problems. I believe that was one of the misconceptions of what everyone thought the Messiah was to do. But when you think about it, Jesus didn't come to fix social problems, or political issues, or anything like that. Jesus came to change hearts so those hearts would change the world.
Think about that. We pray "Thy kingdom come, they will be done..." as if that's something the God is going to do on his own. The actuality is that His will is done first in our hearts. When you allow God to change your heart, God wants to use YOU to change your world.
In Acts, God was using the apostles to change the world. It's amazing to see what God did through men that are just like you and me. Paul, Barnabas & John Mark all went to see Sergius Paulus, a governor who was "a man of considerable insight and understanding." (Acts 13:8) God performed a miracle in his presence.
Acts 13:12 "When the governor saw what happened he believed and was astonished at the power of God's message."
I love the phrase "astonished at the power of God's message." We all have the same mission: "Reaching our world for Christ..." It seems impossible in human terms, mainly because in human terms it is. But through the power of the Holy Spirit, amazing things happen.
Let's just look at Acts 13 "DREAM Goggles":
D- Acts 13:2 - "One day as these men were worshiping and fasting the Holy Spirit said..." The Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship was a part of their lives. They worshipped and sought God & received instruction. And they walked in obedience (the highest form of worship)
R - verse 3 says - "...the men laid their hands on them..." There's an element of unity we must never forget. When God directs an individual, or individuals to a duty/task/ministry/mission, we ALL are a part of that process. We are a part of the body, so we need to take ownership of each other's burdens & pray for one another and carry one another.
E - These church leaders were disciplined in being empowered through biblical training. in verse 14, it says "on the Sabbath they went into the synagogue for the services." They weren't just there because they were ministering. As it turns out they were called upon to share a word, but that wasn't their sole purpose for being there. In tomorrow's reading we'll see that they teach through the eyes of history, which reveals they've been trained in the word.
A - Going back to verse 2, it says, "dedicate Barnabas and Paul for a special job I have for them." As God placed a call on their lives they were faithful to complete it. John Mark had gone with them, but in 13-14 he "deserted them... But Barnabas and Paul went on..." They took responsibility for what they were called to do.
M - They knew what their mission was. vers 6,7 says "Afterwards they preached from town to town across the entire island..." They proved faithful in their mission.
In your mind you may be thinking, yeah, but these were apostles. Every one of us are able to walk in these steps. Not that we literally need to go to Cyprus, but the ingredients of the Balanced Christian Life are right in front of you this day. Apply these things and see what happens. As you faithfully and intentionally do your part, the Holy Spirit will direct you, position you, and work through you. It may begin small, but you never know the day when you will be in the place where God will give you words to say that will cause others to be: "Astonished at the Power of God's Message."
God wants to use you to change the world. Apply the principle of his word to your life. Live the DREAM! We too often forget the transforming power that needs to happen inside of us. Let it happen!
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
I Kings 20:1-21:29
Acts 12:24-13:15
Psalm 137:1-9
Proverbs 17:16
There are so many crises in this world. Families are in trouble because of lack of communication. Cities are in trouble with crime and poverty. So many problems... If only Jesus would just fix them right? Well, the truth is, Jesus didn't come to solve the world's problems. I believe that was one of the misconceptions of what everyone thought the Messiah was to do. But when you think about it, Jesus didn't come to fix social problems, or political issues, or anything like that. Jesus came to change hearts so those hearts would change the world.
Think about that. We pray "Thy kingdom come, they will be done..." as if that's something the God is going to do on his own. The actuality is that His will is done first in our hearts. When you allow God to change your heart, God wants to use YOU to change your world.
In Acts, God was using the apostles to change the world. It's amazing to see what God did through men that are just like you and me. Paul, Barnabas & John Mark all went to see Sergius Paulus, a governor who was "a man of considerable insight and understanding." (Acts 13:8) God performed a miracle in his presence.
Acts 13:12 "When the governor saw what happened he believed and was astonished at the power of God's message."
I love the phrase "astonished at the power of God's message." We all have the same mission: "Reaching our world for Christ..." It seems impossible in human terms, mainly because in human terms it is. But through the power of the Holy Spirit, amazing things happen.
Let's just look at Acts 13 "DREAM Goggles":
D- Acts 13:2 - "One day as these men were worshiping and fasting the Holy Spirit said..." The Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship was a part of their lives. They worshipped and sought God & received instruction. And they walked in obedience (the highest form of worship)
R - verse 3 says - "...the men laid their hands on them..." There's an element of unity we must never forget. When God directs an individual, or individuals to a duty/task/ministry/mission, we ALL are a part of that process. We are a part of the body, so we need to take ownership of each other's burdens & pray for one another and carry one another.
E - These church leaders were disciplined in being empowered through biblical training. in verse 14, it says "on the Sabbath they went into the synagogue for the services." They weren't just there because they were ministering. As it turns out they were called upon to share a word, but that wasn't their sole purpose for being there. In tomorrow's reading we'll see that they teach through the eyes of history, which reveals they've been trained in the word.
A - Going back to verse 2, it says, "dedicate Barnabas and Paul for a special job I have for them." As God placed a call on their lives they were faithful to complete it. John Mark had gone with them, but in 13-14 he "deserted them... But Barnabas and Paul went on..." They took responsibility for what they were called to do.
M - They knew what their mission was. vers 6,7 says "Afterwards they preached from town to town across the entire island..." They proved faithful in their mission.
In your mind you may be thinking, yeah, but these were apostles. Every one of us are able to walk in these steps. Not that we literally need to go to Cyprus, but the ingredients of the Balanced Christian Life are right in front of you this day. Apply these things and see what happens. As you faithfully and intentionally do your part, the Holy Spirit will direct you, position you, and work through you. It may begin small, but you never know the day when you will be in the place where God will give you words to say that will cause others to be: "Astonished at the Power of God's Message."
God wants to use you to change the world. Apply the principle of his word to your life. Live the DREAM! We too often forget the transforming power that needs to happen inside of us. Let it happen!
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, June 18, 2008
6.18.8 "Discouragement at your Door"
"Discouragement at your Door"
I Kings 19:1-21
Acts 12:1-23
Psalm 136:1-26
Proverbs 17:14-15
In I Kings 18 yesterday, we saw Elijah meet King Ahab with boldness in spite of the fact that Ahab was looking to kill him. Then we have this awesome story of how fire comes from heaven & consumes the offering, and there's revival, etc. The next event is I Kings 19. We have the same "main" character: Elijah. Queen Jezebel hears what Elijah has done, and she sends him a message, "you killed my prophets, and now I swear by the gods that I am going to kill you by this time tomorrow night." (I Kings 19:2)
Well now, Elijah is full of faith from the recent victory right? He stands up to her and says, "My God is greater!", right? That's what we would have done, right? I doubt it. Elijah does what many of us would do.
If there's one thing that seems to be true it's that no matter where you are in your Christian maturity, discouragement is never far away. Elijah runs to the wilderness, sits under a bush & prays that he might die. "'I've had enough,' he told the Lord. 'Take away my life. I've got to die sometime, and it might as well be now.'"
If he really felt like he wanted to die, why didn't he just hang around and let Jezebel do him in? It was more of a matter of feeling sorry for himself. You ever feel that way?
When does discouragement set in? The crazy thing about it is that it comes at some pretty bizarre times, catching us unaware. MANY times its after God has done a great work in us or through us. And then like BAM! we find ourselves feeling sorry for ourselves.
What's God's perscription for this onset of discouragement?
(1) Take care of yourself. As Elijah is there sleeping, an angel wakes him and tells him to eat. Then he rests again. If we do not take care of our physical needs, it's like sending an open invitation for discouragement to walk into your life. In living the Balanced Christian Life, we must keep a gauge on where we're at in terms of rest and health. Sometimes just acknowledging you're tired will help keep discouragement at bay. 19:7 says, "then the angel of the Lord came again and touched him and said, "Get up and eat some more, for there is a long journey ahead of you." The Lord created you. He knows you have physical needs, and he has provided a way for them to be met.
(2) Stay away from self pity. 19:10 the Lord asks him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" His answer is "I have worked very hard... and now they are trying to kill me, too." Elijah's perspective is out of balance. He is bearing the weight of the work of the Lord. Remember "My yoke is easy and by burden is light"? Walking in the will and timing of God is work, but God is bearing the weight. We will get tired, but when we attach our fatigue to "I'm doing SO much for you Lord..." we get ourselves into trouble.
(3) Meet with God. 19:11-12 are really cool. I'd like to see this one in a movie, but I don't even think it could do it justice. God makes an appointment to meet with Elijah. "Go stand before me on the mountain', the Lord told him." There's a windstorm, an earthquake, and a fire. Pretty impressive. Sometimes I think when we meet with God we want to find him in a windstorm, earthquake, or fire. A big revival service. Dancing, shouting, etc... But where is he? He's in a still small voice. In meeting with God, you will get your perspective back. When Elijah met with God, God asked him again, "Why are you here," He answered the same as before which I think is funny. If I were God, I'm thinkin' one zap, and there's a grease spot on the mountain. I'm a hypocrite, though, i should have been a grease spot a long time ago.
(4) Look at the big picture. In Meeting with God, you realize He has a plan and a purpose. Remember, "It's not about you." I've said this before, but sometimes we need to "zoom out" a bit on our perspective of life. God's looking at the big picture, and he only needs us to be obedient for his will to be accomplished. He tends to remind us that we're not alone. Elijah had whined that he was the only one left. God said in verse 18, "And incidentally, there are 7,000 men in Israel who have never bowed to Baal..."
(5) Get back to work. The bicycle principle is this: "You find balance when you're moving." This is true in the Christian life. People think they will find balance by quitting everything. That won't work. God gave Elijah instruction to anoint a new King of Syria, and to develop a new assistant Elisha. After these times of discouragement, there can be new vision and focus in ministry and life. Sometimes the results can be exponential.
Discouragement will come. "Do not grow weary in doing good, for at a proper time you will reap the harvest." Take care of yourself, and "Guard your heart for out of it is the wellspring of life. "
One evening a few years ago I was having one of those times where discouragement was setting in. I was really in a funk. I was kind of feeling sorry for my self on the drive home. As I drove up to my house, I saw my daughter (then four years old) dancing in the driveway, singing to the top of her lungs. She loves to make up her own songs. When I heard what she was singing, I stopped in my tracks. I made her stand in front of me and sing it again. I said, "You didn't write that did you?" she said she did. The next day she told us that the song is Jesus singing it to us. This was my "still small voice". Here's what she was singing:
Do you know that life can be perfect
Can you see that life can be true
Even when life is not what you Dreamed it to be
Life is perfect when you are here 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
I Kings 19:1-21
Acts 12:1-23
Psalm 136:1-26
Proverbs 17:14-15
In I Kings 18 yesterday, we saw Elijah meet King Ahab with boldness in spite of the fact that Ahab was looking to kill him. Then we have this awesome story of how fire comes from heaven & consumes the offering, and there's revival, etc. The next event is I Kings 19. We have the same "main" character: Elijah. Queen Jezebel hears what Elijah has done, and she sends him a message, "you killed my prophets, and now I swear by the gods that I am going to kill you by this time tomorrow night." (I Kings 19:2)
Well now, Elijah is full of faith from the recent victory right? He stands up to her and says, "My God is greater!", right? That's what we would have done, right? I doubt it. Elijah does what many of us would do.
If there's one thing that seems to be true it's that no matter where you are in your Christian maturity, discouragement is never far away. Elijah runs to the wilderness, sits under a bush & prays that he might die. "'I've had enough,' he told the Lord. 'Take away my life. I've got to die sometime, and it might as well be now.'"
If he really felt like he wanted to die, why didn't he just hang around and let Jezebel do him in? It was more of a matter of feeling sorry for himself. You ever feel that way?
When does discouragement set in? The crazy thing about it is that it comes at some pretty bizarre times, catching us unaware. MANY times its after God has done a great work in us or through us. And then like BAM! we find ourselves feeling sorry for ourselves.
What's God's perscription for this onset of discouragement?
(1) Take care of yourself. As Elijah is there sleeping, an angel wakes him and tells him to eat. Then he rests again. If we do not take care of our physical needs, it's like sending an open invitation for discouragement to walk into your life. In living the Balanced Christian Life, we must keep a gauge on where we're at in terms of rest and health. Sometimes just acknowledging you're tired will help keep discouragement at bay. 19:7 says, "then the angel of the Lord came again and touched him and said, "Get up and eat some more, for there is a long journey ahead of you." The Lord created you. He knows you have physical needs, and he has provided a way for them to be met.
(2) Stay away from self pity. 19:10 the Lord asks him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" His answer is "I have worked very hard... and now they are trying to kill me, too." Elijah's perspective is out of balance. He is bearing the weight of the work of the Lord. Remember "My yoke is easy and by burden is light"? Walking in the will and timing of God is work, but God is bearing the weight. We will get tired, but when we attach our fatigue to "I'm doing SO much for you Lord..." we get ourselves into trouble.
(3) Meet with God. 19:11-12 are really cool. I'd like to see this one in a movie, but I don't even think it could do it justice. God makes an appointment to meet with Elijah. "Go stand before me on the mountain', the Lord told him." There's a windstorm, an earthquake, and a fire. Pretty impressive. Sometimes I think when we meet with God we want to find him in a windstorm, earthquake, or fire. A big revival service. Dancing, shouting, etc... But where is he? He's in a still small voice. In meeting with God, you will get your perspective back. When Elijah met with God, God asked him again, "Why are you here," He answered the same as before which I think is funny. If I were God, I'm thinkin' one zap, and there's a grease spot on the mountain. I'm a hypocrite, though, i should have been a grease spot a long time ago.
(4) Look at the big picture. In Meeting with God, you realize He has a plan and a purpose. Remember, "It's not about you." I've said this before, but sometimes we need to "zoom out" a bit on our perspective of life. God's looking at the big picture, and he only needs us to be obedient for his will to be accomplished. He tends to remind us that we're not alone. Elijah had whined that he was the only one left. God said in verse 18, "And incidentally, there are 7,000 men in Israel who have never bowed to Baal..."
(5) Get back to work. The bicycle principle is this: "You find balance when you're moving." This is true in the Christian life. People think they will find balance by quitting everything. That won't work. God gave Elijah instruction to anoint a new King of Syria, and to develop a new assistant Elisha. After these times of discouragement, there can be new vision and focus in ministry and life. Sometimes the results can be exponential.
Discouragement will come. "Do not grow weary in doing good, for at a proper time you will reap the harvest." Take care of yourself, and "Guard your heart for out of it is the wellspring of life. "
One evening a few years ago I was having one of those times where discouragement was setting in. I was really in a funk. I was kind of feeling sorry for my self on the drive home. As I drove up to my house, I saw my daughter (then four years old) dancing in the driveway, singing to the top of her lungs. She loves to make up her own songs. When I heard what she was singing, I stopped in my tracks. I made her stand in front of me and sing it again. I said, "You didn't write that did you?" she said she did. The next day she told us that the song is Jesus singing it to us. This was my "still small voice". Here's what she was singing:
Do you know that life can be perfect
Can you see that life can be true
Even when life is not what you Dreamed it to be
Life is perfect when you are here 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
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
6.17.8 "You Are What You Eat (Worship)"
"You Are What You Eat (Worship)"
I Kings 18:1-46
Acts 11:1-30
Psalm 135:1-21
Proverbs 17:12-13
I've never been to a country that is given to actual, physical, little statue-like idols. I know that the far-east is pretty much given to that. Every home has the little shine, and it's a way of life. Our culture may not have the specific shrines like the orient, but that doesn't clear us of idolatry.
As I'm preparing this today our family is on a vacation & we spent the past day in Niagara Falls. It is absolutely amazing to see how much water goes over those falls. People from all over the world are here to check it out. it's very cool. I was here 17 years ago, but it has changed quite a bit since then. Now there are huge casino signs, and other "attractions" that are basically shrines to self.
Psalm 135:15-18 says "The heathen worship idols of gold and silver, made by men - idols with speechless mouths and sightless eyes and ears that cannot hear; they cannot even breathe. Those who make them become like them! And so do all who trust in them!"
For some reason, people are emulators. We hang around a crowd of people, a circle of friends, watch certain things, listen to certain music, and we, at varying degrees, become like the influences around us.
I was a teenager in the 80's. I'm not proud. I remember the leg-warmers, the big hair, i had my own version of the mullet, I remember the "valley-girl" phase. That was "like when, you know like the girls were like TOTALLY talking like for sure like the same way..." makes me sick to recall!
We are in a society of idolatry. While our high places and shrines are not laid out like they may be in some eastern cultures, or in the days of Solomon, no matter how you look at it, we have them. It's not just in gambling halls and inappropriate night clubs. It's also in our shrines to our comfort.
Today's Psalm says alot! "Those who make them become like them! And so do all who trust in them!"
So, lets check if this true... "...idols with speechless mouths and sightless eyes and ears that cannot hear; they cannot even breathe." Does that sound like anyone you know? neighbors, unsaved family, friends, politicians?
I never actually saw the movie, "Night of the Living Dead", but I've seen clips and commercials have mimicked it. It's where zombies roam the streets with glazed eyes, etc. If you've read Frank Peretti's book "the Oath", he describes people walking aimlessly, completely unaware of the oozing sore of sin in their life.
So it is with those who don't know Christ. I Cor 1:18 "the message of the Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the very power of God." They have become Speechless, Blind, Deaf, and Lifeless for lack of breath.
In today's reading in I Kings we have the story of the showdown between Elijah & the prophets of Baal. It's a great story. God comes through and the "bad guys" are defeated. You can almost feel sorry for those prophets of Baal. They're dancing around the altar waiting for their god to come through. They don't even have the sense realize he can't. Their gods are powerless, and therefore, so are they.
I have to be honest. I'm kind of irritated at Christians who complain about how much sinners sin, as if they should know better. We would never walk up to a blind man and yell at him for being blind would we? Yet we so quickly bring the verdict down on our neighbor who's trapped in sin. I know this isn't a perfect analogy, but I'm sure you can see the correlation. Those who are around us NEED the Breath of God! They NEED the light of the Word!
I like the phrase, "We catch the fish, He cleans 'em". As we work to bring people to Christ THEN they can begin the process of becoming like HIM! Heaven forbid we try to make them like us! (Read Matthew 23 for a little encouragement in that area!)
The message of Psalm 135 is not just for those outside the body. it's for those in our home, as well as for us. I don't care where you are in your maturing process: Idolatry is ALWAYS knocking at your door. If you feel like you're speechless, blind, deaf to the spirit, and lack breath, check the shrine of your heart to make sure there are no idols, because if there are, you will soon be becoming like them!
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
I Kings 18:1-46
Acts 11:1-30
Psalm 135:1-21
Proverbs 17:12-13
I've never been to a country that is given to actual, physical, little statue-like idols. I know that the far-east is pretty much given to that. Every home has the little shine, and it's a way of life. Our culture may not have the specific shrines like the orient, but that doesn't clear us of idolatry.
As I'm preparing this today our family is on a vacation & we spent the past day in Niagara Falls. It is absolutely amazing to see how much water goes over those falls. People from all over the world are here to check it out. it's very cool. I was here 17 years ago, but it has changed quite a bit since then. Now there are huge casino signs, and other "attractions" that are basically shrines to self.
Psalm 135:15-18 says "The heathen worship idols of gold and silver, made by men - idols with speechless mouths and sightless eyes and ears that cannot hear; they cannot even breathe. Those who make them become like them! And so do all who trust in them!"
For some reason, people are emulators. We hang around a crowd of people, a circle of friends, watch certain things, listen to certain music, and we, at varying degrees, become like the influences around us.
I was a teenager in the 80's. I'm not proud. I remember the leg-warmers, the big hair, i had my own version of the mullet, I remember the "valley-girl" phase. That was "like when, you know like the girls were like TOTALLY talking like for sure like the same way..." makes me sick to recall!
We are in a society of idolatry. While our high places and shrines are not laid out like they may be in some eastern cultures, or in the days of Solomon, no matter how you look at it, we have them. It's not just in gambling halls and inappropriate night clubs. It's also in our shrines to our comfort.
Today's Psalm says alot! "Those who make them become like them! And so do all who trust in them!"
So, lets check if this true... "...idols with speechless mouths and sightless eyes and ears that cannot hear; they cannot even breathe." Does that sound like anyone you know? neighbors, unsaved family, friends, politicians?
I never actually saw the movie, "Night of the Living Dead", but I've seen clips and commercials have mimicked it. It's where zombies roam the streets with glazed eyes, etc. If you've read Frank Peretti's book "the Oath", he describes people walking aimlessly, completely unaware of the oozing sore of sin in their life.
So it is with those who don't know Christ. I Cor 1:18 "the message of the Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the very power of God." They have become Speechless, Blind, Deaf, and Lifeless for lack of breath.
In today's reading in I Kings we have the story of the showdown between Elijah & the prophets of Baal. It's a great story. God comes through and the "bad guys" are defeated. You can almost feel sorry for those prophets of Baal. They're dancing around the altar waiting for their god to come through. They don't even have the sense realize he can't. Their gods are powerless, and therefore, so are they.
I have to be honest. I'm kind of irritated at Christians who complain about how much sinners sin, as if they should know better. We would never walk up to a blind man and yell at him for being blind would we? Yet we so quickly bring the verdict down on our neighbor who's trapped in sin. I know this isn't a perfect analogy, but I'm sure you can see the correlation. Those who are around us NEED the Breath of God! They NEED the light of the Word!
I like the phrase, "We catch the fish, He cleans 'em". As we work to bring people to Christ THEN they can begin the process of becoming like HIM! Heaven forbid we try to make them like us! (Read Matthew 23 for a little encouragement in that area!)
The message of Psalm 135 is not just for those outside the body. it's for those in our home, as well as for us. I don't care where you are in your maturing process: Idolatry is ALWAYS knocking at your door. If you feel like you're speechless, blind, deaf to the spirit, and lack breath, check the shrine of your heart to make sure there are no idols, because if there are, you will soon be becoming like them!
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, June 16, 2008
6.16.8 "This is All I Have"
"This is All I Have"
I Kings 15:25-17:24
Acts 10:24-48
Psalm 134:1-3
Proverbs 17:9-11
In I Kings 17 we meet this prophet Elijah. He's kind of a quirky fellow. I'm not sure many of us would get along with him too well. especially if he moved into our house and wanted to eat our last bit of food.
We can get quite attached to that last bit. I'm notorious for saving the last bit as long as i can. If Lisa makes a plate of bars, i will eat at will, but when there's only one left, i can make that thing last for days. I will walk by, unwrap it, take a bite, wrap it up again... There have been times when someone has casually and irreverently taken the last bar... There's more emotion here than I could possibly communicate right now...
Elijah and the widow of Zarephath is a story that we can all remember from growing up in the church. I still think I remember what the "Flannel-graph" looked like on that. (oh, the technology!) This widow had plans for her last bit of food. Eat it and die.
There is a DREAM principle in this story, and it is the area of Active Ministry Involvement. It is the principle of Responsibility. Sometimes when we think of Active Ministry Involvement, we just think of "doing" stuff that we have a "talent" or "interest" in. But to truly Live the DREAM, (the Balanced Christian Life) it's more than that. We have all been given resources of infinite variety. It's not just a talent. It can be time, money, and so much more. Scripture clearly indicates that we have a Responsibility to give account for what we've done with the resources we've been given. (Matthew 25:14-30)
This responsibility is not just for those who are plentiful in resources. It's for those who are given much as well as those who have nearly nothing. Remember the Widow's Offering in Matthew 12. Jesus said, all others have given from their wealth, but she has given all she has.
So many times we are too afraid to give God that last little bit. "If I give this to God, I will have nothing." Yet, as Elijah points out, If you give this to God, you will never be in want. We can tend to create this self-fulfilling prophecy. We DON'T give it to God, and we die. I'm not necessarily talking physically, but just think of that talent or ability that you kind of feel is so lacking, and yet God has directed you to step out in obedience. You haven't done it, so what does that talent or ability look like now? There are many who are waiting until they can "afford" to tithe. The truth is, you can't afford NOT to! If you don't, you will "eat your last portion and die".
I'm sure sitting in a Sunday School class, we'd all raise our hand in agreement & nod our head. What about at home when you're looking at the bottom of your jar? It may be that the thing in the bottom of your jar is not something good. Today's Proverb says, "Love forgets mistakes; nagging about them parts the best of friends" (Prov. 17:9). Maybe what we have to give up is bitterness, or even the desire to be proved "right".
Imagine two pictures. the first is the widow with fear in her eyes hugging the jar with the last bit of flour. "This is All I have!". the second is the widow with confidence and even a hint of joy handing the jar to the prophet declaring, "This is All I have!"
What do you think God is calling you to do? Today there may be a situation where you are asked to give what seems to be your last. What will your posture be? Will your fist be clenched, or your hands raised as you declare "This is All I have!"
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
I Kings 15:25-17:24
Acts 10:24-48
Psalm 134:1-3
Proverbs 17:9-11
In I Kings 17 we meet this prophet Elijah. He's kind of a quirky fellow. I'm not sure many of us would get along with him too well. especially if he moved into our house and wanted to eat our last bit of food.
We can get quite attached to that last bit. I'm notorious for saving the last bit as long as i can. If Lisa makes a plate of bars, i will eat at will, but when there's only one left, i can make that thing last for days. I will walk by, unwrap it, take a bite, wrap it up again... There have been times when someone has casually and irreverently taken the last bar... There's more emotion here than I could possibly communicate right now...
Elijah and the widow of Zarephath is a story that we can all remember from growing up in the church. I still think I remember what the "Flannel-graph" looked like on that. (oh, the technology!) This widow had plans for her last bit of food. Eat it and die.
There is a DREAM principle in this story, and it is the area of Active Ministry Involvement. It is the principle of Responsibility. Sometimes when we think of Active Ministry Involvement, we just think of "doing" stuff that we have a "talent" or "interest" in. But to truly Live the DREAM, (the Balanced Christian Life) it's more than that. We have all been given resources of infinite variety. It's not just a talent. It can be time, money, and so much more. Scripture clearly indicates that we have a Responsibility to give account for what we've done with the resources we've been given. (Matthew 25:14-30)
This responsibility is not just for those who are plentiful in resources. It's for those who are given much as well as those who have nearly nothing. Remember the Widow's Offering in Matthew 12. Jesus said, all others have given from their wealth, but she has given all she has.
So many times we are too afraid to give God that last little bit. "If I give this to God, I will have nothing." Yet, as Elijah points out, If you give this to God, you will never be in want. We can tend to create this self-fulfilling prophecy. We DON'T give it to God, and we die. I'm not necessarily talking physically, but just think of that talent or ability that you kind of feel is so lacking, and yet God has directed you to step out in obedience. You haven't done it, so what does that talent or ability look like now? There are many who are waiting until they can "afford" to tithe. The truth is, you can't afford NOT to! If you don't, you will "eat your last portion and die".
I'm sure sitting in a Sunday School class, we'd all raise our hand in agreement & nod our head. What about at home when you're looking at the bottom of your jar? It may be that the thing in the bottom of your jar is not something good. Today's Proverb says, "Love forgets mistakes; nagging about them parts the best of friends" (Prov. 17:9). Maybe what we have to give up is bitterness, or even the desire to be proved "right".
Imagine two pictures. the first is the widow with fear in her eyes hugging the jar with the last bit of flour. "This is All I have!". the second is the widow with confidence and even a hint of joy handing the jar to the prophet declaring, "This is All I have!"
What do you think God is calling you to do? Today there may be a situation where you are asked to give what seems to be your last. What will your posture be? Will your fist be clenched, or your hands raised as you declare "This is All I have!"
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, June 15, 2008
6.15.8 "It's a Lot of Work"
"It's a Lot of Work"
I Kings 14:1-15:24
Acts 10:1-23
Psalm 133:1-3
Proverbs 17:7-8
In I Kings 11, Solomon dies. Because of Solomon's disobedience in allowing the worship of other Gods, the kingdom of Israel is divided into two kingdoms. The tribe of Judah, where Jerusalem is, remains under the reign of David's descendants. The rest of Israel begins under the reign of Jeroboam. Thus begins a cycle of rebellion against God. In reading of these circumstances, you get almost sick thinking about how God must feel about their sin. And, of course, how he feels about our sin. The following thoughts are a result of reading the stories in I Kings 14 & 15.
It's a lot of work to live a partially obedient life.
Each day you wake up you have to handle whatever situation comes up in your own strength. When your child is sick, you have to have your wife go to the prophet in disguise (I Kings 14:1-18) hoping to get a good word from God. You know you can't approach with confidence, because you've been disobedient. You know you're not right with God. That's a alot of work.
It's a lot of work to live in sin.
At first it seems easier to let the people worship as they choose in the countryside, but pretty soon everyone has "built shrines and obelisks and idols on every high hill and under every green tree." (I Kings 14:23) And homosexuality runs rampant throughout the land. At first it seemed so easy to do as you please, but when you realize you've become "as depraved as the heathen nations which the Lord drove out to make room for his people" (I Kings 14:24), you realize you've angered the Lord. To live with that heaviness on your heart, that's alot of work!
It's alot of work to walk outside of the blessing of the Lord.
You don't know who your next enemy will be. It may be the King of Egypt who came and stole the sacred things from the temple, even the gold shields Solomon had made. It's alot of work to make bronze ones to replace them to try to bring back some of the glory. It's alot of work to have guards take them out each time the king comes to the temple to make it look like there is still honor in this place. (I Kings 14: 25-28) Trying to make it look like everything is ok, That's alot of work.
It's alot of work to be at war with your brothers.
Especially when you know deep down that you are at war because of the sins of your fathers, and regretfully your own. This has created a civil war that has divided the people of God. You know what you were created to be like: A great nation... a sign to nations around the world of the greatness of God... but now you sell the sacred things of the temple to buy allegiance from heathen nations to salvage a sense of peace.... So much energy spent on vengeance... that's alot of work.
It SEEMS like a lot of work to make it all right again.
You know those around you will be "put out" by your decision to do right. You know there are relationships that will have to die. You know that part of you will die. It SEEMS like it may not be worth it. To swallow your pride... That's alot of work.
It's alot of work to pay the price of sin.
It requires a sacrifice greater than any man can pay. It's a debt that cannot be satisfied. Only one could pay that price, and did. THAT was alot of work!
To live the obedient life in the timing and blessing of God is the only way to go. At first the journey seems too long and challenging, but the journey is made up of small steps directed by one who sees the map in it's entirety. There are times when it would seem so easy to step off the road of obedience and rest by a pool of comfort, or taste the forbidden fruit of selfish desire, but in the end, THAT'S ALOT OF WORK!
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
I Kings 14:1-15:24
Acts 10:1-23
Psalm 133:1-3
Proverbs 17:7-8
In I Kings 11, Solomon dies. Because of Solomon's disobedience in allowing the worship of other Gods, the kingdom of Israel is divided into two kingdoms. The tribe of Judah, where Jerusalem is, remains under the reign of David's descendants. The rest of Israel begins under the reign of Jeroboam. Thus begins a cycle of rebellion against God. In reading of these circumstances, you get almost sick thinking about how God must feel about their sin. And, of course, how he feels about our sin. The following thoughts are a result of reading the stories in I Kings 14 & 15.
It's a lot of work to live a partially obedient life.
Each day you wake up you have to handle whatever situation comes up in your own strength. When your child is sick, you have to have your wife go to the prophet in disguise (I Kings 14:1-18) hoping to get a good word from God. You know you can't approach with confidence, because you've been disobedient. You know you're not right with God. That's a alot of work.
It's a lot of work to live in sin.
At first it seems easier to let the people worship as they choose in the countryside, but pretty soon everyone has "built shrines and obelisks and idols on every high hill and under every green tree." (I Kings 14:23) And homosexuality runs rampant throughout the land. At first it seemed so easy to do as you please, but when you realize you've become "as depraved as the heathen nations which the Lord drove out to make room for his people" (I Kings 14:24), you realize you've angered the Lord. To live with that heaviness on your heart, that's alot of work!
It's alot of work to walk outside of the blessing of the Lord.
You don't know who your next enemy will be. It may be the King of Egypt who came and stole the sacred things from the temple, even the gold shields Solomon had made. It's alot of work to make bronze ones to replace them to try to bring back some of the glory. It's alot of work to have guards take them out each time the king comes to the temple to make it look like there is still honor in this place. (I Kings 14: 25-28) Trying to make it look like everything is ok, That's alot of work.
It's alot of work to be at war with your brothers.
Especially when you know deep down that you are at war because of the sins of your fathers, and regretfully your own. This has created a civil war that has divided the people of God. You know what you were created to be like: A great nation... a sign to nations around the world of the greatness of God... but now you sell the sacred things of the temple to buy allegiance from heathen nations to salvage a sense of peace.... So much energy spent on vengeance... that's alot of work.
It SEEMS like a lot of work to make it all right again.
You know those around you will be "put out" by your decision to do right. You know there are relationships that will have to die. You know that part of you will die. It SEEMS like it may not be worth it. To swallow your pride... That's alot of work.
It's alot of work to pay the price of sin.
It requires a sacrifice greater than any man can pay. It's a debt that cannot be satisfied. Only one could pay that price, and did. THAT was alot of work!
To live the obedient life in the timing and blessing of God is the only way to go. At first the journey seems too long and challenging, but the journey is made up of small steps directed by one who sees the map in it's entirety. There are times when it would seem so easy to step off the road of obedience and rest by a pool of comfort, or taste the forbidden fruit of selfish desire, but in the end, THAT'S ALOT OF WORK!
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, June 14, 2008
6.14.8 "Learn How to Walk"
"Learn How to Walk"
I Kings 12:20 - 13:34
Acts 9:26-43
Psalm 132:1-18
Proverbs 17:6
As we read in Acts, it's been quite an interesting birth of the Christian church. We've seen growth, and then we've seen persecution. The stoning of Stephen brought new growth to the church. It preceded the conversion of Paul. In today's reading we find that Paul is beginning his teaching and preaching. He begins to experience some of the same persecution that he had done to other people.
In spite of the persecution Acts 9:31 says, "...the church had peace throughout... and grew in strength and numbers. The believers learned how to walk in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit."
Growing in Christ is a constant process. No matter where we are in our Christian "maturity" we must be learning to walk in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
Sometimes we can develop the misconception that being a Christian for a long time makes us mature. The truth is all that makes us is older, not necessarily more mature. Maturing in Christ is an intentional act. Each day of my life I must LEARN to walk in the fear of the Lord. To learn this, I must commit to the process.
This is what discipleship is all about. Who is discipling you? Who are you discipling? It's really easy to look at those questions and think, "yeah, that's a good idea..." Or, we may be thinking in terms of "There's no way I have time for that". We miss the fact that this is what Empowered Through Biblical Training is all about! You can't progress in Christian maturity without being involved in discipleship. You can't live the DREAM with out the "E".
The mission statement of our church says, "Reaching our world for Christ as we lead individuals to discover and become who God has created them to be." I think we all are on board with the idea of "Reaching our world for Christ" We know that God has told us to do. We even like the idea of "discover and become", but when it comes to how we live our lives, we to often separate that from reality. We hesitate to put this into action.
We must be people who are involved in Discipling relationships teaching and encouraging each other to walk in the fear of the Lord & in the comfort of the Holy Spirit. This requires the humility to place yourself under the leadership of a mentor, and it requires the courage to help redirect another believer who needs correction, encouragement or instruction. We build this up in our mind to be some huge obstacle. It doesn't have to be. This shouldn't just be something we do, it should be a part of who we are.
We must do this to Live the DREAM! Determine to day that you will commit to being a disciple, and making disciples. Learn how to walk in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
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
I Kings 12:20 - 13:34
Acts 9:26-43
Psalm 132:1-18
Proverbs 17:6
As we read in Acts, it's been quite an interesting birth of the Christian church. We've seen growth, and then we've seen persecution. The stoning of Stephen brought new growth to the church. It preceded the conversion of Paul. In today's reading we find that Paul is beginning his teaching and preaching. He begins to experience some of the same persecution that he had done to other people.
In spite of the persecution Acts 9:31 says, "...the church had peace throughout... and grew in strength and numbers. The believers learned how to walk in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit."
Growing in Christ is a constant process. No matter where we are in our Christian "maturity" we must be learning to walk in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
Sometimes we can develop the misconception that being a Christian for a long time makes us mature. The truth is all that makes us is older, not necessarily more mature. Maturing in Christ is an intentional act. Each day of my life I must LEARN to walk in the fear of the Lord. To learn this, I must commit to the process.
This is what discipleship is all about. Who is discipling you? Who are you discipling? It's really easy to look at those questions and think, "yeah, that's a good idea..." Or, we may be thinking in terms of "There's no way I have time for that". We miss the fact that this is what Empowered Through Biblical Training is all about! You can't progress in Christian maturity without being involved in discipleship. You can't live the DREAM with out the "E".
The mission statement of our church says, "Reaching our world for Christ as we lead individuals to discover and become who God has created them to be." I think we all are on board with the idea of "Reaching our world for Christ" We know that God has told us to do. We even like the idea of "discover and become", but when it comes to how we live our lives, we to often separate that from reality. We hesitate to put this into action.
We must be people who are involved in Discipling relationships teaching and encouraging each other to walk in the fear of the Lord & in the comfort of the Holy Spirit. This requires the humility to place yourself under the leadership of a mentor, and it requires the courage to help redirect another believer who needs correction, encouragement or instruction. We build this up in our mind to be some huge obstacle. It doesn't have to be. This shouldn't just be something we do, it should be a part of who we are.
We must do this to Live the DREAM! Determine to day that you will commit to being a disciple, and making disciples. Learn how to walk in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
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, June 13, 2008
6.13.8 "What Do You Expect?"
"What Do You Expect?"
I Kings 11:1 - 12:19
Acts 9:1-25
Psalm 131:1-3
Proverbs 17:4-5
I've always like the story of Ananias. In Acts 9, we read of the conversion of "the artist formally known as Saul" on the road to Damascus. What a dramatic story of God intervening in a life. That's always a cool story, but I'm always just as drawn to God speaking to Ananias.
I thought I'd re-tell the story in my own words. Here's a look at Acts9:10ff "GLAV"(Greg Lathe Amplified Version) (disclaimer: this Version is probably "uninspired"!)
There was a follower of Christ living in Damascus. He was no great leader, but he was faithful. He loved the Lord, and sought after his will, and believed God could do anything. One Day as he was praying, the Lord spoke to him in a vision.
"Ananias!"
"Yes, Lord!" Wow! he couldn't believe it! God was speaking to him directly. He must have some great plan that he wants to see happen! Maybe it's going to be that new job I've always wanted, Maybe he's calling me to be the new home fellowship leader! Maybe I get my turn to teach Synagogue Sunday School!
"Go over to Straight Street and find the house of a man named Judas..." As the Lord is speaking Ananias' mind is churning, "This is awesome! I've got a mission from God! I bet someone needs healing!"
"...and ask there for Paul of Tarsus..."
Hold on a minute! Just the mention of the name seemed to pull the plug and cause his faith to drain out.
"...He is praying to me right now, for I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying his hands on him so that he can see again!"
Ananias didn't really hear this last part with the same enthusiasm that he had only moments ago. After all, this was highly strange! He thought, "Who am I that i should show up at someone's door, and ask the devil himself if i could pray for him? Doesn't God understand my limitations? I'm sure God hasn't thought of these things. I'll let him know:"
"But Lord, I'm not sure that you're aware of this, but I've heard about this guy. He has done some terrible things in Jerusalem, and we're pretty sure he's here to do the same thing. So, here's the thing, God... you'd be proud of us Christians. You see, we've got together, and we've pretty much decided we were going to stay as far away from him as we can. We passed around a petition that we would boycott people going to TarsusLand as a symbol of our solidarity, and we were pretty much going to limit our relationship only to other Christians because you know, our goal is to stay saved! Lord, I'm sure you didn't think of this. Oh yeah, and there's one more thing... You probably didn't realize this... There's even a chance that if I do show up, he's going to kill me on the spot! So I'm thinkin'..."
It didn't take God long to reply: "Here's an idea... how about you do what I say? I chose Paul. I've got a plan for His life, and it's not unrelated to all the things you're worried about. All the things you heard about, I saw. It may surprise you to know that these things were preparing Paul for what is ahead. He's my man. And you know what Ananias? Your obedience is part of this process. So, what's it gonna be?"
Ananias couldn't even answer. He went to the specified house, knocked on the door, and asked to see... (gulp)... Paul. He walked into the room where he was sitting, and his heart was pounding. Had he really heard from God? He started to wonder how stupid he would feel if nothing happened after laying his hands on him. But, he knew that God hadn't let him down yet. He placed his hands on Paul. "Brother Paul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you may be filled with the Holy Spirit and get your sight back."
Instantly, as if scales fell from his eyes, Paul could see. Paul began to speak in other tongues, and was having quite a glory spell!
Ananias was somewhat lost in another place in his mind, in thought, even repentance. "God, I'm sorry I even wasted time questioning you. I'm thankful for what you've done in Paul, but I'm more thankful for what you've done in me. Help me the next time to remember your voice and to respond with readiness and immediate obedience."
As I mentioned, this is MY rendition of the story. In this re-telling, there's a whole lot of me in Ananias. The question I must ask myself is "what do I REALLY expect of God?" I need to expect that he will do some incredible things as I listen to the small steps of obedience. The things that seem to make no sense. (at the store, use aisle 5 and ask the clerk how her day is going.) These small things play into a big picture.
Sometimes we become intimidated by what the enemy has done in the lives of people. But we can't forget who the enemy really is. It's not the individual doing the persecuting. It's the spirit behind that person. One of our strongest weapons is to LOVE those who've made choices that are wrong. We don't have to accept ungodliness. As Jesus did, we can take a stand against institutions, but love the individuals. For example, in Matthew 23 Jesus went off on the Pharisees, but in John 3:16, the most memorized verse in history was spoken to one of those pharisees. It's SO important that we learn to recognize his voice and to respond in obedience.
Expect God to talk to you. Expect him to tell you something that may not make sense. Expect it to be outside your comfort zone. Expect him to use you to complete his work.
So... what do you expect?
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
I Kings 11:1 - 12:19
Acts 9:1-25
Psalm 131:1-3
Proverbs 17:4-5
I've always like the story of Ananias. In Acts 9, we read of the conversion of "the artist formally known as Saul" on the road to Damascus. What a dramatic story of God intervening in a life. That's always a cool story, but I'm always just as drawn to God speaking to Ananias.
I thought I'd re-tell the story in my own words. Here's a look at Acts9:10ff "GLAV"(Greg Lathe Amplified Version) (disclaimer: this Version is probably "uninspired"!)
There was a follower of Christ living in Damascus. He was no great leader, but he was faithful. He loved the Lord, and sought after his will, and believed God could do anything. One Day as he was praying, the Lord spoke to him in a vision.
"Ananias!"
"Yes, Lord!" Wow! he couldn't believe it! God was speaking to him directly. He must have some great plan that he wants to see happen! Maybe it's going to be that new job I've always wanted, Maybe he's calling me to be the new home fellowship leader! Maybe I get my turn to teach Synagogue Sunday School!
"Go over to Straight Street and find the house of a man named Judas..." As the Lord is speaking Ananias' mind is churning, "This is awesome! I've got a mission from God! I bet someone needs healing!"
"...and ask there for Paul of Tarsus..."
Hold on a minute! Just the mention of the name seemed to pull the plug and cause his faith to drain out.
"...He is praying to me right now, for I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying his hands on him so that he can see again!"
Ananias didn't really hear this last part with the same enthusiasm that he had only moments ago. After all, this was highly strange! He thought, "Who am I that i should show up at someone's door, and ask the devil himself if i could pray for him? Doesn't God understand my limitations? I'm sure God hasn't thought of these things. I'll let him know:"
"But Lord, I'm not sure that you're aware of this, but I've heard about this guy. He has done some terrible things in Jerusalem, and we're pretty sure he's here to do the same thing. So, here's the thing, God... you'd be proud of us Christians. You see, we've got together, and we've pretty much decided we were going to stay as far away from him as we can. We passed around a petition that we would boycott people going to TarsusLand as a symbol of our solidarity, and we were pretty much going to limit our relationship only to other Christians because you know, our goal is to stay saved! Lord, I'm sure you didn't think of this. Oh yeah, and there's one more thing... You probably didn't realize this... There's even a chance that if I do show up, he's going to kill me on the spot! So I'm thinkin'..."
It didn't take God long to reply: "Here's an idea... how about you do what I say? I chose Paul. I've got a plan for His life, and it's not unrelated to all the things you're worried about. All the things you heard about, I saw. It may surprise you to know that these things were preparing Paul for what is ahead. He's my man. And you know what Ananias? Your obedience is part of this process. So, what's it gonna be?"
Ananias couldn't even answer. He went to the specified house, knocked on the door, and asked to see... (gulp)... Paul. He walked into the room where he was sitting, and his heart was pounding. Had he really heard from God? He started to wonder how stupid he would feel if nothing happened after laying his hands on him. But, he knew that God hadn't let him down yet. He placed his hands on Paul. "Brother Paul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you may be filled with the Holy Spirit and get your sight back."
Instantly, as if scales fell from his eyes, Paul could see. Paul began to speak in other tongues, and was having quite a glory spell!
Ananias was somewhat lost in another place in his mind, in thought, even repentance. "God, I'm sorry I even wasted time questioning you. I'm thankful for what you've done in Paul, but I'm more thankful for what you've done in me. Help me the next time to remember your voice and to respond with readiness and immediate obedience."
As I mentioned, this is MY rendition of the story. In this re-telling, there's a whole lot of me in Ananias. The question I must ask myself is "what do I REALLY expect of God?" I need to expect that he will do some incredible things as I listen to the small steps of obedience. The things that seem to make no sense. (at the store, use aisle 5 and ask the clerk how her day is going.) These small things play into a big picture.
Sometimes we become intimidated by what the enemy has done in the lives of people. But we can't forget who the enemy really is. It's not the individual doing the persecuting. It's the spirit behind that person. One of our strongest weapons is to LOVE those who've made choices that are wrong. We don't have to accept ungodliness. As Jesus did, we can take a stand against institutions, but love the individuals. For example, in Matthew 23 Jesus went off on the Pharisees, but in John 3:16, the most memorized verse in history was spoken to one of those pharisees. It's SO important that we learn to recognize his voice and to respond in obedience.
Expect God to talk to you. Expect him to tell you something that may not make sense. Expect it to be outside your comfort zone. Expect him to use you to complete his work.
So... what do you expect?
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
6.12.8 "God Purifies Hearts"
"God Purifies Hearts"
I Kings 9:1-10:29
Acts 8:14-40
Psalm 130:1-8
Proverbs 17:2-3
"Silver and gold are purified by fire, but God purifies hearts." (Prov 17:2-3)
We are commissioned to go and make disciples, right? So, how are you doing with that? "Well, I have a bunch of Christian friends... and I put up a flyer at work when there's an event...."
So what about this "making disciples" thing? Could you produce a list of individuals that you are discipling in their relationship with the Lord? If not, why? What keeps Christians from charging forward with this?
I think our big issue about the challenge of discipleship is thinking that it means WE need to fix people. If we witness and they don't get saved, WE feel like we've failed. If we pray for healing and it doesn't happen for them, WE wonder what we did wrong. If we are counseling someone and they make the wrong decision, and fall away or fall into sin, we wonder what WE could have done different.
These thoughts reveal an important misconception that we have in the discipleship process. WE can't make a change in the hearts of men. "God purifies hearts." As we begin to realize (personally and then teach others) that ALL we are is a Connection Point to God, it takes some of the self-imposed paralysis away that comes from feeling that WE have to have the answers and WE have to "fix" people.
Too often we create this huge divide between discipleship and friendship. It's almost like our voice and posture, and everything changes to "discipleship" mode when it comes to spiritual matters. We struggle to find something profound to say. That's totally unnecessary.
All we have to do is Connect them to God, and he takes care of the rest. We have to have faith and be obedient, but beyond that we can come up with all the discipleship books & answers we want, but its no good without the power of God. Going back to the proverb analogy, all of our own efforts will only be a fire that might refines silver or Gold, but not the hearts of men.
I'm a person who loves puzzles. I like to solve things. But I'm learning as I grow in Christ that people don't need to be "solved" they need to be put in touch with God. Then HE takes care of it. In fact, if we do it the other way around, we get into BIG trouble. Pretty soon we put restrictions, and man-made obstacles to coming to Christ. I've shared the story before about how when I was a teen-ager I was leading a friend to Christ, but I made him put his cigarette out first before praying with him. I was trying to get him "cleaned up" before "taking a bath". It's GOD who purifies hearts. WE can light a fire and purify silver, but there's NOTHING we can do to change a heart.
We can't "convince" people into the kingdom. Evangelism is not a game show where our goal is to answer every question right & then the prize is they "have to" get saved. We are just here to display the presence of God so others can respond as the Lord directs.
We can't fix people. I think that often we are more interested in changing the lifestyles of our neighbors instead of just creating an opportunity for them to meet God and letting HIM change things in His timing. I have friends who are living a very ungodly lifestyle. I could get after them about that, but I'm much more interested in them coming into contact with the One who can show them what REAL life is like. He'll take care of the rest.
All we need to do is clear the road. We need to connect people to Christ. This is our Mission. We must disciple individuals, and we don't have to be intimidated by the thought that WE have to have all the answers. All we have to do is be available to help people get to a place where they can hear from God.
Your Christian friends? Guess what... they need to be discipled by you... and you need to be discipled by them! We need to be helping one another grow in Christ. We can't fix the problems, but we MUST encourage one another to grow.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
I Kings 9:1-10:29
Acts 8:14-40
Psalm 130:1-8
Proverbs 17:2-3
"Silver and gold are purified by fire, but God purifies hearts." (Prov 17:2-3)
We are commissioned to go and make disciples, right? So, how are you doing with that? "Well, I have a bunch of Christian friends... and I put up a flyer at work when there's an event...."
So what about this "making disciples" thing? Could you produce a list of individuals that you are discipling in their relationship with the Lord? If not, why? What keeps Christians from charging forward with this?
I think our big issue about the challenge of discipleship is thinking that it means WE need to fix people. If we witness and they don't get saved, WE feel like we've failed. If we pray for healing and it doesn't happen for them, WE wonder what we did wrong. If we are counseling someone and they make the wrong decision, and fall away or fall into sin, we wonder what WE could have done different.
These thoughts reveal an important misconception that we have in the discipleship process. WE can't make a change in the hearts of men. "God purifies hearts." As we begin to realize (personally and then teach others) that ALL we are is a Connection Point to God, it takes some of the self-imposed paralysis away that comes from feeling that WE have to have the answers and WE have to "fix" people.
Too often we create this huge divide between discipleship and friendship. It's almost like our voice and posture, and everything changes to "discipleship" mode when it comes to spiritual matters. We struggle to find something profound to say. That's totally unnecessary.
All we have to do is Connect them to God, and he takes care of the rest. We have to have faith and be obedient, but beyond that we can come up with all the discipleship books & answers we want, but its no good without the power of God. Going back to the proverb analogy, all of our own efforts will only be a fire that might refines silver or Gold, but not the hearts of men.
I'm a person who loves puzzles. I like to solve things. But I'm learning as I grow in Christ that people don't need to be "solved" they need to be put in touch with God. Then HE takes care of it. In fact, if we do it the other way around, we get into BIG trouble. Pretty soon we put restrictions, and man-made obstacles to coming to Christ. I've shared the story before about how when I was a teen-ager I was leading a friend to Christ, but I made him put his cigarette out first before praying with him. I was trying to get him "cleaned up" before "taking a bath". It's GOD who purifies hearts. WE can light a fire and purify silver, but there's NOTHING we can do to change a heart.
We can't "convince" people into the kingdom. Evangelism is not a game show where our goal is to answer every question right & then the prize is they "have to" get saved. We are just here to display the presence of God so others can respond as the Lord directs.
We can't fix people. I think that often we are more interested in changing the lifestyles of our neighbors instead of just creating an opportunity for them to meet God and letting HIM change things in His timing. I have friends who are living a very ungodly lifestyle. I could get after them about that, but I'm much more interested in them coming into contact with the One who can show them what REAL life is like. He'll take care of the rest.
All we need to do is clear the road. We need to connect people to Christ. This is our Mission. We must disciple individuals, and we don't have to be intimidated by the thought that WE have to have all the answers. All we have to do is be available to help people get to a place where they can hear from God.
Your Christian friends? Guess what... they need to be discipled by you... and you need to be discipled by them! We need to be helping one another grow in Christ. We can't fix the problems, but we MUST encourage one another to grow.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
6.11.8 "And With That He Died"
"And With That He Died"
I Kings 8:1-66
Acts 7:51- 8:13
Psalm 129:1-8
Proverbs 17:1
"And with that, he died." Those are the last words of Acts 7 (TLB). The words are referring to a man called Stephen. I don't know if you've ever thought much about Stephen, but I believe he is one of the greatest heros of the Christian faith. What captures my attention is how his life only took up a couple pages in the bible. That was his "blip" on the "radar screen" of life. The reality is that we all only have a "blip".
What about my blip? What about yours? I want to challenge you to take a look at today, June 11, 2008 as if it's your last day. I don't want us to look at this in a depressing way, but I want to encourage you to look at it from an eternal perspective. What if today was the summation of your "blip?" "And with that he died." These same words will be said of you. What is the contextual application for your life? What is it for mine?
I think the words spoken of me may include stories of lives touched and paths crossed, a life full of good friends and stories of God's provision, of laughter and even jokes of my messy desk. At some point I'm sure my love for the Vikings would arouse a chortle or two... At first glance, i'm not in a bad state. Oh, there may be some "he never wrote that musical he talked about, he never got to see some of his plans take hold..." but in human terms, not a horrible score card. A nice life. "and with that he died."
There is one thing about Stephen that needs to be my highest goal, my biggest dream, my passion, my desire, my hunger. Acts 7:55 says "but Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit..." back in Acts 7:8, it says, "Stephen, the man so full of faith and the Holy Spirit's power..." It's like it's his last name! "which stephen you talking about?" "the one full of the Holy Spirit." "oh yeah, him."
Will that be said of me? Why not? THIS SHOULD BE THE GOAL OF THE BALANCED CHRISTIAN LIFE! We can have all of the dreams and goals in the world, but if only our highest pursuit was to be "full of faith and the Holy Spirit's power". Can you imagine how life would be?
There are a few times in scripture where men's faces glowed. Moses was because he was talking with God as a man talks to another man. Stephen as insults and lies were being hurled at him. I can tell you with certainty that his also came from being in the presence of God. It was when no one was around. He knew who God was. There were no circumstances of man that could quench his passion for the presence of God.
What is the "that" in "and with that he died."? For Stephen it referred to "Lord, do not hold their sin against them." It plays in my mind like the climax of a movie in slow motion: The Jewish leaders rising in rage... "But Stephen full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily upward into heaven and saw the glory of God...and he said 'look...' then they mobbed him putting their hands over their ears, and drowning out his voice with their shouts, and dragged him out of the city to stone him... and as the murderous stones came hurtling at him, Stephen prayed, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.' and he fell to his knees SHOUTING, 'LORD DON'T CHARGE THEM WITH THIS SIN!' and with THAT, he died."
We can't forget the foreshadowing that comes at the stoning of Stephen. "The official witnesses - the executioners - took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul". (Acts. 7:58) This man would come to write the majority of the new testament. Sometimes we look at our 'blip' as if it is about us. Sometimes our life is the "seed" for what is to come.
May my story be:
Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord to Thee.
Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceasless praise
Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee
Take my voice and let me sing always, only, for my King
Take my lips and let them be filled with messages from Thee
take my silver and my gold; not a mite would i withhold
Take my intellect and use every power as Thou shalt choose
Take my will and make it Thine; it shall be no longer mine
Take my heart, it is Thine own; it shall be Thy royal throne
Take my love, my Lord I pour at Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself and I will be ever, only all for Thee.
"...and with THAT he died."
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
I Kings 8:1-66
Acts 7:51- 8:13
Psalm 129:1-8
Proverbs 17:1
"And with that, he died." Those are the last words of Acts 7 (TLB). The words are referring to a man called Stephen. I don't know if you've ever thought much about Stephen, but I believe he is one of the greatest heros of the Christian faith. What captures my attention is how his life only took up a couple pages in the bible. That was his "blip" on the "radar screen" of life. The reality is that we all only have a "blip".
What about my blip? What about yours? I want to challenge you to take a look at today, June 11, 2008 as if it's your last day. I don't want us to look at this in a depressing way, but I want to encourage you to look at it from an eternal perspective. What if today was the summation of your "blip?" "And with that he died." These same words will be said of you. What is the contextual application for your life? What is it for mine?
I think the words spoken of me may include stories of lives touched and paths crossed, a life full of good friends and stories of God's provision, of laughter and even jokes of my messy desk. At some point I'm sure my love for the Vikings would arouse a chortle or two... At first glance, i'm not in a bad state. Oh, there may be some "he never wrote that musical he talked about, he never got to see some of his plans take hold..." but in human terms, not a horrible score card. A nice life. "and with that he died."
There is one thing about Stephen that needs to be my highest goal, my biggest dream, my passion, my desire, my hunger. Acts 7:55 says "but Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit..." back in Acts 7:8, it says, "Stephen, the man so full of faith and the Holy Spirit's power..." It's like it's his last name! "which stephen you talking about?" "the one full of the Holy Spirit." "oh yeah, him."
Will that be said of me? Why not? THIS SHOULD BE THE GOAL OF THE BALANCED CHRISTIAN LIFE! We can have all of the dreams and goals in the world, but if only our highest pursuit was to be "full of faith and the Holy Spirit's power". Can you imagine how life would be?
There are a few times in scripture where men's faces glowed. Moses was because he was talking with God as a man talks to another man. Stephen as insults and lies were being hurled at him. I can tell you with certainty that his also came from being in the presence of God. It was when no one was around. He knew who God was. There were no circumstances of man that could quench his passion for the presence of God.
What is the "that" in "and with that he died."? For Stephen it referred to "Lord, do not hold their sin against them." It plays in my mind like the climax of a movie in slow motion: The Jewish leaders rising in rage... "But Stephen full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily upward into heaven and saw the glory of God...and he said 'look...' then they mobbed him putting their hands over their ears, and drowning out his voice with their shouts, and dragged him out of the city to stone him... and as the murderous stones came hurtling at him, Stephen prayed, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.' and he fell to his knees SHOUTING, 'LORD DON'T CHARGE THEM WITH THIS SIN!' and with THAT, he died."
We can't forget the foreshadowing that comes at the stoning of Stephen. "The official witnesses - the executioners - took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul". (Acts. 7:58) This man would come to write the majority of the new testament. Sometimes we look at our 'blip' as if it is about us. Sometimes our life is the "seed" for what is to come.
May my story be:
Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord to Thee.
Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceasless praise
Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee
Take my voice and let me sing always, only, for my King
Take my lips and let them be filled with messages from Thee
take my silver and my gold; not a mite would i withhold
Take my intellect and use every power as Thou shalt choose
Take my will and make it Thine; it shall be no longer mine
Take my heart, it is Thine own; it shall be Thy royal throne
Take my love, my Lord I pour at Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself and I will be ever, only all for Thee.
"...and with THAT he died."
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, June 10, 2008
6.10.8 "Got Discipline?"
"Got Discipline?"
I Kings 7:1-51
Acts 7:30-50
Psalm 128:1-6
Proverbs 16:31-33
If I were to write a book and put that title on it, I don't think a copy would sell. Who loves discipline? I guess it all depends. If it's an area we enjoy, we are apt to be more disciplined. If you love to play the cello, practicing isn't so terrible. If you love to run, exercise isn't such a nightmare. But overall, self-control can be a challenge.
"it is better to be slow-tempered than famous; it is better to have self-control than to control an army." Proverbs 16:32
I think the first part of the verse is pretty funny. Even back in Solomon's day the tabloids must have picked up on crabby people. But it's the second part of the verse that really caught my eye. We need to have self-control. We need to be disciplined. As you know, discipline is the principle of Empowered through Biblical Training. It is the root of discipleship. We need to be internally strong. This applies to every area of our life.
We need to be disciplined Spiritually. This comes through time in the Word, faithfulness to God's house, committed to small group study and so much more. When we live with a focus on growing in Christ, we align ourselves with activities that serve that purpose. We strain out anything that serves to endanger the spiritual disciplines.
We need to be disciplined Physically. Here's the hypocrite part of today's devo. We need to make sure we are healthy in our bodies. In yesterday's reading in Psalm it spoke of having the discipline to get proper sleep. We need to do that. We need to eat healthier. We need to exercise. This body we have is a resource given to us by God. We need to be good stewards of it.
We need to be disciplined Mentally. We need to grow intellectually. We should be in a constant state of learning. whatever our skill set may be, there's more to learn. I need to be a better piano player. I need to be a better Pastor. I need to study to do those things. I need to gain more information. Whatever your job is, you should be working to be better at it. This is a discipline that aligns with God's word.
We need to be disciplined Emotionally. Emotions are a gift of God, and just like any other gift, they can be misused or abused. "I'm just an emotional person." Is a cop-out. It may be true, but it does not excuse a lack of restraint. Like the first part of today's verse says, we don't want to be "famous" for our lack of discipline in this area. This area includes our affections. We can control what our mind dwells on. "Falling out of love" with things we are commanded to love is a sin. So is "Falling in love" with the wrong things. It takes a discipline of emotions to stop errant feelings early.
All of these things need to be taken seriously. We need to make sure that each area receives our attention in order to live the Balanced Christian Life. In Acts 7, Stephen is still preaching his sermon to the Jewish Council. As part of his history lesson he's talking about how David wanted to build the temple, but God said no. This is what God had said to David. "'what kind of home could you build?' asks the Lord. 'Would I stay in it?'" (Acts 7:49)
We are the temple of the Holy Spirit. What kind of home are we building? It takes discipline to build it right. It takes proper measurements, and clean materials. Is God pleased living in you? He can't dwell with impurity. We must be disciplined to cleanse ourselves daily in his Word. No one else can do it for us. No email devotional can replace the time spent in God's Word.
So, "Got Discipline?"
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
I Kings 7:1-51
Acts 7:30-50
Psalm 128:1-6
Proverbs 16:31-33
If I were to write a book and put that title on it, I don't think a copy would sell. Who loves discipline? I guess it all depends. If it's an area we enjoy, we are apt to be more disciplined. If you love to play the cello, practicing isn't so terrible. If you love to run, exercise isn't such a nightmare. But overall, self-control can be a challenge.
"it is better to be slow-tempered than famous; it is better to have self-control than to control an army." Proverbs 16:32
I think the first part of the verse is pretty funny. Even back in Solomon's day the tabloids must have picked up on crabby people. But it's the second part of the verse that really caught my eye. We need to have self-control. We need to be disciplined. As you know, discipline is the principle of Empowered through Biblical Training. It is the root of discipleship. We need to be internally strong. This applies to every area of our life.
We need to be disciplined Spiritually. This comes through time in the Word, faithfulness to God's house, committed to small group study and so much more. When we live with a focus on growing in Christ, we align ourselves with activities that serve that purpose. We strain out anything that serves to endanger the spiritual disciplines.
We need to be disciplined Physically. Here's the hypocrite part of today's devo. We need to make sure we are healthy in our bodies. In yesterday's reading in Psalm it spoke of having the discipline to get proper sleep. We need to do that. We need to eat healthier. We need to exercise. This body we have is a resource given to us by God. We need to be good stewards of it.
We need to be disciplined Mentally. We need to grow intellectually. We should be in a constant state of learning. whatever our skill set may be, there's more to learn. I need to be a better piano player. I need to be a better Pastor. I need to study to do those things. I need to gain more information. Whatever your job is, you should be working to be better at it. This is a discipline that aligns with God's word.
We need to be disciplined Emotionally. Emotions are a gift of God, and just like any other gift, they can be misused or abused. "I'm just an emotional person." Is a cop-out. It may be true, but it does not excuse a lack of restraint. Like the first part of today's verse says, we don't want to be "famous" for our lack of discipline in this area. This area includes our affections. We can control what our mind dwells on. "Falling out of love" with things we are commanded to love is a sin. So is "Falling in love" with the wrong things. It takes a discipline of emotions to stop errant feelings early.
All of these things need to be taken seriously. We need to make sure that each area receives our attention in order to live the Balanced Christian Life. In Acts 7, Stephen is still preaching his sermon to the Jewish Council. As part of his history lesson he's talking about how David wanted to build the temple, but God said no. This is what God had said to David. "'what kind of home could you build?' asks the Lord. 'Would I stay in it?'" (Acts 7:49)
We are the temple of the Holy Spirit. What kind of home are we building? It takes discipline to build it right. It takes proper measurements, and clean materials. Is God pleased living in you? He can't dwell with impurity. We must be disciplined to cleanse ourselves daily in his Word. No one else can do it for us. No email devotional can replace the time spent in God's Word.
So, "Got Discipline?"
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, June 9, 2008
6.9.8 "Connect the Dots"
"Connect the Dots"
I Kings 5:1-6:38
Acts 7:1-29
Psalm 127:1-5
Proverbs 16:28-30
You never know how God is going to use you. One thing is for certain, he plans to. So many times we get caught up in our own orb of to-do lists, personal crisis', and the cares of life. It's very easy for us to miss the fact that we have a purpose. We are here with a Mission to Reach our World for Christ.
As we read yesterday, Stephen was one of the men chosen to oversee the feeding of the widows. He has been described as a man full of the Holy Spirit. Through his life many came to Christ, and many were healed. False witnesses rise up and and accuse him of teaching against the law of Moses. In today's reading in Acts 7, he answers the Jewish Council.
Stephen's answer is lengthy. He goes back to the story of Abraham and tells the story of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He tells how Joseph is wrongly imprisoned, and yet rises to save Egypt from famine. He tells the story of Joseph's brothers, and how after Joseph's death, the people became slaves in Egypt. Then he gets into the story of Moses.
As I was reading this, I was picturing this cafeteria worker, Stephen telling the Jewish leaders things that they were experts in. They KNEW the history. But here's what's important: Stephen KNEW the Word as well, and God led him to connect the dots for them.
Sometimes we get really stressed about what we're going to say when dealing with unbelievers. What we need to realize is that God is already working in the life of each individual, and all we need to do is be available to connect the dots. Find common ground.
Most of the time it will be a simple conversation with a clerk at a store, or a waitress, or a neighbor, and it can be something simple. There will probably not be an altar call every time. We just have to be faithful to connect the next dot.
This Mission we have is not "rocket surgery". All we have to do is have the mission in mind. Every conversation is a process of dot-connecting. You don't know where the person behind the counter is in their journey toward God, but God does. Find common ground. Draw them closer to Christ.
Connect the dots.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
I Kings 5:1-6:38
Acts 7:1-29
Psalm 127:1-5
Proverbs 16:28-30
You never know how God is going to use you. One thing is for certain, he plans to. So many times we get caught up in our own orb of to-do lists, personal crisis', and the cares of life. It's very easy for us to miss the fact that we have a purpose. We are here with a Mission to Reach our World for Christ.
As we read yesterday, Stephen was one of the men chosen to oversee the feeding of the widows. He has been described as a man full of the Holy Spirit. Through his life many came to Christ, and many were healed. False witnesses rise up and and accuse him of teaching against the law of Moses. In today's reading in Acts 7, he answers the Jewish Council.
Stephen's answer is lengthy. He goes back to the story of Abraham and tells the story of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He tells how Joseph is wrongly imprisoned, and yet rises to save Egypt from famine. He tells the story of Joseph's brothers, and how after Joseph's death, the people became slaves in Egypt. Then he gets into the story of Moses.
As I was reading this, I was picturing this cafeteria worker, Stephen telling the Jewish leaders things that they were experts in. They KNEW the history. But here's what's important: Stephen KNEW the Word as well, and God led him to connect the dots for them.
Sometimes we get really stressed about what we're going to say when dealing with unbelievers. What we need to realize is that God is already working in the life of each individual, and all we need to do is be available to connect the dots. Find common ground.
Most of the time it will be a simple conversation with a clerk at a store, or a waitress, or a neighbor, and it can be something simple. There will probably not be an altar call every time. We just have to be faithful to connect the next dot.
This Mission we have is not "rocket surgery". All we have to do is have the mission in mind. Every conversation is a process of dot-connecting. You don't know where the person behind the counter is in their journey toward God, but God does. Find common ground. Draw them closer to Christ.
Connect the dots.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
6.8.8 "Hungry?"
"Hungry?"
I Kings 3:3-4:34
Acts 6:1-15
Psalm 126:1-6
Proverbs 16:26-27
"Hunger is good - if it makes you work to satisfy it!" (Proverbs 16:26)
There is so much truth in God's word. If you've been a part of this list for a while, you know what I'm talking about when I mention the "Preciousness of Frustration". There are many examples of this in today's readings. Using hunger as an example, hunger is great because it causes us to work. Work is important to God. He wants us to be good stewards.
God is also a God of order. In I Kings 4, we get a listing of the structure of King Solomon's cabinet members. It includes a list of those who are in charge of the food. it mentions in verse 19 that a general manager is over all of this.
What does this have to do with anything? Well look at Acts 6:1 "But with the believers multiplying rapidly, there were rumblings of discontent. Those who spoke only Greek complained that their widows were being discriminated against, that they were not being given as much food, in the daily distribution, as the widow who spoke Hebrew."
Uh oh... trouble... this is a bad thing, right? Well, yes, it's not good to have discontent, but look at what this frustration sets into motion: "so the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. 'We should spend our time preaching, not administering a feeding program,' they said. 'Now look around among yourselves, dear brothers, and select seven men, wise and full of the Holy Spirit, who are well thought of by everyone; and we will put them in charge of this business. Then we can spend our time in prayer, preaching, and teaching.' This sounded reasonable to the whole assembly, and they elected the following: Stephen (a man unusually full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip..." (Acts 6:2-5) and the list of names goes on.
It may not seem like a big deal, but look at the result: "God's message was preached in ever-widening circles, and the number of disciples increased vastly in Jerusalem; and many of the Jewish priests were converted too. Stephen, the man so full of faith and the Holy Spirit's power, did spectacular miracles among the people." (Acts 6:7-8)
The frustration spurred action which created order which brought about blessing. Sure, there may have been sparks along the way, but it is worth it. Look at Psalm 126:5-6: "Those who sow tears shall reap joy. Yes, they go out weeping, carrying seed for sowing, and return singing, carrying their sheaves." It takes work to receive blessing.
I will never forget one time several years ago when I was really frustrated. I walked into my Pastor's office and said, "On the freeway of life, I past the 'frustration exit' long ago. I'm way beyond that." He said to me, "you need to stop, turn around and take that exit. Find out what's causing the frustration and find a solution." That was some of the greatest advice i've ever heard.
We need to understand that when we are frustrated in life, something is out of order. When we are hungry, we need to work to satisfy that hunger. I'm not talking about feeding the flesh, I'm talking about living the disciplined life. The result of order is blessing.
Look at the result of the order King Solomon has in place. "Throughout the lifetime of Solomon, all of Judah and Israel lived in peace and safety; and each family had its own home and garden." (1 Kings 4:25)
Maybe your frustration is debt. You need to get some order into your life and be debt free. Maybe it's not hunger that's your problem, maybe you're fat. Get some order in your life and develop discipline to lose weight.
All of this works together. DREAM. We may be experiencing frustration with any one or more of these principles. When we aren't functioning properly, we are out of balance. We will experience the frustration. The frustration needs to be our signal to get things right. Don't run FROM frustration, run THROUGH it.
Romans 8:28 says, "ALL things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." God can use the pain and frustration that is in your life to complete his work in you. Allow him to do it.
Hungry?
Get to work!
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
I Kings 3:3-4:34
Acts 6:1-15
Psalm 126:1-6
Proverbs 16:26-27
"Hunger is good - if it makes you work to satisfy it!" (Proverbs 16:26)
There is so much truth in God's word. If you've been a part of this list for a while, you know what I'm talking about when I mention the "Preciousness of Frustration". There are many examples of this in today's readings. Using hunger as an example, hunger is great because it causes us to work. Work is important to God. He wants us to be good stewards.
God is also a God of order. In I Kings 4, we get a listing of the structure of King Solomon's cabinet members. It includes a list of those who are in charge of the food. it mentions in verse 19 that a general manager is over all of this.
What does this have to do with anything? Well look at Acts 6:1 "But with the believers multiplying rapidly, there were rumblings of discontent. Those who spoke only Greek complained that their widows were being discriminated against, that they were not being given as much food, in the daily distribution, as the widow who spoke Hebrew."
Uh oh... trouble... this is a bad thing, right? Well, yes, it's not good to have discontent, but look at what this frustration sets into motion: "so the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. 'We should spend our time preaching, not administering a feeding program,' they said. 'Now look around among yourselves, dear brothers, and select seven men, wise and full of the Holy Spirit, who are well thought of by everyone; and we will put them in charge of this business. Then we can spend our time in prayer, preaching, and teaching.' This sounded reasonable to the whole assembly, and they elected the following: Stephen (a man unusually full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip..." (Acts 6:2-5) and the list of names goes on.
It may not seem like a big deal, but look at the result: "God's message was preached in ever-widening circles, and the number of disciples increased vastly in Jerusalem; and many of the Jewish priests were converted too. Stephen, the man so full of faith and the Holy Spirit's power, did spectacular miracles among the people." (Acts 6:7-8)
The frustration spurred action which created order which brought about blessing. Sure, there may have been sparks along the way, but it is worth it. Look at Psalm 126:5-6: "Those who sow tears shall reap joy. Yes, they go out weeping, carrying seed for sowing, and return singing, carrying their sheaves." It takes work to receive blessing.
I will never forget one time several years ago when I was really frustrated. I walked into my Pastor's office and said, "On the freeway of life, I past the 'frustration exit' long ago. I'm way beyond that." He said to me, "you need to stop, turn around and take that exit. Find out what's causing the frustration and find a solution." That was some of the greatest advice i've ever heard.
We need to understand that when we are frustrated in life, something is out of order. When we are hungry, we need to work to satisfy that hunger. I'm not talking about feeding the flesh, I'm talking about living the disciplined life. The result of order is blessing.
Look at the result of the order King Solomon has in place. "Throughout the lifetime of Solomon, all of Judah and Israel lived in peace and safety; and each family had its own home and garden." (1 Kings 4:25)
Maybe your frustration is debt. You need to get some order into your life and be debt free. Maybe it's not hunger that's your problem, maybe you're fat. Get some order in your life and develop discipline to lose weight.
All of this works together. DREAM. We may be experiencing frustration with any one or more of these principles. When we aren't functioning properly, we are out of balance. We will experience the frustration. The frustration needs to be our signal to get things right. Don't run FROM frustration, run THROUGH it.
Romans 8:28 says, "ALL things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." God can use the pain and frustration that is in your life to complete his work in you. Allow him to do it.
Hungry?
Get to work!
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, June 7, 2008
6.7.8 "This Life"
"This Life"
I Kings 2:1 - 3:2
Acts 5:1-42
Psalm 125:1-5
Proverbs 16:25
The book of Acts tells the story of the birth of the Christian church. Things are quite interesting from the get-go for these early believers.
"The High Priest and his relatives and friends among the Sadducees reacted with violent jealousy and arrested the apostles, and put them in the public jail. But an angel of the Lord came at night, opened the gates of the jail and brought them out. Then he told them, 'Go over to the Temple and preach about this Life!" (Acts 5:17-20)
"Preach about this Life!" What a great phrase! Do you realize that everyday you preach about this Life? What's your story? What's your life? If people were to look at you, and listen to your words and watch the way you live, what would they see?
I take this as a personal challenge. What does my life look like? Is it motivated by the circumstances around me? Are my "moods" influenced by minor occurrences or do my words and actions reveal an inner strength that has been developed by the working of the Spirit in me?
Peter had a "Life" to tell about. "Sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that at least Peter's shadow would fall across some of them as he went by! And crowds came in from the Jerusalem suburbs, bringing their sick folk and those possessed by demons; and every one of them was healed." (Acts 5:15-16)
So "this Life" that Peter had... is it available to us? You bet it is! We have been given the Holy Spirit, and he is as ready and able to work through us today as he was then. What's the difference? Us.
I think one of the biggest hinderances to the full experience of "This Life" is shown in Psalm 125:1, "Those who trust the the Lord are steady as Mount Zion, unmoved by any circumstance." I think too often the people of God have this story to tell: "George 'says' he trusts the Lord, but is kicked around by every circumstance."
The apostles of the early church knew God in such an intimate way that they could see the big picture. They weren't affected by what was seen on the outside. The beatings they received not only did not push them off course, it gave them motivation to live the Life! "The [Jewish] Council... called in the apostles, had them beaten, and then told them never again to speak in the name of Jesus, and finally let them go. They left the Council chamber rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer dishonor for his name." (Acts 5:40-41)
Did you catch that? It does something inside of me to realize that the "beating" and the "rejoicing" are intertwined. Too often for us, it's "I'm not in the mood to worship today because I had a flat tire." When we are truly full of the Holy Spirit, and we walk in surrendered lives, we can experience "This Life" in an incredible way. The Holy Spirit can only be hindered by each one of us. When he moves on our heart and leads us to lay down areas of our life that are sinful, we quench his power when we cease to surrender. We must walk in daily surrender. We must be consistent in the word and in studying together. This is what it means to be Empowered through Biblical Training.
"And every day, in the temple and in their home Bible classes, they continued to teach and preach that Jesus is the Messiah." (Acts 5:42)
You wanna live this Life? Then LIVE it! When we have the power of the Holy Spirit working in us and through us, and we put scriptural application of the DREAM principles to our lives each and every day, we are positioning ourselves for the miraculous. God desires to heal and deliver, and bust out of prison, and move mountains. He's just waiting for us to let him.
Go preach about this 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
I Kings 2:1 - 3:2
Acts 5:1-42
Psalm 125:1-5
Proverbs 16:25
The book of Acts tells the story of the birth of the Christian church. Things are quite interesting from the get-go for these early believers.
"The High Priest and his relatives and friends among the Sadducees reacted with violent jealousy and arrested the apostles, and put them in the public jail. But an angel of the Lord came at night, opened the gates of the jail and brought them out. Then he told them, 'Go over to the Temple and preach about this Life!" (Acts 5:17-20)
"Preach about this Life!" What a great phrase! Do you realize that everyday you preach about this Life? What's your story? What's your life? If people were to look at you, and listen to your words and watch the way you live, what would they see?
I take this as a personal challenge. What does my life look like? Is it motivated by the circumstances around me? Are my "moods" influenced by minor occurrences or do my words and actions reveal an inner strength that has been developed by the working of the Spirit in me?
Peter had a "Life" to tell about. "Sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that at least Peter's shadow would fall across some of them as he went by! And crowds came in from the Jerusalem suburbs, bringing their sick folk and those possessed by demons; and every one of them was healed." (Acts 5:15-16)
So "this Life" that Peter had... is it available to us? You bet it is! We have been given the Holy Spirit, and he is as ready and able to work through us today as he was then. What's the difference? Us.
I think one of the biggest hinderances to the full experience of "This Life" is shown in Psalm 125:1, "Those who trust the the Lord are steady as Mount Zion, unmoved by any circumstance." I think too often the people of God have this story to tell: "George 'says' he trusts the Lord, but is kicked around by every circumstance."
The apostles of the early church knew God in such an intimate way that they could see the big picture. They weren't affected by what was seen on the outside. The beatings they received not only did not push them off course, it gave them motivation to live the Life! "The [Jewish] Council... called in the apostles, had them beaten, and then told them never again to speak in the name of Jesus, and finally let them go. They left the Council chamber rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer dishonor for his name." (Acts 5:40-41)
Did you catch that? It does something inside of me to realize that the "beating" and the "rejoicing" are intertwined. Too often for us, it's "I'm not in the mood to worship today because I had a flat tire." When we are truly full of the Holy Spirit, and we walk in surrendered lives, we can experience "This Life" in an incredible way. The Holy Spirit can only be hindered by each one of us. When he moves on our heart and leads us to lay down areas of our life that are sinful, we quench his power when we cease to surrender. We must walk in daily surrender. We must be consistent in the word and in studying together. This is what it means to be Empowered through Biblical Training.
"And every day, in the temple and in their home Bible classes, they continued to teach and preach that Jesus is the Messiah." (Acts 5:42)
You wanna live this Life? Then LIVE it! When we have the power of the Holy Spirit working in us and through us, and we put scriptural application of the DREAM principles to our lives each and every day, we are positioning ourselves for the miraculous. God desires to heal and deliver, and bust out of prison, and move mountains. He's just waiting for us to let him.
Go preach about this 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
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