"Last Words"
Malachi 3:1-4:6
Revelation 22:1-21
Psalm 150:1-6
Proverbs 31:25-31
The last hours of this year are passing by. This has been another year of God's goodness. Many have gone through the reading plan of the One-Year Bible. Each day is a portion of the Old & New Testament, as well as Psalms and Proverbs. For the last day of this year, let's look at the theme of what the "last words" of each of these sections of scripture are saying.
The Old Testament closes with the book of Malachi. Chapter 3:1-3 says, "Listen: I will send my messenger before me to prepare the way. And then the one you are looking for will come suddenly to his Temple - the Messenger of God's promises, to bring you great joy. Yes, he is surely coming," says the Lord Almighty. "But who can live when he appears? Who can endure his coming? For he is like a blazing fire refining precious metal and he can bleach the dirtiest garments! Like a refiner of silver he will sit and closely watch as the dross is burned away. He will purify the Levites, the ministers of God, refining them like gold or silver, so that they will do their work for God with pure hearts."
Verses 8-11 speak of bringing tithes into the storehouse. "...if you do, I will open up the windows of heaven for you and pour out a blessing so great you won't have room enough to take it in! Try it! Let me prove it to you!" Nearing the end of the book, Malachi 4:4 says, "Remember to obey the laws I gave all Israel through Moses my servant on Mount Horeb."
Revelation 22:12 says, "See, I am coming soon, and my reward is with me, to repay everyone according to the deeds he has done."
Psalm 150 closes out with 6 verses commanding us to praise him. verse 6 says, "Let everything alive give praises to the Lord! You praise him! Hallelujah!"
Proverbs ends with many verses talking about wisdom and the awesome joy of a godly wife.
Do you see a link with all of these? The thought that goes through my mind is, "What are you doing with what you have?"
Both Malachi & Revelation speak of Jesus coming and our works being tested by him. What are our works? They are what we've done with the resources we have.
Proverbs causes me to realize that I need to highly value one of the greatest resources in my care. My awesome wife.
The Psalms cause me to understand that with all that is within me I need to be praising God.
This is for real. I need to use everything at my disposal for the glory of God. He's coming soon! He longs to pour his blessings out on his people who obey his commands and bring him glory.
Lord, I commit all of this to you, for your glory in the year to come.
The last 2 verses of the bible say "He who has said all these things declares: Yes, I am coming soon! Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen!"
You may or may not be a person who looks at the new year with the "resolution" mindset, but we should be consistently setting goals for progress in our Christian walk. Most of the time our resolutions come across as big drastic changes, and therefore only last a few days or weeks. But really, most also have to do with an increase in discipline in some manner. If we make a huge goal in the area of discipline, we can get discouraged and give up, but I want to encourage you to pray about what areas of discipline the Lord may be desiring you to grow in for 2010.
I'm pretty sure for all of us, the Lord would love to see us spend more time with him. It's been great going through the One Year Bible again this year. Even though they may be the same words read last year, when ignited by the Holy Spirit, they bring fresh life for every day.
Make it your goal to spend time in God's word EVERY DAY of 2010. It will tremendously equip you to do all that he has called you to do. Allow His Spirit to work in you so that you can become all He has created you to be.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
"What's Left for God?"
Malachi 1:1-2:17
Revelation 21:1-27
Psalm 149:1-9
Proverbs 31:10-24
Over the course of the next few days we will hear a lot about resolutions. With the new year at the door, many people look at this as a time to evaluate where they are at, and what they are doing with their life, health, finances, etc. What about the year that has just gone by? What does that look like? What did you do for you? What did you do for God?
Malachi 1:6-8 declares: "'A son honors his father, a servant honors his master. I am your Father and Master, yet you don't honor me, O priests, but you despise my name.' 'Who? Us?' you say. 'When did we ever despise your name?' ' When you offer polluted sacrifices on my altar.' 'Polluted sacrifices? When have we ever done a thing like that?' 'Every time you say, "Don't bother bringing anything very valuable to offer to God!" You tell the people, "Lame animals are all right to offer on the altar of the Lord - yes, even the sick and the blind ones." And you claim this isn't evil? Try it on your governor sometime - give him gifts like that - and see how pleased he is!"
We don't offer sacrifices of animals, but we do offer God our time, talent and resources as well as lives of obedience. I was thinking about how so many people offer God what is "left" of these things.
"Well, we spent a little too much for Christmas, so we're going to have to wait to give in the offering." "Well, our family is really busy, so there's not enough time left, we're not going to be able to be involved in ministry."
Isn't it sad how backwards we have it? All of this belongs to God! He gets our best, not what's left over! When we live with this principle, WE can live on what's "left over". With our priorities in order, we will ALWAYS have more than enough, because we are living for HIS glory.
Some misunderstand and think that you can be a poor steward of your family for the sake of ministry involvement. That's not it at all. That is not the definition of healthy living. You need to integrate into your life and your family the proper understanding of what it means to put God's resources into service. In fact, the result of good stewardship of family is engaging them in ministry and making the church Body a significant part of of life.
As we look at this new year, rather than making resolutions of how we can better ourselves, why not resolve to offer God the best of our best. Watch and see what happens when the obedience of the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship and the responsibility of Active Ministry Involvement become a part of our being and a part of who we are. We will live in an exciting new dimension of life and fulfillment.
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
Malachi 1:1-2:17
Revelation 21:1-27
Psalm 149:1-9
Proverbs 31:10-24
Over the course of the next few days we will hear a lot about resolutions. With the new year at the door, many people look at this as a time to evaluate where they are at, and what they are doing with their life, health, finances, etc. What about the year that has just gone by? What does that look like? What did you do for you? What did you do for God?
Malachi 1:6-8 declares: "'A son honors his father, a servant honors his master. I am your Father and Master, yet you don't honor me, O priests, but you despise my name.' 'Who? Us?' you say. 'When did we ever despise your name?' ' When you offer polluted sacrifices on my altar.' 'Polluted sacrifices? When have we ever done a thing like that?' 'Every time you say, "Don't bother bringing anything very valuable to offer to God!" You tell the people, "Lame animals are all right to offer on the altar of the Lord - yes, even the sick and the blind ones." And you claim this isn't evil? Try it on your governor sometime - give him gifts like that - and see how pleased he is!"
We don't offer sacrifices of animals, but we do offer God our time, talent and resources as well as lives of obedience. I was thinking about how so many people offer God what is "left" of these things.
"Well, we spent a little too much for Christmas, so we're going to have to wait to give in the offering." "Well, our family is really busy, so there's not enough time left, we're not going to be able to be involved in ministry."
Isn't it sad how backwards we have it? All of this belongs to God! He gets our best, not what's left over! When we live with this principle, WE can live on what's "left over". With our priorities in order, we will ALWAYS have more than enough, because we are living for HIS glory.
Some misunderstand and think that you can be a poor steward of your family for the sake of ministry involvement. That's not it at all. That is not the definition of healthy living. You need to integrate into your life and your family the proper understanding of what it means to put God's resources into service. In fact, the result of good stewardship of family is engaging them in ministry and making the church Body a significant part of of life.
As we look at this new year, rather than making resolutions of how we can better ourselves, why not resolve to offer God the best of our best. Watch and see what happens when the obedience of the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship and the responsibility of Active Ministry Involvement become a part of our being and a part of who we are. We will live in an exciting new dimension of life and fulfillment.
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, December 29, 2009
12.29.8 "What it's all about"
"What it's all about"
Zechariah 14:1-21
Revelation 20:1-15
Psalm 148:1-14
Proverbs 31:8-9
Today's Psalm is a great reminder of why this world exists.
"Praise the Lord, O Heavens! Praise him from the skies! Praise him, skies above. Praise him, vapors high above the clouds. Let everything he has made give praise to him. For he issued his command, and they came into being; he established them forever and forever. His orders will never be revoked."
When we look at the greatness of creation, we need to acknowledge that it all came from his spoken word. The fact that the sky exists declares his praise!
"And praise him down here on earth, you creatures of the ocean depths. Let fire and hail, snow, rain, wind and weather, all obey. Let the mountains and hills, the fruit trees and cedars, the wild animals and cattle, the snakes and birds, the kings and all the people with their rulers and their judges, young men and maidens, old men and children - all praise the Lord together. For he alone is worthy. His glory is far greater than all of earth and heaven. He has made his people strong, honoring his godly ones - the people of Israel, the people closest to him."
We are a product of the spoken words of God. It's time to rejoice & praise his name!!!!
"Hallelujah! Yes, Praise the Lord!"
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
Zechariah 14:1-21
Revelation 20:1-15
Psalm 148:1-14
Proverbs 31:8-9
Today's Psalm is a great reminder of why this world exists.
"Praise the Lord, O Heavens! Praise him from the skies! Praise him, skies above. Praise him, vapors high above the clouds. Let everything he has made give praise to him. For he issued his command, and they came into being; he established them forever and forever. His orders will never be revoked."
When we look at the greatness of creation, we need to acknowledge that it all came from his spoken word. The fact that the sky exists declares his praise!
"And praise him down here on earth, you creatures of the ocean depths. Let fire and hail, snow, rain, wind and weather, all obey. Let the mountains and hills, the fruit trees and cedars, the wild animals and cattle, the snakes and birds, the kings and all the people with their rulers and their judges, young men and maidens, old men and children - all praise the Lord together. For he alone is worthy. His glory is far greater than all of earth and heaven. He has made his people strong, honoring his godly ones - the people of Israel, the people closest to him."
We are a product of the spoken words of God. It's time to rejoice & praise his name!!!!
"Hallelujah! Yes, Praise the Lord!"
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, December 28, 2009
12.28.9 "You Gonna Wear THAT?"
"You Gonna Wear THAT?"
Zechariah 12:1-13:9
Revelation 19:1-21
Psalm 147:1-20
Proverbs 31:1-7
Have you ever been asked a question that really isn't a question? "You Gonna Wear THAT?" That's never a good question is it? How do you answer it... "no... I was just seeing what you'd say..."
Let's imagine Rev. 19 came about today. Put yourself there. "Then the twenty-four Elders and four Living Beings fell down and worshiped God, who was sitting upon the throne, and said, "Amen! Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!" And out of the throne came a voice that said, "praise our God, all you his servants, small and great, who fear him. Then I heard again what sounded like the shouting of a huge crowd, or like the waves of a hundred oceans crashing on the shore, or like the mighty rolling of great thunder, 'praise the Lord. For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns."
Can you picture it? It's really tough in our finite minds to imagine the splendor, the unrestrained praise. Oh, here's our cue:
"'Let us be glad and rejoice and honor him; for the time has come for the wedding banquet of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself. She is permitted to wear the cleanest and whitest and finest of linens.' (Fine linen represents the good deeds done by the people of God.)"
There's something that struck me as I read this this morning: What do my linens look like? Christ has made us pure, and has made us his bride. Therefore we are there. My response MUST be one of PREPARATION. I need to live everyday preparing myself for the wedding feast of the Lamb. It's not so that I "look" like I "deserve" to be there, but because it should be my natural response to one who loves me SO much!
I'm thankful to have Jesus as my best friend. I love that picture. The danger of the "friend" mentality is forgetting the intensity of his Glory. His love for me constrains me to live in his will and for his glory. Do do any less would be to show up at the wedding supper in ripped jeans and a sweatshirt.
We do not think enough about eternity. It really should be at the forefront of our mind. Our life here on earth is so short in comparison.
I need to live my life as a representative of the Bride of Christ. Every step I take should be affected by the One who's done so much for me.
To him be the power and the glory for ever and ever!
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
Zechariah 12:1-13:9
Revelation 19:1-21
Psalm 147:1-20
Proverbs 31:1-7
Have you ever been asked a question that really isn't a question? "You Gonna Wear THAT?" That's never a good question is it? How do you answer it... "no... I was just seeing what you'd say..."
Let's imagine Rev. 19 came about today. Put yourself there. "Then the twenty-four Elders and four Living Beings fell down and worshiped God, who was sitting upon the throne, and said, "Amen! Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!" And out of the throne came a voice that said, "praise our God, all you his servants, small and great, who fear him. Then I heard again what sounded like the shouting of a huge crowd, or like the waves of a hundred oceans crashing on the shore, or like the mighty rolling of great thunder, 'praise the Lord. For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns."
Can you picture it? It's really tough in our finite minds to imagine the splendor, the unrestrained praise. Oh, here's our cue:
"'Let us be glad and rejoice and honor him; for the time has come for the wedding banquet of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself. She is permitted to wear the cleanest and whitest and finest of linens.' (Fine linen represents the good deeds done by the people of God.)"
There's something that struck me as I read this this morning: What do my linens look like? Christ has made us pure, and has made us his bride. Therefore we are there. My response MUST be one of PREPARATION. I need to live everyday preparing myself for the wedding feast of the Lamb. It's not so that I "look" like I "deserve" to be there, but because it should be my natural response to one who loves me SO much!
I'm thankful to have Jesus as my best friend. I love that picture. The danger of the "friend" mentality is forgetting the intensity of his Glory. His love for me constrains me to live in his will and for his glory. Do do any less would be to show up at the wedding supper in ripped jeans and a sweatshirt.
We do not think enough about eternity. It really should be at the forefront of our mind. Our life here on earth is so short in comparison.
I need to live my life as a representative of the Bride of Christ. Every step I take should be affected by the One who's done so much for me.
To him be the power and the glory for ever and ever!
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, December 26, 2009
12.26.9 "Beyond Discovery!"
"Beyond Discovery!"
Zechariah 9:1-17
Revelation 17:1-18
Psalm 145:1-21
Proverbs 30:32
How great is your God? Have you ever met someone who marvels about God in a way
that makes you say, "I want to know God that way!" Today's reading in Psalm 145 has that same effect.
"I will praise you, my God and King, and bless your name each day and forever.
Great is Jehovah! Greatly praise him! His greatness is beyond discovery!"
I love that line! God's greatness is beyond discovery! I think we like to "conquer"
things, "figure them out". Now matter how "advanced" our knowledge might become,
We will never be able to grasp the greatness of our God! He can't be put in a box.
He's got something fresh and new every day!
"Let each generation tell its children what glorious things he does."
As I read that verse today, my thoughts were on how I need to make sure that as I
recount my experiences to my family that I always tell them about "what God did
today". My daughter needs to hear that God is at work in my life.
"I will meditate about your glory, splendor, majesty and miracles. Your awe-
inspiring deeds shall be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. Everyone
will tell about how good you are, and sing about your righteousness."
Wouldn't it be great if you could tell a Christian a mile away because that's how
they acted? What an impact it would make on my world if proclaiming his
greatness was a part of my normal conversation.
"Jehovah is kind and merciful, slow to get angry, full of love. He is good to
everyone, and his compassion is intertwined with everything he does."
Do you know why his compassion is intertwined with everything he does? It's
because it's a part of who he IS. I want my praise to be intwined with everything I
do because it's a part of who I am. I want to have a LIFESTYLE of worship.
"All living things shall thank you, Lord, and your people will bless you. They will
talk together about the glory of your kingdom and mention examples of your
power. They will tell about your miracles and about the majesty and glory of your
reign. For your kingdom never ends. You rule generation after generation."
Our God is "Beyond Discovery"! Our praise, prayer, thanks, and acknowledgment of His greatness
all need to be evident in our lives each and every day. He IS in an incredible God.
As we keep him the center of our focus and center of our attention, how can anything else
lead us off course? There's no circumstance that can dwarf the greatness of our 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
Zechariah 9:1-17
Revelation 17:1-18
Psalm 145:1-21
Proverbs 30:32
How great is your God? Have you ever met someone who marvels about God in a way
that makes you say, "I want to know God that way!" Today's reading in Psalm 145 has that same effect.
"I will praise you, my God and King, and bless your name each day and forever.
Great is Jehovah! Greatly praise him! His greatness is beyond discovery!"
I love that line! God's greatness is beyond discovery! I think we like to "conquer"
things, "figure them out". Now matter how "advanced" our knowledge might become,
We will never be able to grasp the greatness of our God! He can't be put in a box.
He's got something fresh and new every day!
"Let each generation tell its children what glorious things he does."
As I read that verse today, my thoughts were on how I need to make sure that as I
recount my experiences to my family that I always tell them about "what God did
today". My daughter needs to hear that God is at work in my life.
"I will meditate about your glory, splendor, majesty and miracles. Your awe-
inspiring deeds shall be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. Everyone
will tell about how good you are, and sing about your righteousness."
Wouldn't it be great if you could tell a Christian a mile away because that's how
they acted? What an impact it would make on my world if proclaiming his
greatness was a part of my normal conversation.
"Jehovah is kind and merciful, slow to get angry, full of love. He is good to
everyone, and his compassion is intertwined with everything he does."
Do you know why his compassion is intertwined with everything he does? It's
because it's a part of who he IS. I want my praise to be intwined with everything I
do because it's a part of who I am. I want to have a LIFESTYLE of worship.
"All living things shall thank you, Lord, and your people will bless you. They will
talk together about the glory of your kingdom and mention examples of your
power. They will tell about your miracles and about the majesty and glory of your
reign. For your kingdom never ends. You rule generation after generation."
Our God is "Beyond Discovery"! Our praise, prayer, thanks, and acknowledgment of His greatness
all need to be evident in our lives each and every day. He IS in an incredible God.
As we keep him the center of our focus and center of our attention, how can anything else
lead us off course? There's no circumstance that can dwarf the greatness of our 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
Friday, December 25, 2009
12.25.9 "Merry Christmas"
"Merry Christmas"
Zechariah 8:1-23
Revelation 16:1-21
Psalm 144:1-15
Proverbs 30:29-31
Merry Christmas! My prayer is that today you spend time celebrating Christ, and
pondering the incredible fact that he came to earth to bring us peace, joy, and to
give us the opportunity to be in relationship with the father.
Look at today's reading in Psalms: "O Lord, what is man that you even notice him?
Why bother at all with the human race? For man is but a breath; his days are like a
passing shadow. Bend down the heavens, Lord, and come. The mountains smoke
beneath your touch. Let loose your lightning bolts, your arrows, Lord, upon your
enemies, and scatter them. Reach down from heaven and rescue me; deliver me
from deep waters, from the power of my enemies. Their mouths are filled with
lies; they swear to the truth of what is false."
Puny man crying out to an awesome God for help. What does this amazing creator
of the universe do to save this man who is but a wisp of smoke?
He comes as a baby.
The power of all the universe placed in the most vulnerable of human form. For
what purpose? To save man. To rescue him. to deliver from the power of the
enemy.
Rejoice! "I will sing you a new song, O God, with a ten-stringed harp. For you
grant victory to kings! you are the one who will rescue your servant David from
the fatal sword." (vs. 9-10)
I don't know that we yet fully can comprehend the power of the Gift this Christmas
morning. It was such a small package, but no power can compare!
Thank you, for coming to save us!
Merry Christmas!
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
Zechariah 8:1-23
Revelation 16:1-21
Psalm 144:1-15
Proverbs 30:29-31
Merry Christmas! My prayer is that today you spend time celebrating Christ, and
pondering the incredible fact that he came to earth to bring us peace, joy, and to
give us the opportunity to be in relationship with the father.
Look at today's reading in Psalms: "O Lord, what is man that you even notice him?
Why bother at all with the human race? For man is but a breath; his days are like a
passing shadow. Bend down the heavens, Lord, and come. The mountains smoke
beneath your touch. Let loose your lightning bolts, your arrows, Lord, upon your
enemies, and scatter them. Reach down from heaven and rescue me; deliver me
from deep waters, from the power of my enemies. Their mouths are filled with
lies; they swear to the truth of what is false."
Puny man crying out to an awesome God for help. What does this amazing creator
of the universe do to save this man who is but a wisp of smoke?
He comes as a baby.
The power of all the universe placed in the most vulnerable of human form. For
what purpose? To save man. To rescue him. to deliver from the power of the
enemy.
Rejoice! "I will sing you a new song, O God, with a ten-stringed harp. For you
grant victory to kings! you are the one who will rescue your servant David from
the fatal sword." (vs. 9-10)
I don't know that we yet fully can comprehend the power of the Gift this Christmas
morning. It was such a small package, but no power can compare!
Thank you, for coming to save us!
Merry Christmas!
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, December 24, 2009
12.24.9 "A Present Wrapped for You"
"A Present Wrapped for You"
Zechariah 6:1-7:14
Revelation 15:1-8
Psalm 143:1-12
Proverbs 30:24-28
Christmas Eve! When my daughter was 5, Lisa & I were awakened by our daughter jumping into our bed with us the morning of Christmas Eve. The three of us just laid there talking and resting. It was really nice. Annalese was lamenting that fact that we're a family who opens presents on Christmas morning. . "Don't some people get to open their presents today?" She then proceeded to present her case for an early event.
It's fun to look at Christmas through the eyes of a child. When they look under the tree, the imaginations are limitless. There's such excitement in knowing "There's something there for me!" Kids have an incredible ability to savor the moment. I asked Annalese, "What's the best part of Christmas?" Without hesitation she held out the piece of hot carmel roll she was eating. Oh that it was that simple, right?
It's too easy for us to distracted from what this is all really about. We carry around bundles of worry of how everyone is going to get along, where they're going to sit, the schedule and so many other things. The Lord says to Zechariah in 7:6, "And even now in your holy feasts to God, you don't think of me, but only of the food and fellowship and fun." The Lord desires to be a part of every moment of our lives.
God wraps us a present each day, not just at Christmas. He has a plan and a purpose for our lives, and wraps it up in his word. As we get older, we see the trials of life, and can so easily forget to marvel at the present we've been given each day.
The Lord desires that we open our lives to him. To walk in his way. To trust him. Psalm 143:10 says, "Help me to do your will, for you are my God. Lead me in good paths, for your Spirit is good. "
There's no "lump of coal" in God's will for us. His "present" to us is his "Presence". Each and every morning we need to run to the "tree" (cross) ready to unwrap the infinite possibilities of His Presence. He is an AWESOME God!
Make sure you pause today & take the time to "breathe in" Christmas. Thank the Lord for what he's done for you. Take the time to Praise him. Worship him in the Christmas Eve service. Celebrate HIm in your home.
Merry Christmas!
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
Zechariah 6:1-7:14
Revelation 15:1-8
Psalm 143:1-12
Proverbs 30:24-28
Christmas Eve! When my daughter was 5, Lisa & I were awakened by our daughter jumping into our bed with us the morning of Christmas Eve. The three of us just laid there talking and resting. It was really nice. Annalese was lamenting that fact that we're a family who opens presents on Christmas morning. . "Don't some people get to open their presents today?" She then proceeded to present her case for an early event.
It's fun to look at Christmas through the eyes of a child. When they look under the tree, the imaginations are limitless. There's such excitement in knowing "There's something there for me!" Kids have an incredible ability to savor the moment. I asked Annalese, "What's the best part of Christmas?" Without hesitation she held out the piece of hot carmel roll she was eating. Oh that it was that simple, right?
It's too easy for us to distracted from what this is all really about. We carry around bundles of worry of how everyone is going to get along, where they're going to sit, the schedule and so many other things. The Lord says to Zechariah in 7:6, "And even now in your holy feasts to God, you don't think of me, but only of the food and fellowship and fun." The Lord desires to be a part of every moment of our lives.
God wraps us a present each day, not just at Christmas. He has a plan and a purpose for our lives, and wraps it up in his word. As we get older, we see the trials of life, and can so easily forget to marvel at the present we've been given each day.
The Lord desires that we open our lives to him. To walk in his way. To trust him. Psalm 143:10 says, "Help me to do your will, for you are my God. Lead me in good paths, for your Spirit is good. "
There's no "lump of coal" in God's will for us. His "present" to us is his "Presence". Each and every morning we need to run to the "tree" (cross) ready to unwrap the infinite possibilities of His Presence. He is an AWESOME God!
Make sure you pause today & take the time to "breathe in" Christmas. Thank the Lord for what he's done for you. Take the time to Praise him. Worship him in the Christmas Eve service. Celebrate HIm in your home.
Merry Christmas!
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, December 23, 2009
12.23.9 "Through the Power of the Spirit"
"Through the Power of the Spirit"
Zechariah 4:1-5:11
Revelation 14:1-20
Psalm 142:1-7
Proverbs 30:21-23
"Through the Power of the Spirit, Live the DREAM!" That's been the closing line for these DEVO's for quite some time. Because of it's familiarity, it can very easily lose it's impact.
We all know we need to mature in Christ. We know that comes through the study of God's word, and although we don't like it, but we know that it comes through the "pure joy" of trials that James talks about.
We also "know" that salvation is not of works, but sometimes we may not look like we know that. For instance, we can try to apply each of the DREAM principles to our life, but do it in our own strength. "I'll do my best to obey God's Word, get along with others, try to read my bible, join a ministry group, and pass out a couple tracks. I'm 'Livin' the DREAM!'" If we're not careful we can find ourselves living like those in 2 Timothy 3:5 "having a form of godliness but denying its power."
Today's reading in Zechariah has a familiar verse: "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty - you will succeed because of my Spirit" Zech. 4:6 This is a verse that needs to be ingrained in our DNA. It must be a part of who we are.
God desires us to be who he has created us to be. He has sent his Spirit to complete that work in us. Why would we try to accomplish anything without the Spirit?
Over the past few years, I've gotten into doing construction projects around the house. We've finished the basement and built a deck. I know just enough about electrical, masonry, carpentry, etc. to THINK I can accomplish it on my own. I've come to learn oh so well the importance of having the right tool for the job. I tend to be creative, so I'll often use something for a task other than for which it was intended. Like doing finish carpentry with a hack-saw... not the smartest thing. Nothing a little putty wont cover up... Worse yet was when i couldn't find a saw, I thought I'd just pound a chisel through a board... almost needed stitches for that one. Through this process I also learned that there are those who DO know the way things should be done... they are on my speed dial. As I called one friend he said, "my goodness... I hope someone's takin' pictures of all this!"
We are created for a purpose. We are formed for the purpose of the Spirit working through us. Why do we so often try to accomplish things on our own? Why do we attempt to accomplish things in a manner other than we were intended? What are we thinking?
We must operate completely dependent on the power of the Spirit. Then something like the DREAM can be a powerful tool in our life! The Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship becomes a life of obedience, radical faith, and glorious praise. Relationships Devoted Unity experience breakthroughs and we deal with people the way the Lord would. Empowered through Biblical Training becomes much more than cold ritual as God's word comes alive! Active Ministry Involvement becomes a phenomenal experience of God working through us as we use our resources for His glory. Our Mission to Reach our World for Christ becomes powerfully effective to the world around us.
Zech 4:7 says, "Therefore no mountain, however high, can stand before Zerubbabel! For it will flatten out before him! And Zerubbabel will finish building this Temple with mighty shouts of thanksgiving for God's mercy, declaring that all was done by grace alone."
What needs to be accomplished in your life? What breakthroughs are needed? Your name probably isn't Zerubbabel, but God has called you into his service, and there are probably mountains in your way. Live in the Power of the Spirit, expect great things, & see what happens!
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
Zechariah 4:1-5:11
Revelation 14:1-20
Psalm 142:1-7
Proverbs 30:21-23
"Through the Power of the Spirit, Live the DREAM!" That's been the closing line for these DEVO's for quite some time. Because of it's familiarity, it can very easily lose it's impact.
We all know we need to mature in Christ. We know that comes through the study of God's word, and although we don't like it, but we know that it comes through the "pure joy" of trials that James talks about.
We also "know" that salvation is not of works, but sometimes we may not look like we know that. For instance, we can try to apply each of the DREAM principles to our life, but do it in our own strength. "I'll do my best to obey God's Word, get along with others, try to read my bible, join a ministry group, and pass out a couple tracks. I'm 'Livin' the DREAM!'" If we're not careful we can find ourselves living like those in 2 Timothy 3:5 "having a form of godliness but denying its power."
Today's reading in Zechariah has a familiar verse: "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty - you will succeed because of my Spirit" Zech. 4:6 This is a verse that needs to be ingrained in our DNA. It must be a part of who we are.
God desires us to be who he has created us to be. He has sent his Spirit to complete that work in us. Why would we try to accomplish anything without the Spirit?
Over the past few years, I've gotten into doing construction projects around the house. We've finished the basement and built a deck. I know just enough about electrical, masonry, carpentry, etc. to THINK I can accomplish it on my own. I've come to learn oh so well the importance of having the right tool for the job. I tend to be creative, so I'll often use something for a task other than for which it was intended. Like doing finish carpentry with a hack-saw... not the smartest thing. Nothing a little putty wont cover up... Worse yet was when i couldn't find a saw, I thought I'd just pound a chisel through a board... almost needed stitches for that one. Through this process I also learned that there are those who DO know the way things should be done... they are on my speed dial. As I called one friend he said, "my goodness... I hope someone's takin' pictures of all this!"
We are created for a purpose. We are formed for the purpose of the Spirit working through us. Why do we so often try to accomplish things on our own? Why do we attempt to accomplish things in a manner other than we were intended? What are we thinking?
We must operate completely dependent on the power of the Spirit. Then something like the DREAM can be a powerful tool in our life! The Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship becomes a life of obedience, radical faith, and glorious praise. Relationships Devoted Unity experience breakthroughs and we deal with people the way the Lord would. Empowered through Biblical Training becomes much more than cold ritual as God's word comes alive! Active Ministry Involvement becomes a phenomenal experience of God working through us as we use our resources for His glory. Our Mission to Reach our World for Christ becomes powerfully effective to the world around us.
Zech 4:7 says, "Therefore no mountain, however high, can stand before Zerubbabel! For it will flatten out before him! And Zerubbabel will finish building this Temple with mighty shouts of thanksgiving for God's mercy, declaring that all was done by grace alone."
What needs to be accomplished in your life? What breakthroughs are needed? Your name probably isn't Zerubbabel, but God has called you into his service, and there are probably mountains in your way. Live in the Power of the Spirit, expect great things, & see what happens!
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, December 22, 2009
12.22.9 "Sing and Rejoice!"
"Sing and Rejoice!"
Zechariah 2:1-3:10
Revelation 13:1-18
Psalm 141:1-10
Proverbs 30:18-20
Christmas time is here! While I may have caused that Charlie Brown tune to get stuck in your head, the thoughts of Christmas stir up a variety of thoughts and emotions in each individual. Because this is the most intensely celebrated day of the year for both the believer and the non-believer, there is a ton of pressure that this season lives up to expectations. What are you "expecting" for Christmas? No, not as a gift, but what are your expectations? For some it's not the expectations that are the issue, it's the hurt of past expectations that were unmet that sour the memories of Christmas. Sometimes these feelings can be quite intense, and they ultimately sour the anticipation of the celebration.
As we near the end of the year, the apocalyptic prophecies in the selected readings from the One Year Bible can seem somewhat foreboding. They don't seem "Christmassy" at the surface. But let's look at this account of Zechariah's vision in chapter 3:
"Then the Angel showed me (in my vision) Joshua the High Priest standing before the Angel of the Lord; and Satan was there too, at the Angel's right hand, accusing Joshua of many things.
"And the Lord said to Satan, 'I reject your accusations, Satan; yes, I the Lord, for I have decided to be merciful to Jerusalem - I rebuke you. I have decreed mercy to Joshua and his nation; they are like a burning stick pulled out of the fire.'
"Joshua's clothing was filthy as he stood before the Angel of the Lord.
"Then the Angel said to the others standing there, 'Remove his filthy clothing.' And turning to Joshua he said, 'See I have taken away your sins, and now I am giving you these fine new clothes.'" (Zech 3:1-4)
Zechariah then foretells the coming of Christ. "Listen to me, O Joshua the High Priest, and all you other priests, you are illustrations of the good things to come. Don't you see? - Joshua represents my servant the Branch whom I will send. He will be the Foundation Stone of the Temple that Joshua is standing beside, and I will engrave this inscription on it seven times: I will remove the sins of this land in a single day." (3:8-9)
Jesus is the Branch sent by God to deliver our sins in a single day. Christmas is an incredible day. As a child I didn't think it would ever get here. It seemed so far off. It seemed like there was no chance of it ever coming. The anticipation was so great, it seemed like time was taking forever. But as adults, it will come and we know, Lord willing, it will pass.
There's another day coming that's probably hard for us to imagine getting here. Each one of us will be standing in front of God. The Accuser will be there, and he will be asking for our Judgment. But there will be one who stands up and says, "NO!" There is no charge against him! That is the One who came on Christmas. He gave his life to remove our sins on a single day.
Zech 2:10 says, "Sing, Jerusalem, and rejoice! For I have come to live among you, says the Lord".
Christ came to earth for me! For you. As you look at your family this weekend, look at them with the love of Christ knowing that he came for them as well! Our sins were taken away the day he died on the cross. What a privilege and honor to be able to celebrate this season.
I find Zech 3:10 to be interesting. It says, "and after [he comes], you will all live in peace and prosperity and each of you will own a home of your own where you can invite your neighbors." Whether or not you own a home, there's a principle here. The result of his coming is that we live in the practice of hospitality. Whatever your resources are, use them this season for giving. If you have a home, make it a place that exudes the presence of Christ. If you are giving gifts, give with the motivation of the freedom we have in Christ.
Sing and Rejoice!
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
Zechariah 2:1-3:10
Revelation 13:1-18
Psalm 141:1-10
Proverbs 30:18-20
Christmas time is here! While I may have caused that Charlie Brown tune to get stuck in your head, the thoughts of Christmas stir up a variety of thoughts and emotions in each individual. Because this is the most intensely celebrated day of the year for both the believer and the non-believer, there is a ton of pressure that this season lives up to expectations. What are you "expecting" for Christmas? No, not as a gift, but what are your expectations? For some it's not the expectations that are the issue, it's the hurt of past expectations that were unmet that sour the memories of Christmas. Sometimes these feelings can be quite intense, and they ultimately sour the anticipation of the celebration.
As we near the end of the year, the apocalyptic prophecies in the selected readings from the One Year Bible can seem somewhat foreboding. They don't seem "Christmassy" at the surface. But let's look at this account of Zechariah's vision in chapter 3:
"Then the Angel showed me (in my vision) Joshua the High Priest standing before the Angel of the Lord; and Satan was there too, at the Angel's right hand, accusing Joshua of many things.
"And the Lord said to Satan, 'I reject your accusations, Satan; yes, I the Lord, for I have decided to be merciful to Jerusalem - I rebuke you. I have decreed mercy to Joshua and his nation; they are like a burning stick pulled out of the fire.'
"Joshua's clothing was filthy as he stood before the Angel of the Lord.
"Then the Angel said to the others standing there, 'Remove his filthy clothing.' And turning to Joshua he said, 'See I have taken away your sins, and now I am giving you these fine new clothes.'" (Zech 3:1-4)
Zechariah then foretells the coming of Christ. "Listen to me, O Joshua the High Priest, and all you other priests, you are illustrations of the good things to come. Don't you see? - Joshua represents my servant the Branch whom I will send. He will be the Foundation Stone of the Temple that Joshua is standing beside, and I will engrave this inscription on it seven times: I will remove the sins of this land in a single day." (3:8-9)
Jesus is the Branch sent by God to deliver our sins in a single day. Christmas is an incredible day. As a child I didn't think it would ever get here. It seemed so far off. It seemed like there was no chance of it ever coming. The anticipation was so great, it seemed like time was taking forever. But as adults, it will come and we know, Lord willing, it will pass.
There's another day coming that's probably hard for us to imagine getting here. Each one of us will be standing in front of God. The Accuser will be there, and he will be asking for our Judgment. But there will be one who stands up and says, "NO!" There is no charge against him! That is the One who came on Christmas. He gave his life to remove our sins on a single day.
Zech 2:10 says, "Sing, Jerusalem, and rejoice! For I have come to live among you, says the Lord".
Christ came to earth for me! For you. As you look at your family this weekend, look at them with the love of Christ knowing that he came for them as well! Our sins were taken away the day he died on the cross. What a privilege and honor to be able to celebrate this season.
I find Zech 3:10 to be interesting. It says, "and after [he comes], you will all live in peace and prosperity and each of you will own a home of your own where you can invite your neighbors." Whether or not you own a home, there's a principle here. The result of his coming is that we live in the practice of hospitality. Whatever your resources are, use them this season for giving. If you have a home, make it a place that exudes the presence of Christ. If you are giving gifts, give with the motivation of the freedom we have in Christ.
Sing and Rejoice!
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, December 21, 2009
12.21.9 "Chain of Command"
"Chain of Command"
Zechariah 1:1-21
Revelation 12:1-17
Psalm 140:1-13
Proverbs 30:17
Everyday is like Christmas when it comes to reading God's word. Each morning as you sit down to read the word you have no idea what's wrapped in the pages for you. Every day the Spirit has something new. Some days it's fresh and exciting like a new toy, and other days it's something very practical like a pair socks. Don't get me wrong. We NEED socks! As we mature, we find our desires to be more for necessities. But no matter what it is, it's something the Spirit has wrapped for you.
Do you ever have a child draw you a picture? You say, "Oh wow! that's beautiful!" In your mind you're saying "I have NO idea what this is a picture of!" Sometimes reading the Word is the same way. It takes a little bit of meditation and explanation from the Spirit for you to understand the gift.
I've listed all of the scriptures that were a part of today's reading. Zechariah is prophesying about judgment and horsemen and the Angel of the Lord, and world powers. Revelation speaks of a red Dragon, and a woman giving birth to a ruler of all nations and a war in heaven. The Psalm is a prayer for deliverance from evil men and accusers, and the Proverb says, "A man who mocks his father and despises his mother shall have is eye plucked out by ravens and eaten by vultures."
When reading verses like this, you may initially have one of those "that's beautiful/what is it" moments. Take a look this key scripture: Rev. 12:10 "Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, 'It has happened at last! God's salvation and the power and the rule, and the authority of his Christ are finally here;"
As we read through prophecies it's can be easy to get caught up and confused with the specifics of "who is the woman?" "What is the dragon?", "What do the horsemen represent?". There are times when the Spirit will unwrap those gifts for us too, but today let's just look at the word "AUTHORITY". In all of the scripture we read we need to see that God always lays out a Chain of Command. This covers everything from "the Accuser of our brothers has been thrown down from heaven to earth" (Rev. 21:10b) to "A man who mocks his father" in Proverbs.
The Chain of Command is a big thing to God!
The Psalmist's prayer today acknowledges this by the way he prays: "O Lord, deliver me from evil men. Preserve me... Keep me out of their power... Let their plots boomerang... don't let liars prosper..." God is in control! the last verse of this Psalm says "Surely the godly are thanking you, for they shall live in your presence." Those who live in the presence of God understand that HE is the authority. There is no "death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation," that "will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Rom. 8:38-39)
What freedom it is for a soldier to know that his commanding officer is in control. What freedom there is for us to know that God is the authority. There is a day coming (very soon) when all will see and acknowledge this authority, but what a privilege it is to know NOW and live in the freedom and protection of our God and King, our Commander in Chief.
This applies to every area of life. In our workplace, in our home, in our extended families, we need to understand first that God is in control, and that he has commanded that those in authority over us AND "under" us be placed where they are. We have to be careful to rightly handle the authority that has been given us. Paul gives this charge in I Tim. 6:20 "Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care." We must do the same. As you're together with family this Christmas season, honor your family. If you don't... stay away from birds... (remember the whole raven/eye thing!) and guard what has been entrusted to your care!
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
Zechariah 1:1-21
Revelation 12:1-17
Psalm 140:1-13
Proverbs 30:17
Everyday is like Christmas when it comes to reading God's word. Each morning as you sit down to read the word you have no idea what's wrapped in the pages for you. Every day the Spirit has something new. Some days it's fresh and exciting like a new toy, and other days it's something very practical like a pair socks. Don't get me wrong. We NEED socks! As we mature, we find our desires to be more for necessities. But no matter what it is, it's something the Spirit has wrapped for you.
Do you ever have a child draw you a picture? You say, "Oh wow! that's beautiful!" In your mind you're saying "I have NO idea what this is a picture of!" Sometimes reading the Word is the same way. It takes a little bit of meditation and explanation from the Spirit for you to understand the gift.
I've listed all of the scriptures that were a part of today's reading. Zechariah is prophesying about judgment and horsemen and the Angel of the Lord, and world powers. Revelation speaks of a red Dragon, and a woman giving birth to a ruler of all nations and a war in heaven. The Psalm is a prayer for deliverance from evil men and accusers, and the Proverb says, "A man who mocks his father and despises his mother shall have is eye plucked out by ravens and eaten by vultures."
When reading verses like this, you may initially have one of those "that's beautiful/what is it" moments. Take a look this key scripture: Rev. 12:10 "Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, 'It has happened at last! God's salvation and the power and the rule, and the authority of his Christ are finally here;"
As we read through prophecies it's can be easy to get caught up and confused with the specifics of "who is the woman?" "What is the dragon?", "What do the horsemen represent?". There are times when the Spirit will unwrap those gifts for us too, but today let's just look at the word "AUTHORITY". In all of the scripture we read we need to see that God always lays out a Chain of Command. This covers everything from "the Accuser of our brothers has been thrown down from heaven to earth" (Rev. 21:10b) to "A man who mocks his father" in Proverbs.
The Chain of Command is a big thing to God!
The Psalmist's prayer today acknowledges this by the way he prays: "O Lord, deliver me from evil men. Preserve me... Keep me out of their power... Let their plots boomerang... don't let liars prosper..." God is in control! the last verse of this Psalm says "Surely the godly are thanking you, for they shall live in your presence." Those who live in the presence of God understand that HE is the authority. There is no "death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation," that "will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Rom. 8:38-39)
What freedom it is for a soldier to know that his commanding officer is in control. What freedom there is for us to know that God is the authority. There is a day coming (very soon) when all will see and acknowledge this authority, but what a privilege it is to know NOW and live in the freedom and protection of our God and King, our Commander in Chief.
This applies to every area of life. In our workplace, in our home, in our extended families, we need to understand first that God is in control, and that he has commanded that those in authority over us AND "under" us be placed where they are. We have to be careful to rightly handle the authority that has been given us. Paul gives this charge in I Tim. 6:20 "Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care." We must do the same. As you're together with family this Christmas season, honor your family. If you don't... stay away from birds... (remember the whole raven/eye thing!) and guard what has been entrusted to your care!
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, December 20, 2009
12.20.9 "For the Glory of God"
"For the Glory of God"
Haggai 1:1-2:23
Revelation 11:1-19
Psalm 139:1-24
Proverbs 30:15-16
"Active Ministry Involvement". It's the "A" in our DREAM acronym. Beyond that, what does that mean to you? How do you view it?
At the surface it seems that Active Ministry Involvement (AM I) is just a matter of joining a ministry group. Choir, nursery, usher, etc. So then Living the "A" is a yes or no question. If you're a Sunday School teacher, you're living the "A". While that's a great start, that's not the whole picture.
The book of Haggai sheds some great light on the principles of AM I. The specific references in this book are in regards to rebuilding the temple. However, we miss out on another view of the character of God if we don't realize that there are "life" principles involved here. Let's look at some of the verses and then bring life application.
"'Why is everyone saying it is not the right time for rebuilding my Temple?' asks the Lord. His reply to them is this: 'Is it then the right time for you to live in luxurious homes, when the Temple lies in ruins? Look at the result: You plant much but harvest little. You have scarcely enough to eat or drink, and not enough clothes to keep you warm. Your income disappears, as though you were putting it into pockets filled with holes! Think it over,' says the Lord Almighty. 'Consider how you have acted, and what has happened as a result! Then go up into the mountains and bring down timber, and rebuild my Temple, and I will be pleased with it and appear there in my glory,' says the Lord." Hag. 1:2-8
As you read through these scriptures, do you see the incredible picture? God has created us with the purpose of using the gifts and resources he has given us for HIS glory. When we use them for our own, it amounts to nothing. Do you remember when David asked to build a temple? The Lord said, "I don't need a temple." Yet in Haggai, the people are chastised for not working on the temple. Why is that? It's because they are not working for the glory of the Lord. They are working toward their own comfort and success.
Look at the world around us. Doesn't it look like verse 5-6? "plant much but harvest little", never have enough... I ran into a guy in a restaurant who said, "Yeah, we really need income, so I'm taking an extra job. You probably wont be seeing much of me around church." I felt bad for the guy. Whether or not the income comes in as he hopes for, soon he'll be wondering why there isn't enough time, etc.
It's not just about joining a group or "serving our time" in a ministry. It's about applying the principle of blessing and giving to our life.
verse 12-15 say, "Then Zerubbabel... and the few people remaining in the land obeyed Haggai's message from the Lord their God; they began to worship him in earnest. Then the Lord told them... 'I am with you; I will bless you.' And the Lord gave them a desire to rebuild his Temple; so they all gathered... and volunteered their help."
Notice what happens when the people gather to work for the glory of God: He is there!
Do we wanna see revival? We need to begin to be generous with our time, talents and resources for the glory of God. This is not just for inside the walls of the church. This is for every part of life. We need to be "investors" of everything we have.
Too often the answer is "it's not the right time". I love the Lord's answer, "Is it then the right time for you to live in luxurious homes?" In the same way people don't have to be "good enough" to begin to live the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship, people don't need to "have enough" to begin to live the principles of AM I.
What do you have right now? Give to the glory of God. It's not just about money. It's about your passion. Your experience. Your time. This is a BIG deal!
"You people were contaminating your sacrifices by living with selfish attitudes and evil hearts - and not only your sacrifices, but everything else that you did as a 'service' to me. And so everything you did went wrong. But all is different now, because you have begun to build the Temple. Before, when you expected a twenty-bushel crop, there were only ten. When you came to draw fifty gallons form the olive press, there were only twenty. I rewarded all your labor with rust and mildew and hail. Yet, even so you refused to return to me," says the Lord.
"But now note this: From today, this 24th day of the month, as the foundation of the Lord's Temple is finished, and from this day onward, i will bless you. Notice, I am giving you this promise now before you have even begun to rebuild the Temple structure, and before you have harvested your grain, and before the grapes and figs and pomegranates and olives have produced their next crops: From this day I will bless you." Hag. 2:14-19
This scripture stirs up excitement in me! Oh, if we could only get this. It's not about the harvest or the fruit! It's about the application of this principle to our life! We don't shovel our neighbor's snow because they need it, we shovel it because it's a part of who we are! For the Glory of God. As we do that, we are building the Temple! That's why we change diapers in the nursery! Yes, they need to be changed, but more importantly, we are applying the AM I principle of responsibility to our life.
Can you see it? Can you see what happens when the church awakens and REALLY applies this to their life? Instead of looking at ministry as "community service" like the world does, and begins to work each and every day as unto the Lord, we will experience the blessing and presence of the Lord as never before! And the world will see his Glory!
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
Haggai 1:1-2:23
Revelation 11:1-19
Psalm 139:1-24
Proverbs 30:15-16
"Active Ministry Involvement". It's the "A" in our DREAM acronym. Beyond that, what does that mean to you? How do you view it?
At the surface it seems that Active Ministry Involvement (AM I) is just a matter of joining a ministry group. Choir, nursery, usher, etc. So then Living the "A" is a yes or no question. If you're a Sunday School teacher, you're living the "A". While that's a great start, that's not the whole picture.
The book of Haggai sheds some great light on the principles of AM I. The specific references in this book are in regards to rebuilding the temple. However, we miss out on another view of the character of God if we don't realize that there are "life" principles involved here. Let's look at some of the verses and then bring life application.
"'Why is everyone saying it is not the right time for rebuilding my Temple?' asks the Lord. His reply to them is this: 'Is it then the right time for you to live in luxurious homes, when the Temple lies in ruins? Look at the result: You plant much but harvest little. You have scarcely enough to eat or drink, and not enough clothes to keep you warm. Your income disappears, as though you were putting it into pockets filled with holes! Think it over,' says the Lord Almighty. 'Consider how you have acted, and what has happened as a result! Then go up into the mountains and bring down timber, and rebuild my Temple, and I will be pleased with it and appear there in my glory,' says the Lord." Hag. 1:2-8
As you read through these scriptures, do you see the incredible picture? God has created us with the purpose of using the gifts and resources he has given us for HIS glory. When we use them for our own, it amounts to nothing. Do you remember when David asked to build a temple? The Lord said, "I don't need a temple." Yet in Haggai, the people are chastised for not working on the temple. Why is that? It's because they are not working for the glory of the Lord. They are working toward their own comfort and success.
Look at the world around us. Doesn't it look like verse 5-6? "plant much but harvest little", never have enough... I ran into a guy in a restaurant who said, "Yeah, we really need income, so I'm taking an extra job. You probably wont be seeing much of me around church." I felt bad for the guy. Whether or not the income comes in as he hopes for, soon he'll be wondering why there isn't enough time, etc.
It's not just about joining a group or "serving our time" in a ministry. It's about applying the principle of blessing and giving to our life.
verse 12-15 say, "Then Zerubbabel... and the few people remaining in the land obeyed Haggai's message from the Lord their God; they began to worship him in earnest. Then the Lord told them... 'I am with you; I will bless you.' And the Lord gave them a desire to rebuild his Temple; so they all gathered... and volunteered their help."
Notice what happens when the people gather to work for the glory of God: He is there!
Do we wanna see revival? We need to begin to be generous with our time, talents and resources for the glory of God. This is not just for inside the walls of the church. This is for every part of life. We need to be "investors" of everything we have.
Too often the answer is "it's not the right time". I love the Lord's answer, "Is it then the right time for you to live in luxurious homes?" In the same way people don't have to be "good enough" to begin to live the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship, people don't need to "have enough" to begin to live the principles of AM I.
What do you have right now? Give to the glory of God. It's not just about money. It's about your passion. Your experience. Your time. This is a BIG deal!
"You people were contaminating your sacrifices by living with selfish attitudes and evil hearts - and not only your sacrifices, but everything else that you did as a 'service' to me. And so everything you did went wrong. But all is different now, because you have begun to build the Temple. Before, when you expected a twenty-bushel crop, there were only ten. When you came to draw fifty gallons form the olive press, there were only twenty. I rewarded all your labor with rust and mildew and hail. Yet, even so you refused to return to me," says the Lord.
"But now note this: From today, this 24th day of the month, as the foundation of the Lord's Temple is finished, and from this day onward, i will bless you. Notice, I am giving you this promise now before you have even begun to rebuild the Temple structure, and before you have harvested your grain, and before the grapes and figs and pomegranates and olives have produced their next crops: From this day I will bless you." Hag. 2:14-19
This scripture stirs up excitement in me! Oh, if we could only get this. It's not about the harvest or the fruit! It's about the application of this principle to our life! We don't shovel our neighbor's snow because they need it, we shovel it because it's a part of who we are! For the Glory of God. As we do that, we are building the Temple! That's why we change diapers in the nursery! Yes, they need to be changed, but more importantly, we are applying the AM I principle of responsibility to our life.
Can you see it? Can you see what happens when the church awakens and REALLY applies this to their life? Instead of looking at ministry as "community service" like the world does, and begins to work each and every day as unto the Lord, we will experience the blessing and presence of the Lord as never before! And the world will see his Glory!
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, December 19, 2009
12.19.9 "The Big Picture"
Zephaniah 1:1-3:20
Revelation 10:1-11
Psalm 138:1-8
Proverbs 30:11-14
When I was growing up, I had a friend whose mom was a nut. She was really fun, but she was crazy, too. When she would watch a TV program she would begin to intercede for anyone in trouble. If someone on the show was sick, she'd start to pray for them out loud. I remember watching Raiders of the Lost Ark with them. She never stopped praying for Indiana Jones! It was actually a pretty cool thing that her heart was close to God in a way that he was her first thought, but she was so wrapped up in the show, it became reality. She even prayed for Peter Sellers when he was in the Pink Panther!
We look at that and we think it's a bit ridiculous to be so caught up in a movie or TV program to think that it's reality. Truthfully, its just as ridiculous that we get caught up in the cares, concerns and circumstances of daily life, and forget what the ultimate reality truly is.
Psalm 138:8 says, "The Lord will work out his plans for my life - for your lovingkindness, Lord, continues forever." We know God is in control, but too often we don't live like we believe it. Our circumstances seem so overwhelming. Our stresses seem so overpowering.
We need to surrender to the fact that God sees the big picture. The circumstances of our life are only a part of what he is doing to work out his plans for us. We tend to be control freaks. We will surrender if, and only if, we can see how it plays into God's plan. But if we can't see how it fits in, we begin to complain, cry and attempt to control the situation.
When you have the attitude of "The Lord will work out his plans for my life," what circumstance can knock you off course? Each moment of each day we need to align ourselves with that place of humility that says, "God, complete your big picture through me!"
Zephaniah 2:3 says, "Walk humbly and do what is right; perhaps even yet the Lord will protect you from his wrath in that day of doom." How do you like the word "perhaps" in that verse?
Do you ever have a hard time sleeping? How do you feel about that? It's easy to be upset about it and be frustrated, OR we can look at the big picture and realize the Lord needs intercessors. You're just laying there anyway! Start praying. No, not about your TV shows, but about whatever the Lord would place on your heart.
There is no circumstance that can come up in your life that God can't use to work out his plan for you. Live in surrender to his plan. Allow him to do his work in you, and through you. As much as we want to "live the Comfort Zone", it's vital that we "Live the DREAM!" Whatever situation you find yourself in, call out to him in prayer. There may be times it's a prayer of desperation, but in EVERY circumstance get in the habit of seeking God. This will keep the "Big Picture" in focus.
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
Revelation 10:1-11
Psalm 138:1-8
Proverbs 30:11-14
When I was growing up, I had a friend whose mom was a nut. She was really fun, but she was crazy, too. When she would watch a TV program she would begin to intercede for anyone in trouble. If someone on the show was sick, she'd start to pray for them out loud. I remember watching Raiders of the Lost Ark with them. She never stopped praying for Indiana Jones! It was actually a pretty cool thing that her heart was close to God in a way that he was her first thought, but she was so wrapped up in the show, it became reality. She even prayed for Peter Sellers when he was in the Pink Panther!
We look at that and we think it's a bit ridiculous to be so caught up in a movie or TV program to think that it's reality. Truthfully, its just as ridiculous that we get caught up in the cares, concerns and circumstances of daily life, and forget what the ultimate reality truly is.
Psalm 138:8 says, "The Lord will work out his plans for my life - for your lovingkindness, Lord, continues forever." We know God is in control, but too often we don't live like we believe it. Our circumstances seem so overwhelming. Our stresses seem so overpowering.
We need to surrender to the fact that God sees the big picture. The circumstances of our life are only a part of what he is doing to work out his plans for us. We tend to be control freaks. We will surrender if, and only if, we can see how it plays into God's plan. But if we can't see how it fits in, we begin to complain, cry and attempt to control the situation.
When you have the attitude of "The Lord will work out his plans for my life," what circumstance can knock you off course? Each moment of each day we need to align ourselves with that place of humility that says, "God, complete your big picture through me!"
Zephaniah 2:3 says, "Walk humbly and do what is right; perhaps even yet the Lord will protect you from his wrath in that day of doom." How do you like the word "perhaps" in that verse?
Do you ever have a hard time sleeping? How do you feel about that? It's easy to be upset about it and be frustrated, OR we can look at the big picture and realize the Lord needs intercessors. You're just laying there anyway! Start praying. No, not about your TV shows, but about whatever the Lord would place on your heart.
There is no circumstance that can come up in your life that God can't use to work out his plan for you. Live in surrender to his plan. Allow him to do his work in you, and through you. As much as we want to "live the Comfort Zone", it's vital that we "Live the DREAM!" Whatever situation you find yourself in, call out to him in prayer. There may be times it's a prayer of desperation, but in EVERY circumstance get in the habit of seeking God. This will keep the "Big Picture" in focus.
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, December 18, 2009
12.18.9 "Christain"
"Christain"
Habakkuk 1:1-3:19
Revelation 9:1-21
Psalm 137:1-9
Proverbs 30:10
The misspelling of the title is intentional. I'll explain in a minute. (cuz I know it drives some of you crazy!)
Today's reading from the One-Year Bible is pretty intense. At first glance it's tough to find a scripture that gives you that "warm-fuzzy" feeling. It's about destruction and plagues, and torment.
Habbakuk (I love that name!) is crying out to God because of the rampant sin and lack of justice. The Lord answers with this: "Look, and be amazed! You will be astounded at what I am about to do! For I am going to do something in your own lifetime that you will have to see to believe. I am raising a new force on the world scene..." (Hab. 1:5-6)
Sounds great doesn't it? God's going to do something amazing! Do you know what it is? In the scriptures following he says he's raising up the Chaldeans, a "cruel and violent nation who will march across the world and conquer it."
How does that make sense? At first it doesn't to Habakkuk. "O Lord my God, my Holy One, you who are eternal - is your plan in all of this to wipe us out? Surely not! O God our Rock, you have decreed the rise of these Chaldeans to chasten and correct us for our awful sins. We are wicked, but they far more! Will you, who cannot allow sin in any form, stand idly by while they swallow us up? Should you be silent while the wicked destroy those who are better than they?" Hab. 1:12-13.
Growing up in the late 70's & early 80's there were these movies that showed some of the post-Rapture terror that would cover the earth. They would scare me to repentance every time. I'm not saying that's a bad thing, but I think if that's our only exposure to the character of God, it leaves our understanding at about the level of Habakkuk's question.
I think many believers stop there as well. "Oh-oh. Look at that war, look at that disaster... here come the end times... better hunker down. Hit the fox-holes, it's going to be bad."
None of that is wrong, but it's tragically incomplete! In the 2nd Chapter of Habakkuk the Lord says this: "Note this: Wicked men trust themselves alone [as these Chaldeans do], and fail; but the righteous man trusts in me, and lives!"
Revelations 9 speaks of the same torment. It describes these horrific metal locusts out of a sci-fi movie that come to torture millions. in verse 4 it says, "They were told not to hurt the grass or plants or trees, but to attack those people who did not have the mark of God on their foreheads."
Here's why the title's misspelled. I'm a pretty fast typer, but some words I consistently spell wrong cuz i'm going too fast. One of them is "Christian". For some reason, I spell it "Christain". It's misspelled, but I'm really starting to like that word. I want to have the mark (stain) of Christ on my life.
What's the point of all this? There's a real urgency for us to BE who Christ wants us to be. The very nature of God is to weed out all of the impurities of sinful man. If you don't know God, trials and disasters will be overwhelming, but for those who truly know Christ it is a different story.
Habbakuk gets it. "O Lord, now I have heard your report, and I worship you in awe for the fearful things you are going to do. In this time of our deep need, begin again to help us, as you did in years gone by. Show us your power to save us. In your wrath, remember mercy." (Hab. 3:2)
Listen to the contrast: "But the men left alive after these plagues still refused to worship God! they would not renounce their demon-worship, not their idols made of gold and silver, brass, stone, and wood - which neither see nor hear nor walk! Neither did they change their mind and attitude about all their murders and witchcraft, their immorality and theft." (Rev. 9:10-21)
"Even though the fig trees are all destroyed, and there is neither blossom left nor fruit, and though the olive crops all fail, and the fields lie barren; even if the flocks die in the fields and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will be happy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my Strength, and he will give me the speed of a deer and bring me safely over the mountains." (Hab. 3:17-19)
Which option do you wanna take? I want to trust in the Lord! I want to BE stained with the precious blood of Christ so that the stain of sin is gone! I don't want to be tainted with the injustice of the world. God's wrath WILL be poured out on the earth. But it's not a wrath of hatred. It's a wrath that comes from incredibly intense love for His own.
I'm so glad that I'm one of His own! I want to be who He's created me to be! I want to devote my life to helping others to do the same... to be a "Christain"... to Live the DREAM!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Habakkuk 1:1-3:19
Revelation 9:1-21
Psalm 137:1-9
Proverbs 30:10
The misspelling of the title is intentional. I'll explain in a minute. (cuz I know it drives some of you crazy!)
Today's reading from the One-Year Bible is pretty intense. At first glance it's tough to find a scripture that gives you that "warm-fuzzy" feeling. It's about destruction and plagues, and torment.
Habbakuk (I love that name!) is crying out to God because of the rampant sin and lack of justice. The Lord answers with this: "Look, and be amazed! You will be astounded at what I am about to do! For I am going to do something in your own lifetime that you will have to see to believe. I am raising a new force on the world scene..." (Hab. 1:5-6)
Sounds great doesn't it? God's going to do something amazing! Do you know what it is? In the scriptures following he says he's raising up the Chaldeans, a "cruel and violent nation who will march across the world and conquer it."
How does that make sense? At first it doesn't to Habakkuk. "O Lord my God, my Holy One, you who are eternal - is your plan in all of this to wipe us out? Surely not! O God our Rock, you have decreed the rise of these Chaldeans to chasten and correct us for our awful sins. We are wicked, but they far more! Will you, who cannot allow sin in any form, stand idly by while they swallow us up? Should you be silent while the wicked destroy those who are better than they?" Hab. 1:12-13.
Growing up in the late 70's & early 80's there were these movies that showed some of the post-Rapture terror that would cover the earth. They would scare me to repentance every time. I'm not saying that's a bad thing, but I think if that's our only exposure to the character of God, it leaves our understanding at about the level of Habakkuk's question.
I think many believers stop there as well. "Oh-oh. Look at that war, look at that disaster... here come the end times... better hunker down. Hit the fox-holes, it's going to be bad."
None of that is wrong, but it's tragically incomplete! In the 2nd Chapter of Habakkuk the Lord says this: "Note this: Wicked men trust themselves alone [as these Chaldeans do], and fail; but the righteous man trusts in me, and lives!"
Revelations 9 speaks of the same torment. It describes these horrific metal locusts out of a sci-fi movie that come to torture millions. in verse 4 it says, "They were told not to hurt the grass or plants or trees, but to attack those people who did not have the mark of God on their foreheads."
Here's why the title's misspelled. I'm a pretty fast typer, but some words I consistently spell wrong cuz i'm going too fast. One of them is "Christian". For some reason, I spell it "Christain". It's misspelled, but I'm really starting to like that word. I want to have the mark (stain) of Christ on my life.
What's the point of all this? There's a real urgency for us to BE who Christ wants us to be. The very nature of God is to weed out all of the impurities of sinful man. If you don't know God, trials and disasters will be overwhelming, but for those who truly know Christ it is a different story.
Habbakuk gets it. "O Lord, now I have heard your report, and I worship you in awe for the fearful things you are going to do. In this time of our deep need, begin again to help us, as you did in years gone by. Show us your power to save us. In your wrath, remember mercy." (Hab. 3:2)
Listen to the contrast: "But the men left alive after these plagues still refused to worship God! they would not renounce their demon-worship, not their idols made of gold and silver, brass, stone, and wood - which neither see nor hear nor walk! Neither did they change their mind and attitude about all their murders and witchcraft, their immorality and theft." (Rev. 9:10-21)
"Even though the fig trees are all destroyed, and there is neither blossom left nor fruit, and though the olive crops all fail, and the fields lie barren; even if the flocks die in the fields and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will be happy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my Strength, and he will give me the speed of a deer and bring me safely over the mountains." (Hab. 3:17-19)
Which option do you wanna take? I want to trust in the Lord! I want to BE stained with the precious blood of Christ so that the stain of sin is gone! I don't want to be tainted with the injustice of the world. God's wrath WILL be poured out on the earth. But it's not a wrath of hatred. It's a wrath that comes from incredibly intense love for His own.
I'm so glad that I'm one of His own! I want to be who He's created me to be! I want to devote my life to helping others to do the same... to be a "Christain"... to Live the DREAM!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Thursday, December 17, 2009
12.17.9 "Where to Go"
"Where to Go"
Nahum 1:1-3:19
Revelation 8:1-13
Psalm 136:1-26
Proverbs 30:7-9
Just a simple thought this morning. "The Lord is good. When trouble comes, he is the place to go! And he knows everyone who trusts in him!" Nahum 1:7
The Lord is good. Too many people question that. There is a deep down lack of understanding of the goodness of God. He has our best interest in mind. It doesn't make a difference what circumstances are around us. Psalm 136:1 says, "Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his lovingkindness continues forever." This Psalm reiterates that phrase several times. No matter what happens around us, His love endures forever!
He knows that we are not healthy if we are limited to our comfort. "When" trouble comes... notice it doesn't say "if" trouble comes. There will be hard times. Every single difficulty is an opportunity to grow in our relationship with the Lord.
...he is the place to go! As we are trained in knowing God, we need to understand the principle of going to God. Too often we finally end up at God because nothing else worked. He needs to be our first location, our place of first instruction. When we don't go to him, we can too often make a bad situation horrible.
And he knows everyone who trusts in him. Does God know me? Does God know I trust in him? I've heard the great saying before: "You don't know God is all you need until He's all you have." I like that saying, but is that when you show you trust him? Is that when you develop that? No, it's each and every day. It's the discipline of getting into his word. It's knowing Him. Trusting him. Growing in him. Then when the trouble comes, you are ready. You already know where to go because you've been there. You know where to lead others to go.
Building the trusting relationship with the Lord is what strengthens the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship. It comes through being Empowered through Biblical Training.
What a privilege to have a place to go!
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
Nahum 1:1-3:19
Revelation 8:1-13
Psalm 136:1-26
Proverbs 30:7-9
Just a simple thought this morning. "The Lord is good. When trouble comes, he is the place to go! And he knows everyone who trusts in him!" Nahum 1:7
The Lord is good. Too many people question that. There is a deep down lack of understanding of the goodness of God. He has our best interest in mind. It doesn't make a difference what circumstances are around us. Psalm 136:1 says, "Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his lovingkindness continues forever." This Psalm reiterates that phrase several times. No matter what happens around us, His love endures forever!
He knows that we are not healthy if we are limited to our comfort. "When" trouble comes... notice it doesn't say "if" trouble comes. There will be hard times. Every single difficulty is an opportunity to grow in our relationship with the Lord.
...he is the place to go! As we are trained in knowing God, we need to understand the principle of going to God. Too often we finally end up at God because nothing else worked. He needs to be our first location, our place of first instruction. When we don't go to him, we can too often make a bad situation horrible.
And he knows everyone who trusts in him. Does God know me? Does God know I trust in him? I've heard the great saying before: "You don't know God is all you need until He's all you have." I like that saying, but is that when you show you trust him? Is that when you develop that? No, it's each and every day. It's the discipline of getting into his word. It's knowing Him. Trusting him. Growing in him. Then when the trouble comes, you are ready. You already know where to go because you've been there. You know where to lead others to go.
Building the trusting relationship with the Lord is what strengthens the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship. It comes through being Empowered through Biblical Training.
What a privilege to have a place to go!
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, December 16, 2009
12.16.9 "Next Door to Contentment"
"Next Door to Contentment"
Micah 5:1-7:20
Revelation 7:1-17
Psalm 135:1-21
Proverbs 30:5-6
Where do you live? You will probably answer with a town, an intersection, or a distance from a common landmark or location. But let me ask this: where do you live in proximity to contentment? Is contentment a long way off? near? I think so many times we live our lives "next door" to contentment. The amazing thing is that it has nothing to do with how much or how little one has. It has nothing to do with wealth or poverty. It has nothing to do with sickness or health. It has nothing to do with joy or sorrow. It's about where you live.
An individual with $100 to their name can live comfortably in contentment while the millionaire lives next door to it. Or, it can be the other way around.
What's the difference? In Micah we see a description. "You will eat but never have enough; hunger pangs and emptiness will still remain. And though you try and try to save your money, it will come to nothing at the end, and what little you succeed in storing up I'll give to those who conquer you! You will plant crops but not harvest them; you will press out the oil from the olives, and not get enough to anoint yourself! You will trample the grapes, but get no juice to make your wine." Micah 6:14-15
In context, this portion of scripture is the judgment on those who've sinned against the Lord. Isn't that a description of our world today? In Psalm 135:15-18 it 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!"
We're surrounded by a society of people who've become like the idols they've made. They live with speechless mouths and sightless eyes and ears that cannot hear. Because of this idolatry, there are so many who live next door to contentment. Actually, some live miles away. But what can be expected? The word says those who make the idols become like them.
Contrast that with the picture in Revelation 7:16-17 "They will never be hungry again, nor thirsty, and they will be fully protected from the scorching noontime heat. For the Lamb standing in front of the throne will feed them and be their Shepherd and lead them to the springs of the Water of Life. And God will wipe their tears away."
Contentment is found in Christ. Our ultimate goal is to be in uninhibited communion with the Creator of the Universe. In His presence is fullness of joy.
In this Christmas season, the schedule may be busy, the finances may be stressful, but take the time to live in contentment. Our God has given us so much. There's no way we can fathom his greatness. More stuff, less stuff, more time, less time, none of that has to affect our contentment. We don't have to live "next door" to it. We can live in it.
Paul says to Timothy "Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition." (I Tim 6:7-10)
Invite contentment into your home. It isn't something the you have to "wait until I get..." It can come wherever you are. We have been blessed with a beautiful home. But it doesn't come with a "contentment package". Contentment has nothing to do with surroundings and whether they are miserable or comfortable. Contentment has everything to do with the state of the heart and realizing that God always provides enough.
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
Micah 5:1-7:20
Revelation 7:1-17
Psalm 135:1-21
Proverbs 30:5-6
Where do you live? You will probably answer with a town, an intersection, or a distance from a common landmark or location. But let me ask this: where do you live in proximity to contentment? Is contentment a long way off? near? I think so many times we live our lives "next door" to contentment. The amazing thing is that it has nothing to do with how much or how little one has. It has nothing to do with wealth or poverty. It has nothing to do with sickness or health. It has nothing to do with joy or sorrow. It's about where you live.
An individual with $100 to their name can live comfortably in contentment while the millionaire lives next door to it. Or, it can be the other way around.
What's the difference? In Micah we see a description. "You will eat but never have enough; hunger pangs and emptiness will still remain. And though you try and try to save your money, it will come to nothing at the end, and what little you succeed in storing up I'll give to those who conquer you! You will plant crops but not harvest them; you will press out the oil from the olives, and not get enough to anoint yourself! You will trample the grapes, but get no juice to make your wine." Micah 6:14-15
In context, this portion of scripture is the judgment on those who've sinned against the Lord. Isn't that a description of our world today? In Psalm 135:15-18 it 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!"
We're surrounded by a society of people who've become like the idols they've made. They live with speechless mouths and sightless eyes and ears that cannot hear. Because of this idolatry, there are so many who live next door to contentment. Actually, some live miles away. But what can be expected? The word says those who make the idols become like them.
Contrast that with the picture in Revelation 7:16-17 "They will never be hungry again, nor thirsty, and they will be fully protected from the scorching noontime heat. For the Lamb standing in front of the throne will feed them and be their Shepherd and lead them to the springs of the Water of Life. And God will wipe their tears away."
Contentment is found in Christ. Our ultimate goal is to be in uninhibited communion with the Creator of the Universe. In His presence is fullness of joy.
In this Christmas season, the schedule may be busy, the finances may be stressful, but take the time to live in contentment. Our God has given us so much. There's no way we can fathom his greatness. More stuff, less stuff, more time, less time, none of that has to affect our contentment. We don't have to live "next door" to it. We can live in it.
Paul says to Timothy "Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition." (I Tim 6:7-10)
Invite contentment into your home. It isn't something the you have to "wait until I get..." It can come wherever you are. We have been blessed with a beautiful home. But it doesn't come with a "contentment package". Contentment has nothing to do with surroundings and whether they are miserable or comfortable. Contentment has everything to do with the state of the heart and realizing that God always provides enough.
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, December 15, 2009
12.15.9 "The Power of Self-Restraint"
"The Power of Self-Restraint"
Micah 1:1-4:13
Revelation 6:1-17
Psalm 134:1-3
Proverbs 30:1-4
Micah 2:1 has a simple phrase in the Living Bible: "Because you can, you do." A while back, I was trying to lead a friend astray. There were goodies in the office. He was taking out a knife & cutting one in half. I was saying, "come on, take the whole thing! You deserve it!" He had the noble restraint to only eat a half. I on the other hand, couldn't stand to see that half left unattended, so I ate my treat, and his half as well. Because I could, I did.
Just because you "can" doesn't mean you "should". This thought fits into two DREAM principles. It takes the Discipline of Empowered through Biblical Training, combined with the Responsibility of Active Ministry Involvement.
Obviously, Empowered through Biblical Training is not just a Sunday Morning commitment type of thing. It's needs to be a part of our lifestyle. Part of who we are. We know that, and understand the need for daily application.
What about Active Ministry Involvement? How do we make that a part of daily life? You can't work in the nursery everyday, can you? So, do I just apply that principle to my life during seasons or times? Not if you understand the principle behind it. The principle is Responsibility. It beckons us to be good stewards of all that God has given us.
Think of it in terms of money. Because I can afford to go buy something doesn't mean I should! I must exercise restraint to be a good steward of what God has given me. Think of time. Just because I have time to do something doesn't automatically mean I should.
Think of the "auditing" process. It's stressful to get the letter from the IRS saying you will be audited. Stressful because you have to get your documents together, and you hope things are in order. Well, scripture clearly indicates that we are going to be audited. Everyone of us. It's not an "if" kind of thing. It will happen. What we have done with our lives will be weighed in the scales of God's judgment. What have we done with what he has given us?
So, how do we know how to be good stewards? By being Empowered through Biblical Training. When we know God's word & discipline ourselves to follow it, we make decisions based on Godly principle, and not on emotion or circumstance. Then we don't just do stuff because we can, we do it because we SHOULD.
The Body of Christ becomes healthy applying these principles. Living in self-restraint positions us to receive incredible things from the Lord. For one, it's because he can trust us. We've proven ourselves faithful. I Cor. 4:2 says, "Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful." This life we have must be marked with discipline and self-restraint.
The more we realize the great things God has done for us, and realize the blessings he has given us, the more we must constrain ourselves to do the right thing. When we see what's at stake, we must stay in the center of the path he has laid out for us. The risk is too great to live a life of doing things "just because we can". We must apply these principles to our life.
A word of clarification. It could be very easy to use this line of thought as an "excuse" not to get involved in ministry, or not to give of your resources. That's the opposite interpretation. The goal is that we must FOCUS our attention and activity on using our resources in an optimal way. There are times when there is need and we just have to jump in. Also, there are also many opportunities to just be distracted. The point is in discovering what God has called you do, and doing it with all of your heart.
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
Micah 1:1-4:13
Revelation 6:1-17
Psalm 134:1-3
Proverbs 30:1-4
Micah 2:1 has a simple phrase in the Living Bible: "Because you can, you do." A while back, I was trying to lead a friend astray. There were goodies in the office. He was taking out a knife & cutting one in half. I was saying, "come on, take the whole thing! You deserve it!" He had the noble restraint to only eat a half. I on the other hand, couldn't stand to see that half left unattended, so I ate my treat, and his half as well. Because I could, I did.
Just because you "can" doesn't mean you "should". This thought fits into two DREAM principles. It takes the Discipline of Empowered through Biblical Training, combined with the Responsibility of Active Ministry Involvement.
Obviously, Empowered through Biblical Training is not just a Sunday Morning commitment type of thing. It's needs to be a part of our lifestyle. Part of who we are. We know that, and understand the need for daily application.
What about Active Ministry Involvement? How do we make that a part of daily life? You can't work in the nursery everyday, can you? So, do I just apply that principle to my life during seasons or times? Not if you understand the principle behind it. The principle is Responsibility. It beckons us to be good stewards of all that God has given us.
Think of it in terms of money. Because I can afford to go buy something doesn't mean I should! I must exercise restraint to be a good steward of what God has given me. Think of time. Just because I have time to do something doesn't automatically mean I should.
Think of the "auditing" process. It's stressful to get the letter from the IRS saying you will be audited. Stressful because you have to get your documents together, and you hope things are in order. Well, scripture clearly indicates that we are going to be audited. Everyone of us. It's not an "if" kind of thing. It will happen. What we have done with our lives will be weighed in the scales of God's judgment. What have we done with what he has given us?
So, how do we know how to be good stewards? By being Empowered through Biblical Training. When we know God's word & discipline ourselves to follow it, we make decisions based on Godly principle, and not on emotion or circumstance. Then we don't just do stuff because we can, we do it because we SHOULD.
The Body of Christ becomes healthy applying these principles. Living in self-restraint positions us to receive incredible things from the Lord. For one, it's because he can trust us. We've proven ourselves faithful. I Cor. 4:2 says, "Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful." This life we have must be marked with discipline and self-restraint.
The more we realize the great things God has done for us, and realize the blessings he has given us, the more we must constrain ourselves to do the right thing. When we see what's at stake, we must stay in the center of the path he has laid out for us. The risk is too great to live a life of doing things "just because we can". We must apply these principles to our life.
A word of clarification. It could be very easy to use this line of thought as an "excuse" not to get involved in ministry, or not to give of your resources. That's the opposite interpretation. The goal is that we must FOCUS our attention and activity on using our resources in an optimal way. There are times when there is need and we just have to jump in. Also, there are also many opportunities to just be distracted. The point is in discovering what God has called you do, and doing it with all of your heart.
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, December 14, 2009
12.14.9 "What's it all about anyway?"
"What's it all about anyway?"
Jonah 1:1-4:11
Revelation 5:1-14
Psalm 133:1-3
Proverbs 29:26-27
The story of Jonah is an interesting story. Because it's one we've heard as kids, we can kind of gloss over it with a "yeah, I've heard that before" thought going through our mind. The great thing about the Spirit of God is that he brings out different flavors for us each time we read his word. Here's a few points from today's reading.
The first thing is in verse 2. God calls Jonah: "Go to the great city of Nineveh, and give them this announcement from the Lord: 'I am going to destroy you, for your wickedness rises before me; it smells to highest heaven.'" I find it interesting that our sin stinks to "highest heaven".
We all know what happens next. "But Jonah was afraid to go and ran away from the Lord." There's something I had never connected in the years I had heard it. I thought it was merely that he was chicken. Yes, it says he was "afraid to go", but we find out the real reason in chapter 4:2 "This is exactly what I thought you'd do, Lord, when I was there in my own country and you first told me to come here. That's why I ran away to Tarshish. For I knew you were a gracious God, merciful, slow to get angry, and full of kindness; I knew how easily you could cancel your plans for destroying these people."
You talk about a stinky attitude! He didn't want to be proven wrong with his prophecy. in 4:3 he says, "Please kill me, Lord; I'd rather be dead than alive [when nothing that I told them happens]."
Jonah's big problem? It's all about him. He's living his life as if God's direction is for the benefit of his comfort or reputation. Good thing we're not that way? Right?
What about when God gives us direction? Is it about what he wants to accomplish, or is it about us? We think Jonah's so bad in his decision making. We think we would never do that, but in little things we don't follow God's leading. Why? because it doesn't fit into our comfort zone? Because we don't think the results will be the way WE think they should?
When you think of being 3 days & nights in a belly of the whale, we think of the big open cavern like Pinnochio was in. If you've ever cleaned a fish, you know it's not like that. It's a cramped, stinky place. That's what it took to bring Jonah to obedience. He cries out to God.
It brought him to obedience, but his character "shone" through at the end with his attitude. His conduct was obedient, but his heart was selfish.
What do you think God wants of us? He wants obedience with an attitude of worship. We are not responsible for the results of obedience. That's his part. We may think we are involved in something for the purpose of affecting great change. That may not be his plan. He may just have us in something just for the purpose of refining our character, or leading someone to Christ.
Either way, the important thing is that we must be obedient. It's NOT about you! It's about what God wants to do, in you, and through you!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Jonah 1:1-4:11
Revelation 5:1-14
Psalm 133:1-3
Proverbs 29:26-27
The story of Jonah is an interesting story. Because it's one we've heard as kids, we can kind of gloss over it with a "yeah, I've heard that before" thought going through our mind. The great thing about the Spirit of God is that he brings out different flavors for us each time we read his word. Here's a few points from today's reading.
The first thing is in verse 2. God calls Jonah: "Go to the great city of Nineveh, and give them this announcement from the Lord: 'I am going to destroy you, for your wickedness rises before me; it smells to highest heaven.'" I find it interesting that our sin stinks to "highest heaven".
We all know what happens next. "But Jonah was afraid to go and ran away from the Lord." There's something I had never connected in the years I had heard it. I thought it was merely that he was chicken. Yes, it says he was "afraid to go", but we find out the real reason in chapter 4:2 "This is exactly what I thought you'd do, Lord, when I was there in my own country and you first told me to come here. That's why I ran away to Tarshish. For I knew you were a gracious God, merciful, slow to get angry, and full of kindness; I knew how easily you could cancel your plans for destroying these people."
You talk about a stinky attitude! He didn't want to be proven wrong with his prophecy. in 4:3 he says, "Please kill me, Lord; I'd rather be dead than alive [when nothing that I told them happens]."
Jonah's big problem? It's all about him. He's living his life as if God's direction is for the benefit of his comfort or reputation. Good thing we're not that way? Right?
What about when God gives us direction? Is it about what he wants to accomplish, or is it about us? We think Jonah's so bad in his decision making. We think we would never do that, but in little things we don't follow God's leading. Why? because it doesn't fit into our comfort zone? Because we don't think the results will be the way WE think they should?
When you think of being 3 days & nights in a belly of the whale, we think of the big open cavern like Pinnochio was in. If you've ever cleaned a fish, you know it's not like that. It's a cramped, stinky place. That's what it took to bring Jonah to obedience. He cries out to God.
It brought him to obedience, but his character "shone" through at the end with his attitude. His conduct was obedient, but his heart was selfish.
What do you think God wants of us? He wants obedience with an attitude of worship. We are not responsible for the results of obedience. That's his part. We may think we are involved in something for the purpose of affecting great change. That may not be his plan. He may just have us in something just for the purpose of refining our character, or leading someone to Christ.
Either way, the important thing is that we must be obedient. It's NOT about you! It's about what God wants to do, in you, and through you!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Sunday, December 13, 2009
12.13.9 "The Trap"
"The Trap"
Obadiah 1:1-21
Revelation 4:1-11
Psalm 132:1-18
Proverbs 29:24-25
If you had to pinpoint one of the main things that keeps one from living a life of radical obedience, what would it be? What keeps you from boldly doing what God has called you to do?
I'd have to guess that most of the time it's the fear of what people think. Prov. 29:25 says, "Fear of man is a dangerous trap, but to trust in God means safety."
What is so dangerous about the trap of fear of man? It is a subtle lure into the Mediocre Christian Life. Scripture says that God is looking for anyone through whom to make his name great. Many times, though, we hear God leading us, but we reason it out in our mind. "You don't want me to speak to that one, God, they'll think I'm weird..." This fear of rejection causes us to miss an opportunity to make His name great.
In all actuality, the fear of man leads to a "victim" mentality. We ultimately are motivated by what others may or may not "do" to us. Therefore we measure our success and failure by what man may think.
Trusting in God is a different story. When trusting in God, the results are totally different. The only question we have to answer is: Was I obedient? The results may vary. In tomorrow's One-Year-Bible reading we read about Jonah. There's a story of obedience and disobedience. Sure there are times when obedience may cause us to "drop in the polls" of man's opinion, but there is safety in knowing we are right with God.
One thing you notice from a believer who lives a life of radical obedience: The truly obedient believer gains favor with God AND man. The life of obedience is marked with humility. Humility is NOT a "low self-esteem". Humility is proper understanding of who we are in Christ. It's not an "I'm not good enough" attitude, it's an "I can do all things through Christ attitude."
What safety there is in trusting God. We know that all we have to worry about is walking in obedience to him. The rest will all fall into place. This makes the Lifestyle of Worship Dynamic!
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
Obadiah 1:1-21
Revelation 4:1-11
Psalm 132:1-18
Proverbs 29:24-25
If you had to pinpoint one of the main things that keeps one from living a life of radical obedience, what would it be? What keeps you from boldly doing what God has called you to do?
I'd have to guess that most of the time it's the fear of what people think. Prov. 29:25 says, "Fear of man is a dangerous trap, but to trust in God means safety."
What is so dangerous about the trap of fear of man? It is a subtle lure into the Mediocre Christian Life. Scripture says that God is looking for anyone through whom to make his name great. Many times, though, we hear God leading us, but we reason it out in our mind. "You don't want me to speak to that one, God, they'll think I'm weird..." This fear of rejection causes us to miss an opportunity to make His name great.
In all actuality, the fear of man leads to a "victim" mentality. We ultimately are motivated by what others may or may not "do" to us. Therefore we measure our success and failure by what man may think.
Trusting in God is a different story. When trusting in God, the results are totally different. The only question we have to answer is: Was I obedient? The results may vary. In tomorrow's One-Year-Bible reading we read about Jonah. There's a story of obedience and disobedience. Sure there are times when obedience may cause us to "drop in the polls" of man's opinion, but there is safety in knowing we are right with God.
One thing you notice from a believer who lives a life of radical obedience: The truly obedient believer gains favor with God AND man. The life of obedience is marked with humility. Humility is NOT a "low self-esteem". Humility is proper understanding of who we are in Christ. It's not an "I'm not good enough" attitude, it's an "I can do all things through Christ attitude."
What safety there is in trusting God. We know that all we have to worry about is walking in obedience to him. The rest will all fall into place. This makes the Lifestyle of Worship Dynamic!
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, December 12, 2009
12.12.9 "Come In!"
"Come In!"
Amos 7:1-9:15
Revelation 3:7-22
Psalm 131:1-3
Proverbs 29:23
We have two dogs. If you want see them get excited quick, yell "Come in!" as if someone is at the door. For some reason they freak out at the potential that someone is at the door. I guess it's their job to make sure that every person who walks through the door passes the sniff test & is formally introduced to the ferocious 9 pound guard dogs.
Rev. 3:20 says, "Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends."
This verse reveals a profound insight into the nature of our Savior. His desire is to have a personal relationship with us. He wants to commune with us. He wants to be with us. The creator of the universe says, "Hey, can I come over for pizza?"
I think it's in the guilt-driven human nature to envision a God who is behind massive closed doors with a sign on it that says, "You're not good enough for God!!" But what does Jesus do? He comes to us!
These are the words of Jesus to the church of Laodicea. This church has become lukewarm in it's love for God. They have become complacent. They're so caught up in their own concerns that they're just going through the motions. They've not realized that they've pushed Jesus outside the door. Their relationship with Christ has fallen to the back burner.
But Jesus doesn't kick the door down and start screaming at everyone. He stands and knocks. He speaks, hoping someone will recognize his voice. He desires the door be opened so he can be with friends.
Where are you right now. Have you taken the time to sit and visit with Jesus, or are you thinking, "now that you mention it, I'm not sure where he is." Do you hear his voice calling you? Don't let the condemnation of the enemy keep the door to your heart locked. The enemy would like you to think, "don't let him in, he's going to make you feel guilty!" That's a lie. He just wants to be with you as a friend.
Do you hear him knocking?
"Come in!"
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
Amos 7:1-9:15
Revelation 3:7-22
Psalm 131:1-3
Proverbs 29:23
We have two dogs. If you want see them get excited quick, yell "Come in!" as if someone is at the door. For some reason they freak out at the potential that someone is at the door. I guess it's their job to make sure that every person who walks through the door passes the sniff test & is formally introduced to the ferocious 9 pound guard dogs.
Rev. 3:20 says, "Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends."
This verse reveals a profound insight into the nature of our Savior. His desire is to have a personal relationship with us. He wants to commune with us. He wants to be with us. The creator of the universe says, "Hey, can I come over for pizza?"
I think it's in the guilt-driven human nature to envision a God who is behind massive closed doors with a sign on it that says, "You're not good enough for God!!" But what does Jesus do? He comes to us!
These are the words of Jesus to the church of Laodicea. This church has become lukewarm in it's love for God. They have become complacent. They're so caught up in their own concerns that they're just going through the motions. They've not realized that they've pushed Jesus outside the door. Their relationship with Christ has fallen to the back burner.
But Jesus doesn't kick the door down and start screaming at everyone. He stands and knocks. He speaks, hoping someone will recognize his voice. He desires the door be opened so he can be with friends.
Where are you right now. Have you taken the time to sit and visit with Jesus, or are you thinking, "now that you mention it, I'm not sure where he is." Do you hear his voice calling you? Don't let the condemnation of the enemy keep the door to your heart locked. The enemy would like you to think, "don't let him in, he's going to make you feel guilty!" That's a lie. He just wants to be with you as a friend.
Do you hear him knocking?
"Come in!"
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, December 11, 2009
12.11.9 "Seek Me and Live"
"Seek Me and Live"
Amos 4:1-6:14
Revelation 2:18-3:6
Psalm 130:1-8
Proverbs 29:21-22
"The Lord says to the people of Israel, 'Seek me - and live. don't seek the idols of Bethel, Gilgal, or Beer-sheeba; for the people of Gilgal will be carried off to exile, and those of Bethel shall surely come to grief."
This portion of scripture may seem unassuming, but it was one of the most impacting scriptures in my Christian growth. It was 19 years ago. I was a student at North Central Bible College. (now NCU). It was a morning that I was going to skip chapel service because I was tired. For some reason, I ended up going, and the guest speaker was Pam Seward. She was a tiny lady who was (and still is, I believe) a missionary to the country of Nepal. She had an unbelievable testimony that I wish I had time to pass on to you. I feel like I just heard it yesterday. I truly believe that in heaven she will be mentioned in the ranks of those as the apostle Paul.
Beside Pam's incredible testimony, she challenged us with this scripture. The challenge rings true for all of us today. We need to seek God and Live!
Don't seek the idols of Bethel. Bethel represents the house of God. It's where Abraham built his second altar, it's where Jacob had his vision. How does that apply to us? We need to make sure that we seek God, and not "church". Your relationship with the Lord is not about the ritual of Christian actions. It's about seeking God. When you seek God, your commitment to church will be a natural result. The fruit of the healthy relationship is that commitment. But too often many try to make it "look" like the relationship is healthy by pursuing the busyness of the Christian life.
Don't seek the idols of Gilgal. Gilgal was the Israelites' first camping place after crossing the Jordan. It represents what God has done in the past. I'm sure everyone reading this DEVO has a testimony of what God has done. If we look back, there are great things that we can testify about. As great as those testimonies can be, our relationship with God can't be only about what he's done in the past. We can't be constantly looking back at the past hoping God will "do it again." We need to seek him for who he is.
Don't seek the idols of Beer-sheeba. Beer-sheeba is a place of promises. Abraham made an oath there. Our love for God can't be based only on what he has promised us. "ok, God, i'll serve you if you come through like you said you would..." God's promises are awesome, but we don't seek him for his hand. We need to seek his face. It's not about what he can do for us. It's about who he is.
You wanna live? Seek 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
Amos 4:1-6:14
Revelation 2:18-3:6
Psalm 130:1-8
Proverbs 29:21-22
"The Lord says to the people of Israel, 'Seek me - and live. don't seek the idols of Bethel, Gilgal, or Beer-sheeba; for the people of Gilgal will be carried off to exile, and those of Bethel shall surely come to grief."
This portion of scripture may seem unassuming, but it was one of the most impacting scriptures in my Christian growth. It was 19 years ago. I was a student at North Central Bible College. (now NCU). It was a morning that I was going to skip chapel service because I was tired. For some reason, I ended up going, and the guest speaker was Pam Seward. She was a tiny lady who was (and still is, I believe) a missionary to the country of Nepal. She had an unbelievable testimony that I wish I had time to pass on to you. I feel like I just heard it yesterday. I truly believe that in heaven she will be mentioned in the ranks of those as the apostle Paul.
Beside Pam's incredible testimony, she challenged us with this scripture. The challenge rings true for all of us today. We need to seek God and Live!
Don't seek the idols of Bethel. Bethel represents the house of God. It's where Abraham built his second altar, it's where Jacob had his vision. How does that apply to us? We need to make sure that we seek God, and not "church". Your relationship with the Lord is not about the ritual of Christian actions. It's about seeking God. When you seek God, your commitment to church will be a natural result. The fruit of the healthy relationship is that commitment. But too often many try to make it "look" like the relationship is healthy by pursuing the busyness of the Christian life.
Don't seek the idols of Gilgal. Gilgal was the Israelites' first camping place after crossing the Jordan. It represents what God has done in the past. I'm sure everyone reading this DEVO has a testimony of what God has done. If we look back, there are great things that we can testify about. As great as those testimonies can be, our relationship with God can't be only about what he's done in the past. We can't be constantly looking back at the past hoping God will "do it again." We need to seek him for who he is.
Don't seek the idols of Beer-sheeba. Beer-sheeba is a place of promises. Abraham made an oath there. Our love for God can't be based only on what he has promised us. "ok, God, i'll serve you if you come through like you said you would..." God's promises are awesome, but we don't seek him for his hand. We need to seek his face. It's not about what he can do for us. It's about who he is.
You wanna live? Seek 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
Thursday, December 10, 2009
12.10.9 "All Spokes and No Hub"
"All Spokes and No Hub"
Amos 1:1-3:15
Revelation 2:1-17
Psalm 129:1-8
Proverbs 29:19-20
To Live the DREAM means to live the Balanced Christian Life. Think of our Christian walk as a wheel. Each DREAM principle is represented by the parts of the wheel. The "tire" is our purpose - our Mission to reach our World for Christ. It's where the "rubber meets the road" so to speak. There are 3 spokes: Relationships Devoted to Unity, Empowered Through Biblical Training, and Active Ministry Involvement. The Hub of the wheel is the "Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship".
The Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship (DLOW) represents our relationship with the Lord. It must be the center of all we do. It must be healthy.
In Revelations 2, John is instructed to write a letters to the Churches. The Ephesian Church has a pretty good looking wheel, but has a significant problem.
"I know how many Good things you are doing. I have watched your hard work and your patience; (Active Ministry Involvement) I know you don't tolerate sin among your members, (Relationships Devoted to Unity) and you have carefully examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but aren't. You have found out how they lie. (Empowered Through Biblical Training)." Rev. 2:2
You could think things are going pretty good from this review. But, here it comes: "yet there is one thing wrong; you don't love me as at first! Think about those times of your first love (how different now!) and turn back to me again and work as you did before; or else I will come and remove your candlestick from its place among the churches." Rev. 2:4-5
The problem is that they're all spokes and no hub. As we live the balanced Christian life, we need to make sure that our relationship with Christ is the central focus. Great "spokes" should be part of our life, but we can't forget what holds us together.
Notice that the church was not told to get rid of their "spokes". They were told to "turn back to me again and work as you did before." So many times I hear someone tell me they have to throw their spokes away because their hub has lost it's focus. That isn't the point. The point is that we need to be in healthy relationship with Christ in all things.
It's BECAUSE I love Christ that I am devoted to unity. It's BECAUSE I love Christ that I'm Empowered through his Word & I'm Actively using my gifts. The manifestation of all these things is reaching our World for Christ.
It's great to desire balance. That's what we're shooting for. But we can never forget that in order to find balance, we must have the right thing in the center!
Let's get our wheel in order as we live the DREAM!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Amos 1:1-3:15
Revelation 2:1-17
Psalm 129:1-8
Proverbs 29:19-20
To Live the DREAM means to live the Balanced Christian Life. Think of our Christian walk as a wheel. Each DREAM principle is represented by the parts of the wheel. The "tire" is our purpose - our Mission to reach our World for Christ. It's where the "rubber meets the road" so to speak. There are 3 spokes: Relationships Devoted to Unity, Empowered Through Biblical Training, and Active Ministry Involvement. The Hub of the wheel is the "Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship".
The Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship (DLOW) represents our relationship with the Lord. It must be the center of all we do. It must be healthy.
In Revelations 2, John is instructed to write a letters to the Churches. The Ephesian Church has a pretty good looking wheel, but has a significant problem.
"I know how many Good things you are doing. I have watched your hard work and your patience; (Active Ministry Involvement) I know you don't tolerate sin among your members, (Relationships Devoted to Unity) and you have carefully examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but aren't. You have found out how they lie. (Empowered Through Biblical Training)." Rev. 2:2
You could think things are going pretty good from this review. But, here it comes: "yet there is one thing wrong; you don't love me as at first! Think about those times of your first love (how different now!) and turn back to me again and work as you did before; or else I will come and remove your candlestick from its place among the churches." Rev. 2:4-5
The problem is that they're all spokes and no hub. As we live the balanced Christian life, we need to make sure that our relationship with Christ is the central focus. Great "spokes" should be part of our life, but we can't forget what holds us together.
Notice that the church was not told to get rid of their "spokes". They were told to "turn back to me again and work as you did before." So many times I hear someone tell me they have to throw their spokes away because their hub has lost it's focus. That isn't the point. The point is that we need to be in healthy relationship with Christ in all things.
It's BECAUSE I love Christ that I am devoted to unity. It's BECAUSE I love Christ that I'm Empowered through his Word & I'm Actively using my gifts. The manifestation of all these things is reaching our World for Christ.
It's great to desire balance. That's what we're shooting for. But we can never forget that in order to find balance, we must have the right thing in the center!
Let's get our wheel in order as we live the DREAM!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
12.9.9 "Positioned to Hear"
"Positioned to Hear"
Joel 1:1-3:21
Revelation 1:1-20
Psalm 128:1-6
Proverbs 29:18
"I was on the island of Patmos, exiled for preaching the Word of God, and for telling what I knew about Jesus Christ. It was the Lord's Day and I was worshiping, when suddenly I heard a loud voice behind me, a voice that sounded like a trumpet blast".
This is a familiar scripture. I'm sure you've heard it many times. I know I have. What struck me is something that we all need to remember. We never know when God is going to speak to us, but we need to be in a position to hear him.
John is on this prison island in exile. Yet that doesn't change the fact that he is worshiping the Lord on the Lord's Day. In fleshly reason, it's easy to say, "you know what, John, you've had it rough. You deserve to skip church today...." Yet, on the Lord's Day, he's worshiping the Lord.
Too often we create an excuse for our lack of discipline in time with the Lord. "I'm tired, I'm too busy..." We skip time in God's house, We skip our morning devotions. Of course it's for "good reason". I'm sure God understands...
And then we wonder why we don't hear from God. We wonder why there's no revelation. Empowered Through Biblical Training is a Discipline. Discipline prepares us to be where we need to be when God needs to speak to us and to use us. I'm sure it's sad from God's perspective to have something he really desires to place in our heart, and i'm too busy & I run out the door. What he wanted to show me would greatly equip me for the day. Then I struggle through the day in my own strength. Then when I get home, I blame Him for how bad it went.
When I was in college, I heard a great analogy from this little missionary lady from Napal. Her name was Pam Seward. She told of how the Napali government was given a satellite dish for communications. The way it works is that a motor on the dish moves it to follow wherever the satellite went. Well they were happy to have received this for free, but they began thinking that if they used it to much it may wear out & they would have to fix it. So they decided to turn the motor off when they weren't using it. You can guess what happened. When they'd fire it up, it spent way more energy trying to search out the satellite. It would have been so much more efficient to keep it in tune with the satellite all the time.
The same is true for us. we need to daily be in tune with the voice of the Holy Spirit. Then we can clearly recognize the still small voice whenever and wherever it speaks. He's often telling us very simple practical steps that when obeyed, have the potential to change the world.
We are more desperate for the Lord than we realize. Every day we need to take the time to hear from God. It shouldn't be optional. It's vital to do this to discover and become who God created us to be. The "revelation" may not happen the first day, the first week, or when we want it. But, regardless, we need to be in position to hear him no matter the circumstance.
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
Joel 1:1-3:21
Revelation 1:1-20
Psalm 128:1-6
Proverbs 29:18
"I was on the island of Patmos, exiled for preaching the Word of God, and for telling what I knew about Jesus Christ. It was the Lord's Day and I was worshiping, when suddenly I heard a loud voice behind me, a voice that sounded like a trumpet blast".
This is a familiar scripture. I'm sure you've heard it many times. I know I have. What struck me is something that we all need to remember. We never know when God is going to speak to us, but we need to be in a position to hear him.
John is on this prison island in exile. Yet that doesn't change the fact that he is worshiping the Lord on the Lord's Day. In fleshly reason, it's easy to say, "you know what, John, you've had it rough. You deserve to skip church today...." Yet, on the Lord's Day, he's worshiping the Lord.
Too often we create an excuse for our lack of discipline in time with the Lord. "I'm tired, I'm too busy..." We skip time in God's house, We skip our morning devotions. Of course it's for "good reason". I'm sure God understands...
And then we wonder why we don't hear from God. We wonder why there's no revelation. Empowered Through Biblical Training is a Discipline. Discipline prepares us to be where we need to be when God needs to speak to us and to use us. I'm sure it's sad from God's perspective to have something he really desires to place in our heart, and i'm too busy & I run out the door. What he wanted to show me would greatly equip me for the day. Then I struggle through the day in my own strength. Then when I get home, I blame Him for how bad it went.
When I was in college, I heard a great analogy from this little missionary lady from Napal. Her name was Pam Seward. She told of how the Napali government was given a satellite dish for communications. The way it works is that a motor on the dish moves it to follow wherever the satellite went. Well they were happy to have received this for free, but they began thinking that if they used it to much it may wear out & they would have to fix it. So they decided to turn the motor off when they weren't using it. You can guess what happened. When they'd fire it up, it spent way more energy trying to search out the satellite. It would have been so much more efficient to keep it in tune with the satellite all the time.
The same is true for us. we need to daily be in tune with the voice of the Holy Spirit. Then we can clearly recognize the still small voice whenever and wherever it speaks. He's often telling us very simple practical steps that when obeyed, have the potential to change the world.
We are more desperate for the Lord than we realize. Every day we need to take the time to hear from God. It shouldn't be optional. It's vital to do this to discover and become who God created us to be. The "revelation" may not happen the first day, the first week, or when we want it. But, regardless, we need to be in position to hear him no matter the circumstance.
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, December 8, 2009
12.8.9 "Keep it Between the Lines"
"Keep it Between the Lines"
Hosea 10:1-14:9
Jude 1:1-25
Psalm 127:1-5
Proverbs 29:15-17
I've done some things I should ask you about... We have a four-way stop near our house. I stop "most" of the time, but if I'm in a hurry, I go through right away because everybody else stops. Great idea right?
A couple of years ago on there was a major traffic delay on my side of the freeway. I noticed there was no traffic at all on the other side, so I took the next exit crossed the bridge, and drove onto the other side of the freeway. It was great. Sure it was the wrong direction, but it sure was fun waving to all those losers who were stuck in traffic....
How do you feel about my actions? Well, to be honest, you don't need to worry. Those things never happened. However, I think more people would be upset about the traffic offenses than they would be about how some Christians live their life. They know God's guidelines, but choose to do their own thing anyway.
We live in an age of grace. We know that. We are thankful for the cross. It is a wonderful gift. We fail to understand that the power of the cross constrains us to do the right thing. Jude 1:4 says, "I say this because some godless teachers have wormed their way in among you, saying that after we become Christians we can do just as we like without fear of God's punishment..."
Unfortunately, there's an errant theology that can creep in that says we can make the choices we want to make, do what we want & everything will work out in the end. That is more dangerous than driving 65 miles an hour down a freeway in the wrong direction. Sure, you might survive...
We MUST understand the character of God. His love for us is the most intense force in the universe. Jude 1:21 says, "Stay always within the boundaries where God's love can reach and bless you." WHAT?? what do you mean where the love can reach... isn't it the most powerful?
Yes, it is, but when we willfully step out from the umbrella of God's grace, we are in very serious danger. The world really wants to trick us into believing we can make the choices we want to make, right or wrong, with no consequence. Is that a godly principle? Here's Jude's reply:
"My answer to them is: Remember this fact - which you know already - that the Lord saved a whole nation of people out of the land of Egypt, and then killed every one of them who did not trust and obey him... And I remind you of those angels who were once pure and holy, but turned to a life of sin." Jude 1:5
When learning to drive, one thing that's really important is keeping your car in your lane. For the safety of everyone you need to keep it between the lines.
We must do the same thing as believers. there is a structure and a plan that God has for us. Our love for him should constrain us to keep to the path he has laid out. Hosea 14:9 says, "Whoever is wise, let him understand these things. Whoever is intelligent, let him listen. For the paths of the Lord are true and right, and good men walk along them. But sinners trying it will fail."
So many around live as if they will not reap the fruit of what they plant. Hosea 10:12-14 say, "Plant the good seeds of righteousness and you will reap a crop of my love; plow the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and shower salvation upon you. but you have cultivated wickedness and raised a thriving crop of sins. You have earned the full reward of trusting in a lie - believing that military might and great armies can make a nation safe! Therefore the terrors of war shall rise among your people, and all your forts will fall..."
This might not like a real encouraging word, but it's most assuredly a word we need to be reminded of. I don't only need to hear this myself, there are those in my world who do, and I owe it to those I care for to help them stay the course. Proverbs 29:15 & 17 say, "Scolding and spanking a child helps him to learn. Left to himself, he brings shame to his mother... Discipline your son and he will give you happiness and peace of mind." Discipline is not a punishment of wrath. It's an act of love to help one stay the course; to keep it between the lines.
God does not want us to be left to our own devices. He loves us enough to constrain us to do the right thing. We must be urgent about this.
"But you, dear friends, must build up your lives ever more strongly upon the foundation of our holy faith, learning to pray in the power and strength of the Holy Spirit. Stay always within the boundaries where God's love can reach and bless you. Wait patiently for the eternal life that our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy is going to give you. Try to help those who argue against you. Be merciful to those who doubt. Save some by snatching them as from the very flames of hell itself. And as for others, help them to find the Lord by being kind to them, but be careful that you yourselves aren't pulled along into their sins. Hate every trace of their sin while being merciful to them as sinners." Jude 1:20-23
We must discipline ourselves to be Empowered through Biblical Training this is how we break up the ground of our heart. Yes, sometimes it takes work, and many times we don't "feel" like it. However, this is what produces the fruit of a godly life. We can't think that we can plant selfishness and reap something else. It doesn't work that way.
Keep it between the lines of God's word!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Hosea 10:1-14:9
Jude 1:1-25
Psalm 127:1-5
Proverbs 29:15-17
I've done some things I should ask you about... We have a four-way stop near our house. I stop "most" of the time, but if I'm in a hurry, I go through right away because everybody else stops. Great idea right?
A couple of years ago on there was a major traffic delay on my side of the freeway. I noticed there was no traffic at all on the other side, so I took the next exit crossed the bridge, and drove onto the other side of the freeway. It was great. Sure it was the wrong direction, but it sure was fun waving to all those losers who were stuck in traffic....
How do you feel about my actions? Well, to be honest, you don't need to worry. Those things never happened. However, I think more people would be upset about the traffic offenses than they would be about how some Christians live their life. They know God's guidelines, but choose to do their own thing anyway.
We live in an age of grace. We know that. We are thankful for the cross. It is a wonderful gift. We fail to understand that the power of the cross constrains us to do the right thing. Jude 1:4 says, "I say this because some godless teachers have wormed their way in among you, saying that after we become Christians we can do just as we like without fear of God's punishment..."
Unfortunately, there's an errant theology that can creep in that says we can make the choices we want to make, do what we want & everything will work out in the end. That is more dangerous than driving 65 miles an hour down a freeway in the wrong direction. Sure, you might survive...
We MUST understand the character of God. His love for us is the most intense force in the universe. Jude 1:21 says, "Stay always within the boundaries where God's love can reach and bless you." WHAT?? what do you mean where the love can reach... isn't it the most powerful?
Yes, it is, but when we willfully step out from the umbrella of God's grace, we are in very serious danger. The world really wants to trick us into believing we can make the choices we want to make, right or wrong, with no consequence. Is that a godly principle? Here's Jude's reply:
"My answer to them is: Remember this fact - which you know already - that the Lord saved a whole nation of people out of the land of Egypt, and then killed every one of them who did not trust and obey him... And I remind you of those angels who were once pure and holy, but turned to a life of sin." Jude 1:5
When learning to drive, one thing that's really important is keeping your car in your lane. For the safety of everyone you need to keep it between the lines.
We must do the same thing as believers. there is a structure and a plan that God has for us. Our love for him should constrain us to keep to the path he has laid out. Hosea 14:9 says, "Whoever is wise, let him understand these things. Whoever is intelligent, let him listen. For the paths of the Lord are true and right, and good men walk along them. But sinners trying it will fail."
So many around live as if they will not reap the fruit of what they plant. Hosea 10:12-14 say, "Plant the good seeds of righteousness and you will reap a crop of my love; plow the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and shower salvation upon you. but you have cultivated wickedness and raised a thriving crop of sins. You have earned the full reward of trusting in a lie - believing that military might and great armies can make a nation safe! Therefore the terrors of war shall rise among your people, and all your forts will fall..."
This might not like a real encouraging word, but it's most assuredly a word we need to be reminded of. I don't only need to hear this myself, there are those in my world who do, and I owe it to those I care for to help them stay the course. Proverbs 29:15 & 17 say, "Scolding and spanking a child helps him to learn. Left to himself, he brings shame to his mother... Discipline your son and he will give you happiness and peace of mind." Discipline is not a punishment of wrath. It's an act of love to help one stay the course; to keep it between the lines.
God does not want us to be left to our own devices. He loves us enough to constrain us to do the right thing. We must be urgent about this.
"But you, dear friends, must build up your lives ever more strongly upon the foundation of our holy faith, learning to pray in the power and strength of the Holy Spirit. Stay always within the boundaries where God's love can reach and bless you. Wait patiently for the eternal life that our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy is going to give you. Try to help those who argue against you. Be merciful to those who doubt. Save some by snatching them as from the very flames of hell itself. And as for others, help them to find the Lord by being kind to them, but be careful that you yourselves aren't pulled along into their sins. Hate every trace of their sin while being merciful to them as sinners." Jude 1:20-23
We must discipline ourselves to be Empowered through Biblical Training this is how we break up the ground of our heart. Yes, sometimes it takes work, and many times we don't "feel" like it. However, this is what produces the fruit of a godly life. We can't think that we can plant selfishness and reap something else. It doesn't work that way.
Keep it between the lines of God's word!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Monday, December 7, 2009
12.7.9 "Not in the Church!?"
"Not in the Church!?"
Hosea 6:1-9:17
3 John 1:1-15
Psalm 126:1-6
Proverbs 29:12-14
Why do you think so much of the New Testament spends so much time talking about loving one another & our relationships with one another? Shouldn't it be that because we all know God we walk in harmony & peace?
Oh if it were only that easy. In John's 3rd letter, he's commending his friend Gaius for his life of integrity, and also for the way he takes care of the traveling teachers & missionaries. He has some words for another fellow, however.
"I sent a brief letter to the church about this, but proud Diotrephes, who loves to push himself forward as the leader of the Christians there, does not admit my authority over him and refuses to listen to me. When I come I will tell you some of the things he is doing and what wicked things he is saying about me and what insulting language he is using. He not only refuses to welcome the missionary travelers himself, but tells others not to, and when they do he tries to put them out of the church. Dear friend, don't let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do what is right prove that they are God's children; and those who continue in evil prove that they are far from God."
This doesn't sound like a very good scripture to take a devotional from does it? Think about how John was someone who had SEEN JESUS! Most of the people in the early church had not. John's authority was clearly established, and yet there was this lack of unity.
What causes this? It's when opinions become out of control. Now, I don't know Diotrephes. I only know what was said about him here. All I can tell is this: He had an agenda, and he didn't want anyone to mess with it, and didn't want others to mess with it.
This couldn't happen in the church could it?? It can if we are not careful to keep opinions in check, and in line with God appointed authority. This can be harder than it seems. God has placed so many different personalities in the Body of Christ, that we are bound to want to do things different. Two Sunday School teachers teaching the same lesson can want to approach it from different angles, and it can potentially be a really divisive issue. Why? Because we think that our idea is the only way.
This is why the principle of Relationships Devoted to Unity is Submission. We must "submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." My opinion is not greater than yours, yours is not greater than mine. When there are disagreements, they must fall under the authority structure God has put in place. This is very hard to do in a "vote them off the island" culture.
This is extremely hard to do. My friend said to me, "If the Church can't get it's act together internally, how can we shine outside properly?" the heart of "preferring one another" at all times is crucial. Honoring our leaders is essential.
We should guard our hearts from the power of uncontrolled opinion. We should guard one another from opinions getting out of control. This is how we live a righteous life devoted to unity.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Hosea 6:1-9:17
3 John 1:1-15
Psalm 126:1-6
Proverbs 29:12-14
Why do you think so much of the New Testament spends so much time talking about loving one another & our relationships with one another? Shouldn't it be that because we all know God we walk in harmony & peace?
Oh if it were only that easy. In John's 3rd letter, he's commending his friend Gaius for his life of integrity, and also for the way he takes care of the traveling teachers & missionaries. He has some words for another fellow, however.
"I sent a brief letter to the church about this, but proud Diotrephes, who loves to push himself forward as the leader of the Christians there, does not admit my authority over him and refuses to listen to me. When I come I will tell you some of the things he is doing and what wicked things he is saying about me and what insulting language he is using. He not only refuses to welcome the missionary travelers himself, but tells others not to, and when they do he tries to put them out of the church. Dear friend, don't let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do what is right prove that they are God's children; and those who continue in evil prove that they are far from God."
This doesn't sound like a very good scripture to take a devotional from does it? Think about how John was someone who had SEEN JESUS! Most of the people in the early church had not. John's authority was clearly established, and yet there was this lack of unity.
What causes this? It's when opinions become out of control. Now, I don't know Diotrephes. I only know what was said about him here. All I can tell is this: He had an agenda, and he didn't want anyone to mess with it, and didn't want others to mess with it.
This couldn't happen in the church could it?? It can if we are not careful to keep opinions in check, and in line with God appointed authority. This can be harder than it seems. God has placed so many different personalities in the Body of Christ, that we are bound to want to do things different. Two Sunday School teachers teaching the same lesson can want to approach it from different angles, and it can potentially be a really divisive issue. Why? Because we think that our idea is the only way.
This is why the principle of Relationships Devoted to Unity is Submission. We must "submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." My opinion is not greater than yours, yours is not greater than mine. When there are disagreements, they must fall under the authority structure God has put in place. This is very hard to do in a "vote them off the island" culture.
This is extremely hard to do. My friend said to me, "If the Church can't get it's act together internally, how can we shine outside properly?" the heart of "preferring one another" at all times is crucial. Honoring our leaders is essential.
We should guard our hearts from the power of uncontrolled opinion. We should guard one another from opinions getting out of control. This is how we live a righteous life devoted to unity.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Sunday, December 6, 2009
12.6.9 "Why Live the DREAM?"
"Why Live the DREAM?"
Hosea 4:1-5:15
2 John 1:1-13
Psalm 125:1-5
Proverbs 29:9-11
Each morning the "DEVO" ends with the phrase "Through the Power of the Spirit, Live the DREAM". How important is it that we Live the DREAM? What does it mean? Why is it important? Today is kind of a refresher as well as a challenge.
DREAM is merely an acrostic that helps us remember 5 important elements needed to live the Balanced Christian Life:
-Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship represents our relationship with the Lord which is our worship. This is our fellowship with Him. The highest form of worship is obedience.
-Relationships Devoted to Unity is how we should live in fellowship with one another, completely devoted and committed to unity. Submission to one another is the principle of unity.
-Empowered Through Biblical Training represents discipleship. The principle is Discipline. We need to discipline ourselves to the alignment of God's Word.
-Active Ministry Involvement represents our stewardship of the gifts God has given us. The principle of this is Responsibility.
-Mission to Reach our World for Christ is our Purpose. This is the aim of all we do, to draw others to Christ.
Why the refresher? Because too often the tools that God places in our hands become too "common" to us. We too easily forget the daily impact that God's word needs to have on our lives. The reality of this is brought out in Hosea 4:1-3:
"Hear the word of the Lord, O people of Israel. The Lord has filed a lawsuit against you listing the following charges: There is no faithfulness, no kindness, no knowledge of God in your land. You swear and lie and kill and steal and commit adultery. There is violence everywhere, with one murder after another. That is why your land is not producing; it is filled with sadness, and all living things grow sick and die; the animals, the birds, and even the fish begin to disappear."
Doesn't that sound like where we live today? Well the reality comes in at verse 4:
"Don't point your finger at someone else, and try to pass the blame to him! Look, priest, I am pointing my finger at you."
It's so easy for me to sit back and look at how bad the world is getting, and not realize that I need to take responsibility for it. What kind of impact do you think the church would have if believers were living the Balanced Christian Life?
Just look at Empowered Through Biblical Training. verse 6 says, "My people are destroyed because they don't know me, and it is all your fault, you priests, for you yourselves refuse to know me;"
I often use the phrase, "The world is desperate for you to be who God created you to be." What is the desperation? To know God! If they don't know God, it's because I don't know God!
I want to be careful here, and not open the door to condemnation. That's not a part of who God wants us to be. But, we do need to take Responsibility (A) for what God has placed in our hands. Our influence. Our Purpose (M).
The book of 2 John is a short letter to a woman named Cyria. He speaks of this woman in high regard: "To: that dear woman Cyria, one of God's very own, and to her children whom I love so much, as does everyone else in the church." (2 John 1:1) verse 4 says, "How happy I am to find some of your children here, and to see that they are living as they should, following the Truth, obeying God's command."
This woman is making an impact as she is becoming who God has created her to be. There is fruit.
John also encourages her in the area of unity. "And now I want to urgently remind you, dear friends, of the old rule God gave us right from the beginning, that Christians should love one another. If we love God, we will do whatever he tells us to. And he has told us from the very first to love each other." (1:5-6) This must be a priority.
In verse 9, John refers to the discipline of aligning to God's word (E). "For if you wander beyond the teaching of Christ, you will leave God behind;" Too often the philosophies of the world drive us instead of the principles of scripture.
Why Live the DREAM? Psalm 125:1 says, "Those who trust in the Lord are as steady as Mount Zion, unmoved by any circumstance." As we live our lives guided by the principles of God's word, we become stable. This is a huge need in our world today. If you notice, the court systems are losing the stability of truth. What the verdicts are showing is that "In this circumstance, the law means this.... In this circumstance, the law means that..." Instead of aligning the circumstance to truth, we align truth to the circumstance.
My heart burns with the urgency that I become who God has created me to be. God has given me this life to use for His glory. All of my energy and focus need to be to this end. I need to Live the DREAM!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Hosea 4:1-5:15
2 John 1:1-13
Psalm 125:1-5
Proverbs 29:9-11
Each morning the "DEVO" ends with the phrase "Through the Power of the Spirit, Live the DREAM". How important is it that we Live the DREAM? What does it mean? Why is it important? Today is kind of a refresher as well as a challenge.
DREAM is merely an acrostic that helps us remember 5 important elements needed to live the Balanced Christian Life:
-Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship represents our relationship with the Lord which is our worship. This is our fellowship with Him. The highest form of worship is obedience.
-Relationships Devoted to Unity is how we should live in fellowship with one another, completely devoted and committed to unity. Submission to one another is the principle of unity.
-Empowered Through Biblical Training represents discipleship. The principle is Discipline. We need to discipline ourselves to the alignment of God's Word.
-Active Ministry Involvement represents our stewardship of the gifts God has given us. The principle of this is Responsibility.
-Mission to Reach our World for Christ is our Purpose. This is the aim of all we do, to draw others to Christ.
Why the refresher? Because too often the tools that God places in our hands become too "common" to us. We too easily forget the daily impact that God's word needs to have on our lives. The reality of this is brought out in Hosea 4:1-3:
"Hear the word of the Lord, O people of Israel. The Lord has filed a lawsuit against you listing the following charges: There is no faithfulness, no kindness, no knowledge of God in your land. You swear and lie and kill and steal and commit adultery. There is violence everywhere, with one murder after another. That is why your land is not producing; it is filled with sadness, and all living things grow sick and die; the animals, the birds, and even the fish begin to disappear."
Doesn't that sound like where we live today? Well the reality comes in at verse 4:
"Don't point your finger at someone else, and try to pass the blame to him! Look, priest, I am pointing my finger at you."
It's so easy for me to sit back and look at how bad the world is getting, and not realize that I need to take responsibility for it. What kind of impact do you think the church would have if believers were living the Balanced Christian Life?
Just look at Empowered Through Biblical Training. verse 6 says, "My people are destroyed because they don't know me, and it is all your fault, you priests, for you yourselves refuse to know me;"
I often use the phrase, "The world is desperate for you to be who God created you to be." What is the desperation? To know God! If they don't know God, it's because I don't know God!
I want to be careful here, and not open the door to condemnation. That's not a part of who God wants us to be. But, we do need to take Responsibility (A) for what God has placed in our hands. Our influence. Our Purpose (M).
The book of 2 John is a short letter to a woman named Cyria. He speaks of this woman in high regard: "To: that dear woman Cyria, one of God's very own, and to her children whom I love so much, as does everyone else in the church." (2 John 1:1) verse 4 says, "How happy I am to find some of your children here, and to see that they are living as they should, following the Truth, obeying God's command."
This woman is making an impact as she is becoming who God has created her to be. There is fruit.
John also encourages her in the area of unity. "And now I want to urgently remind you, dear friends, of the old rule God gave us right from the beginning, that Christians should love one another. If we love God, we will do whatever he tells us to. And he has told us from the very first to love each other." (1:5-6) This must be a priority.
In verse 9, John refers to the discipline of aligning to God's word (E). "For if you wander beyond the teaching of Christ, you will leave God behind;" Too often the philosophies of the world drive us instead of the principles of scripture.
Why Live the DREAM? Psalm 125:1 says, "Those who trust in the Lord are as steady as Mount Zion, unmoved by any circumstance." As we live our lives guided by the principles of God's word, we become stable. This is a huge need in our world today. If you notice, the court systems are losing the stability of truth. What the verdicts are showing is that "In this circumstance, the law means this.... In this circumstance, the law means that..." Instead of aligning the circumstance to truth, we align truth to the circumstance.
My heart burns with the urgency that I become who God has created me to be. God has given me this life to use for His glory. All of my energy and focus need to be to this end. I need to Live the DREAM!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Saturday, December 5, 2009
12.5.9 "We Got What it Takes"
"We Got What it Takes"
Hosea 1:1-3:5
I John 5:1-21
Psalm 124:1-8
Proverbs 29:5-8
You've heard the phrase "Attitude is Everything". There's a great deal of truth in that. When tackling a project it makes a big difference when you approach it as if it can be accomplished or not. Have you ever been involved in a project with someone who always says, "This is never going to work"? They're not much fun to be around, are they?
Too often in the Christian's life we walk around as if the task is too great. There's no way we can do this. It's the "Proximity Principle". It's how the giant seems biggest when you're close to it. We need to realize that even if we're standing eyeball to kneecap to the giant, we STILL have what it takes to win.
"Loving God means doing what he tells us to do, and really, that isn't hard at all; for every child of God can obey him, defeating sin and evil pleasure by trusting Christ to help him. But who could possibly fight and win this battle except by believing that Jesus is truly the Son of God?" (I John 5:3-5)
Don't you love that phrase, "...and really, that isn't hard at all..." If we are living the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship by walking in Obedience, we walk equipped. There's no doubt, no fear, no question. God has given us what we need.
We are equipped to live a fulfilling life. "So whoever has God's Son has life; whoever does not have his Son, does not have life." I John 5:12 There's no reason that the believer needs to walk around feeling sorry for himself. I need to look inside to the one who lives within me who has called me to do what I am doing, and realize that the giants in front of me are object lessons in my school of faith building.
So what if I'm tired. I need to be refreshed in the Spirit. So what if I'm sick. God will restore.
You know what else we are equipped for? Answered prayer. "And we are sure of this, that he will listen to us whenever we ask him for anything in line with his will. And if we really know he is listening when we talk to him and make our requests, then we can be sure that he will answer us." I John 5:14-15
We can't do anything in our own strength. "If the Lord had not been on our side (let all Israel admit it), if the Lord had not been on our side, we would have been swallowed alive by our enemies, destroyed by their anger." Psalm 124:1-3
Let's have a victorious day! A victorious week! A victorious life! We have what it takes to live the DREAM! We have Christ! We have the Power of the 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
Hosea 1:1-3:5
I John 5:1-21
Psalm 124:1-8
Proverbs 29:5-8
You've heard the phrase "Attitude is Everything". There's a great deal of truth in that. When tackling a project it makes a big difference when you approach it as if it can be accomplished or not. Have you ever been involved in a project with someone who always says, "This is never going to work"? They're not much fun to be around, are they?
Too often in the Christian's life we walk around as if the task is too great. There's no way we can do this. It's the "Proximity Principle". It's how the giant seems biggest when you're close to it. We need to realize that even if we're standing eyeball to kneecap to the giant, we STILL have what it takes to win.
"Loving God means doing what he tells us to do, and really, that isn't hard at all; for every child of God can obey him, defeating sin and evil pleasure by trusting Christ to help him. But who could possibly fight and win this battle except by believing that Jesus is truly the Son of God?" (I John 5:3-5)
Don't you love that phrase, "...and really, that isn't hard at all..." If we are living the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship by walking in Obedience, we walk equipped. There's no doubt, no fear, no question. God has given us what we need.
We are equipped to live a fulfilling life. "So whoever has God's Son has life; whoever does not have his Son, does not have life." I John 5:12 There's no reason that the believer needs to walk around feeling sorry for himself. I need to look inside to the one who lives within me who has called me to do what I am doing, and realize that the giants in front of me are object lessons in my school of faith building.
So what if I'm tired. I need to be refreshed in the Spirit. So what if I'm sick. God will restore.
You know what else we are equipped for? Answered prayer. "And we are sure of this, that he will listen to us whenever we ask him for anything in line with his will. And if we really know he is listening when we talk to him and make our requests, then we can be sure that he will answer us." I John 5:14-15
We can't do anything in our own strength. "If the Lord had not been on our side (let all Israel admit it), if the Lord had not been on our side, we would have been swallowed alive by our enemies, destroyed by their anger." Psalm 124:1-3
Let's have a victorious day! A victorious week! A victorious life! We have what it takes to live the DREAM! We have Christ! We have the Power of the 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, December 4, 2009
12.4.9 "Knowing God through Loving Others"
"Knowing God through Loving Others"
Daniel 11:35-12:13
I John 4:1-21
Psalm 123:1-4
Proverbs 29:2-4
How do we get to know God? The first priority is in reading his Word. That's a great way to get to see a picture of who God is, and gain wisdom for everyday life. As you read the word, you're going to find that there's more to getting to know God.
"Dear friends, let us practice loving each other, for love comes from God and those who are loving and kind show that they are the children of God, and that they are getting to know him better. But if a person isn't loving and kind, it shows that he doesn't know God - for God is love." I John 4:7-8
The incredible God of the universe wants to have a relationship with each on of us. In our simple minds, we get this crazy idea that our relationship with God is only "personal". "It's just between me and God." "Who cares what anyone else thinks." You know what? That's not quite true. Your relationship with God shows itself in how you relate to other people. A direct result of loving God is loving people.
Some people can seem hard to love at some times. Guess what? That's when and how we get to know God. As we begin to approach everyone we meet with the love of Christ, His Spirit begins to flow through us, and we know him better.
Our love for others needs to be regardless of their response. Often, one will reach out in love, but because it isn't appreciated the way we thought it should, we apply the "shake the dust off our feet" method, and walk away. Guess what. That is NOT knowing God!
"God showed how much he loved us by sending his only Son into this wicked world to bring to us eternal life through his death. In this act we see what real love is: it is not our love for God, but his love for us when he sent his Son to satisfy God's anger against our sins." vs.9-10.
God didn't send his Son because we "deserved" it. He didn't even send him because we "appreciated" it. He sent His Son because he LOVED us. We need to apply the same principle when dealing with one another.
We don't love because it is deserved or appreciated. "Dear friends, since God loved us as much as that, we surely ought to love each other too. For though we have never yet seen God, when we love each other God lives in us and his love within us grows ever stronger." vs. 11-12
My knowledge of God is shown in my love for those around me. If I'm caught up in my own world, I'm not knowing God the way I need to. This isn't a suggestion. This is a scriptural principle. It's not "hey, wouldn't it be fun if we were in Relationships Devoted to Unity?" We are COMPELLED to be in Relationships Devoted to Unity. It's is a necessary part of growing in Christ. It's an essential part of discovering and becoming who God has created us to be.
Know God better today by loving others more.
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
Daniel 11:35-12:13
I John 4:1-21
Psalm 123:1-4
Proverbs 29:2-4
How do we get to know God? The first priority is in reading his Word. That's a great way to get to see a picture of who God is, and gain wisdom for everyday life. As you read the word, you're going to find that there's more to getting to know God.
"Dear friends, let us practice loving each other, for love comes from God and those who are loving and kind show that they are the children of God, and that they are getting to know him better. But if a person isn't loving and kind, it shows that he doesn't know God - for God is love." I John 4:7-8
The incredible God of the universe wants to have a relationship with each on of us. In our simple minds, we get this crazy idea that our relationship with God is only "personal". "It's just between me and God." "Who cares what anyone else thinks." You know what? That's not quite true. Your relationship with God shows itself in how you relate to other people. A direct result of loving God is loving people.
Some people can seem hard to love at some times. Guess what? That's when and how we get to know God. As we begin to approach everyone we meet with the love of Christ, His Spirit begins to flow through us, and we know him better.
Our love for others needs to be regardless of their response. Often, one will reach out in love, but because it isn't appreciated the way we thought it should, we apply the "shake the dust off our feet" method, and walk away. Guess what. That is NOT knowing God!
"God showed how much he loved us by sending his only Son into this wicked world to bring to us eternal life through his death. In this act we see what real love is: it is not our love for God, but his love for us when he sent his Son to satisfy God's anger against our sins." vs.9-10.
God didn't send his Son because we "deserved" it. He didn't even send him because we "appreciated" it. He sent His Son because he LOVED us. We need to apply the same principle when dealing with one another.
We don't love because it is deserved or appreciated. "Dear friends, since God loved us as much as that, we surely ought to love each other too. For though we have never yet seen God, when we love each other God lives in us and his love within us grows ever stronger." vs. 11-12
My knowledge of God is shown in my love for those around me. If I'm caught up in my own world, I'm not knowing God the way I need to. This isn't a suggestion. This is a scriptural principle. It's not "hey, wouldn't it be fun if we were in Relationships Devoted to Unity?" We are COMPELLED to be in Relationships Devoted to Unity. It's is a necessary part of growing in Christ. It's an essential part of discovering and becoming who God has created us to be.
Know God better today by loving others more.
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, December 3, 2009
12.3.9 "Born Again"
"Born Again"
Daniel 11:1-34
I John 3:7-24
Psalm 122:1-9
Proverbs 29:1
"Oh, dear children, don't let anyone deceive you about this: if you are constantly doing what is good, it is because you are good, even as he is. But if you keep on sinning, it shows that you belong to Satan, who since he first began to sin has kept steadily at it. But the Son of God came to destroy these works of the devil. The person who has been born into God's family does not make a practice of sinning, because now God's life is in him; so he can't keep on sinning, for this new life has been born into him and controls him - he has been born again. So now we can tell who is a child of God and who belongs to Satan. Whoever is living a life of sin and doesn't love his brother shows that he is not in God's family; for the message to us from the beginning has been that we should love one another." I John 3:7-11
When I was a kid my mom worked at a store that did "iron-ons" for t-shirts. I got one that said "Born Again". It had a sunset on it... I was so cool! I felt like i was super Christian!
What does it mean to be "born again"? To often I fear that I have had the mentality that "getting saved" is like a check mark on a to-do list, and that is what it means to be born again. That the goal of everyone should be to say the sinners prayer, and that's it. We have to be very careful about that line of thinking. In essence we become a Christian so we can wear the t-shirt.
What is the purpose of the sinner's prayer? It's to restore man's relationship to God, right? Imagine that you and I were in broken relationship for say, 10 years. One day, I make a phone call to you and say, "I'm so sorry we've been so distant, I'm sorry for what separated us, let's restore our relationship," and that's it. Another 10 years go by, and not a whole lot more contact. Would you consider that a restored relationship?
There needs to be an understanding in me as a believer that the final goal of my life is not to just "be saved", it's "to be in right relationship with God." This is a process of life transformation, not a mere check-mark on a to-do list.
I want to make sure that we're careful in discussing this. There is errant theology that can take this thought process too far. It says, "Saying the sinner's prayer isn't enough. You're not really saved unless you..." That is not what I'm saying at all. To be Born Again means your born into "new life". It involves living it out. It's important that we look at the balance of scripture in dealing with our relationship with Christ.
What I'm saying is this: I MUST be PROGRESSING in my Relationship with the Lord. I am a disciple of Christ. This process of continual transformation needs to be happening in my life. To show no progress in becoming closer to him, is as dangerous as living in sin.
The "good life" is the fruit of a Godly life. It's not the good works that make us Godly, but the result of a godly life is goodness.
verse 14-15 says, "If we love other Christians it proves that we have been delivered from hell and given eternal life. But a person who doesn't have love for others is headed for eternal death. Anyone who hates his Christian brother is really a murderer at heart; and you know that no one wanting to murder has eternal life within. We know what real love is from Christ's example in dying for us. And so we also ought to lay down our lives for our Christian brothers."
Based on that portion of scripture, how important is unity to God? I was actually laughing about the first part of verse 14. "if we love other Christians it proves we have been delivered from hell" could be interpreted as, "some of them are so hard to love, you GOT to be saved to do it!" True or not, we MUST progress in this area.
When we get under pressure and under stress we can so easily forget the "love" factor. Remember I Cor 13. "Without love I am a resounding gong". Without love it is all meaningless.
Verse 17 says, "But if someone who is supposed to be a Christian has money enough to live well, and sees a brother in need, and won't help him - how can God's love be within him?" Our relationship with Christ is manifest in our concern for one another.
So, what does it mean to be "Born Again"? verse 23 says, "And this is what God says we must do: Believe on the name of his son Jesus Christ, and love one another." Guess what? I'm not done. You're not done. We need to allow the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts, to purify our motives, to cleanse us, to help us to know God more. The fruit of that will be Daniel 11:32, "But the people who know their God shall be strong and do great things."
Be Born Again today.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Daniel 11:1-34
I John 3:7-24
Psalm 122:1-9
Proverbs 29:1
"Oh, dear children, don't let anyone deceive you about this: if you are constantly doing what is good, it is because you are good, even as he is. But if you keep on sinning, it shows that you belong to Satan, who since he first began to sin has kept steadily at it. But the Son of God came to destroy these works of the devil. The person who has been born into God's family does not make a practice of sinning, because now God's life is in him; so he can't keep on sinning, for this new life has been born into him and controls him - he has been born again. So now we can tell who is a child of God and who belongs to Satan. Whoever is living a life of sin and doesn't love his brother shows that he is not in God's family; for the message to us from the beginning has been that we should love one another." I John 3:7-11
When I was a kid my mom worked at a store that did "iron-ons" for t-shirts. I got one that said "Born Again". It had a sunset on it... I was so cool! I felt like i was super Christian!
What does it mean to be "born again"? To often I fear that I have had the mentality that "getting saved" is like a check mark on a to-do list, and that is what it means to be born again. That the goal of everyone should be to say the sinners prayer, and that's it. We have to be very careful about that line of thinking. In essence we become a Christian so we can wear the t-shirt.
What is the purpose of the sinner's prayer? It's to restore man's relationship to God, right? Imagine that you and I were in broken relationship for say, 10 years. One day, I make a phone call to you and say, "I'm so sorry we've been so distant, I'm sorry for what separated us, let's restore our relationship," and that's it. Another 10 years go by, and not a whole lot more contact. Would you consider that a restored relationship?
There needs to be an understanding in me as a believer that the final goal of my life is not to just "be saved", it's "to be in right relationship with God." This is a process of life transformation, not a mere check-mark on a to-do list.
I want to make sure that we're careful in discussing this. There is errant theology that can take this thought process too far. It says, "Saying the sinner's prayer isn't enough. You're not really saved unless you..." That is not what I'm saying at all. To be Born Again means your born into "new life". It involves living it out. It's important that we look at the balance of scripture in dealing with our relationship with Christ.
What I'm saying is this: I MUST be PROGRESSING in my Relationship with the Lord. I am a disciple of Christ. This process of continual transformation needs to be happening in my life. To show no progress in becoming closer to him, is as dangerous as living in sin.
The "good life" is the fruit of a Godly life. It's not the good works that make us Godly, but the result of a godly life is goodness.
verse 14-15 says, "If we love other Christians it proves that we have been delivered from hell and given eternal life. But a person who doesn't have love for others is headed for eternal death. Anyone who hates his Christian brother is really a murderer at heart; and you know that no one wanting to murder has eternal life within. We know what real love is from Christ's example in dying for us. And so we also ought to lay down our lives for our Christian brothers."
Based on that portion of scripture, how important is unity to God? I was actually laughing about the first part of verse 14. "if we love other Christians it proves we have been delivered from hell" could be interpreted as, "some of them are so hard to love, you GOT to be saved to do it!" True or not, we MUST progress in this area.
When we get under pressure and under stress we can so easily forget the "love" factor. Remember I Cor 13. "Without love I am a resounding gong". Without love it is all meaningless.
Verse 17 says, "But if someone who is supposed to be a Christian has money enough to live well, and sees a brother in need, and won't help him - how can God's love be within him?" Our relationship with Christ is manifest in our concern for one another.
So, what does it mean to be "Born Again"? verse 23 says, "And this is what God says we must do: Believe on the name of his son Jesus Christ, and love one another." Guess what? I'm not done. You're not done. We need to allow the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts, to purify our motives, to cleanse us, to help us to know God more. The fruit of that will be Daniel 11:32, "But the people who know their God shall be strong and do great things."
Be Born Again today.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
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