"Keep Close to Me!"
Deuteronomy 16:1-17:20
Luke 9:7-27
Psalm 72:1-20
Proverbs 12:8-9
"Keep Close to Me!" In what situations have you heard that phrase? When my daughter was old enough to walk in stores we began to practice obedience. If Lisa or I would say "close" Annalese was supposed to see how fast she could get to us. She was supposed to drop whatever she was doing and RUN to us. We would also do it when we were out for walks. She'd get ahead of us or something and we'd say, "Annalese, close!" She would turn and run back to us.
Why did we teach her that? We were teaching her that right next to us is a safe place to be. We were making practice of an important principle.
Jesus says "Anyone who wants to follow me must put aside his own desires and conveniences and carry his cross with him every day and keep close to me! Whoever loses his life for my sake will save it, but whoever insists on keeping his life will lose it; and what profit is there in gaining the whole world when it means forfeiting one's self?" (Luke 9:23-25)
Why does Jesus say "Keep close to me"? Because next to him is the safest place to be.
What does it take to be close to him? We have to drop everything and run to him. We have to put aside our own desires and conveniences. It's those desires left unchecked that will bring us to harm.
What does it mean to take up your cross? It means that we live at all times with an understanding that we are dying to flesh. "Dead Man Walking". Every step I take down the road of life must be a step that is not directed by self, but by the Spirit. It must be a part of being close to him.
There's something within that cries out, "But think of all the things you miss out on if you die to flesh! Think of all the things YOU want to do!" The world's understanding is that the only way to find fulfillment is if I chase my own wants and needs, but the truth is, If I lose my life for the sake of following Christ, I will actually find the fulfillment of the all of the desires. This happens for a number of reasons, the main one being that knowing Christ transforms our desires into what he wants them to be. They work for his glory.
When we live to serve the flesh, we ultimately lose out not only on the fulfillment, but can eventually lose our soul because we are living for self.
What steps are you taking today? Are they for your desire and convenience, or are they for walking in step with Christ? Stay close to him today!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
3.30.9 "Fruit for the Journey"
"Fruit for the Journey"
Deuteronomy 13:1-15:23
Luke 8:40-9:6
Psalm 71:1-24
Proverbs 12:5-7
"Video games are good for your eyes!" That's what the news said this morning... not sure that's worth spending too much time playin' or not... I do enjoy video games, though... When I was a kid my neighbor had the first video game I had ever seen. It was Amazing! the fact that you could control something on your black and white TV screen! The skill required to play this game was intense. The game was called "Pong"!
My cousin had another type of video game on his Commodore 64. This game was page after page of text. It was basically a story of an adventure. You would walk from room to room and find things in each room. For example, you would come into a room and it would say there was a table in the corner. you would then type in "look at table". It would then say "On the table there is a blue key". Now here's what separated the good players from the amateurs. The amateurs would think, "Cool, but I don't need a blue key," and move on. The experts would type in "pick up key". Sure enough a little farther on in the journey they would encounter a "Blue Door". There were a few times a guy would say, "Man, I wish I would have picked up that key!"
So why the trip down memory lane? Well we are all on this adventure game of life. Thankfully, It's slightly more exciting and more intense than the old Commodore 64. We never know what we are going to encounter, and whether we realize it or not, there are little items that we discover that we need for the journey ahead.
"O Lord, you alone are my hope; I've trusted you from childhood. Yes, you have been with me from birth and have helped me constantly - no wonder I am always praising you!' (Ps. 71:5-6)
The experiences we have in life give us the ammunition to praise him. It is the fruit for our journey. Sometimes the best fruit grows in the darkest valleys. We will often cry out in the middle of sickness or times of mourning, "I don't need this!" But the truth is, we've got options when it comes to how we react to difficult times. We can just complain and "endure", or we can glean the fruit we need, pick it up and use it for the journey ahead. We will always find that when we've chosen to "pick up" the fruit, we will find a "blue door" down the road, and there's no way we could pass through without the experiences of that valley.
"I will keep on expecting you to help me. I praise you more and more. I cannot count the times when you have faithfully rescued me from danger. I will tell everyone how good you are, and of your constant, daily care. I walk in the strength of the Lord God. I tell everyone that you alone are just and good... I will talk to others all day long about your justice and your goodness." (vs. 14-16, 24)
The only way the fruit of the journey we've traveled does us any good is if we use it. We need to constantly tell of God's faithfulness. We need to tell of the way that he has delivered us and freed us, and sustained us through difficult times.
If you are in a difficult time right now, you need to type in, "use fruit", and begin to testify of the great things God has done for you in the past. This is the key to the victorious Christian life.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Deuteronomy 13:1-15:23
Luke 8:40-9:6
Psalm 71:1-24
Proverbs 12:5-7
"Video games are good for your eyes!" That's what the news said this morning... not sure that's worth spending too much time playin' or not... I do enjoy video games, though... When I was a kid my neighbor had the first video game I had ever seen. It was Amazing! the fact that you could control something on your black and white TV screen! The skill required to play this game was intense. The game was called "Pong"!
My cousin had another type of video game on his Commodore 64. This game was page after page of text. It was basically a story of an adventure. You would walk from room to room and find things in each room. For example, you would come into a room and it would say there was a table in the corner. you would then type in "look at table". It would then say "On the table there is a blue key". Now here's what separated the good players from the amateurs. The amateurs would think, "Cool, but I don't need a blue key," and move on. The experts would type in "pick up key". Sure enough a little farther on in the journey they would encounter a "Blue Door". There were a few times a guy would say, "Man, I wish I would have picked up that key!"
So why the trip down memory lane? Well we are all on this adventure game of life. Thankfully, It's slightly more exciting and more intense than the old Commodore 64. We never know what we are going to encounter, and whether we realize it or not, there are little items that we discover that we need for the journey ahead.
"O Lord, you alone are my hope; I've trusted you from childhood. Yes, you have been with me from birth and have helped me constantly - no wonder I am always praising you!' (Ps. 71:5-6)
The experiences we have in life give us the ammunition to praise him. It is the fruit for our journey. Sometimes the best fruit grows in the darkest valleys. We will often cry out in the middle of sickness or times of mourning, "I don't need this!" But the truth is, we've got options when it comes to how we react to difficult times. We can just complain and "endure", or we can glean the fruit we need, pick it up and use it for the journey ahead. We will always find that when we've chosen to "pick up" the fruit, we will find a "blue door" down the road, and there's no way we could pass through without the experiences of that valley.
"I will keep on expecting you to help me. I praise you more and more. I cannot count the times when you have faithfully rescued me from danger. I will tell everyone how good you are, and of your constant, daily care. I walk in the strength of the Lord God. I tell everyone that you alone are just and good... I will talk to others all day long about your justice and your goodness." (vs. 14-16, 24)
The only way the fruit of the journey we've traveled does us any good is if we use it. We need to constantly tell of God's faithfulness. We need to tell of the way that he has delivered us and freed us, and sustained us through difficult times.
If you are in a difficult time right now, you need to type in, "use fruit", and begin to testify of the great things God has done for you in the past. This is the key to the victorious Christian life.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Sunday, March 29, 2009
3.29.9 "Let's Make a Deal!"
"Let's Make a Deal!"
Deuteronomy 11:1-12:32
Luke 8:22-39
Psalm 70:1-5
Proverbs 12:4
Does that title bring back memories? If so, it definitely dates you! Monte Hall used to give you the choice: Door number 1, Door number 2 or Door number 3! What amazing television that was! Now it's "Deal or No Deal!" That's another one of those shows that's the opposite of a microwave. Instead of making things go faster, it stretches 8 minutes of entertainment into an hour. Instead of 3 doors you have 25 suitcases. In that one, you're hoping that the choice you made was the one with the most cash. But you're not sure....
Well, God makes it a bit easier. There's just 2 doors: " I am giving you the choice today between God's blessing or God's curse!" (Deut. 11:26)
Um.... boy... I don't know.... I ah... blessing or curse... "we'll find out... right after this commercial break!"
"There will be blessing if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God which I am giving you today, and a curse if you refuse them and worship the gods of these other nations." (v.27-28)
In this chapter Moses speaks of the family in verses 1-6. "You must love the Lord your God and obey every one of his commands. Listen! I am not talking now to your children who have never experienced the Lord's punishments or seen his greatness and his awesome power. They weren't there to see the miracles he did in Egypt..." he goes on to list the many great things God has done.
"But you have seen these mighty miracles! how carefully, then, you should obey these commandments... so that you may have the strength to go in and possess the land you are about to enter." (v.7-8)
My daughter has not had the path to Christ I have. She doesn't know about the godly home I grew up in. She doesn't know that I would find my dad praying in his office or my mom praying in her bedroom. She doesn't know that I had incredible altar experiences at camp. She doesn't know about the HUGE rapture scare I had when my parents went to dinner with the church board & I didn't know & when I called them all no one was home! (still makes me sweat to think about it!)
All she knows is what she sees in me.
I have found freedom in Christ. I have found blessing. "But beware that your hearts do not turn from God... So keep these commandments carefully in mind... Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are sitting at home, when you are out walking, at bedtime, and before breakfast! Write them upon the doors of your houses and upon your gates, so that as long as there is sky above the earth, you and your children will enjoy the good life awaiting you in the land the Lord has promised you." (vs. 16-21)
It's up to me to put the option in front of my daughter. "Blessing, or curse". She wont choose just because I say it, she will choose based on what I live. She will be influenced and impacted by the world around her, but the power for her to live life will come as we sit around the breakfast table each morning.
Well Monte (or Howie) .... I'll take the blessing!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Deuteronomy 11:1-12:32
Luke 8:22-39
Psalm 70:1-5
Proverbs 12:4
Does that title bring back memories? If so, it definitely dates you! Monte Hall used to give you the choice: Door number 1, Door number 2 or Door number 3! What amazing television that was! Now it's "Deal or No Deal!" That's another one of those shows that's the opposite of a microwave. Instead of making things go faster, it stretches 8 minutes of entertainment into an hour. Instead of 3 doors you have 25 suitcases. In that one, you're hoping that the choice you made was the one with the most cash. But you're not sure....
Well, God makes it a bit easier. There's just 2 doors: " I am giving you the choice today between God's blessing or God's curse!" (Deut. 11:26)
Um.... boy... I don't know.... I ah... blessing or curse... "we'll find out... right after this commercial break!"
"There will be blessing if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God which I am giving you today, and a curse if you refuse them and worship the gods of these other nations." (v.27-28)
In this chapter Moses speaks of the family in verses 1-6. "You must love the Lord your God and obey every one of his commands. Listen! I am not talking now to your children who have never experienced the Lord's punishments or seen his greatness and his awesome power. They weren't there to see the miracles he did in Egypt..." he goes on to list the many great things God has done.
"But you have seen these mighty miracles! how carefully, then, you should obey these commandments... so that you may have the strength to go in and possess the land you are about to enter." (v.7-8)
My daughter has not had the path to Christ I have. She doesn't know about the godly home I grew up in. She doesn't know that I would find my dad praying in his office or my mom praying in her bedroom. She doesn't know that I had incredible altar experiences at camp. She doesn't know about the HUGE rapture scare I had when my parents went to dinner with the church board & I didn't know & when I called them all no one was home! (still makes me sweat to think about it!)
All she knows is what she sees in me.
I have found freedom in Christ. I have found blessing. "But beware that your hearts do not turn from God... So keep these commandments carefully in mind... Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are sitting at home, when you are out walking, at bedtime, and before breakfast! Write them upon the doors of your houses and upon your gates, so that as long as there is sky above the earth, you and your children will enjoy the good life awaiting you in the land the Lord has promised you." (vs. 16-21)
It's up to me to put the option in front of my daughter. "Blessing, or curse". She wont choose just because I say it, she will choose based on what I live. She will be influenced and impacted by the world around her, but the power for her to live life will come as we sit around the breakfast table each morning.
Well Monte (or Howie) .... I'll take the blessing!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Delivery Error
Sorry about your reciept of a blog from "AdSense". I have no idea what the issue with that is. It might be because i forgot to put the title with the date on the blog, and that messed it up. Hopefully that wont happen again.
Blessings!
P Greg
Blessings!
P Greg
3.28.9 "You're Not Good Enough!"
"You're Not Good Enough!"
Deuteronomy 9:1-10:22
Luke 8:4-21
Psalm 69:19-36
Proverbs 12:2-3
Have you been in a situation where you've felt ill-equipped? It can be paralyzing. It may be that you see a need, but you know it's beyond you to meet it, or you know there's others who can do it better, or maybe it's something you've been assigned to do but the task is just too indimidating.
I've told this story several times, so forgive me if you've heard it before, but for me it was a significant moment in my life. I hadn't been on staff as the music pastor for long, and the worship leader was gone so I filled in to lead worship. Another piano player then played for me. We are now very good friends, but at that time I didn't know him very well. I had heard what a great player he was, but I was not prepared for what I heard. He was incredible!
I'll never forget that moment. I could go stand right where I was when this happened. It was during rehearsal, and as he was playing, and we were all singing, I was thinking, "I'll never be that good!". My though process was one of feeling sorry for myself. I started thinking, "Why am I even in this job? I could never play like that!" I prayed, "Lord, why am I here, I'm not good enough!"
There aren't too many times in my life that the Lord has spoken to me in a way that I could actually quote him later, but this was definitely one of them! He said, "You're right! You will never be that good! But you are the one I've chosen!"
The thought "I'll never be that good!" kept cycling through my mind, but with a different tone. It was a tone of freedom. There was a revelation that how good I am is IRRELEVANT to what God had called me to if I am in a place he has assigned me.
In Deut. 9:1 Moses is speaking to Israel. "O Israel, listen! Today you are to cross the Jordan River and begin to dispossess the nations on the other side. Those nations are much greater and more powerful than you are!"
How's that for a pep-talk? How'd you like your coach to say, "alright let's go beat this team... They're a lot better than you!"
So often in our culture we are so concerned about self-esteem. Self-confidence is something that we highly value. A major reason for that is we errantly attach worth to ability. We don't understand that worth and ability are not connected. Value must come from an understanding of our Creator, and who he has made us to be, not from how we've "performed".
But since we don't understand that, we make a few mistakes. For one, we only step out in things we know we can accomplish. If God calls us to do something, we stop in our tracks because it's beyond our ability.
Another mistake is that we build false confidence in the flesh. "I'm not good enough..." "Oh yes you are! You're great! You're the best! Get out there and do it! Rah! Rah!" Because we've built the confidence in the flesh, we do go out there and some times fail, and then are hurt so we're never willing to do it again.
Now I'm not saying that we need to be brutal with one another, "Yeah, I'm thinking your low self-esteem is just good common sense!" If that's what you're getting from all this, you're missing the point! What it's taking me a LONG time to say is this: OBEDIENCE is not related to ability! In fact, God more often than not chooses to use the most "unlikely" people to do great things.
You may have experienced this at some level. God has done something great through you as a result of you stepping out in obedience. The irony of it all is, that we have to be careful on the other side, as well.
"Then, when the Lord has done this for you, don't say to yourselves, 'The Lord has helped us because we are so good!'" (v.4) We have to be careful that we don't allow God's faithfulness to us to become a pride issue. I can't stick my tongue out at my friend and say, "Nah, Nah! you can play better, but God picked me!"
Pride and insecurity are very similar! They are both self-focussed. They bring the attention away from God. I need to realize, "I am not Good Enough!" However, it's important that I only realize that to the point of FREEDOM, and not to the point of BONDAGE. If it's a point of paralysis, then I am not trusting God.
Deut. 10:12-13 puts it into perspective. "And now, Israel, what does the Lord you God require of you except to listen carefully to all he says to you, and to obey for your own good the commandments I am giving you today, and to love him, and to worship him with all you hearts and soul?"
That's all we need to worry about. Just love the Lord and walk in obedience.
God will never call us to do something without equipping us to accomplish it. However, He will always call us to accomplish more than we can in our own strength. That's how is name is made great among the people!
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
Deuteronomy 9:1-10:22
Luke 8:4-21
Psalm 69:19-36
Proverbs 12:2-3
Have you been in a situation where you've felt ill-equipped? It can be paralyzing. It may be that you see a need, but you know it's beyond you to meet it, or you know there's others who can do it better, or maybe it's something you've been assigned to do but the task is just too indimidating.
I've told this story several times, so forgive me if you've heard it before, but for me it was a significant moment in my life. I hadn't been on staff as the music pastor for long, and the worship leader was gone so I filled in to lead worship. Another piano player then played for me. We are now very good friends, but at that time I didn't know him very well. I had heard what a great player he was, but I was not prepared for what I heard. He was incredible!
I'll never forget that moment. I could go stand right where I was when this happened. It was during rehearsal, and as he was playing, and we were all singing, I was thinking, "I'll never be that good!". My though process was one of feeling sorry for myself. I started thinking, "Why am I even in this job? I could never play like that!" I prayed, "Lord, why am I here, I'm not good enough!"
There aren't too many times in my life that the Lord has spoken to me in a way that I could actually quote him later, but this was definitely one of them! He said, "You're right! You will never be that good! But you are the one I've chosen!"
The thought "I'll never be that good!" kept cycling through my mind, but with a different tone. It was a tone of freedom. There was a revelation that how good I am is IRRELEVANT to what God had called me to if I am in a place he has assigned me.
In Deut. 9:1 Moses is speaking to Israel. "O Israel, listen! Today you are to cross the Jordan River and begin to dispossess the nations on the other side. Those nations are much greater and more powerful than you are!"
How's that for a pep-talk? How'd you like your coach to say, "alright let's go beat this team... They're a lot better than you!"
So often in our culture we are so concerned about self-esteem. Self-confidence is something that we highly value. A major reason for that is we errantly attach worth to ability. We don't understand that worth and ability are not connected. Value must come from an understanding of our Creator, and who he has made us to be, not from how we've "performed".
But since we don't understand that, we make a few mistakes. For one, we only step out in things we know we can accomplish. If God calls us to do something, we stop in our tracks because it's beyond our ability.
Another mistake is that we build false confidence in the flesh. "I'm not good enough..." "Oh yes you are! You're great! You're the best! Get out there and do it! Rah! Rah!" Because we've built the confidence in the flesh, we do go out there and some times fail, and then are hurt so we're never willing to do it again.
Now I'm not saying that we need to be brutal with one another, "Yeah, I'm thinking your low self-esteem is just good common sense!" If that's what you're getting from all this, you're missing the point! What it's taking me a LONG time to say is this: OBEDIENCE is not related to ability! In fact, God more often than not chooses to use the most "unlikely" people to do great things.
You may have experienced this at some level. God has done something great through you as a result of you stepping out in obedience. The irony of it all is, that we have to be careful on the other side, as well.
"Then, when the Lord has done this for you, don't say to yourselves, 'The Lord has helped us because we are so good!'" (v.4) We have to be careful that we don't allow God's faithfulness to us to become a pride issue. I can't stick my tongue out at my friend and say, "Nah, Nah! you can play better, but God picked me!"
Pride and insecurity are very similar! They are both self-focussed. They bring the attention away from God. I need to realize, "I am not Good Enough!" However, it's important that I only realize that to the point of FREEDOM, and not to the point of BONDAGE. If it's a point of paralysis, then I am not trusting God.
Deut. 10:12-13 puts it into perspective. "And now, Israel, what does the Lord you God require of you except to listen carefully to all he says to you, and to obey for your own good the commandments I am giving you today, and to love him, and to worship him with all you hearts and soul?"
That's all we need to worry about. Just love the Lord and walk in obedience.
God will never call us to do something without equipping us to accomplish it. However, He will always call us to accomplish more than we can in our own strength. That's how is name is made great among the people!
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, March 27, 2009
3.27.9 "Radical Obedience"
"Radical Obedience"
Deuteronomy 7:1-8:20
Luke 7:36-8:3
Psalm 69:1-18
Proverbs 12:1
Do you ever order chicken "medium rare"? Of course not! You wouldn't even think if it. Even though it's "mostly cooked" it's a bad idea. Chicken needs to be thoroughly cooked. Why? Because it's unhealthy to do it any other way. You can get sick if you don't.
We need to be fully obedient to what the Lord calls us to. Why? It's unhealthy to do it any other way. In today's reading in Deuteronomy Moses is addressing the people.
"For you are a holy people, dedicated to the Lord your God. He has chosen you from all the people on the face of the whole earth to be his own chosen ones. He didn't choose you and pour out his love on you because you were a larger nation than any other, for you were the smallest of all! It was just because he loves you..." (Deut. 7:6-7)
God loves each one of us more than we can imagine. He desires relationship with us. To have that relationship we must be holy before him. We must be pure. We must rid our lives of things that separate us from him. He set us free, but it's our job to stay free.
"You must destroy all the nations which the Lord your God delivers into your hands. Have no pity, and do not worship other gods; if you do, it will be a sad day for you. (v. 16)
We must set ourselves apart from sinful ways. We must be radically obedient to what the Lord is directing us to do. If we don't "It will be a sad day."
Sometimes it seems overwhelming. "Perhaps you will think to yourself, 'hOw can we ever conquer these nations that are so much more powerful than we are?' But don't be afraid of them! Just remember what the Lord your God dug to Pharoah and to all the land of Egypt." (v.17-18)
You may be caught in sin in a way that seems you can't get out. Or, you may like some of the idols so much you don't want to get rid of them. No matter how hard it seems it's not impossible. Remember that grace gives us the power to do what truth demands of us. We can trust in the grace of God to strengthen us as we step out in obedience.
Obedience is a PROCESS of growth in us. "No, to not be afraid if those nations, for the Lord your God is among you, and be us a great and awesome God. He will cast them out a little at a time; he will not do it all at once..." (v. 21-22)
We all wish the challenges before us would just disappear, bust we must understand that God us doing a work in us, and we need to follow through in the steps as he shows us. We have to understand that partial obedience is disobedience, and delayed obedience us disobedience. I need to live a life of radical obedience. When God says something, I need to do it. When he asks me to get rid ofsomething in my life, I just need to do it. That's living the dynamic lifestyle of worship.
Through the power of the Spirit,
live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to reach our World for Christ
Deuteronomy 7:1-8:20
Luke 7:36-8:3
Psalm 69:1-18
Proverbs 12:1
Do you ever order chicken "medium rare"? Of course not! You wouldn't even think if it. Even though it's "mostly cooked" it's a bad idea. Chicken needs to be thoroughly cooked. Why? Because it's unhealthy to do it any other way. You can get sick if you don't.
We need to be fully obedient to what the Lord calls us to. Why? It's unhealthy to do it any other way. In today's reading in Deuteronomy Moses is addressing the people.
"For you are a holy people, dedicated to the Lord your God. He has chosen you from all the people on the face of the whole earth to be his own chosen ones. He didn't choose you and pour out his love on you because you were a larger nation than any other, for you were the smallest of all! It was just because he loves you..." (Deut. 7:6-7)
God loves each one of us more than we can imagine. He desires relationship with us. To have that relationship we must be holy before him. We must be pure. We must rid our lives of things that separate us from him. He set us free, but it's our job to stay free.
"You must destroy all the nations which the Lord your God delivers into your hands. Have no pity, and do not worship other gods; if you do, it will be a sad day for you. (v. 16)
We must set ourselves apart from sinful ways. We must be radically obedient to what the Lord is directing us to do. If we don't "It will be a sad day."
Sometimes it seems overwhelming. "Perhaps you will think to yourself, 'hOw can we ever conquer these nations that are so much more powerful than we are?' But don't be afraid of them! Just remember what the Lord your God dug to Pharoah and to all the land of Egypt." (v.17-18)
You may be caught in sin in a way that seems you can't get out. Or, you may like some of the idols so much you don't want to get rid of them. No matter how hard it seems it's not impossible. Remember that grace gives us the power to do what truth demands of us. We can trust in the grace of God to strengthen us as we step out in obedience.
Obedience is a PROCESS of growth in us. "No, to not be afraid if those nations, for the Lord your God is among you, and be us a great and awesome God. He will cast them out a little at a time; he will not do it all at once..." (v. 21-22)
We all wish the challenges before us would just disappear, bust we must understand that God us doing a work in us, and we need to follow through in the steps as he shows us. We have to understand that partial obedience is disobedience, and delayed obedience us disobedience. I need to live a life of radical obedience. When God says something, I need to do it. When he asks me to get rid ofsomething in my life, I just need to do it. That's living the dynamic lifestyle of worship.
Through the power of the Spirit,
live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to reach our World for Christ
Thursday, March 26, 2009
3.26.9 "Hear, Learn, and Obey!"
"Hear, Learn, and Obey!"
Deuteronomy 5:1-6:25
Luke 7:11-35
Psalm 68:19-35
Proverbs 11:29-31
"Moses called all the people of Israel together and said, 'Listen carefully, Israel. Hear the decrees and regulations I am giving you today, so you may learn them and obey them!'" (Deut. 5:1)
Can you recite the 10 commandments? on your mark, get set, go....
How did you you do?
Often we hear of court cases where "freedom from religion" groups are trying to get the 10 commandments removed from places of public display. It's so sad that not only people have neglected God, but they are proud that they've neglected him. I'm curious though, as to how many there would be who would fight to keep the commands on display and yet not be able to recite them.
Deut. 6:6-9 says, "And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am givin gyou today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your foreheads as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."
There is an intensity to the command to hear, learn and obey the commandments.
I will list them as they appear in Deut. 5 (NLT)
1. You must not have any other god but me.
2. You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind.
3. You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
4. Observe the Sabbath Day by keeping it holy
5. Honor your father and mother
6. You must not murder.
7. You must not commit adultery
8. You must not steal
9. You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.
10. You must not covet your neighbor's wife,... house or land... or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.
Deut. 5 elaborates on a few of these, and i would encourage you to read through them again.
5:29 says, "Oh, that they would always have hearts like this, that they might fear me and obey all my commands! If they did, they and their descendants would prosper forever."
We need to devote ourselves to God's commands. We need to live lives of obedience. We need to teach this to our children.
When I've been thinking/talking about "you must not commit adultery", what's my reaction when I see adultery on TV? If the command is ready on my mind, The light of truth shines on evil, and I don't want to take part in it. The same is true for murder, and all the rest.
When i hear someone gossiping, does "number 9" jump into my head? What about your neighbor's stuff? are you keeping it in context w/ number 10?
I'm challenged to bring the commands of the Lord to the forefront of what we do as a family. I'm challenged to know them as if they are tied to the back of my hand.
This is what it means to be Empowered through Biblical Training.
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
Deuteronomy 5:1-6:25
Luke 7:11-35
Psalm 68:19-35
Proverbs 11:29-31
"Moses called all the people of Israel together and said, 'Listen carefully, Israel. Hear the decrees and regulations I am giving you today, so you may learn them and obey them!'" (Deut. 5:1)
Can you recite the 10 commandments? on your mark, get set, go....
How did you you do?
Often we hear of court cases where "freedom from religion" groups are trying to get the 10 commandments removed from places of public display. It's so sad that not only people have neglected God, but they are proud that they've neglected him. I'm curious though, as to how many there would be who would fight to keep the commands on display and yet not be able to recite them.
Deut. 6:6-9 says, "And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am givin gyou today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your foreheads as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."
There is an intensity to the command to hear, learn and obey the commandments.
I will list them as they appear in Deut. 5 (NLT)
1. You must not have any other god but me.
2. You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind.
3. You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
4. Observe the Sabbath Day by keeping it holy
5. Honor your father and mother
6. You must not murder.
7. You must not commit adultery
8. You must not steal
9. You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.
10. You must not covet your neighbor's wife,... house or land... or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.
Deut. 5 elaborates on a few of these, and i would encourage you to read through them again.
5:29 says, "Oh, that they would always have hearts like this, that they might fear me and obey all my commands! If they did, they and their descendants would prosper forever."
We need to devote ourselves to God's commands. We need to live lives of obedience. We need to teach this to our children.
When I've been thinking/talking about "you must not commit adultery", what's my reaction when I see adultery on TV? If the command is ready on my mind, The light of truth shines on evil, and I don't want to take part in it. The same is true for murder, and all the rest.
When i hear someone gossiping, does "number 9" jump into my head? What about your neighbor's stuff? are you keeping it in context w/ number 10?
I'm challenged to bring the commands of the Lord to the forefront of what we do as a family. I'm challenged to know them as if they are tied to the back of my hand.
This is what it means to be Empowered through Biblical Training.
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, March 25, 2009
3.25.9 "Speck Patrol"
"Speck Patrol"
Deuteronomy 4:1-49
Luke 6:39-7:10
Psalm 68:1-18
Proverbs 11:28
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to get upset with people who don't live the way "we know" that God wants them to live? Think of people who "get your goat". There's probably something about their actions that you feel is "wrong", and it is probably some element of spirituality that you believe is missing in their life.
It's so easy to sit and hear a wonderful sermon or a word of correction or exhortation and think, "Wow! this is good! There are people here who need to hear this!" There's danger in that thought process. That thinking is a way of deflecting what the Lord is trying to do in my life.
Jesus calls attention to this. "And why quibble about the speck in someone else's eye - his little fault - when a [beam] is in your own? How can you think of saying to him, 'Brother, let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,' when you can't see past the [beam] in yours? Hypocrite! First get rid of the board, and then perhaps you can see well enough to deal with his speck!" Luke 6:41-42
I had this picture of people on "Speck Patrol" riding around in their "Beam"ers.... get it? Beamers? wow... humor like that is rare!
When you are in the presence of the Lord, he will speak to you. It will usually be an area he would like for you to surrender to him. Lets use the example of gossip. When the Lord shines his light on your gossip, all the sudden you see all those around you who gossip. It's like you're seeing through "Gossip-Goggles".
Our human nature then kicks in, and starts to judge others for the issues they have with gossip. It does this for a number of reasons. One may be so you start thinking, "well at least I'm not as bad as them...". Another reason is to distract you and waste the energy you should be spending on repentance and refining the gossip in your own life.
So what should we do when the "speck patrol" of our flesh shows up? We need to recognize that as the Holy Spirit reminding us of OUR faults, not someone else's. This is a HUGE opportunity to thrust a dagger into the heart of our flesh and further the process of becoming the "dead man" God wants us to be.
Whether we realize it or not, we are always looking for an excuse to hang on to what God is asking us to give him. When we begin to be people of "habitual repentance" and we surrender as soon as the Lord brings our "beams" to light, we will be on a path toward maturity. We will become who God has created us 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
Deuteronomy 4:1-49
Luke 6:39-7:10
Psalm 68:1-18
Proverbs 11:28
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to get upset with people who don't live the way "we know" that God wants them to live? Think of people who "get your goat". There's probably something about their actions that you feel is "wrong", and it is probably some element of spirituality that you believe is missing in their life.
It's so easy to sit and hear a wonderful sermon or a word of correction or exhortation and think, "Wow! this is good! There are people here who need to hear this!" There's danger in that thought process. That thinking is a way of deflecting what the Lord is trying to do in my life.
Jesus calls attention to this. "And why quibble about the speck in someone else's eye - his little fault - when a [beam] is in your own? How can you think of saying to him, 'Brother, let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,' when you can't see past the [beam] in yours? Hypocrite! First get rid of the board, and then perhaps you can see well enough to deal with his speck!" Luke 6:41-42
I had this picture of people on "Speck Patrol" riding around in their "Beam"ers.... get it? Beamers? wow... humor like that is rare!
When you are in the presence of the Lord, he will speak to you. It will usually be an area he would like for you to surrender to him. Lets use the example of gossip. When the Lord shines his light on your gossip, all the sudden you see all those around you who gossip. It's like you're seeing through "Gossip-Goggles".
Our human nature then kicks in, and starts to judge others for the issues they have with gossip. It does this for a number of reasons. One may be so you start thinking, "well at least I'm not as bad as them...". Another reason is to distract you and waste the energy you should be spending on repentance and refining the gossip in your own life.
So what should we do when the "speck patrol" of our flesh shows up? We need to recognize that as the Holy Spirit reminding us of OUR faults, not someone else's. This is a HUGE opportunity to thrust a dagger into the heart of our flesh and further the process of becoming the "dead man" God wants us to be.
Whether we realize it or not, we are always looking for an excuse to hang on to what God is asking us to give him. When we begin to be people of "habitual repentance" and we surrender as soon as the Lord brings our "beams" to light, we will be on a path toward maturity. We will become who God has created us 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
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
3.24.9 "Recipe for Success"
"Recipe for Success"
Deuteronomy 2:1-3:29
Luke 6:12-38
Psalm 67:1-7
Proverbs 11:27
This portion of scripture in Luke is one that We've all heard since we were kids, and we probably understand what it means, but it isn't very easy to put into practice.
"Listen, all of you. Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Pray for the happiness of those who curse you; implore God's blessing on those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, let him slap the other too! If someone demands your coat, give him your shirt besides. Give what you have to anyone who asks you for it; and when things are taken away from you, don't worry about getting them back." (Luke 6:27-30)
What is the purpose of all that? Why are we to be that kind of people? Is it God's goal for Christians to be doormats? Are we to be a weak people? Fear of weakness and injustice is what our flesh sees when we read this type of scripture. Even most Christians in this day would want to re-write the verses to say, "Tolerate your enemies. Ignore those who hate you. Pray that those who curse you and hurt you would leave you alone...."
What does it take to live like these verses in Luke? It takes true Godly submission. It takes an understanding of what "Relationships Devoted to Unity" is all about. Moreover, it takes death to flesh.
"Treat others as you want them to treat you.... Love your enemies! Do good to them! Lend to them! And don't be concerned about the fact that they won't repay..." (Luke 6:31, 35a)
That's tough! We fear the "doormat" syndrome so much that we don't even come close to it. Our thought process is many times caught up in the fact that "If I'm going to live this life of submission, I better see results!" Too often we are overly concerned with the "result" of our actions. We'll be submissive a couple times, and if that doesn't work, I'm back to doing it my way!
While it's true that God's promises are conditional based on our obedience, we can't turn that around and give him "conditional obedience". His word says to love our enemies. That doesn't have any stipulation of the outcome. It just says do it!
The good news is there is a blessing! "... Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as sons of God: for he is kind to the unthankful and to those who are very wicked. Try to show as much compassion as your father does. Never criticize or condemn - or it will all come back on you. Go easy on others; then they will do the same for you. For if you give, you will get! Your gift will return to you in full and overflowing measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use to give - large or small - will be used to measure what is given back to you." (35b-38)
That sounds like a recipe for success! We may see the fruit of that blessing immediately, or in years to come, or it may even be the heavenly reward. But either way, it is the way we are to live as sons of 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
Deuteronomy 2:1-3:29
Luke 6:12-38
Psalm 67:1-7
Proverbs 11:27
This portion of scripture in Luke is one that We've all heard since we were kids, and we probably understand what it means, but it isn't very easy to put into practice.
"Listen, all of you. Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Pray for the happiness of those who curse you; implore God's blessing on those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, let him slap the other too! If someone demands your coat, give him your shirt besides. Give what you have to anyone who asks you for it; and when things are taken away from you, don't worry about getting them back." (Luke 6:27-30)
What is the purpose of all that? Why are we to be that kind of people? Is it God's goal for Christians to be doormats? Are we to be a weak people? Fear of weakness and injustice is what our flesh sees when we read this type of scripture. Even most Christians in this day would want to re-write the verses to say, "Tolerate your enemies. Ignore those who hate you. Pray that those who curse you and hurt you would leave you alone...."
What does it take to live like these verses in Luke? It takes true Godly submission. It takes an understanding of what "Relationships Devoted to Unity" is all about. Moreover, it takes death to flesh.
"Treat others as you want them to treat you.... Love your enemies! Do good to them! Lend to them! And don't be concerned about the fact that they won't repay..." (Luke 6:31, 35a)
That's tough! We fear the "doormat" syndrome so much that we don't even come close to it. Our thought process is many times caught up in the fact that "If I'm going to live this life of submission, I better see results!" Too often we are overly concerned with the "result" of our actions. We'll be submissive a couple times, and if that doesn't work, I'm back to doing it my way!
While it's true that God's promises are conditional based on our obedience, we can't turn that around and give him "conditional obedience". His word says to love our enemies. That doesn't have any stipulation of the outcome. It just says do it!
The good news is there is a blessing! "... Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as sons of God: for he is kind to the unthankful and to those who are very wicked. Try to show as much compassion as your father does. Never criticize or condemn - or it will all come back on you. Go easy on others; then they will do the same for you. For if you give, you will get! Your gift will return to you in full and overflowing measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use to give - large or small - will be used to measure what is given back to you." (35b-38)
That sounds like a recipe for success! We may see the fruit of that blessing immediately, or in years to come, or it may even be the heavenly reward. But either way, it is the way we are to live as sons of 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
Monday, March 23, 2009
3.23.9 "God's Economy"
"God's Economy"
Numbers 36:1-Deuteronomy 1:46
Luke 5:29-6:11
Psalm 66:1-20
Proverbs 11:24-26
God's economy is incredible. To the world it doesn't make sense. The world's economy is focused on gaining as much as you can. The motivation is selfishness. God's economy is based on obedience.
"It is possible to give away and become richer! It is also possible to hold on too tightly and lose everything. Yes, the liberal man shall be rich! By watering others, he waters himself." Prov. 11:24-25
As I read the word today, it reminded me of conversations I had with two different individuals. One was a man I see as a model father. He was sharing memories that he had from when his kids were younger. "We don't really have anything to show for the years I've worked. Not much of stuff, but we sure had a lot of fun!" I see his grown children who love the Lord, and it makes me think that there are too many that have the "stuff" and a bunch of regrets.
Another conversation I had was with a young couple who are stepping out in obedience to God's direction. She told me "We've never made so little and yet have so much money." They've been giving a ton away.
I can't explain God's economy. All I know is this. When we try to "get" more it doesn't work. When our focus is obedience in giving, the blessing is poured out. This isn't just about money. It's about all of our time, talent and resource.
We know we should give. But we have a problem with "we should give so we can get more" because it sounds like selfish motivation. That's because we don't finish that thought... It should be "We should give so we can get more to give!"
How can someone who has a lot be broke? I guess I can see it like a "fat slob" on the couch who's tired all the time, and a busy person who exercises regularly and is full of energy. How does that make sense? (as said by the guy on the couch) The reason the energy is there is because the blood is flowing. The body is healthy.
The same is true for our resources. What God has given us has no value if it is not put to his use. This is what Active Ministry Involvement is all about. Again, it's not about joining a group, it's about using your gifts for God's glory in the home, at work, for the body of Christ, in the neighborhood, and around the world. We have a responsibility to do this.
It may not make sense in the world's eyes, but with the blessing of God's economy, we can know we are walking in obedience!
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
Numbers 36:1-Deuteronomy 1:46
Luke 5:29-6:11
Psalm 66:1-20
Proverbs 11:24-26
God's economy is incredible. To the world it doesn't make sense. The world's economy is focused on gaining as much as you can. The motivation is selfishness. God's economy is based on obedience.
"It is possible to give away and become richer! It is also possible to hold on too tightly and lose everything. Yes, the liberal man shall be rich! By watering others, he waters himself." Prov. 11:24-25
As I read the word today, it reminded me of conversations I had with two different individuals. One was a man I see as a model father. He was sharing memories that he had from when his kids were younger. "We don't really have anything to show for the years I've worked. Not much of stuff, but we sure had a lot of fun!" I see his grown children who love the Lord, and it makes me think that there are too many that have the "stuff" and a bunch of regrets.
Another conversation I had was with a young couple who are stepping out in obedience to God's direction. She told me "We've never made so little and yet have so much money." They've been giving a ton away.
I can't explain God's economy. All I know is this. When we try to "get" more it doesn't work. When our focus is obedience in giving, the blessing is poured out. This isn't just about money. It's about all of our time, talent and resource.
We know we should give. But we have a problem with "we should give so we can get more" because it sounds like selfish motivation. That's because we don't finish that thought... It should be "We should give so we can get more to give!"
How can someone who has a lot be broke? I guess I can see it like a "fat slob" on the couch who's tired all the time, and a busy person who exercises regularly and is full of energy. How does that make sense? (as said by the guy on the couch) The reason the energy is there is because the blood is flowing. The body is healthy.
The same is true for our resources. What God has given us has no value if it is not put to his use. This is what Active Ministry Involvement is all about. Again, it's not about joining a group, it's about using your gifts for God's glory in the home, at work, for the body of Christ, in the neighborhood, and around the world. We have a responsibility to do this.
It may not make sense in the world's eyes, but with the blessing of God's economy, we can know we are walking in obedience!
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, March 22, 2009
3.22.9 "Take It!"
"Take It!"
Numbers 33:40-35:34
Luke 5:12-28
Psalm 65:1-13
Proverbs 11:23
The story of the children of Israel and their delivery from Egypt is extremely important for us to understand. There's a reason that so much of scripture is devoted to it. You will note how much it is referred to throughout the rest of God's word.
Why is that?
There are a few reasons. The first is that Egypt represents the bondage of sin. The Exodus represents God's desire to bring us out of bondage to restore an intimate relationship with him. The people represent our flesh and our desires. Notice how continually the people want to return to the "good" things they remember of Egypt. We are often the same way. Our own desires cause us to long for the "freedom" of selfish living. We so easily forget that therein is bondage.
Through all of this we discover the character and nature of God. He has an intense love for his people, but he is a holy God, and he cannot dwell with wicked people. He puts laws in place to help the people keep themselves holy. When sin occurs, it's only atoned for through the sacrifice.
With all of this symbolism in place, there's a portion of the word that stands out this morning:
"... the Lord told Moses to tell the people of Israel, 'When you pass across the Jordan river into the land of Canaan, you must drive out all the people living there and destroy all their idols - their carved stones, molten images, and the open-air sanctuaries in the hills where they worship their idols. I have given the land to you; take it and live there... But if you refuse to drive out the people living there, those who remain will be as cinders in your eyes and thorns in your sides." (Numbers 33:50-55)
The Lord wants us to experience complete freedom from sin. It was God's desire that the people would experience total freedom from the bondage of idolatry in the Promised Land. He knew that if they did not destroy these things going in, they would fall prey to it.
How does that relate to us? Christ has offered us salvation. Freedom. He forgives our sin. He says to the people "I have given the land to you; take it and live there." He offers us freedom and complete forgiveness. We have a part in this. We must "take it and live there."
What does that mean? It means that there are things all around us that represent the idolatry of "the old life". It may be different things for everyone of us. It may be a TV show, it may be a hobby, it may be almost anything, but if it comes between our relationship with the Lord, it is sin.
The warning is clear. If we refuse to drive it out, it will become a cinder in the eye or a thorn in the flesh. It's easy to develop "pet sins". Things we ask forgiveness for, but don't want to give up. Oh, we "want" to give them up... at least we say we do, but inside a desire has been fed and grown so long that it has become an issue of bondage, and we don't even realize it.
It isn't a matter of forgiveness. It's a matter of obedience. It's taking care of the the things God wants us to take care of. It's about living in the freedom of the promise he has for us. We can't experience the full joy of the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship until we live in this freedom.
"Take it and live there!"
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Numbers 33:40-35:34
Luke 5:12-28
Psalm 65:1-13
Proverbs 11:23
The story of the children of Israel and their delivery from Egypt is extremely important for us to understand. There's a reason that so much of scripture is devoted to it. You will note how much it is referred to throughout the rest of God's word.
Why is that?
There are a few reasons. The first is that Egypt represents the bondage of sin. The Exodus represents God's desire to bring us out of bondage to restore an intimate relationship with him. The people represent our flesh and our desires. Notice how continually the people want to return to the "good" things they remember of Egypt. We are often the same way. Our own desires cause us to long for the "freedom" of selfish living. We so easily forget that therein is bondage.
Through all of this we discover the character and nature of God. He has an intense love for his people, but he is a holy God, and he cannot dwell with wicked people. He puts laws in place to help the people keep themselves holy. When sin occurs, it's only atoned for through the sacrifice.
With all of this symbolism in place, there's a portion of the word that stands out this morning:
"... the Lord told Moses to tell the people of Israel, 'When you pass across the Jordan river into the land of Canaan, you must drive out all the people living there and destroy all their idols - their carved stones, molten images, and the open-air sanctuaries in the hills where they worship their idols. I have given the land to you; take it and live there... But if you refuse to drive out the people living there, those who remain will be as cinders in your eyes and thorns in your sides." (Numbers 33:50-55)
The Lord wants us to experience complete freedom from sin. It was God's desire that the people would experience total freedom from the bondage of idolatry in the Promised Land. He knew that if they did not destroy these things going in, they would fall prey to it.
How does that relate to us? Christ has offered us salvation. Freedom. He forgives our sin. He says to the people "I have given the land to you; take it and live there." He offers us freedom and complete forgiveness. We have a part in this. We must "take it and live there."
What does that mean? It means that there are things all around us that represent the idolatry of "the old life". It may be different things for everyone of us. It may be a TV show, it may be a hobby, it may be almost anything, but if it comes between our relationship with the Lord, it is sin.
The warning is clear. If we refuse to drive it out, it will become a cinder in the eye or a thorn in the flesh. It's easy to develop "pet sins". Things we ask forgiveness for, but don't want to give up. Oh, we "want" to give them up... at least we say we do, but inside a desire has been fed and grown so long that it has become an issue of bondage, and we don't even realize it.
It isn't a matter of forgiveness. It's a matter of obedience. It's taking care of the the things God wants us to take care of. It's about living in the freedom of the promise he has for us. We can't experience the full joy of the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship until we live in this freedom.
"Take it and live there!"
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Saturday, March 21, 2009
3.21.9 "Fishing with Jesus"
"Fishing with Jesus"
Numbers 32:1-33:39
Luke 4:31-5:11
Psalm 64:1-10
Proverbs 11:22
The Word of God is amazing. You can read and re-read a story, and each time something new will stand out. It's awesome how the Spirit unwraps the layers of truth found in the Bible. Not in anyway to diminish Matthew & Mark, but the book of Luke reveals Jesus to me in a fresh way. I notice the emphasis on his faithfulness to the synagogue. I notice the discipline in his message. It's not that these character traits aren't portrayed in the other gospels, it is just brought to light in Luke as the Spirit is bringing to light.
In Luke 4, the popularity of Jesus is greatly increasing. it says starting in verse 40 "all the villagers who had any sick people in their homes, no matter what their diseases were, brought them to Jesus; and the touch of his hands healed every one!" What a phrase! "... the touch of his hands healed every one!"
In verse 42, Jesus leaves town. "Early the next morning he went out into the desert. The crowds searched everywhere for him and when they finally found him they begged him not to leave them, but to stay at Capernaum. But he replied, 'I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other places too, for that is why I was sent.' So he continued to travel around preaching in synagogues throughout Judea." (4:42-44)
The key phrase in that portion of scripture is, "... for that is why I was sent." Jesus had a mission. He knew what it was. In earlier verses, he was healing people of demon possession, and commanding them not to tell who he was. Why would he do that? It would compromise his mission. He knew the people would try to make him into the Messiah they wanted instead of discovering the Messiah he was.
In chapter 5, Jesus is teaching to such large crowds that he & his disciples get into a couple boats and he teaches from there. Here's where it gets REALLY good!
"When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, 'Now go out where it is deeper and let down your nets and you will catch a lot of fish!' 'Sir,' Simon replied, 'we worked hard all last night and didn't catch a thing. But if you say so, we'll try again.' And this time their nets were so full that they began to tear! A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.
"When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, 'Oh, sir, please leave us - I'm too much of a sinner for you to have around.' For he was awestruck by the size of their catch, as were the others with him, and his partners too - James and John, the sons of Zebedee. Jesus replied, 'Don't be afraid! From now on you'll be fishing for the soul of men!' And as soon as they landed, they left everything and went with him." (Luke 5:4-11)
This is a rich portion of scripture. Here are a few points:
1. Jesus tells them to let down their nets, and Simon says, 'we tried that already'. Sometimes what Jesus is calling us to do doesn't make sense at the surface. He may be telling us to talk to the neighbor again. 'But I've done that.' he may be telling us to reach out to a hard heart that's hurt us. So many times I think we give up on what he's telling us to do because we don't see the results. The key is to obey, no matter what. In this case, the 'harvest' was incredibly abundant.
2. Peter's response to seeing the move of God is incredible. He says, "please leave us - I'm too much of a sinner for you to have around." When we REALLY see God, we understand the full magnitude of his greatness. In seeing that, we realize how unworthy we are. It could be easy to look at the harvest and think that it was some work of our own. We must make sure that we like Peter, "realize what had happened". Knowing God has an incredible impact. Because of this revelation, they left everything and followed him.
3. Jesus states the mission: "From now on you'll be fishing for the souls of men!" That is our mission. We need to be people who understand the magnitude of our God and are compelled by the mission he's laid out for us.
To Live the DREAM, we must live with the "Mission to Reach our World for Christ". To live this Mission effectively, we Must first know him, then walk in total radical obedience.
In Luke 4:32 it says that the people in the synagogues were amazed at the things he said. "For he spoke as one who knew the truth, instead of merely quoting the opinions of others as his authority." When we share Christ with others does it come from a heart that KNOWS the truth, or a heart that is only talking about what it has heard?
Know Christ today! Go fishing with Him!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Numbers 32:1-33:39
Luke 4:31-5:11
Psalm 64:1-10
Proverbs 11:22
The Word of God is amazing. You can read and re-read a story, and each time something new will stand out. It's awesome how the Spirit unwraps the layers of truth found in the Bible. Not in anyway to diminish Matthew & Mark, but the book of Luke reveals Jesus to me in a fresh way. I notice the emphasis on his faithfulness to the synagogue. I notice the discipline in his message. It's not that these character traits aren't portrayed in the other gospels, it is just brought to light in Luke as the Spirit is bringing to light.
In Luke 4, the popularity of Jesus is greatly increasing. it says starting in verse 40 "all the villagers who had any sick people in their homes, no matter what their diseases were, brought them to Jesus; and the touch of his hands healed every one!" What a phrase! "... the touch of his hands healed every one!"
In verse 42, Jesus leaves town. "Early the next morning he went out into the desert. The crowds searched everywhere for him and when they finally found him they begged him not to leave them, but to stay at Capernaum. But he replied, 'I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other places too, for that is why I was sent.' So he continued to travel around preaching in synagogues throughout Judea." (4:42-44)
The key phrase in that portion of scripture is, "... for that is why I was sent." Jesus had a mission. He knew what it was. In earlier verses, he was healing people of demon possession, and commanding them not to tell who he was. Why would he do that? It would compromise his mission. He knew the people would try to make him into the Messiah they wanted instead of discovering the Messiah he was.
In chapter 5, Jesus is teaching to such large crowds that he & his disciples get into a couple boats and he teaches from there. Here's where it gets REALLY good!
"When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, 'Now go out where it is deeper and let down your nets and you will catch a lot of fish!' 'Sir,' Simon replied, 'we worked hard all last night and didn't catch a thing. But if you say so, we'll try again.' And this time their nets were so full that they began to tear! A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.
"When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, 'Oh, sir, please leave us - I'm too much of a sinner for you to have around.' For he was awestruck by the size of their catch, as were the others with him, and his partners too - James and John, the sons of Zebedee. Jesus replied, 'Don't be afraid! From now on you'll be fishing for the soul of men!' And as soon as they landed, they left everything and went with him." (Luke 5:4-11)
This is a rich portion of scripture. Here are a few points:
1. Jesus tells them to let down their nets, and Simon says, 'we tried that already'. Sometimes what Jesus is calling us to do doesn't make sense at the surface. He may be telling us to talk to the neighbor again. 'But I've done that.' he may be telling us to reach out to a hard heart that's hurt us. So many times I think we give up on what he's telling us to do because we don't see the results. The key is to obey, no matter what. In this case, the 'harvest' was incredibly abundant.
2. Peter's response to seeing the move of God is incredible. He says, "please leave us - I'm too much of a sinner for you to have around." When we REALLY see God, we understand the full magnitude of his greatness. In seeing that, we realize how unworthy we are. It could be easy to look at the harvest and think that it was some work of our own. We must make sure that we like Peter, "realize what had happened". Knowing God has an incredible impact. Because of this revelation, they left everything and followed him.
3. Jesus states the mission: "From now on you'll be fishing for the souls of men!" That is our mission. We need to be people who understand the magnitude of our God and are compelled by the mission he's laid out for us.
To Live the DREAM, we must live with the "Mission to Reach our World for Christ". To live this Mission effectively, we Must first know him, then walk in total radical obedience.
In Luke 4:32 it says that the people in the synagogues were amazed at the things he said. "For he spoke as one who knew the truth, instead of merely quoting the opinions of others as his authority." When we share Christ with others does it come from a heart that KNOWS the truth, or a heart that is only talking about what it has heard?
Know Christ today! Go fishing with Him!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Friday, March 20, 2009
3.20.9 "Through the Power of the Spirit"
"Through the Power of the Spirit"
Numbers 30:1-31:54
Luke 4:1-30
Psalm 63:1-11
Proverbs 11:20-21
How are you getting through life? In your own strength, or the power of the Spirit? Too often I catch myself trying to "Live the DREAM" in my own strength. We need to live the balanced Christian Life, but we need to be doing it through a power far greater than our own: The power found only through the Holy Spirit.
Luke 4:1 says, "Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan River, being urged by the Spirit..." In verse 14 it says, "Then Jesus returned to Galilee, full of the Holy Spirit's power."
It should grab our attention that Jesus was not operating in his own strength even through He was the Son of God. His path was forged through the power of the Spirit.
In our reading in Numbers today, Numbers 31:24 says, "Anything that will stand heat - such as gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, or lead - shall be passed through fire in order to be made ceremonially pure;"
Do you remember what John the Baptist said in Luke 3 two days ago? "I baptize only with water; but someone is coming soon who has far higher authority than mine... He will baptize you with fire - with the Holy Spirit." (Luke 3:16)
We need the power of the Spirit to be present in our lives. This is why Jesus came. To give us life, and more abundantly. That happens through the power of the Spirit. Do you want it? YES! ok, let's look at something.
Notice that in Luke 4:1 Jesus is full of the Spirit, and in Luke 4:14 he's full of the spirit's power. What happens in between? Yup, you guessed it. it's that wilderness word again. In the wilderness Jesus is tempted. He's tempted in the midst of great hunger. His will is tested to prove that he's the Son of God. Satan throws all he has at him. Testing Jesus at a "weak" moment.
What does Jesus do? Does he respond in his own strength? "yeah, that doesn't really sound bad... stone into bread... after all, who would know... I am the son of God..." Not at all! He responds with the word!
The wilderness is the trial that refines. To many times we think it is an obstacle to the Christian Life we are called to live rather than the fire necessary to refine us. Like Numbers said, "Anything that can stand heat..." What about me? Can I stand heat? Can I be a place where the Spirit can move freely? It can only happen as I devote my life to the Word and to overcome THROUGH 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
Numbers 30:1-31:54
Luke 4:1-30
Psalm 63:1-11
Proverbs 11:20-21
How are you getting through life? In your own strength, or the power of the Spirit? Too often I catch myself trying to "Live the DREAM" in my own strength. We need to live the balanced Christian Life, but we need to be doing it through a power far greater than our own: The power found only through the Holy Spirit.
Luke 4:1 says, "Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan River, being urged by the Spirit..." In verse 14 it says, "Then Jesus returned to Galilee, full of the Holy Spirit's power."
It should grab our attention that Jesus was not operating in his own strength even through He was the Son of God. His path was forged through the power of the Spirit.
In our reading in Numbers today, Numbers 31:24 says, "Anything that will stand heat - such as gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, or lead - shall be passed through fire in order to be made ceremonially pure;"
Do you remember what John the Baptist said in Luke 3 two days ago? "I baptize only with water; but someone is coming soon who has far higher authority than mine... He will baptize you with fire - with the Holy Spirit." (Luke 3:16)
We need the power of the Spirit to be present in our lives. This is why Jesus came. To give us life, and more abundantly. That happens through the power of the Spirit. Do you want it? YES! ok, let's look at something.
Notice that in Luke 4:1 Jesus is full of the Spirit, and in Luke 4:14 he's full of the spirit's power. What happens in between? Yup, you guessed it. it's that wilderness word again. In the wilderness Jesus is tempted. He's tempted in the midst of great hunger. His will is tested to prove that he's the Son of God. Satan throws all he has at him. Testing Jesus at a "weak" moment.
What does Jesus do? Does he respond in his own strength? "yeah, that doesn't really sound bad... stone into bread... after all, who would know... I am the son of God..." Not at all! He responds with the word!
The wilderness is the trial that refines. To many times we think it is an obstacle to the Christian Life we are called to live rather than the fire necessary to refine us. Like Numbers said, "Anything that can stand heat..." What about me? Can I stand heat? Can I be a place where the Spirit can move freely? It can only happen as I devote my life to the Word and to overcome THROUGH 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
Thursday, March 19, 2009
3.19.9 "A Tepee and a Wigwam"
"A Tepee and a Wigwam"
Numbers 28;16-29:40
Luke 3:23-38
Psalm 62:1-12
Proverbs 11:18-19
A guy has recurring dreams that keep him up all night. This goes on for a while, so he finally goes to the doctor. "Doctor, I don't know what my problem is. I have these dreams and I can't get any sleep!" The doctor says, "What's happening in your dreams?" "Well, they're weird. In one dream I'll be a tepee. I'll wake up from that one, and in the next one I'm a wigwam. It's driving me crazy!" The doctor says, "That's easy. You're two 'tents'!" (too tense... get it?) It's never good when it has to be explained...)
Today's reading in Psalm says, "Yes, he alone is my Rock, my rescuer, defense and fortress - why then should I be tense with fear when troubles come?" (62:6)
Tension in our life can be a sign that we don't believe what we say we believe. If we trust God and are walking in obedience, he will carry us through, right? So why all the tension?
Notice the verse says "when" troubles come, and not "if" troubles come. Troubles will come. They will challenge us. They will require more surrender, obedience, and passion for God than ever before, but our response should not be fear.
Fear can come from the internal or subconscious belief that "I" am the one to fix this. "I" have to figure this out. If it does depend on us and our strength, then we have good reason to fear. But that's not the way it works.
"My protection and success come from God alone. He is my refuge, a Rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust him all the time. Pour out your longings before him, for he can help!" (Ps 62:7-8)
What's heavy on your heart today? Pour out your longings before him. Get out of the "tent-tion" of the Tepee and the Wigwam. Trust that he will carry you through. He will guide you. You may not see the plan that he has around the corner, but know that it's "to prosper and not to harm you" (Jer 29:11).
Trusting in God is a discipline. It is part of being "Empowered through Biblical Training". As we discover the nature of God through disciplined study of the Word, we see his greatness, his goodness, and his strength. Knowing this compels us to trust in him.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Numbers 28;16-29:40
Luke 3:23-38
Psalm 62:1-12
Proverbs 11:18-19
A guy has recurring dreams that keep him up all night. This goes on for a while, so he finally goes to the doctor. "Doctor, I don't know what my problem is. I have these dreams and I can't get any sleep!" The doctor says, "What's happening in your dreams?" "Well, they're weird. In one dream I'll be a tepee. I'll wake up from that one, and in the next one I'm a wigwam. It's driving me crazy!" The doctor says, "That's easy. You're two 'tents'!" (too tense... get it?) It's never good when it has to be explained...)
Today's reading in Psalm says, "Yes, he alone is my Rock, my rescuer, defense and fortress - why then should I be tense with fear when troubles come?" (62:6)
Tension in our life can be a sign that we don't believe what we say we believe. If we trust God and are walking in obedience, he will carry us through, right? So why all the tension?
Notice the verse says "when" troubles come, and not "if" troubles come. Troubles will come. They will challenge us. They will require more surrender, obedience, and passion for God than ever before, but our response should not be fear.
Fear can come from the internal or subconscious belief that "I" am the one to fix this. "I" have to figure this out. If it does depend on us and our strength, then we have good reason to fear. But that's not the way it works.
"My protection and success come from God alone. He is my refuge, a Rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust him all the time. Pour out your longings before him, for he can help!" (Ps 62:7-8)
What's heavy on your heart today? Pour out your longings before him. Get out of the "tent-tion" of the Tepee and the Wigwam. Trust that he will carry you through. He will guide you. You may not see the plan that he has around the corner, but know that it's "to prosper and not to harm you" (Jer 29:11).
Trusting in God is a discipline. It is part of being "Empowered through Biblical Training". As we discover the nature of God through disciplined study of the Word, we see his greatness, his goodness, and his strength. Knowing this compels us to trust in him.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
3.18.9 "The Message & the Desert"
"The Message & the Desert"
Numbers 26:52-28:15
Luke 3:1-22
Psalm 61:1-8
Proverbs 11:16-17
In his book, "A Heart Ablaze" John Bevere writes of the importance of Moses' encounter with the burning bush. "Had he not encountered the Lord... he would have been on a campaign to get them out of slavery and into their own land..." At first glance it may seem "WHAT? He WAS on a campaign getting them out of slavery!" That may be man's perception, but the truth is that he was bringing them to meet with God! That's a much higher priority.
Bevere makes the statement, "if we have a calling on our lives but have not allowed God to bring us to the back side of HIs desert to reveal Himself, we will seek to free people for the sake of freedom. But we need to free people for the purpose of coming to the One for whom we were created."
How do we apply this to our lives? We need to make sure that we subject our plans, good ideas, and even messages from the Lord to his refining process. If we don't do that, we end up with a "product" or message that is not exactly what God had intended it to be.
Let's look at a couple of the "deserts" mentioned today. In Numbers 26, they've done another census. verses 64-65 say, "Not one person in this entire census had been counted in the previous census taken in the wilderness of Sinai! For all who had been counted then had died, as the Lord had decreed when he said of them, 'They shall die in the wilderness.' The only exceptions were Caleb & Joshua."
What's the significance of that? The people who had been in Egypt did not submit themselves to the plan of God in the wilderness. There was time after time that they would rebel, complain, and compromise the plan of God. Many times it was because of concern for their own comfort. In this time of wilderness, had they trusted in God, sought his face more diligently, and allowed Him to refine them, they could have experienced the Promised Land. The only 2 that would see Egypt as well as the Promised Land would be Caleb & Joshua: the ones who trusted in the Lord. The Lord needed to refine the people.
In Luke 3 there's another wilderness. verse 1 says, "... a message came from God to John... as he was living out in the deserts." Sometimes it's in the wilderness where the message is received. Moses was in exile when he saw the burning bush. He got the message in a lonely place. John did as well. The message John had was incredibly impacting. Its importance was so great, it necessitated the refining of the wilderness.
John's message, as prophesied by Isaiah applies to us today: "Prepare a road for the Lord to travel on! Widen the pathway before him! Level the mountains! Fill up the valleys! Straighten the curves! Smooth out the ruts! And then all mankind shall see the Savior sent from God." (Luke 3:4-6)
We must clear a path for the Lord. We may all be in a different place in this process. Some may have no "message", or dream, or plan. Some may not realize they do. Others see a glimpse, and others may be chomping at the bit ready to dive ahead. But ALL must clear the path for God to do his work.
For some the path may need to be cleared to get the message, and for others the process of clearing the path will refine the message. What God places in our hearts is for more than we can understand or imagine. It is world-changing. We all have ruts & valleys, and curves that need to be refined in the presence of the Lord. They need to be refined in the wilderness.
It's a tough prayer to say: Lord refine me. The refining process is hot and can get ugly. Heaven forbid that we take the precious message the Lord has for us the wrong direction. We must seek his face. Though the desert will refine us, God is faithful to carry us through. "For wherever I am, though far away at the ends of the earth, i will cry to you for help. When my heart is faint and overwhelmed, lead me to the mighty, towering Rock of safety. For you are my refuge, a high tower where my enemies can never reach me." (Ps 61:2-3)
THEN all mankind shall see the Savior sent from God! That is what all this is about: to meet with God!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Numbers 26:52-28:15
Luke 3:1-22
Psalm 61:1-8
Proverbs 11:16-17
In his book, "A Heart Ablaze" John Bevere writes of the importance of Moses' encounter with the burning bush. "Had he not encountered the Lord... he would have been on a campaign to get them out of slavery and into their own land..." At first glance it may seem "WHAT? He WAS on a campaign getting them out of slavery!" That may be man's perception, but the truth is that he was bringing them to meet with God! That's a much higher priority.
Bevere makes the statement, "if we have a calling on our lives but have not allowed God to bring us to the back side of HIs desert to reveal Himself, we will seek to free people for the sake of freedom. But we need to free people for the purpose of coming to the One for whom we were created."
How do we apply this to our lives? We need to make sure that we subject our plans, good ideas, and even messages from the Lord to his refining process. If we don't do that, we end up with a "product" or message that is not exactly what God had intended it to be.
Let's look at a couple of the "deserts" mentioned today. In Numbers 26, they've done another census. verses 64-65 say, "Not one person in this entire census had been counted in the previous census taken in the wilderness of Sinai! For all who had been counted then had died, as the Lord had decreed when he said of them, 'They shall die in the wilderness.' The only exceptions were Caleb & Joshua."
What's the significance of that? The people who had been in Egypt did not submit themselves to the plan of God in the wilderness. There was time after time that they would rebel, complain, and compromise the plan of God. Many times it was because of concern for their own comfort. In this time of wilderness, had they trusted in God, sought his face more diligently, and allowed Him to refine them, they could have experienced the Promised Land. The only 2 that would see Egypt as well as the Promised Land would be Caleb & Joshua: the ones who trusted in the Lord. The Lord needed to refine the people.
In Luke 3 there's another wilderness. verse 1 says, "... a message came from God to John... as he was living out in the deserts." Sometimes it's in the wilderness where the message is received. Moses was in exile when he saw the burning bush. He got the message in a lonely place. John did as well. The message John had was incredibly impacting. Its importance was so great, it necessitated the refining of the wilderness.
John's message, as prophesied by Isaiah applies to us today: "Prepare a road for the Lord to travel on! Widen the pathway before him! Level the mountains! Fill up the valleys! Straighten the curves! Smooth out the ruts! And then all mankind shall see the Savior sent from God." (Luke 3:4-6)
We must clear a path for the Lord. We may all be in a different place in this process. Some may have no "message", or dream, or plan. Some may not realize they do. Others see a glimpse, and others may be chomping at the bit ready to dive ahead. But ALL must clear the path for God to do his work.
For some the path may need to be cleared to get the message, and for others the process of clearing the path will refine the message. What God places in our hearts is for more than we can understand or imagine. It is world-changing. We all have ruts & valleys, and curves that need to be refined in the presence of the Lord. They need to be refined in the wilderness.
It's a tough prayer to say: Lord refine me. The refining process is hot and can get ugly. Heaven forbid that we take the precious message the Lord has for us the wrong direction. We must seek his face. Though the desert will refine us, God is faithful to carry us through. "For wherever I am, though far away at the ends of the earth, i will cry to you for help. When my heart is faint and overwhelmed, lead me to the mighty, towering Rock of safety. For you are my refuge, a high tower where my enemies can never reach me." (Ps 61:2-3)
THEN all mankind shall see the Savior sent from God! That is what all this is about: to meet with God!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
3.16.9 "The Light"
Not sure why this didn't post yesterday... Sorry about that.
"The Light"
Numbers 24:1-25:18
Luke 2:1-35
Psalm 59:1-17
Proverbs 11:14
Luke chapter 2 is a very familiar passage to all of us. It begins with "... a decree went out from Caesar that all should be taxed..." and continues through "... there was no room in the inn...". There's the angels, the shepherds, and all of the splendor and simplicity of the coming of Jesus to earth.
As was the legal requirement for the Jewish people, if the first born was a male, he was to be brought to the priest to be dedicated to the Lord. Simeon, the priest, is described as "a good man, very devout, filled with the Holy Spirit and constantly expecting the messiah to come soon. For the Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen him - God's anointed King."
Verse 27 says, "The Holy Spirit had impelled him to go to the Temple that day; and so, when Mary and Joseph arrived to present the baby Jesus to the Lord in obedience to the law, Simeon was there and took the child in his arms, praising God."
I love this story. Here is a man who loves God. He's been waiting all his life for God's promise to come to pass. How many days was he going to the temple waiting to see the Messiah? He's sensitive to the Spirit of God directing his path.
What Simeon says is what captures my heart. "Lord, now I can die content! For I have seen him as you promised me I would. I have seen the Savior you have given to the world. He is the Light that will shine upon the nations, and he will be the glory of your people Israel!" (vs. 29-31)
The phrase "He is the Light that will shine upon the nations..." is what we need to bring with us today. We who know God are bearers of the Light. It may seem that there is darkness all around, but darkness cannot resist the presence of the Light. We have a Mission to Reach our World for Christ.
It's too often easy to become so accustomed to the Light that we forget the desperation of the darkness. The Light is Truth. The world around us is filled with confusion. There are people within your circle of influence today who are in need of an answer. They are filled with the darkness of turmoil. The situation may not seem huge from the surface, but often there's a tremendous blackness underneath. Just a glimpse of the light of truth can bring hope that is desperately needed.
Before the sunrise, the darkness seems so powerful. But that's not the case. There is no real strength in darkness. Darkness is merely absence of light. When the sun comes up in the morning, the darkness is shown for what it is: Powerless. In the same way, Let's bring the vibrant Light to the world today.
One thing to note is this: We shouldn't "use" the Light as a spotlight shining it in people's faces causing them to run and hide. Remember, Jesus said he did not come to condemn the world, but to save it. We should wait for the opportunity for the Light to shine from within. He is the Light men are drawn to. He is the Savior of the world!
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
"The Light"
Numbers 24:1-25:18
Luke 2:1-35
Psalm 59:1-17
Proverbs 11:14
Luke chapter 2 is a very familiar passage to all of us. It begins with "... a decree went out from Caesar that all should be taxed..." and continues through "... there was no room in the inn...". There's the angels, the shepherds, and all of the splendor and simplicity of the coming of Jesus to earth.
As was the legal requirement for the Jewish people, if the first born was a male, he was to be brought to the priest to be dedicated to the Lord. Simeon, the priest, is described as "a good man, very devout, filled with the Holy Spirit and constantly expecting the messiah to come soon. For the Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen him - God's anointed King."
Verse 27 says, "The Holy Spirit had impelled him to go to the Temple that day; and so, when Mary and Joseph arrived to present the baby Jesus to the Lord in obedience to the law, Simeon was there and took the child in his arms, praising God."
I love this story. Here is a man who loves God. He's been waiting all his life for God's promise to come to pass. How many days was he going to the temple waiting to see the Messiah? He's sensitive to the Spirit of God directing his path.
What Simeon says is what captures my heart. "Lord, now I can die content! For I have seen him as you promised me I would. I have seen the Savior you have given to the world. He is the Light that will shine upon the nations, and he will be the glory of your people Israel!" (vs. 29-31)
The phrase "He is the Light that will shine upon the nations..." is what we need to bring with us today. We who know God are bearers of the Light. It may seem that there is darkness all around, but darkness cannot resist the presence of the Light. We have a Mission to Reach our World for Christ.
It's too often easy to become so accustomed to the Light that we forget the desperation of the darkness. The Light is Truth. The world around us is filled with confusion. There are people within your circle of influence today who are in need of an answer. They are filled with the darkness of turmoil. The situation may not seem huge from the surface, but often there's a tremendous blackness underneath. Just a glimpse of the light of truth can bring hope that is desperately needed.
Before the sunrise, the darkness seems so powerful. But that's not the case. There is no real strength in darkness. Darkness is merely absence of light. When the sun comes up in the morning, the darkness is shown for what it is: Powerless. In the same way, Let's bring the vibrant Light to the world today.
One thing to note is this: We shouldn't "use" the Light as a spotlight shining it in people's faces causing them to run and hide. Remember, Jesus said he did not come to condemn the world, but to save it. We should wait for the opportunity for the Light to shine from within. He is the Light men are drawn to. He is the Savior of the world!
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
3.17.9 "I've Lost God!"
"I've Lost God!"
Numbers 26:1-51
Luke 2:36-52
Psalm 60:1-12
Proverbs 11:15
The beginning of Luke 2 is the Christmas Story, then comes the story of Simeon blessing him, as well as Anna, an elderly prophetess who spent day & night interceding in the Temple. This chapter wraps up with one of the few glimpses of Jesus' childhood.
"When Jesus' parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the Law of God they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee. There the child became a strong, robust lad, and was known for wisdom beyond his years; and God poured out his blessings on him." (39-40)
We all know the story that comes next. The family visits Jerusalem. Jesus hangs out at the temple the whole time. Mary & Joseph think he's with the fellow travelers, and head home. It isn't until they've traveled a full day that they realized he wasn't there, and then it wasn't until 3 days later that they found him in the temple! I can just imagine the intensity of Mary's concern. I know how upset it would be if it was my daughter, but you add on all that stuff from the beginning of the chapter. (you know, angels, shepherds...) I'm sure Mary was freaking! "Um... you know that messiah you sent... yeah well... we lost him!" It might sound warped, but I've always imagined that thought process.
That being said, That isn't the point of this DEVO. I would like to focus on the balance of discipline (Empowered through Biblical Training), submission (Relationships Devoted to Unity), and responsibility(Active Ministry Involvement). As our responsibility increases, so must our discipline and submission. Jesus had a tremendous amount of responsibility. His responsibility was met with his discipline.
Having read this story many times, I'd never spent much time thinking about his answer when Mary found him. "But why did you need to search?" he asked. "Didn't you realize that I would be here at the Temple, in my Father's house?"
This can be read several ways, and because we know the mind of many 12 year olds in our culture, we can impose a defiant attitude to those words. I don't think that's accurate. Jesus never sinned, and rebellion is definitely a sin, so that could not have been his tone. What I believe he was saying is "The responsibilities before me constrain me to be where I need to be. I'm sure you've spent time looking at the arcade, the mall, and the other places the other kids hang out, but there's no way I can do that. What is before me is so intense, I must walk a different course. I must be in my Father's house." In other words, "I commit to you that you can trust me. I must be about the work of the kingdom."
Jesus is growing in wisdom. In verse 47 it says he was "amazing everyone with his understanding and answers." His wisdom does not mark the end of his submission however. in verse 51 it says, "Then he returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them;" He knew where he was and he knew what he was called to do.
How about you & me? Do I fully understand the responsibilities I have? As we've discussed in the past, Submission is the principle of Relationships Devoted to Unity. Discipline is the principle of Empowered Through Biblical Training. Responsibility is the principle of Active Ministry Involvement. To Live the DREAM, we must give focussed attention to these elements.
As we grow in our relationship with the Lord, we will experience transformation. We should be experiencing growth. Sometimes we find ourself in a rut. I believe an increase in discipline is what's necessary to break out of the rut.
We need to fear our Responsibility being greater than our discipline. If that's the case, we are headed for trouble. All of these elements must work together for growth in the Balanced Christian Life.
Get into the Word today!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Numbers 26:1-51
Luke 2:36-52
Psalm 60:1-12
Proverbs 11:15
The beginning of Luke 2 is the Christmas Story, then comes the story of Simeon blessing him, as well as Anna, an elderly prophetess who spent day & night interceding in the Temple. This chapter wraps up with one of the few glimpses of Jesus' childhood.
"When Jesus' parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the Law of God they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee. There the child became a strong, robust lad, and was known for wisdom beyond his years; and God poured out his blessings on him." (39-40)
We all know the story that comes next. The family visits Jerusalem. Jesus hangs out at the temple the whole time. Mary & Joseph think he's with the fellow travelers, and head home. It isn't until they've traveled a full day that they realized he wasn't there, and then it wasn't until 3 days later that they found him in the temple! I can just imagine the intensity of Mary's concern. I know how upset it would be if it was my daughter, but you add on all that stuff from the beginning of the chapter. (you know, angels, shepherds...) I'm sure Mary was freaking! "Um... you know that messiah you sent... yeah well... we lost him!" It might sound warped, but I've always imagined that thought process.
That being said, That isn't the point of this DEVO. I would like to focus on the balance of discipline (Empowered through Biblical Training), submission (Relationships Devoted to Unity), and responsibility(Active Ministry Involvement). As our responsibility increases, so must our discipline and submission. Jesus had a tremendous amount of responsibility. His responsibility was met with his discipline.
Having read this story many times, I'd never spent much time thinking about his answer when Mary found him. "But why did you need to search?" he asked. "Didn't you realize that I would be here at the Temple, in my Father's house?"
This can be read several ways, and because we know the mind of many 12 year olds in our culture, we can impose a defiant attitude to those words. I don't think that's accurate. Jesus never sinned, and rebellion is definitely a sin, so that could not have been his tone. What I believe he was saying is "The responsibilities before me constrain me to be where I need to be. I'm sure you've spent time looking at the arcade, the mall, and the other places the other kids hang out, but there's no way I can do that. What is before me is so intense, I must walk a different course. I must be in my Father's house." In other words, "I commit to you that you can trust me. I must be about the work of the kingdom."
Jesus is growing in wisdom. In verse 47 it says he was "amazing everyone with his understanding and answers." His wisdom does not mark the end of his submission however. in verse 51 it says, "Then he returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them;" He knew where he was and he knew what he was called to do.
How about you & me? Do I fully understand the responsibilities I have? As we've discussed in the past, Submission is the principle of Relationships Devoted to Unity. Discipline is the principle of Empowered Through Biblical Training. Responsibility is the principle of Active Ministry Involvement. To Live the DREAM, we must give focussed attention to these elements.
As we grow in our relationship with the Lord, we will experience transformation. We should be experiencing growth. Sometimes we find ourself in a rut. I believe an increase in discipline is what's necessary to break out of the rut.
We need to fear our Responsibility being greater than our discipline. If that's the case, we are headed for trouble. All of these elements must work together for growth in the Balanced Christian Life.
Get into the Word today!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Sunday, March 15, 2009
3.15.9 "Your Donkey's Talking"
"Your Donkey's Talking..."
Numbers 22:21-23:30
Luke 1:57-80
Psalm 58:1-11
Proverbs 11:12-13
The story of Balaam is one that I always find a bit humorous. I should lay the groundwork:
Balaam is a man who hears from God. He is not of the Children of Israel, but he's well known as someone who communes with God. The Israelites have started conquering territories in preparation for entry into the promise land, and King Balak of Moab sees the vast hordes of the Israelites coming, and wants Balaam to come and curse them.
Balaam checks with God, God says "don't go." King Balak says, I'll make you famous and rich. Balaam says, "let me check w/ God again." Well, for some reason, God says, "you may get up and go with these men, but be sure to say only what I tell you to." (22:20)
"So the next morning he saddled his donkey and started off with them. But God was angry about Balaam's eager attitude, so he sent an angel to stand in the road to kill him. As Balaam and two servants were riding along, Balaam's donkey suddenly saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road with a drawn sword. She bolted off the road into a field, but Balaam beat her back onto the road. Now the angel of the Lord stood at a place where the road went between two vineyard walls. When the donkey saw him standing there, she squirmed past by pressing against the wall, crushing Balaam's foot inthe process. so he beat her again. Then the angel of the Lord moved farther down the road and stood in a place so narrow that the donkey couldn't get by at all.
"So she lay down in the road! In a great fit of temper Balaam beat her again with his staff." (22:21-27)
This is where it gets funny: "Then the Lord caused the donkey to speak! 'What have I done that deserves your beating me these three times?' she asked. 'Because you have made me look like a fool!' Balaam shouted." (vs28 & 29)
Ok, his servants are watching this. Who's making who look like a fool? Balaam didn't say, "did you guys see that? my donkey talks!" He's so frustrated, he keeps thinking about himself. "You made ME look like a fool."
I read the story to my daughter. Her question was profound. "Why was God mad at Balaam?" The answer from verse 22 was "God was angry about Balaam's eager attitude" (remember that it was motivated by wealth and fame.) His motives were impure.
I think the application for our lives is one we shouldn't overlook. Sometimes we find our donkey in the ditch. Sometimes it smashes our foot. Sometimes it just lays down.
But we're doing what we thought God wanted us to do! This must be an "attack" of the enemy!
Hang on a second. Look at your motives. Is it possible that there is impurity in the way you are pursuing the will of God?
I'm not saying that every time your donkey's in a ditch that there's an angel of the Lord trying to kill you, but I am saying that the frustrations of life can ALWAYS be used to refine us. Our prayer needs to be "Lord, use this situation to mould me into who you want me to be." It's not easy, it's not convenient, and sometimes you end up limping for a while.
I'll tell you what. God got Balaam's attention. "Then Balaam confessed, 'I have sinned. I didn't realize you were there. I will go back home if you don't want me to go on.' But the angel told him, 'Go with the men, but say only what I tell you to say.'" Balaam was willing to turn around. That wasn't God's plan, though. He told him to continue on, but constrain himself to only say what God says.
We have to be careful as we live out the call of God on our life. Seeds of impure motives can grow rapidly. On the outside, we're still on the road of obedience, but in the inside we're obeying in our terms. The "Dead Man" of the flesh keeps trying to wake up.
I wish I could say that Balaam ended up a hero of the faith. It's not the case. He's mentioned in Jude & Revelation, but not as an example to us. Jude 11 compares wicked men to Balaam as they "rush for profit".
In the past we've talked about the "Preciousness of Frustration". We must make sure that we recognize God's plan in every circumstance. We must guard our hearts from wandering in times of peace, and submit our hearts to refining in times of conflict.
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
Numbers 22:21-23:30
Luke 1:57-80
Psalm 58:1-11
Proverbs 11:12-13
The story of Balaam is one that I always find a bit humorous. I should lay the groundwork:
Balaam is a man who hears from God. He is not of the Children of Israel, but he's well known as someone who communes with God. The Israelites have started conquering territories in preparation for entry into the promise land, and King Balak of Moab sees the vast hordes of the Israelites coming, and wants Balaam to come and curse them.
Balaam checks with God, God says "don't go." King Balak says, I'll make you famous and rich. Balaam says, "let me check w/ God again." Well, for some reason, God says, "you may get up and go with these men, but be sure to say only what I tell you to." (22:20)
"So the next morning he saddled his donkey and started off with them. But God was angry about Balaam's eager attitude, so he sent an angel to stand in the road to kill him. As Balaam and two servants were riding along, Balaam's donkey suddenly saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road with a drawn sword. She bolted off the road into a field, but Balaam beat her back onto the road. Now the angel of the Lord stood at a place where the road went between two vineyard walls. When the donkey saw him standing there, she squirmed past by pressing against the wall, crushing Balaam's foot inthe process. so he beat her again. Then the angel of the Lord moved farther down the road and stood in a place so narrow that the donkey couldn't get by at all.
"So she lay down in the road! In a great fit of temper Balaam beat her again with his staff." (22:21-27)
This is where it gets funny: "Then the Lord caused the donkey to speak! 'What have I done that deserves your beating me these three times?' she asked. 'Because you have made me look like a fool!' Balaam shouted." (vs28 & 29)
Ok, his servants are watching this. Who's making who look like a fool? Balaam didn't say, "did you guys see that? my donkey talks!" He's so frustrated, he keeps thinking about himself. "You made ME look like a fool."
I read the story to my daughter. Her question was profound. "Why was God mad at Balaam?" The answer from verse 22 was "God was angry about Balaam's eager attitude" (remember that it was motivated by wealth and fame.) His motives were impure.
I think the application for our lives is one we shouldn't overlook. Sometimes we find our donkey in the ditch. Sometimes it smashes our foot. Sometimes it just lays down.
But we're doing what we thought God wanted us to do! This must be an "attack" of the enemy!
Hang on a second. Look at your motives. Is it possible that there is impurity in the way you are pursuing the will of God?
I'm not saying that every time your donkey's in a ditch that there's an angel of the Lord trying to kill you, but I am saying that the frustrations of life can ALWAYS be used to refine us. Our prayer needs to be "Lord, use this situation to mould me into who you want me to be." It's not easy, it's not convenient, and sometimes you end up limping for a while.
I'll tell you what. God got Balaam's attention. "Then Balaam confessed, 'I have sinned. I didn't realize you were there. I will go back home if you don't want me to go on.' But the angel told him, 'Go with the men, but say only what I tell you to say.'" Balaam was willing to turn around. That wasn't God's plan, though. He told him to continue on, but constrain himself to only say what God says.
We have to be careful as we live out the call of God on our life. Seeds of impure motives can grow rapidly. On the outside, we're still on the road of obedience, but in the inside we're obeying in our terms. The "Dead Man" of the flesh keeps trying to wake up.
I wish I could say that Balaam ended up a hero of the faith. It's not the case. He's mentioned in Jude & Revelation, but not as an example to us. Jude 11 compares wicked men to Balaam as they "rush for profit".
In the past we've talked about the "Preciousness of Frustration". We must make sure that we recognize God's plan in every circumstance. We must guard our hearts from wandering in times of peace, and submit our hearts to refining in times of conflict.
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, March 14, 2009
3.14.9 "Copyright Infringement"
"Copyright Infringement"
Numbers 21:1-22:20
Luke 1:26-56
Psalm 57:1-11
Proverbs 11:9-11
Copyright has become a big deal in this day and age. A copyright is intended to protect an author, songwriter, advertiser, or other creator and their "work". Basically, it's so the "idea" isn't stolen and someone else makes money off of it. There's big FBI warnings at the beginning of videos to make sure you don't show them to a bunch of people or make copies of it, because to do so would in essence keep the creator from making money from their creation. The intent is to make sure to give credit where credit is due.
This may seem like a bizarre train of thought, but I guess it wouldn't be my first! As I read today's Psalm, I was realizing the damage we cause when we infringe the "copyright" of God.
"Rouse yourself, my soul! Arise, O harp and lyre! Let us greet the dawn with song! I will thank you publicly throughout the land. I will sing your praises among the nations. Your kindness and love are as vast as the heavens. Your faithfulness is higher than the skies. Yes, be exalted, O God above the heavens. May your glory shine throughout the earth." Ps 57:8-11
You're thinking... "OK, Copyright infringement??" Well let's look at it this way. What is God's Goal? To draw all men to him. How does that happen? By them seeing his glory. How is he glorified? By his people declaring his praises. How do they declare praises? By giving credit where credit is due.
We need to be in the habit of giving praise to the Lord for EVERYTHING. We take so much for granted to begin with, and when we do think to praise him, it's mostly in our personal quiet time, or in our homes, or in the corporate worship setting.
It's great that we do it in those places, but if we don't go beyond that we are in danger. We are in danger of taking credit for his blessings. "I have this because I worked hard." "I did this, or that".
We are also in danger of robbing the world of the opportunity to see his greatness; to see his glory. In essence we are robbing God of the objective of his creation.
I have a friend who can hardly say a sentence without the phrase, "...by the grace of God" or "because of his goodness..." Do you know what he's doing by these statements? He's singing God's praises to the nations!
Imagine how different things would be if giving God praise was a constant part of our day. Too often we wouldn't want to go this route because it's "weird". We'd be labeled as "one of those..." We have the wrong mindset. We NEED to be one of those. We need to be his workmanship for his purpose.
We have a Mission to Reach Our World for Christ. When we praise the Lord publicly for what he has done we are fulfilling our mission.
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
Numbers 21:1-22:20
Luke 1:26-56
Psalm 57:1-11
Proverbs 11:9-11
Copyright has become a big deal in this day and age. A copyright is intended to protect an author, songwriter, advertiser, or other creator and their "work". Basically, it's so the "idea" isn't stolen and someone else makes money off of it. There's big FBI warnings at the beginning of videos to make sure you don't show them to a bunch of people or make copies of it, because to do so would in essence keep the creator from making money from their creation. The intent is to make sure to give credit where credit is due.
This may seem like a bizarre train of thought, but I guess it wouldn't be my first! As I read today's Psalm, I was realizing the damage we cause when we infringe the "copyright" of God.
"Rouse yourself, my soul! Arise, O harp and lyre! Let us greet the dawn with song! I will thank you publicly throughout the land. I will sing your praises among the nations. Your kindness and love are as vast as the heavens. Your faithfulness is higher than the skies. Yes, be exalted, O God above the heavens. May your glory shine throughout the earth." Ps 57:8-11
You're thinking... "OK, Copyright infringement??" Well let's look at it this way. What is God's Goal? To draw all men to him. How does that happen? By them seeing his glory. How is he glorified? By his people declaring his praises. How do they declare praises? By giving credit where credit is due.
We need to be in the habit of giving praise to the Lord for EVERYTHING. We take so much for granted to begin with, and when we do think to praise him, it's mostly in our personal quiet time, or in our homes, or in the corporate worship setting.
It's great that we do it in those places, but if we don't go beyond that we are in danger. We are in danger of taking credit for his blessings. "I have this because I worked hard." "I did this, or that".
We are also in danger of robbing the world of the opportunity to see his greatness; to see his glory. In essence we are robbing God of the objective of his creation.
I have a friend who can hardly say a sentence without the phrase, "...by the grace of God" or "because of his goodness..." Do you know what he's doing by these statements? He's singing God's praises to the nations!
Imagine how different things would be if giving God praise was a constant part of our day. Too often we wouldn't want to go this route because it's "weird". We'd be labeled as "one of those..." We have the wrong mindset. We NEED to be one of those. We need to be his workmanship for his purpose.
We have a Mission to Reach Our World for Christ. When we praise the Lord publicly for what he has done we are fulfilling our mission.
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, March 13, 2009
3.13.9 "The Place I Need to Be"
"The Place I Need to Be"
Numbers 19:1-20:29
Luke 1:1-25
Psalm 56:1-13
Proverbs 11:8
There can be times when it seems like the "long-term" battles never are going to end. So what do we do? Is it time to begin to doubt God? Time to move in our own strength? We know how that's going to turn out.
Psalm 56:3-4 says, "But when I am afraid, i will put my confidence in you. Yes, I will trust the promises of God. And since I am trusting him, what can mere man do to me?"
That last sentence is the place i need to be. "Since I am trusting him, what can mere man do to me?" What does it take to get to this place. We've talked about it before. There's a death to the flesh that has to occur. We need to be a "Dead Man Walking".
If it were only as easy as saying "I'm a dead man walking". All conflict is the result of unmet need. Sometimes these needs can be overwhelming. They become the most important thing in our mind, and they consume us. So what do we do?
The first thing is to remember that God sees it all. "You have seen me tossing turning through the night. You have collected all my tears and preserved them in your bottle! You have recorded every one in your book." (v.8) I think many times we don't see results, so we come to the conclusion that God doesn't see, hear, or know what's going on. We couldn't be more wrong. He records every tear.
The next thing is to call for God. "The very day I call for help, the battle turns. My enemies flee! This one thing I know: God is for me!" (v.9) Call out to God! He can deliver you. You may not see an instant victory, but down in the depths of the battle, the tide is turning.
Through it all, we need to Trust in him. "I am trusting God - oh, praise his promises! I am not afraid of anything mere man can do to me! Yes, praise his promises." (10-11)
Stay faithful to what he has called you to do. "I will surely do what I have promised, Lord, and thank you for your help." (12)
I need to be in the place where there's nothing that can throw me off the course the Lord has laid out. I must remain faithful. I must trust him. I must call out to him. The Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship is not something that is only possible in absence of conflict and trial, it's something that is built in conflict and trial. It's only in those times that I can get to the place I need 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
Numbers 19:1-20:29
Luke 1:1-25
Psalm 56:1-13
Proverbs 11:8
There can be times when it seems like the "long-term" battles never are going to end. So what do we do? Is it time to begin to doubt God? Time to move in our own strength? We know how that's going to turn out.
Psalm 56:3-4 says, "But when I am afraid, i will put my confidence in you. Yes, I will trust the promises of God. And since I am trusting him, what can mere man do to me?"
That last sentence is the place i need to be. "Since I am trusting him, what can mere man do to me?" What does it take to get to this place. We've talked about it before. There's a death to the flesh that has to occur. We need to be a "Dead Man Walking".
If it were only as easy as saying "I'm a dead man walking". All conflict is the result of unmet need. Sometimes these needs can be overwhelming. They become the most important thing in our mind, and they consume us. So what do we do?
The first thing is to remember that God sees it all. "You have seen me tossing turning through the night. You have collected all my tears and preserved them in your bottle! You have recorded every one in your book." (v.8) I think many times we don't see results, so we come to the conclusion that God doesn't see, hear, or know what's going on. We couldn't be more wrong. He records every tear.
The next thing is to call for God. "The very day I call for help, the battle turns. My enemies flee! This one thing I know: God is for me!" (v.9) Call out to God! He can deliver you. You may not see an instant victory, but down in the depths of the battle, the tide is turning.
Through it all, we need to Trust in him. "I am trusting God - oh, praise his promises! I am not afraid of anything mere man can do to me! Yes, praise his promises." (10-11)
Stay faithful to what he has called you to do. "I will surely do what I have promised, Lord, and thank you for your help." (12)
I need to be in the place where there's nothing that can throw me off the course the Lord has laid out. I must remain faithful. I must trust him. I must call out to him. The Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship is not something that is only possible in absence of conflict and trial, it's something that is built in conflict and trial. It's only in those times that I can get to the place I need 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, March 12, 2009
3.12.9 "Luvin' Dat Trouble!"
"Luvin' Dat Trouble!"
Numbers 16:41-18:32
Mark 16:1-20
Psalm 55:1-23
Proverbs 11:7
There are times when the season we are in is just plain difficult. The personality of the trial can vary, but often it can bring discouragement, despair, frustration, hurt, and a variety of other "baggage".
The trial can bring weariness. David is going through such a time in Psalm 55. There are times when we feel like David where we want to say as he did in verse 6-8. "Oh, for wings like a dove, to fly away and rest! I would fly to the far-off deserts and stay there. I would flee to some refuge from all this storm." I probably wouldn't have said "desert". Maybe more of a "beach" setting! But either way, we just want to run from the storm.
The source of the trial can sometimes hurt more than the trial itself. David's sorrow is that his "enemy" is "my companion and my friend." (vs.13)
Regardless of the type of storm it is, who is the source of it, the truths of vs 16-18 ring out. "But I will call upon the Lord to save me - and he will. I will pray morning, noon, and night, pleading aloud with God; and he will hear and answer. Though the tide of battle runs strongly against me, for so many are fighting me, yet he will rescue me."
No matter what, we are to call upon the Lord, and he will rescue. Verse 22 says, "Give your burdens to the Lord. He will carry them."
As much as we would like to flee, most of the time the Lord has us in the middle of the storm for a purpose. We must allow him to complete his work in us. We need to remember to not try to carry the burden on our own. Even though the waves are high, He is faithful. He will carry the burden for us. It may not reduce the size of the wave right away, but we don't have to make it worse with worry. He will carry us through. Trust in Him.
Why is there Trouble? We have trouble so we can serve out of a pure heart of faith. So we will be able to help someone else. Troubles cause us to run to God. They carve us into the image of Christ. They cause us to get our mind off of this world and our mind on heaven.
Allow any difficulty to complete Christ's work in you. Encourage one another in the same way.
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
Numbers 16:41-18:32
Mark 16:1-20
Psalm 55:1-23
Proverbs 11:7
There are times when the season we are in is just plain difficult. The personality of the trial can vary, but often it can bring discouragement, despair, frustration, hurt, and a variety of other "baggage".
The trial can bring weariness. David is going through such a time in Psalm 55. There are times when we feel like David where we want to say as he did in verse 6-8. "Oh, for wings like a dove, to fly away and rest! I would fly to the far-off deserts and stay there. I would flee to some refuge from all this storm." I probably wouldn't have said "desert". Maybe more of a "beach" setting! But either way, we just want to run from the storm.
The source of the trial can sometimes hurt more than the trial itself. David's sorrow is that his "enemy" is "my companion and my friend." (vs.13)
Regardless of the type of storm it is, who is the source of it, the truths of vs 16-18 ring out. "But I will call upon the Lord to save me - and he will. I will pray morning, noon, and night, pleading aloud with God; and he will hear and answer. Though the tide of battle runs strongly against me, for so many are fighting me, yet he will rescue me."
No matter what, we are to call upon the Lord, and he will rescue. Verse 22 says, "Give your burdens to the Lord. He will carry them."
As much as we would like to flee, most of the time the Lord has us in the middle of the storm for a purpose. We must allow him to complete his work in us. We need to remember to not try to carry the burden on our own. Even though the waves are high, He is faithful. He will carry the burden for us. It may not reduce the size of the wave right away, but we don't have to make it worse with worry. He will carry us through. Trust in Him.
Why is there Trouble? We have trouble so we can serve out of a pure heart of faith. So we will be able to help someone else. Troubles cause us to run to God. They carve us into the image of Christ. They cause us to get our mind off of this world and our mind on heaven.
Allow any difficulty to complete Christ's work in you. Encourage one another in the same way.
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, March 11, 2009
3.11.9 "The Peril of Poisoned Perspective"
"The Peril of Poisoned Perspective"
Numbers 15:17-16:40
Mark 15:1-47
Psalm 54:1-7
Proverbs 11:5-6
Today's reading in Numbers 16 is a story of an insurrection in the camp of the Israelites. "One day Korah... conspired with Dathan and Abiram... and On, all three from the tribe of Reuben, to incite a rebellion against Moses. Two hundred and fifty popular leaders, all members of the Assembly, were involved." (Num. 16:1-2)
Betting is not a godly activity, but what do you think the odds are that this is going to turn out well for Korah and the boys? Listen to their "beef":
"They went to Moses and Aaron and said, 'We have had enough of your presumption; you are no better than anyone else; everyone in Israel has been chosen of the Lord, and he is with all of us. What right do you have to put yourselves forward, claiming that we must obey you, and acting as though you were greater than anyone else among all these people of the Lord?" (Num. 16:3)
Here's the facts: God appointed Moses and Aaron as the leaders of the children of Israel. The people are chosen of the Lord. They are commanded to obey God. God speaks through Moses.
Notice how Korah & the Gang (predecessor to Kool and the Gang) twist truth through a poisoned perspective. They twist Moses' leadership into a "presumption" of leadership as if he was taking control on his own. Many leaders today find themselves paralyzed because of this poison. God calls, but for fear of this perspective, they are kept from leading in the direction God has laid out.
Korah's boys make the statement, "you are no better than anyone else". This is a HUGE issue! So many people equate "value" to position. That is not a godly perspective. It is a divisive tool of the enemy. If someone is in authority over you, it doesn't mean they are "better" than you, it means they have a different position. The Gang is right in saying that all are chosen of the Lord, and that he is with them, but that doesn't mean the playing field is equal, and each should do what is right in his own mind. God has placed a structure around them for a purpose. This "value - poison" creeps in and fuels rebellion.
"... claiming we must obey you" is another point of improper perspective. As God's spokesperson for these people, it was Moses' job to bring the word of the Lord. It was the responsibility of the people to do what he said IN OBEDIENCE TO THE LORD! There are times that people don't like what they hear God saying. It makes them uncomfortable, so what's the response? Question the motivation and integrity of the leader. The Gang didn't just question it, they came to a verdict on it. Their perspective was full of poison.
Sorry for jumping off topic here, but the next verse made me laugh out loud. "when Moses heard what they were saying he fell face downward to the ground." (v. 4) Now my first reaction to this was proper and I appreciated the way he was humbled by the accusation, and bowed before the Lord. But what made me laugh is the realization of how many times in this journey through the wilderness he's had to do this. I was picturing him look over at Aaron with a look on his face that said "here we go again..." as he fell to the ground... Ok, so it's only humorous in my mind...
What Moses said in verses 8-11 brings light to the poisoned perspective of the "posse". "Then Moses spoke again to Korah: 'Does it seem a small thing to you that the God of Israel has chosen you from among all the people of Israel to be near to himself as you work in the Tabernacle of Jehovah, and to stand before the people to minister to them? Is it nothing to you that he has given this task to only you Levites? And now you are demanding the priesthood also? That is what you are really after! That is why you are revolting against Jehovah."
Notice first off that these diabolical dudes (it's a day of alliteration) are not revolting against Moses. To revolt against God appointed authority is to revolt against God. He makes that clear. It's important to remember that no matter where you're at in an event like this, you could be Korah, Moses, one of the Posse, or just watching with a bag of popcorn. Either way, i wouldn't stand too close to the rebels. It may seem like a minor "personality conflict", but it's much bigger.
Also, Moses sheds light on the fact this all stems from a lack of understanding of the privilege it is to serve the Lord. "Does it seem a small thing..."? When we start to take for granted what God has done for us and called us to we become ripe for the poison to take hold. We must remain humbly aware of the greatness of God and his mercy at all times. Moses also sheds light on the quest for power that motivates all of this.
In verse 19 it says, "Meanwhile, Korah had stirred up the entire nation against Moses and Aaron, and they all assembled to watch." How sad is that. It's sad on a number of levels. For one, it's not enough that Korah has issues. He sees a need to bring everyone into it. Another sad point is that the people took to it. They all got their picnic baskets and assembled to watch.
Well, you can guess what God thought of all this... "... and Jehovah said to Moses and Aaron, 'Get away from these people so that I may instantly destroy them." I can picture Moses and Aaron giving each other that look again... "But Moses and Aaron fell face downward to the ground before the Lord..."
God warned the people to stand clear of the rebels. "So Moses rushed over to the tents... 'Quick!' he told the people, 'get away from the tents of these wicked men, and don't touch anything that belongs to them, lest you be included in their sins [and be destroyed with them].'"
The leaders of the rebellion were swallowed by the ground! The 250 leaders they recruited were killed by God's fire. Not a good fate. The rest of the nation was spared only by God's intervention.
We must guard against the poison of improper perspective at all times. It can start small with something as little as "who does he think he is telling me what to do..." It can seem like no big deal to entertain that thought. That thought is poison! Get rid of it! Relationships Devoted to Unity are relationships devoted to the authority structure God has put in place. Not because the people in authority demand it, but because God does. There is blessing when we operate in this realm.
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
Numbers 15:17-16:40
Mark 15:1-47
Psalm 54:1-7
Proverbs 11:5-6
Today's reading in Numbers 16 is a story of an insurrection in the camp of the Israelites. "One day Korah... conspired with Dathan and Abiram... and On, all three from the tribe of Reuben, to incite a rebellion against Moses. Two hundred and fifty popular leaders, all members of the Assembly, were involved." (Num. 16:1-2)
Betting is not a godly activity, but what do you think the odds are that this is going to turn out well for Korah and the boys? Listen to their "beef":
"They went to Moses and Aaron and said, 'We have had enough of your presumption; you are no better than anyone else; everyone in Israel has been chosen of the Lord, and he is with all of us. What right do you have to put yourselves forward, claiming that we must obey you, and acting as though you were greater than anyone else among all these people of the Lord?" (Num. 16:3)
Here's the facts: God appointed Moses and Aaron as the leaders of the children of Israel. The people are chosen of the Lord. They are commanded to obey God. God speaks through Moses.
Notice how Korah & the Gang (predecessor to Kool and the Gang) twist truth through a poisoned perspective. They twist Moses' leadership into a "presumption" of leadership as if he was taking control on his own. Many leaders today find themselves paralyzed because of this poison. God calls, but for fear of this perspective, they are kept from leading in the direction God has laid out.
Korah's boys make the statement, "you are no better than anyone else". This is a HUGE issue! So many people equate "value" to position. That is not a godly perspective. It is a divisive tool of the enemy. If someone is in authority over you, it doesn't mean they are "better" than you, it means they have a different position. The Gang is right in saying that all are chosen of the Lord, and that he is with them, but that doesn't mean the playing field is equal, and each should do what is right in his own mind. God has placed a structure around them for a purpose. This "value - poison" creeps in and fuels rebellion.
"... claiming we must obey you" is another point of improper perspective. As God's spokesperson for these people, it was Moses' job to bring the word of the Lord. It was the responsibility of the people to do what he said IN OBEDIENCE TO THE LORD! There are times that people don't like what they hear God saying. It makes them uncomfortable, so what's the response? Question the motivation and integrity of the leader. The Gang didn't just question it, they came to a verdict on it. Their perspective was full of poison.
Sorry for jumping off topic here, but the next verse made me laugh out loud. "when Moses heard what they were saying he fell face downward to the ground." (v. 4) Now my first reaction to this was proper and I appreciated the way he was humbled by the accusation, and bowed before the Lord. But what made me laugh is the realization of how many times in this journey through the wilderness he's had to do this. I was picturing him look over at Aaron with a look on his face that said "here we go again..." as he fell to the ground... Ok, so it's only humorous in my mind...
What Moses said in verses 8-11 brings light to the poisoned perspective of the "posse". "Then Moses spoke again to Korah: 'Does it seem a small thing to you that the God of Israel has chosen you from among all the people of Israel to be near to himself as you work in the Tabernacle of Jehovah, and to stand before the people to minister to them? Is it nothing to you that he has given this task to only you Levites? And now you are demanding the priesthood also? That is what you are really after! That is why you are revolting against Jehovah."
Notice first off that these diabolical dudes (it's a day of alliteration) are not revolting against Moses. To revolt against God appointed authority is to revolt against God. He makes that clear. It's important to remember that no matter where you're at in an event like this, you could be Korah, Moses, one of the Posse, or just watching with a bag of popcorn. Either way, i wouldn't stand too close to the rebels. It may seem like a minor "personality conflict", but it's much bigger.
Also, Moses sheds light on the fact this all stems from a lack of understanding of the privilege it is to serve the Lord. "Does it seem a small thing..."? When we start to take for granted what God has done for us and called us to we become ripe for the poison to take hold. We must remain humbly aware of the greatness of God and his mercy at all times. Moses also sheds light on the quest for power that motivates all of this.
In verse 19 it says, "Meanwhile, Korah had stirred up the entire nation against Moses and Aaron, and they all assembled to watch." How sad is that. It's sad on a number of levels. For one, it's not enough that Korah has issues. He sees a need to bring everyone into it. Another sad point is that the people took to it. They all got their picnic baskets and assembled to watch.
Well, you can guess what God thought of all this... "... and Jehovah said to Moses and Aaron, 'Get away from these people so that I may instantly destroy them." I can picture Moses and Aaron giving each other that look again... "But Moses and Aaron fell face downward to the ground before the Lord..."
God warned the people to stand clear of the rebels. "So Moses rushed over to the tents... 'Quick!' he told the people, 'get away from the tents of these wicked men, and don't touch anything that belongs to them, lest you be included in their sins [and be destroyed with them].'"
The leaders of the rebellion were swallowed by the ground! The 250 leaders they recruited were killed by God's fire. Not a good fate. The rest of the nation was spared only by God's intervention.
We must guard against the poison of improper perspective at all times. It can start small with something as little as "who does he think he is telling me what to do..." It can seem like no big deal to entertain that thought. That thought is poison! Get rid of it! Relationships Devoted to Unity are relationships devoted to the authority structure God has put in place. Not because the people in authority demand it, but because God does. There is blessing when we operate in this realm.
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, March 10, 2009
3.10.9 "Another Lap Around the Desert"
"Another Lap Around the Desert"
Numbers 14:1-15:16
Mark 14:53-72
Psalm 53:1-6
Proverbs 11:4
My insecurities can hinder and potentially destroy the great things God has planned. So can yours.
The story of the 12 spies is told in Numbers 13 and 14. The Israelites have been wandering in the desert for years. They've been eating Manna & Quail like it's going out of style. Now they stand on the edge of the Promised Land. This is it. This is the moment they've all been waiting for. After the years of journeying in the desert it was now time to take possession of the promise!
When the 12 spies return with their report, they all talk of how beautiful it is, but 10 of the spies talk of the strength of the enemy, and the inadequacy of the people to overcome them. The people began complaining, well it was actually more intense than just complaining. 14:1 says, "Then all the people began weeping aloud, and they carried on all night. Their voices rose in a great chorus of complaint against Moses and Aaron." I love the phrase "chorus of complaint"... quite a picture...
The people then said, "We wish we had died in Egypt... Let's get out of here and return to Egypt!" Verse 4 says, "The idea swept the camp. 'Let's elect a leader to take us back to Egypt!' they shouted."
The story continues with Joshua and Caleb standing up to them in a vain attempt to remind them of the greatness of God. "Oh, do not rebel against the Lord, and do not fear the people of the land... the Lord is with us... Don't be afraid of them!" (14:9)
Then the glory of the Lord shows up... Yeah, you can guess what he's thinking of all this. God was ready to nuke em. Moses stands up for them, and God listens. "then the Lord said, 'All right, I will pardon them as you have requested. But I vow by my own name that just as it is true that all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord, so it is true that not one of the men who has seen my glory and the miracles I did both in Egypt and in the wilderness - and ten times refused to trust me and obey me - shall even see the land I promised to this people's ancestors..." (14:20-23)
The Lord had a different opinion of the spies with faith. "But my servant Caleb is a different kind of man - he has obeyed me fully. I will bring him into the land he entered, and his descendants shall have their full share in it."
But for the rest, the hammer falls. "Tomorrow you must turn back into the wilderness in the direction of the Red Sea."(v25) "Then the ten spies who had incited the rebellion against Jehovah by striking fear into the hearts of the people were struck dead before the Lord... What sorrow there was throughout the camp when Moses reported God's words to the people!"
verses 40-45 are funny and sad at the same time. "[the people] were up early the next morning and started towards the Promised Land. 'Here we are!' they said. 'We realize that we have sinned, but now we are ready to go on into the land the Lord has promised us.' But Moses said, 'It's too late. Now you are disobeying the Lord's orders to return to the wilderness. Don't go ahead with your plan or you will be crushed... But they went ahead.. despite the fact that neither the Ark nor Moses left the camp. Then the [enemy] attacked them and chased them to Hormah."
It's quite a story, and it's one we REALLY need to learn from.
1. The wilderness is not a holding pattern. It is a proving ground. All of the great things God had done for the people in the past was to be "faith ammunition". By the time they got to the Promised Land, they should have KNOWN that God would bring them in. Too often we fail to connect the dots. We "endure" the desert, instead of considering it "pure joy" and gaining the fruit we so desperately need.
2. A negative idea "sweeps the camp". Negative thoughts and attitudes are a fast track to rebellion. As soon as things look uncomfortable, or there's a chance that the leader had a bad idea, we are too often ready to "vote them off the island" and do things our own way. It's like throwing gas on a fire. Matthew Henry's commentary says, "we give more credit to the reports and representations of sense than to divine revelation; we walk by sight, not by faith." Ouch! If God says it, we need to go for it, and squelch the negativity. We can't "get the band together" and sing the "chorus of complaint"!
3. We need to be "a different kind of man". We need to be fully obedient what the Lord has for us. There's no giant that he can't defeat. The blessing is not found in our strength. It's found in our obedience.
4. If you don't pass the test, you will repeat it. How sad to hear "tomorrow you must turn back into the wilderness..." If that's not motivation enough to be obedient people, I don't know what is. They came out of the wilderness without remembering the greatness of God. When we go through the trials, we MUST remember how God carries us through. We NEED that to pass the tests that are to come.
5. Faith must be rebuilt in humility. After seeing the spies struck dead, and hearing the verdict of their sin, the people were "oops, my bad! ok, let's go get the bad guys!" It doesn't work that way. We've missed God's timing. We can't go out in our own strength. Yes, when we fall we are forgiven, but there is often a need for a time of restoration. I find it interesting that chapter 15 goes back to more instructions about the offering. Restoration comes through steps of obedience that may seem small, but are very important.
What are you standing on the border of today? As you look at the territory that by natural sense seems impenetrable, whose report will you believe? Will you walk in obedience, will you experience the fruit of the faith that has grown in the trial of the past?
Or will you take another lap around the desert?
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
Numbers 14:1-15:16
Mark 14:53-72
Psalm 53:1-6
Proverbs 11:4
My insecurities can hinder and potentially destroy the great things God has planned. So can yours.
The story of the 12 spies is told in Numbers 13 and 14. The Israelites have been wandering in the desert for years. They've been eating Manna & Quail like it's going out of style. Now they stand on the edge of the Promised Land. This is it. This is the moment they've all been waiting for. After the years of journeying in the desert it was now time to take possession of the promise!
When the 12 spies return with their report, they all talk of how beautiful it is, but 10 of the spies talk of the strength of the enemy, and the inadequacy of the people to overcome them. The people began complaining, well it was actually more intense than just complaining. 14:1 says, "Then all the people began weeping aloud, and they carried on all night. Their voices rose in a great chorus of complaint against Moses and Aaron." I love the phrase "chorus of complaint"... quite a picture...
The people then said, "We wish we had died in Egypt... Let's get out of here and return to Egypt!" Verse 4 says, "The idea swept the camp. 'Let's elect a leader to take us back to Egypt!' they shouted."
The story continues with Joshua and Caleb standing up to them in a vain attempt to remind them of the greatness of God. "Oh, do not rebel against the Lord, and do not fear the people of the land... the Lord is with us... Don't be afraid of them!" (14:9)
Then the glory of the Lord shows up... Yeah, you can guess what he's thinking of all this. God was ready to nuke em. Moses stands up for them, and God listens. "then the Lord said, 'All right, I will pardon them as you have requested. But I vow by my own name that just as it is true that all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord, so it is true that not one of the men who has seen my glory and the miracles I did both in Egypt and in the wilderness - and ten times refused to trust me and obey me - shall even see the land I promised to this people's ancestors..." (14:20-23)
The Lord had a different opinion of the spies with faith. "But my servant Caleb is a different kind of man - he has obeyed me fully. I will bring him into the land he entered, and his descendants shall have their full share in it."
But for the rest, the hammer falls. "Tomorrow you must turn back into the wilderness in the direction of the Red Sea."(v25) "Then the ten spies who had incited the rebellion against Jehovah by striking fear into the hearts of the people were struck dead before the Lord... What sorrow there was throughout the camp when Moses reported God's words to the people!"
verses 40-45 are funny and sad at the same time. "[the people] were up early the next morning and started towards the Promised Land. 'Here we are!' they said. 'We realize that we have sinned, but now we are ready to go on into the land the Lord has promised us.' But Moses said, 'It's too late. Now you are disobeying the Lord's orders to return to the wilderness. Don't go ahead with your plan or you will be crushed... But they went ahead.. despite the fact that neither the Ark nor Moses left the camp. Then the [enemy] attacked them and chased them to Hormah."
It's quite a story, and it's one we REALLY need to learn from.
1. The wilderness is not a holding pattern. It is a proving ground. All of the great things God had done for the people in the past was to be "faith ammunition". By the time they got to the Promised Land, they should have KNOWN that God would bring them in. Too often we fail to connect the dots. We "endure" the desert, instead of considering it "pure joy" and gaining the fruit we so desperately need.
2. A negative idea "sweeps the camp". Negative thoughts and attitudes are a fast track to rebellion. As soon as things look uncomfortable, or there's a chance that the leader had a bad idea, we are too often ready to "vote them off the island" and do things our own way. It's like throwing gas on a fire. Matthew Henry's commentary says, "we give more credit to the reports and representations of sense than to divine revelation; we walk by sight, not by faith." Ouch! If God says it, we need to go for it, and squelch the negativity. We can't "get the band together" and sing the "chorus of complaint"!
3. We need to be "a different kind of man". We need to be fully obedient what the Lord has for us. There's no giant that he can't defeat. The blessing is not found in our strength. It's found in our obedience.
4. If you don't pass the test, you will repeat it. How sad to hear "tomorrow you must turn back into the wilderness..." If that's not motivation enough to be obedient people, I don't know what is. They came out of the wilderness without remembering the greatness of God. When we go through the trials, we MUST remember how God carries us through. We NEED that to pass the tests that are to come.
5. Faith must be rebuilt in humility. After seeing the spies struck dead, and hearing the verdict of their sin, the people were "oops, my bad! ok, let's go get the bad guys!" It doesn't work that way. We've missed God's timing. We can't go out in our own strength. Yes, when we fall we are forgiven, but there is often a need for a time of restoration. I find it interesting that chapter 15 goes back to more instructions about the offering. Restoration comes through steps of obedience that may seem small, but are very important.
What are you standing on the border of today? As you look at the territory that by natural sense seems impenetrable, whose report will you believe? Will you walk in obedience, will you experience the fruit of the faith that has grown in the trial of the past?
Or will you take another lap around the desert?
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, March 9, 2009
"The Wrestle with Will"
"The Wrestle with Will"
Numbers 11:24-13:33
Mark 14:22-52
Psalm 52:1-9
Proverbs 11:1-3
The wrestle with will is a life-long issue. We've all heard of, and may have dealt with, or even have been the "Strong-willed child". I think there's a pretty good chance that I was one of those. It's an intense desire to get your own way.
There's a battle between "our will" and God's will every day. Do we do things our way, or his? In "sunday school" mode we can all raise our hand and say we want God's will, but in the heat of the battle when we are deeply entrenched in our comfort zone, it can become a different story.
It may help to understand that Jesus "wrestled" with will. While his will wasn't motivated by selfishness the way ours is, the battle was intense all the same. His battle was in understanding the magnitude of what he was about to do.
"And he said to them, 'My soul is crushed by the sorrow to the point of death; stay here and watch with me.' He went on a little further and fell to the ground and prayed that if it were possible the awful hour awaiting him might never come. 'Father, Father,' he said, 'everything is possible for you. Take away this cup from me...'"
Jesus didn't stop there like I just did. I don't know if I could have prayed any farther. I have some really good ideas. I'd kick the creativity into high gear. I'm sure there's a way we could work around this. There's got to be a better solution. Just give me more time to figure this out God. I know what you're telling me to do, but I'm not quite ready to go there...
"'... Yet I want your will, not mine.'" Jesus submitted to the will of the Father. It's a HUGE deal to not just say, "ok, we'll do it your way..." but to say, "I WANT your will!" How can you even say that unless there has been a death to selfishness already?
Death to selfishness... how does that come about? Practice. Doing great things for God is nothing more than the culmination of the small things.
Do you ever feel like you hit a "stale" moment in your Christian walk? I would dare to say that it is a direct result of not dying to selfishness at some level. It's often the result of disobedience. (remember delayed obedience is disobedience!)
Wrestling with the will of God is a battle we want to "lose". We don't want to strengthen our will with the steroids of opinion and comfort and selfish ambition. We need to starve our will and feed the desire that His will be done.
Got your DLOW? (Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship) It's a life of obedience. It's a life of "doing the will of him who sent me."
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Numbers 11:24-13:33
Mark 14:22-52
Psalm 52:1-9
Proverbs 11:1-3
The wrestle with will is a life-long issue. We've all heard of, and may have dealt with, or even have been the "Strong-willed child". I think there's a pretty good chance that I was one of those. It's an intense desire to get your own way.
There's a battle between "our will" and God's will every day. Do we do things our way, or his? In "sunday school" mode we can all raise our hand and say we want God's will, but in the heat of the battle when we are deeply entrenched in our comfort zone, it can become a different story.
It may help to understand that Jesus "wrestled" with will. While his will wasn't motivated by selfishness the way ours is, the battle was intense all the same. His battle was in understanding the magnitude of what he was about to do.
"And he said to them, 'My soul is crushed by the sorrow to the point of death; stay here and watch with me.' He went on a little further and fell to the ground and prayed that if it were possible the awful hour awaiting him might never come. 'Father, Father,' he said, 'everything is possible for you. Take away this cup from me...'"
Jesus didn't stop there like I just did. I don't know if I could have prayed any farther. I have some really good ideas. I'd kick the creativity into high gear. I'm sure there's a way we could work around this. There's got to be a better solution. Just give me more time to figure this out God. I know what you're telling me to do, but I'm not quite ready to go there...
"'... Yet I want your will, not mine.'" Jesus submitted to the will of the Father. It's a HUGE deal to not just say, "ok, we'll do it your way..." but to say, "I WANT your will!" How can you even say that unless there has been a death to selfishness already?
Death to selfishness... how does that come about? Practice. Doing great things for God is nothing more than the culmination of the small things.
Do you ever feel like you hit a "stale" moment in your Christian walk? I would dare to say that it is a direct result of not dying to selfishness at some level. It's often the result of disobedience. (remember delayed obedience is disobedience!)
Wrestling with the will of God is a battle we want to "lose". We don't want to strengthen our will with the steroids of opinion and comfort and selfish ambition. We need to starve our will and feed the desire that His will be done.
Got your DLOW? (Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship) It's a life of obedience. It's a life of "doing the will of him who sent me."
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Sunday, March 8, 2009
3.8.9 "The Poison of Rebellion"
"The Poison of Rebellion"
Numbers 10:1-11:23
Mark 14:1-21
Psalm 51:1-19
Proverbs 10:31-32
"The upright speak what is helpful; the wicked speak rebellion." (Prov. 10:32 TLB)
I was at a Christian men's seminar and I was walking behind a couple of guys who had bought some coffee from a missionary from Africa. One said, "I bought one for me & one for my boss cause I know he likes coffee." The other guy was genuinely surprised and said, "What? are you a brown-noser or something?"
That conversation had stuck in my mind for quite a bit. I had been thinking about godly principles that the enemy has distorted in the minds of so many. As an example, let's look at the DREAM principles, and compare them with the world's message:
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship - Obedience & Thanksgiving vs. It's all about Me - disobedience & I Deserve good things
Relationships Devoted to Unity - Submission vs. It's all about Me - rebellion - me first
Empowered through Biblical Training - Discipline vs. It's all about Me - No restraints
Active Ministry Involvement - Responsibility vs. It's all about Me - It's all mine
Mission to Reach our World for Christ - Purpose vs. It's all about Me - live for the moment
Obviously, there's a consistent theme in the world: It's all about me. Let's focus specifically on the principle of submission. People HATE that word! It is so distasteful to so many people. I'm not even talking about the unbeliever. I'm talking about Christians, and sometimes the "seasoned" Christian can have as much struggle in this area as anyone.
There is a fear of public opinion in the area of submission. Heaven forbid someone overhear us defending our boss when others are complaining about the leadership style. To complain about authority is "normal" in our culture. Sure, we put it in the disguise of "venting" as if there's a scriptural "right" to that. We don't realize that we spread the poison of rebellion.
What would happen if all believers took it upon themselves the objective of defending their leader? What would that do? Would the world notice? I'm kind of thinking they would. Some may be thinking, "Yeah, but you don't know my boss... he isn't even a Christian!" That doesn't make a difference. This should be a principle that is a part of who we are even if our boss is named Saul and he's throwing spears at us on a daily basis.
"The upright speak what is helpful; the wicked speak rebellion." Relationships Devoted to Unity is not just so the folks in the bible study get along. It's a principle that should effect every area of our life. Take an observers role today. Listen to conversations. Are they helpful or are they rebellious? Listen to the words that come out of your mouth.
"The upright speak what is helpful..."
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
Numbers 10:1-11:23
Mark 14:1-21
Psalm 51:1-19
Proverbs 10:31-32
"The upright speak what is helpful; the wicked speak rebellion." (Prov. 10:32 TLB)
I was at a Christian men's seminar and I was walking behind a couple of guys who had bought some coffee from a missionary from Africa. One said, "I bought one for me & one for my boss cause I know he likes coffee." The other guy was genuinely surprised and said, "What? are you a brown-noser or something?"
That conversation had stuck in my mind for quite a bit. I had been thinking about godly principles that the enemy has distorted in the minds of so many. As an example, let's look at the DREAM principles, and compare them with the world's message:
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship - Obedience & Thanksgiving vs. It's all about Me - disobedience & I Deserve good things
Relationships Devoted to Unity - Submission vs. It's all about Me - rebellion - me first
Empowered through Biblical Training - Discipline vs. It's all about Me - No restraints
Active Ministry Involvement - Responsibility vs. It's all about Me - It's all mine
Mission to Reach our World for Christ - Purpose vs. It's all about Me - live for the moment
Obviously, there's a consistent theme in the world: It's all about me. Let's focus specifically on the principle of submission. People HATE that word! It is so distasteful to so many people. I'm not even talking about the unbeliever. I'm talking about Christians, and sometimes the "seasoned" Christian can have as much struggle in this area as anyone.
There is a fear of public opinion in the area of submission. Heaven forbid someone overhear us defending our boss when others are complaining about the leadership style. To complain about authority is "normal" in our culture. Sure, we put it in the disguise of "venting" as if there's a scriptural "right" to that. We don't realize that we spread the poison of rebellion.
What would happen if all believers took it upon themselves the objective of defending their leader? What would that do? Would the world notice? I'm kind of thinking they would. Some may be thinking, "Yeah, but you don't know my boss... he isn't even a Christian!" That doesn't make a difference. This should be a principle that is a part of who we are even if our boss is named Saul and he's throwing spears at us on a daily basis.
"The upright speak what is helpful; the wicked speak rebellion." Relationships Devoted to Unity is not just so the folks in the bible study get along. It's a principle that should effect every area of our life. Take an observers role today. Listen to conversations. Are they helpful or are they rebellious? Listen to the words that come out of your mouth.
"The upright speak what is helpful..."
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, March 7, 2009
3.7.9 "Move With the Cloud"
"Move With the Cloud"
Numbers 8:1-9:23
Mark 13:14-37
Psalm 50:1-23
Proverbs 10:29-30
Life can seem complicated. We live in a day and age where people have a great desire to know what God's will is in many different situations. There can be tough decisions regarding finances, housing, employment, schooling, the list is endless.
When the Israelites had been obedient to the Lord in the construction of the Tabernacle, the presence of the Lord dwelt there. It was represented by a cloud during the daytime, and at night it changed to the appearance of fire. The presence of the Lord was intense.
"When the Cloud lifted, the people of Israel moved on to wherever it stopped, and camped there. In this way they journeyed at the command of the Lord and stopped where he told them to, then remained there as long as the Cloud stayed. If it stayed a long time, then they stayed a long time. But if it stayed only a few days, then they remained only a few days; for so the Lord had instructed them. sometimes the fire-cloud stayed only during the night and moved on the next morning. But day or night, when it moved, the people broke camp and followed... So it was that they camped or traveled at the commandment of the Lord; and whatever the Lord told Moses they should do, they did." (Num 9:17-21,23)
There are several things to note in this scripture. The first is actually from earlier scripture, but it is that their obedience in purifying themselves, and being obedient to the smallest detail is what made a place for the Lord to dwell.
God desires to dwell among us. We need to be pure and holy before him. We need to be a place where he CAN dwell. We must be set apart. We can't "dabble" in the presence of God while "dabbling" in worldliness. It doesn't work that way. He's a holy God, and it is holy people who will know him.
The next thing to note is that the people did not move unless God did. This is a big challenge to us. In so many situations, we try to "do the math". We try to figure it out. I think sometimes I get the attitude of "hey don't worry God, I got this one..." and we move in our own strength, our own will and our own timing. We don't wait for the direction of his presence.
I'm not saying we should be a "paralyzed" people when it comes to living daily life, I'm just saying that I need to First off KNOW the presence of God. I need to prepare myself to live within the fullness his presence. Then, I must make sure that my will is totally subject to his.
This is what his desire is for my life. Psalm 50:14-17 says "What I want from you is your true thanks; I want your promises fulfilled. I want you to trust me in your times of trouble, so I can rescue you, and you can give me glory. But God says to evil men: Recite my laws no longer, and stop claiming my promises, for you have refused my discipline, disregarding my laws."
In times of trouble, we tend to do our own thing. "Hey, I gotta look out for ol' number one!" I NEED to trust him! I think the biggest challenge to most believers is not "when or where to go", it's the challenge to "stay". Sure, times are tough, but that doesn't mean God want's you to move. I think at times we "storm the gates of heaven" for direction about moving out of a difficult situation, and I picture God saying, "who said anything about moving?"
Ps 50:23 says, "But true praise is a worthy sacrifice; this really honors me. Those who walk in my paths will receive salvation from the Lord."
Living the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship means that I KNOW him. I grow in knowing his presence. I grow in recognizing his leading. And more importantly, I don't flirt with moving unless i know he's calling me to.
Living Empowered through Biblical Training means that we discipline (align) ourselves to his word. We KNOW his commands so that we are empowered to walk in obedience to them.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Numbers 8:1-9:23
Mark 13:14-37
Psalm 50:1-23
Proverbs 10:29-30
Life can seem complicated. We live in a day and age where people have a great desire to know what God's will is in many different situations. There can be tough decisions regarding finances, housing, employment, schooling, the list is endless.
When the Israelites had been obedient to the Lord in the construction of the Tabernacle, the presence of the Lord dwelt there. It was represented by a cloud during the daytime, and at night it changed to the appearance of fire. The presence of the Lord was intense.
"When the Cloud lifted, the people of Israel moved on to wherever it stopped, and camped there. In this way they journeyed at the command of the Lord and stopped where he told them to, then remained there as long as the Cloud stayed. If it stayed a long time, then they stayed a long time. But if it stayed only a few days, then they remained only a few days; for so the Lord had instructed them. sometimes the fire-cloud stayed only during the night and moved on the next morning. But day or night, when it moved, the people broke camp and followed... So it was that they camped or traveled at the commandment of the Lord; and whatever the Lord told Moses they should do, they did." (Num 9:17-21,23)
There are several things to note in this scripture. The first is actually from earlier scripture, but it is that their obedience in purifying themselves, and being obedient to the smallest detail is what made a place for the Lord to dwell.
God desires to dwell among us. We need to be pure and holy before him. We need to be a place where he CAN dwell. We must be set apart. We can't "dabble" in the presence of God while "dabbling" in worldliness. It doesn't work that way. He's a holy God, and it is holy people who will know him.
The next thing to note is that the people did not move unless God did. This is a big challenge to us. In so many situations, we try to "do the math". We try to figure it out. I think sometimes I get the attitude of "hey don't worry God, I got this one..." and we move in our own strength, our own will and our own timing. We don't wait for the direction of his presence.
I'm not saying we should be a "paralyzed" people when it comes to living daily life, I'm just saying that I need to First off KNOW the presence of God. I need to prepare myself to live within the fullness his presence. Then, I must make sure that my will is totally subject to his.
This is what his desire is for my life. Psalm 50:14-17 says "What I want from you is your true thanks; I want your promises fulfilled. I want you to trust me in your times of trouble, so I can rescue you, and you can give me glory. But God says to evil men: Recite my laws no longer, and stop claiming my promises, for you have refused my discipline, disregarding my laws."
In times of trouble, we tend to do our own thing. "Hey, I gotta look out for ol' number one!" I NEED to trust him! I think the biggest challenge to most believers is not "when or where to go", it's the challenge to "stay". Sure, times are tough, but that doesn't mean God want's you to move. I think at times we "storm the gates of heaven" for direction about moving out of a difficult situation, and I picture God saying, "who said anything about moving?"
Ps 50:23 says, "But true praise is a worthy sacrifice; this really honors me. Those who walk in my paths will receive salvation from the Lord."
Living the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship means that I KNOW him. I grow in knowing his presence. I grow in recognizing his leading. And more importantly, I don't flirt with moving unless i know he's calling me to.
Living Empowered through Biblical Training means that we discipline (align) ourselves to his word. We KNOW his commands so that we are empowered to walk in obedience to them.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Friday, March 6, 2009
3.6.9 "Your Opportunity"
"Your Opportunity"
Numbers 6:1-7:89
Mark 12:38-13:13
Psalm 49:1-20
Proverbs 10:27-28
"Lord, please give me a chance to reflect your love to the world around me. Give me an opportunity to let my light shine for you." Have you ever prayed that prayer? I know at some point all of us have. We know what we've been commissioned for, and we want to be successful... if only God would give us a chance... well if only he'd set up THE chance where we'd be "comfortable" sharing with others.
There was ONE time. And I stress only ONE time where I had that kind of opportunity to be "comfortable." It was when my wife and I were school teachers in the same school. We were talking between classes, and another teacher came up to us in tears saying, "I want what you guys have..." We didn't lead her to the Lord, but what an opportunity. Those are the kind of moments we like to look for.
Jesus told us to look for a different opportunity: "When these things begin to happen, watch out! You will be handed over to the local councils and beaten in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me. For the Good News must first be preached to all nations. But when you are arrested and stand trial, don't worry in advance about what to say. Just say what God tells you at that time, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit." (Mark 13:9-11)
Wow... what an opportunity... I'm certain that most who are reading this today are probably not about to get arrested. That's not really a common occurrence in our culture (at least not in the way Jesus was referring to), but I believe we WILL have the same opportunity. What we fail to see is that when our comfort zone is invaded, threatened, or blown away, THAT is our opportunity.
A mother of a young school band member sent me this a year ago:
"Hi Greg,
I just wanted to share a testimony for my daughter. Since this involves music, I thought you'd appreciate it. Since she was in third grade, she knew she wanted to play saxophone in band. Now that she's in fifth grade, she can take band. Her band instructor requires clarinet prior to sax. She was disappointed, but started clarinet this year. About a month ago, she came home from school all excited that her band teacher was picking people for sax and they'd start soon. Then I asked how her teacher was deciding who would get to play (she only had four spots, with more wanting to play). My daughter said it was based off who had the most home practice time in. The next day, she comes in the house, crying her heart out. I asked what was wrong..." I didn't get picked". Of course, my heart broke for her, knowing how badly she wanted this. I consoled her with ":there's always next year" and I also made her realize that she knew what the teacher expected and she didn't do it. I told her to do what she knows she needs to do and go on.......last Thursday, her band instructor calls me. She raved at how proud of my daughter she is. She explained that most band kids who don't get what they want, either quit or have a bad attitude, neither of which she had. In fact, she said she was just the opposite and increased her clarinet practice time, with a great attitude. She explained that someone decided to quit sax, and now she's offering it to my daughter.
I know this sounds weird, but I'm glad this all happened this way. I got to share with my daughter that her attitude reflected Christ to her teacher and she also learned that everything is not just given to you, some things are truly earned."
I love that testimony! While I'm sure this trial was not the "torture" we picture in Jesus' description, I believe it DOES illustrate a key principle. It's in our nature in a situation to call the teacher and complain about how unfair it is to make our child cry, or blast the teacher for having favorites, or calling talk radio or suing somebody. But when we do that... we lose the "opportunity".
What challenge are you in right now? What trial is around the corner? Do you want to reflect the love of Christ? Recognize the opportunity to deny your flesh and respond with Godly principles.
I'll send you off with the song we sing as a family most mornings:
"This is my chance to change the world,
God has a plan for me.
I'll go where He leads, I'll tell of his love,
For God has strengthened me."
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Numbers 6:1-7:89
Mark 12:38-13:13
Psalm 49:1-20
Proverbs 10:27-28
"Lord, please give me a chance to reflect your love to the world around me. Give me an opportunity to let my light shine for you." Have you ever prayed that prayer? I know at some point all of us have. We know what we've been commissioned for, and we want to be successful... if only God would give us a chance... well if only he'd set up THE chance where we'd be "comfortable" sharing with others.
There was ONE time. And I stress only ONE time where I had that kind of opportunity to be "comfortable." It was when my wife and I were school teachers in the same school. We were talking between classes, and another teacher came up to us in tears saying, "I want what you guys have..." We didn't lead her to the Lord, but what an opportunity. Those are the kind of moments we like to look for.
Jesus told us to look for a different opportunity: "When these things begin to happen, watch out! You will be handed over to the local councils and beaten in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me. For the Good News must first be preached to all nations. But when you are arrested and stand trial, don't worry in advance about what to say. Just say what God tells you at that time, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit." (Mark 13:9-11)
Wow... what an opportunity... I'm certain that most who are reading this today are probably not about to get arrested. That's not really a common occurrence in our culture (at least not in the way Jesus was referring to), but I believe we WILL have the same opportunity. What we fail to see is that when our comfort zone is invaded, threatened, or blown away, THAT is our opportunity.
A mother of a young school band member sent me this a year ago:
"Hi Greg,
I just wanted to share a testimony for my daughter. Since this involves music, I thought you'd appreciate it. Since she was in third grade, she knew she wanted to play saxophone in band. Now that she's in fifth grade, she can take band. Her band instructor requires clarinet prior to sax. She was disappointed, but started clarinet this year. About a month ago, she came home from school all excited that her band teacher was picking people for sax and they'd start soon. Then I asked how her teacher was deciding who would get to play (she only had four spots, with more wanting to play). My daughter said it was based off who had the most home practice time in. The next day, she comes in the house, crying her heart out. I asked what was wrong..." I didn't get picked". Of course, my heart broke for her, knowing how badly she wanted this. I consoled her with ":there's always next year" and I also made her realize that she knew what the teacher expected and she didn't do it. I told her to do what she knows she needs to do and go on.......last Thursday, her band instructor calls me. She raved at how proud of my daughter she is. She explained that most band kids who don't get what they want, either quit or have a bad attitude, neither of which she had. In fact, she said she was just the opposite and increased her clarinet practice time, with a great attitude. She explained that someone decided to quit sax, and now she's offering it to my daughter.
I know this sounds weird, but I'm glad this all happened this way. I got to share with my daughter that her attitude reflected Christ to her teacher and she also learned that everything is not just given to you, some things are truly earned."
I love that testimony! While I'm sure this trial was not the "torture" we picture in Jesus' description, I believe it DOES illustrate a key principle. It's in our nature in a situation to call the teacher and complain about how unfair it is to make our child cry, or blast the teacher for having favorites, or calling talk radio or suing somebody. But when we do that... we lose the "opportunity".
What challenge are you in right now? What trial is around the corner? Do you want to reflect the love of Christ? Recognize the opportunity to deny your flesh and respond with Godly principles.
I'll send you off with the song we sing as a family most mornings:
"This is my chance to change the world,
God has a plan for me.
I'll go where He leads, I'll tell of his love,
For God has strengthened me."
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Thursday, March 5, 2009
3.5.9 "What's Really Important"
"What's Really Important"
Numbers 4:1-5:31
Mark 12:18-37
Psalm 48:1-14
Proverbs 10:26
In Mark 12 Jesus is fielding questions from the religious leaders, many of whom are trying to trap him. At one point he is asked by a religious teacher "of all the commandments, which is the most important?"
"Jesus replied, 'The one that says, "Hear O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only God. And you must love him with all you heart and soul and mind and strength." The second is: "You must love others as much as yourself." No other commandments are greater than these.'" (Mark 12:29-31)
We need to get these commands into the fiber of our being. To love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength is to live the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship. To love the Lord, we must obey his commandments. Every part of our being should be devoted to obedience.
One thing we need to understand is that love is a decision, and not an emotion. If I love the Lord when I "feel" like it, what kind of man of God would I be? When I decide to love him with my heart, soul, mind and strength, I guard all of those areas intensely. I don't want to allow anything in that would cause me to love him less. I don't want to put my self at risk of disobeying him. It is an active, aggressive decision to love the Lord. I don't sit around waiting to feel love for him, I DO it.
The second command is much the same. "Love others as much as yourself." What does that mean? We show love for self by meeting needs. When I'm hungry, I eat, when I'm tired I rest. Relationships Devoted to Unity are relationships that are devoted to meeting the needs of one another. This honors God.
I love today's Proverb. it says, "Lazy people irritate their employers, like vinegar to the teeth or smoke in the eyes." If we are living for self, there's probably an element of Laziness evident in our lives. We may work hard for what we want, but we tend to slack in the area of needs of those we work for. If we are following God's commands, we will intensely pursue the needs of our employers. To love our employers as ourself would be to put ourselves in their place. "If I hired someone, what would I want to see out of them?" And then out of biblical love, strive to meet the need with that intensity.
How important is it to Live the D & the R? Well, Jesus said "no other commandments are greater than these." I need to make it top priority in my life!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Numbers 4:1-5:31
Mark 12:18-37
Psalm 48:1-14
Proverbs 10:26
In Mark 12 Jesus is fielding questions from the religious leaders, many of whom are trying to trap him. At one point he is asked by a religious teacher "of all the commandments, which is the most important?"
"Jesus replied, 'The one that says, "Hear O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only God. And you must love him with all you heart and soul and mind and strength." The second is: "You must love others as much as yourself." No other commandments are greater than these.'" (Mark 12:29-31)
We need to get these commands into the fiber of our being. To love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength is to live the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship. To love the Lord, we must obey his commandments. Every part of our being should be devoted to obedience.
One thing we need to understand is that love is a decision, and not an emotion. If I love the Lord when I "feel" like it, what kind of man of God would I be? When I decide to love him with my heart, soul, mind and strength, I guard all of those areas intensely. I don't want to allow anything in that would cause me to love him less. I don't want to put my self at risk of disobeying him. It is an active, aggressive decision to love the Lord. I don't sit around waiting to feel love for him, I DO it.
The second command is much the same. "Love others as much as yourself." What does that mean? We show love for self by meeting needs. When I'm hungry, I eat, when I'm tired I rest. Relationships Devoted to Unity are relationships that are devoted to meeting the needs of one another. This honors God.
I love today's Proverb. it says, "Lazy people irritate their employers, like vinegar to the teeth or smoke in the eyes." If we are living for self, there's probably an element of Laziness evident in our lives. We may work hard for what we want, but we tend to slack in the area of needs of those we work for. If we are following God's commands, we will intensely pursue the needs of our employers. To love our employers as ourself would be to put ourselves in their place. "If I hired someone, what would I want to see out of them?" And then out of biblical love, strive to meet the need with that intensity.
How important is it to Live the D & the R? Well, Jesus said "no other commandments are greater than these." I need to make it top priority in my life!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
