"Ready to Sanctify"
2 Chronicles 29:1-36
Romans 14:1-23
Psalm 24:1-10
Proverbs 20:12
"Who may stand before the Lord? Only those with pure hands and hearts..." Psalm 24:3-4
Chapter 29 of 2 Chronicles is the story of Hezekiah becoming king of Judah. His father Ahaz had boarded up the temple and refused to allow people to worship. Hezekiah opened up the temple, and ordered the priests to clean it up. Then they had a great worship service offering burnt offerings and sin offerings.
There was a great response from the people to the point of the priests being short handed. verse 34 says, "But there were too few priests to prepare the burnt offerings, so their brothers the Levites helped them until the work was finished - and until more priests had reported to work - for the Levites were much more ready to sanctify themselves than the priests were."
That last part of the verse caught my attention. I don't know enough about the Jewish law and custom to know the full detail of what it means to be "ready to sanctify" yourself, but to me it says alot. What does it mean to be ready to sanctify?
To me it means there is an anticipation of what God is going to do. There's a preparation of heart that happens so that when the time comes, we are in a position for God to do his work in us. Several weeks ago we talked about being prepared to come into the worship service on a Sunday. This is the same message.
Imagine the different approaches to the sunday morning service. You can come in as an observer, intent on watching everything, developing a critical overview of the people and happenings around, determined to stay disconnected from the work God may be trying to accomplish in you. You can approach the service religiously: this is a ritual. The next thing on the to-do list. Get the kids to nursery, get the donut in sunday school, say hi to friends, and get out the parking lot in good time. Or, you can come with a heart that is prepared to worship, with a focus on celebrating the Lord, and ready to allow God to move.
Which one is going to receive the most? Which one should we be?
Romans 14 is a great chapter on unity in relation to dealing with the standards we each have. "Give a warm welcome to any brother who wants to join you, even though his faith is weak. Don't criticize him for having different ideas from yours about what is right and wrong." (Rom. 14:1) The context is specifically about eating meat sacrificed to idols which was a point of contention in the early church. The chapter has a great discourse on how we need to prefer one another in this area, but it closes out with this verse: "But anyone who believes that something he wants to do is wrong shouldn't do it. He sins if he does, for he thinks it is wrong, and so for him it is wrong. Anything that is done apart from what he feels is right is sin." (Rom. 14:23)
Christians seem to be naturally ready and willing to "sanctify" others. We have hoops that we'd like to make each other jump through. That's not the point. We need to sanctify OURSELVES. God is working in each of us individually, and we need to respond individually with a readiness to give up that which he asks of us.
The Levites were ready to be sanctified. I want to be ready to hear from God today. To be used of God. When the body of Christ gets together for worship, take the time to prepare yourself for the move of God. He wont let you down!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
7.30.10 "Devoted to Unity"
"Devoted to Unity"
2 Chronicles 26:1-28:27
Romans 13:1-14
Psalm 23:1-6
Proverbs 20:11
Is it important to be connected to the body? We all need to understand that know we have the need for fellowship with one another in the SAME way we know we should obey God. These are inseparable truths.
In reading Romans 13 we can see the importance of this. In verse 9-10 Paul says, " If you love your neighbor as much as you love yourself you will not want to harm or cheat him, or kill him or steal from him. And you won't sin with his wife or want what is his, or do anything else the Ten Commandments say is wrong. All ten are wrapped up in this one, to love your neighbor as you love yourself. Love does no wrong to anyone. That's why it fully satisfies all of God's requirements. It is the only law you need."
Using a spiritual "Checklist" like DREAM is helpful in that we can take a daily inventory of the purposes God has for us. As good as that is, we have to be careful about a "checklist mentality". With a checklist mentality we can think, "well, at least i got my 'D', i don't have time for my 'R' today."
As we mature in Christ we must begin to realize how inseparable these elements are. How can you say you are living the "Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship", and not respect and obey the government? verse 2 says, "So those who refuse to obey the laws of the land are refusing to obey God, and punishment will follow."
Verse 3 says, "For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you." For the past few years, I've started to do a much better job of driving the speed limit. I'm not perfect in this area, but it's been amazing how much more relaxed I am when I see the squad car on the side of the road. There's much more peace in doing what the authorities have asked. I'm sure that's what Paul had in mind when he wrote this, right?
Paul must have been thinking of those who get a letter from the assessor when he wrote verse 6-7. "Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority."
The root of unity is Submission. We cannot be in unity without submitting to the needs of one another. This is a deep heart issue. We must train our hearts to love one another by consistently being aware of each other's needs, and responding with compassion, and appropriate submission to those needs. This is what love is all about.
How urgent is this? Is this really important??
verse 11 "...you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for the coming of the Lord is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is far gone, the day of his return will soon be here. So quit the evil deeds of darkness and put on the armor of right living, as we who live in the daylight should! Be decent and true in everything you do so that all can approve your behavior."
There isn't much time left. Put this into practice 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
2 Chronicles 26:1-28:27
Romans 13:1-14
Psalm 23:1-6
Proverbs 20:11
Is it important to be connected to the body? We all need to understand that know we have the need for fellowship with one another in the SAME way we know we should obey God. These are inseparable truths.
In reading Romans 13 we can see the importance of this. In verse 9-10 Paul says, " If you love your neighbor as much as you love yourself you will not want to harm or cheat him, or kill him or steal from him. And you won't sin with his wife or want what is his, or do anything else the Ten Commandments say is wrong. All ten are wrapped up in this one, to love your neighbor as you love yourself. Love does no wrong to anyone. That's why it fully satisfies all of God's requirements. It is the only law you need."
Using a spiritual "Checklist" like DREAM is helpful in that we can take a daily inventory of the purposes God has for us. As good as that is, we have to be careful about a "checklist mentality". With a checklist mentality we can think, "well, at least i got my 'D', i don't have time for my 'R' today."
As we mature in Christ we must begin to realize how inseparable these elements are. How can you say you are living the "Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship", and not respect and obey the government? verse 2 says, "So those who refuse to obey the laws of the land are refusing to obey God, and punishment will follow."
Verse 3 says, "For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you." For the past few years, I've started to do a much better job of driving the speed limit. I'm not perfect in this area, but it's been amazing how much more relaxed I am when I see the squad car on the side of the road. There's much more peace in doing what the authorities have asked. I'm sure that's what Paul had in mind when he wrote this, right?
Paul must have been thinking of those who get a letter from the assessor when he wrote verse 6-7. "Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority."
The root of unity is Submission. We cannot be in unity without submitting to the needs of one another. This is a deep heart issue. We must train our hearts to love one another by consistently being aware of each other's needs, and responding with compassion, and appropriate submission to those needs. This is what love is all about.
How urgent is this? Is this really important??
verse 11 "...you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for the coming of the Lord is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is far gone, the day of his return will soon be here. So quit the evil deeds of darkness and put on the armor of right living, as we who live in the daylight should! Be decent and true in everything you do so that all can approve your behavior."
There isn't much time left. Put this into practice 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
Thursday, July 29, 2010
7.29.10 "When the Body Wakes Up"
"When the Body Wakes Up"
2 Chronicles 24:1-25:28
Romans 12:1-21
Psalm 22:19-31
Proverbs 20:8-10
Do you ever wonder where we are in the scope of the history of God's people? As we look in the word and go through the hundreds of years of the kings we see there are ages of blessing and ages of bondage. Where are we now? What is written in the books of heaven about this generation? Do they serve the Lord?
We are in the age where the Body is about to wake up. I think over the past hundred years, there has been a consistent pouring out of God's spirit in millions coming to Christ around the world. Hearts are being made right with God. When we add Romans 12 to the equation, the anticipation increases. There is something big about to happen.
Romans 12: 1 says "...I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living sacrifice, holy -- the kind he can accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask?" We've heard that a hundred times, but meditate on it.
verse 2, " Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think. Then you will learn from your own experience how his ways will really satisfy you." The behavior and customs of this world teach "it's all about me." Think the fresh thought of "It's NOT about me." Why? Because THEN from YOUR OWN experience you will learn how his ways will SATISFY you!
Romans 12:4,5 "Just as there are many parts to our bodies, so it is with Christ's body. We are all parts of it, and it takes every one of us to make it complete, for we each have different work to do. So we belong to each other, and each needs all the others."
Big deal I've heard that a hundred times, too.
You're right. it's been heard a hundred times for hundreds of years. It's time to live it. You may have heard about the 80-20 rule. It's the principle that 20% of the people do 80% of the work. It's true in almost any organization. It's been true in the body of Christ.
How would you feel if your body only had 20% of it functioning? How do you think Christ feels? Most people don't have the mindset that we ARE the Body of Christ, and we need to be healthy and active. Many just come in, sit in a pew and leave having no idea "how his ways will really satisfy you."
Look at the rest of Romans 12. Verse 6-9 Instruct us that whatever it is, we do it WELL! Too often we do a good enough job to get by, or we just do enough to please our conscience. That's NOT what it's about! We will not experience true satisfaction unless we obey these commands.
Read the rest of the chapter. Read it with urgency. When the Body of Christ gets this, we are going to experience something like never before.
To live the DREAM, we must be urgent about each of these elements. Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship is your relationship with the Lord. If you you're going to love the Lord with all your heart, you must follow through with R-E-A-M. It's not optional. It's the fulfillment of his plan for our lives. As I've said before, "Your world is desperate for you to be who God created you to be." You must be solidly connected to the Body of Christ in developing your "Relationships Devoted to Unity", You must be in the Word "Empowered through Biblical Training", You MUST get serious about living up to your potential in "Active Ministry Involvement", and it's not about you. It's about our "Mission to Reach our World for Christ."
One verse that I find particularly important for all of us: Romans 12:9 - "Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them."
It's time for the Body of Christ to stop hitting the snooze alarm. It's time to wake up!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
2 Chronicles 24:1-25:28
Romans 12:1-21
Psalm 22:19-31
Proverbs 20:8-10
Do you ever wonder where we are in the scope of the history of God's people? As we look in the word and go through the hundreds of years of the kings we see there are ages of blessing and ages of bondage. Where are we now? What is written in the books of heaven about this generation? Do they serve the Lord?
We are in the age where the Body is about to wake up. I think over the past hundred years, there has been a consistent pouring out of God's spirit in millions coming to Christ around the world. Hearts are being made right with God. When we add Romans 12 to the equation, the anticipation increases. There is something big about to happen.
Romans 12: 1 says "...I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living sacrifice, holy -- the kind he can accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask?" We've heard that a hundred times, but meditate on it.
verse 2, " Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think. Then you will learn from your own experience how his ways will really satisfy you." The behavior and customs of this world teach "it's all about me." Think the fresh thought of "It's NOT about me." Why? Because THEN from YOUR OWN experience you will learn how his ways will SATISFY you!
Romans 12:4,5 "Just as there are many parts to our bodies, so it is with Christ's body. We are all parts of it, and it takes every one of us to make it complete, for we each have different work to do. So we belong to each other, and each needs all the others."
Big deal I've heard that a hundred times, too.
You're right. it's been heard a hundred times for hundreds of years. It's time to live it. You may have heard about the 80-20 rule. It's the principle that 20% of the people do 80% of the work. It's true in almost any organization. It's been true in the body of Christ.
How would you feel if your body only had 20% of it functioning? How do you think Christ feels? Most people don't have the mindset that we ARE the Body of Christ, and we need to be healthy and active. Many just come in, sit in a pew and leave having no idea "how his ways will really satisfy you."
Look at the rest of Romans 12. Verse 6-9 Instruct us that whatever it is, we do it WELL! Too often we do a good enough job to get by, or we just do enough to please our conscience. That's NOT what it's about! We will not experience true satisfaction unless we obey these commands.
Read the rest of the chapter. Read it with urgency. When the Body of Christ gets this, we are going to experience something like never before.
To live the DREAM, we must be urgent about each of these elements. Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship is your relationship with the Lord. If you you're going to love the Lord with all your heart, you must follow through with R-E-A-M. It's not optional. It's the fulfillment of his plan for our lives. As I've said before, "Your world is desperate for you to be who God created you to be." You must be solidly connected to the Body of Christ in developing your "Relationships Devoted to Unity", You must be in the Word "Empowered through Biblical Training", You MUST get serious about living up to your potential in "Active Ministry Involvement", and it's not about you. It's about our "Mission to Reach our World for Christ."
One verse that I find particularly important for all of us: Romans 12:9 - "Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them."
It's time for the Body of Christ to stop hitting the snooze alarm. It's time to wake up!
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, July 28, 2010
7.28.10 "The Awesome Weight of Legacy"
"The Awesome Weight of Legacy"
2 Chronicles 21:1 - 23:21
Romans 11:13-36
Psalm 22:1-18
Proverbs 20:7
Proverbs 20:7 "It is a wonderful heritage to have an honest father."
Like it or not, we have a self-centered nature. Many times we view our struggle through Christian maturity as something that is between us and God. God is working in each of us to develop our character into what He wants us to be, but we feel that is a private matter. We all too often forget the larger picture of the impact our character has on generations to come.
2 Chronicles 21:1 starts out, "When Jehoshaphat died..." The first thought in my head was. wow. that's it. All that Jehoshaphat gets is a few pages. A few good lessons of obedience, a few examples of compromise. Is that it? Not really. His allegiance w/ the "evil" King Ahab laid the groundwork for Jehoram, his son, the new king to marry Ahab's daughter, Athaliah. Let's just say she's not someone to name your daughter after. It says in 21:6 of Jehoram, "...and his whole life was one constant binge of doing evil." This pretty much continues for another generation as the beloved Queen Athaliah tries to kill all her grandchildren to protect her throne, and only Joash escapes.
Ugly mess. How does this happen? Character flaws in one generation magnified in the next.
We all know we are not perfect. In fact, there are comfort zone areas of our heart in which we really aren't interested in allowing the Holy Spirit in to do his work. We think we can get by. 2 Chronicles 21:11 says that Jehoram constructed idol shrines in the mountains and compelled the people to worship idols. It drives me nuts how much we read about God's people in the old testament and these shrines in the mountains. However, I'm coming to realize that these mountain shrines represent the corners of our heart and of our character that we try to hide from God. Guess what... It's these shrines that make a mess for future generations.
We may be able to be "whitened sepulchers", as Jesus called the Pharisees, enough to give the appearance of righteousness to those around us, but the pattern of scripture is too consistent and clear for us to think that it wont be revealed somehow.
As I look at my daughter, I wonder about today's Proverb. Will she have the wonderful heritage of an honest father? I consider myself honest, and I do my best, but when I think about her, it raises the bar. Knowing how my integrity affects her future, it causes me to all the more desire the holiness of a surrendered heart.
I can't do this on my own. Romans 11:16b, which is also a part of today's reading says, "For if the roots of the tree are holy, the branches will be too." It is so vital that I am completely grafted to Christ. There is no holiness or purity I can create in myself. It doesn't make a difference what I look like to you or anyone else. It can only come as I am desperately dependent on the Vine of Christ.
It's not that we should be holy for the sake of our kids. We should be holy because He who called us is holy. But it may help to realize the fruit of compromise.
What's your legacy today? What will your children think as they read Proverbs 20:7? My dad will read this. I'm so grateful that I can look at this proverb and be able to relate to the "wonderful heritage" of an honest father. His legacy is known to all. My prayer is that my daughter will look at this verse and feel the same about me. I'm going to live today with that goal. It is an awesome weight, but a tremendous privilege. Lord, graft me to you!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
2 Chronicles 21:1 - 23:21
Romans 11:13-36
Psalm 22:1-18
Proverbs 20:7
Proverbs 20:7 "It is a wonderful heritage to have an honest father."
Like it or not, we have a self-centered nature. Many times we view our struggle through Christian maturity as something that is between us and God. God is working in each of us to develop our character into what He wants us to be, but we feel that is a private matter. We all too often forget the larger picture of the impact our character has on generations to come.
2 Chronicles 21:1 starts out, "When Jehoshaphat died..." The first thought in my head was. wow. that's it. All that Jehoshaphat gets is a few pages. A few good lessons of obedience, a few examples of compromise. Is that it? Not really. His allegiance w/ the "evil" King Ahab laid the groundwork for Jehoram, his son, the new king to marry Ahab's daughter, Athaliah. Let's just say she's not someone to name your daughter after. It says in 21:6 of Jehoram, "...and his whole life was one constant binge of doing evil." This pretty much continues for another generation as the beloved Queen Athaliah tries to kill all her grandchildren to protect her throne, and only Joash escapes.
Ugly mess. How does this happen? Character flaws in one generation magnified in the next.
We all know we are not perfect. In fact, there are comfort zone areas of our heart in which we really aren't interested in allowing the Holy Spirit in to do his work. We think we can get by. 2 Chronicles 21:11 says that Jehoram constructed idol shrines in the mountains and compelled the people to worship idols. It drives me nuts how much we read about God's people in the old testament and these shrines in the mountains. However, I'm coming to realize that these mountain shrines represent the corners of our heart and of our character that we try to hide from God. Guess what... It's these shrines that make a mess for future generations.
We may be able to be "whitened sepulchers", as Jesus called the Pharisees, enough to give the appearance of righteousness to those around us, but the pattern of scripture is too consistent and clear for us to think that it wont be revealed somehow.
As I look at my daughter, I wonder about today's Proverb. Will she have the wonderful heritage of an honest father? I consider myself honest, and I do my best, but when I think about her, it raises the bar. Knowing how my integrity affects her future, it causes me to all the more desire the holiness of a surrendered heart.
I can't do this on my own. Romans 11:16b, which is also a part of today's reading says, "For if the roots of the tree are holy, the branches will be too." It is so vital that I am completely grafted to Christ. There is no holiness or purity I can create in myself. It doesn't make a difference what I look like to you or anyone else. It can only come as I am desperately dependent on the Vine of Christ.
It's not that we should be holy for the sake of our kids. We should be holy because He who called us is holy. But it may help to realize the fruit of compromise.
What's your legacy today? What will your children think as they read Proverbs 20:7? My dad will read this. I'm so grateful that I can look at this proverb and be able to relate to the "wonderful heritage" of an honest father. His legacy is known to all. My prayer is that my daughter will look at this verse and feel the same about me. I'm going to live today with that goal. It is an awesome weight, but a tremendous privilege. Lord, graft me to you!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
7.27.10 "THIS is what Worship is All About"
"THIS is what Worship is All About"
2 Chronicles 19:1-20:37
Romans 10:13-11:12
Psalm 21:1-13
Proverbs 20:4-6
If you were to ask individuals to define worship, you'd get a wide variety of responses. You would probably get many responses that would have to do with music and songs. If you've been through any DREAM training classes, you'd say, worship is "obedience". While these are elements of worship, they don't really 'define' worship.
Worship is our response to the revelation of God. We can respond in song, shouts of praise, clapping hands, etc. The "highest" form of worship is obedience, but all of it is our response to experiencing God.
One of the best illustrations of the pattern for a lifestyle of worship can be found in 2 Chronicles 20. Take the time to read this chapter. This is a story about King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah. Jehoshaphat was a good king who had made a few poor decisions, but he tried to be faithful to God. In chapter 20, armies were gathering to attack Israel. 20:3 says, "Jehoshaphat was badly shaken by this news and determined to beg for help from the Lord." He then declared a fast for the people, and they waited to hear from God. They cried out to him and Jehoshaphat declared in verse 12 "We don't know what to do, but we are looking to you."
God then gave his answer to them. In verse 15, ""the Lord says,'Don't be afraid! Don't be paralyzed by this mighty army! For the battle is not yours, but God's!" His instruction said in 20:17, "But you will not need to fight! Take your places; stand quietly and see the incredible rescue operation God will perform for you..."
In verse 18-19 "Jehoshaphat fell to the ground with his face to the earth, and all the people did the same, worshiping the Lord. Then the Levites... stood to praise the Lord God of Israel with songs of praise that rang out strong and clear." They praised God for giving them instruction.
Then they went into battle in verse 21, "...he determined that there should be a choir leading the march... singing the song 'His Lovingkindness is Forever' as they walked along praising and thanking the Lord!"
In verse 22, "And at the moment they began to sing and to praise..." the enemy armies began to destroy one another. Verse 26 says "And how they praised the Lord!" (for those old enough to remember the Little Rascals... "And How!" :)
Then they went back to Jerusalem and REALLY had Church!
So how does that apply to you? What is the pattern for worship found here?
1. Troubles will come!
2. Determine in your heart to seek God first.
3. Acknowledge you are helpless, "I don't know what to do but my eyes are on you!"
4. Wait for an answer (EXPECTING an answer is key to this, as is WAITING till you get it!)
5. Praise God for the answer he gives you.
6. Walk in obedience with a heart of praise leading the way!
7. Rejoice in the victory he brings.
Imagine what church would be like Sunday morning if this was the pattern of God's people all the time! We probably wouldn't hear "I didn't get much out of worship today..." We'd be having a great stompin' on the devil party!
Try to apply these principles to your life and to the struggles that come. Then share your testimony! Verse 29 says, "And as had happened before, when the surrounding kingdoms heard that the Lord himself had fought against the enemies of Israel, the fear of God fell upon them." Your testimony will make a difference!
"Accept our praise, O Lord, for all your glorious power. We will write songs to celebrate your mighty acts!" Psalm 21:13
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
2 Chronicles 19:1-20:37
Romans 10:13-11:12
Psalm 21:1-13
Proverbs 20:4-6
If you were to ask individuals to define worship, you'd get a wide variety of responses. You would probably get many responses that would have to do with music and songs. If you've been through any DREAM training classes, you'd say, worship is "obedience". While these are elements of worship, they don't really 'define' worship.
Worship is our response to the revelation of God. We can respond in song, shouts of praise, clapping hands, etc. The "highest" form of worship is obedience, but all of it is our response to experiencing God.
One of the best illustrations of the pattern for a lifestyle of worship can be found in 2 Chronicles 20. Take the time to read this chapter. This is a story about King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah. Jehoshaphat was a good king who had made a few poor decisions, but he tried to be faithful to God. In chapter 20, armies were gathering to attack Israel. 20:3 says, "Jehoshaphat was badly shaken by this news and determined to beg for help from the Lord." He then declared a fast for the people, and they waited to hear from God. They cried out to him and Jehoshaphat declared in verse 12 "We don't know what to do, but we are looking to you."
God then gave his answer to them. In verse 15, ""the Lord says,'Don't be afraid! Don't be paralyzed by this mighty army! For the battle is not yours, but God's!" His instruction said in 20:17, "But you will not need to fight! Take your places; stand quietly and see the incredible rescue operation God will perform for you..."
In verse 18-19 "Jehoshaphat fell to the ground with his face to the earth, and all the people did the same, worshiping the Lord. Then the Levites... stood to praise the Lord God of Israel with songs of praise that rang out strong and clear." They praised God for giving them instruction.
Then they went into battle in verse 21, "...he determined that there should be a choir leading the march... singing the song 'His Lovingkindness is Forever' as they walked along praising and thanking the Lord!"
In verse 22, "And at the moment they began to sing and to praise..." the enemy armies began to destroy one another. Verse 26 says "And how they praised the Lord!" (for those old enough to remember the Little Rascals... "And How!" :)
Then they went back to Jerusalem and REALLY had Church!
So how does that apply to you? What is the pattern for worship found here?
1. Troubles will come!
2. Determine in your heart to seek God first.
3. Acknowledge you are helpless, "I don't know what to do but my eyes are on you!"
4. Wait for an answer (EXPECTING an answer is key to this, as is WAITING till you get it!)
5. Praise God for the answer he gives you.
6. Walk in obedience with a heart of praise leading the way!
7. Rejoice in the victory he brings.
Imagine what church would be like Sunday morning if this was the pattern of God's people all the time! We probably wouldn't hear "I didn't get much out of worship today..." We'd be having a great stompin' on the devil party!
Try to apply these principles to your life and to the struggles that come. Then share your testimony! Verse 29 says, "And as had happened before, when the surrounding kingdoms heard that the Lord himself had fought against the enemies of Israel, the fear of God fell upon them." Your testimony will make a difference!
"Accept our praise, O Lord, for all your glorious power. We will write songs to celebrate your mighty acts!" Psalm 21:13
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, July 25, 2010
7.25.10 "The Power of being Powerless"
"The Power of being Powerless"
2 Chronicles 14:1-16:14
Romans 9:1-24
Psalm 19:1-14
Proverbs 20:1
2 Chronicles 16:9 "For the eyes of the Lord search back and forth across the whole earth, looking for people whose hearts are perfect toward him, so that he can show his great power in helping them."
I just had a picture in my mind of the old "Welcome Back, Kotter" show. As the Lord is looking across the earth, I'd be Horshack waving my arms franticly "ooh, ooh, ooh" Pick me! Show your power in helping me!
So, what's the context of this scripture? King Asa of Judah is doing a great job. He's been real careful to live a life of obedience, and lead the country to do the same. In chapter 14 the Lord helps him defeat an army of 1 million Ethiopians. In Chapter 15 Azariah had a word from the Lord telling King Asa that the Lord would be with him as long as he stayed with the Lord. King Asa listened to this, and cleansed the country of idols, even to the point of ousting his mother because she built an idol.
So, Asa's doing good! Then comes chapter 16. Asa learns that Israel is preparing for battle against Judah. He responds with a plan of his own making. Syria has an alliance with Judah, so Asa takes the silver & Gold from the temple, and sends it to the King of Syria with a message. "Here is silver and gold to induce you to break your alliance with King Baasha of Israel, so that he will leave me alone."
It worked. Sort of. It got him out of the potential war with Israel, but God wasn't happy.
This is the message that came to him through the prophet in 2 Chron. 16:7-8. "Because you have put your trust in the king of Syria instead of in the Lord your God, the army of the king of Syria has escaped from you. Don't you remember what happened to the Ethiopians and Libyans and their vast army, with all of their chariots and cavalrymen? But you relied then on the Lord, and he delivered them all into your hand." The end of verse 9 says, "What a fool you have been! From now on you shall have wars."
In 2 Chron. 16:12 says, "In the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa developed a serious foot disease. Yet even with the severity of his disease, he did not seek the Lord's help but turned only to his physicians."
Bring this home. It's easy to disconnect from the message of this story about the kings of long ago. How does it apply to us? The Lord desires to use our situations to deliver us and make his name great. How does that happen? It happens when we rely on him to give us direction in our problems and come through with answers that bring glory to his name.
When we fix things without consulting God, we rob ourselves of a victory that is greater than we could imagine. Sure, we may deflect the immediate battle, but as the word came to King Asa, the bigger plan was to defeat the Syrians, too.
We must discipline ourselves to seek God in EVERYTHING. You don't know what God wants to ultimately do through your struggle. You may be looking for a simple victory, but God is looking to do miraculous things.
Make your heart "perfect toward him" by walking in obedience. Walk in DEPENDENCE on him. When we lay our "power" down, and constantly rely on him, we will experience some incredible things.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
2 Chronicles 14:1-16:14
Romans 9:1-24
Psalm 19:1-14
Proverbs 20:1
2 Chronicles 16:9 "For the eyes of the Lord search back and forth across the whole earth, looking for people whose hearts are perfect toward him, so that he can show his great power in helping them."
I just had a picture in my mind of the old "Welcome Back, Kotter" show. As the Lord is looking across the earth, I'd be Horshack waving my arms franticly "ooh, ooh, ooh" Pick me! Show your power in helping me!
So, what's the context of this scripture? King Asa of Judah is doing a great job. He's been real careful to live a life of obedience, and lead the country to do the same. In chapter 14 the Lord helps him defeat an army of 1 million Ethiopians. In Chapter 15 Azariah had a word from the Lord telling King Asa that the Lord would be with him as long as he stayed with the Lord. King Asa listened to this, and cleansed the country of idols, even to the point of ousting his mother because she built an idol.
So, Asa's doing good! Then comes chapter 16. Asa learns that Israel is preparing for battle against Judah. He responds with a plan of his own making. Syria has an alliance with Judah, so Asa takes the silver & Gold from the temple, and sends it to the King of Syria with a message. "Here is silver and gold to induce you to break your alliance with King Baasha of Israel, so that he will leave me alone."
It worked. Sort of. It got him out of the potential war with Israel, but God wasn't happy.
This is the message that came to him through the prophet in 2 Chron. 16:7-8. "Because you have put your trust in the king of Syria instead of in the Lord your God, the army of the king of Syria has escaped from you. Don't you remember what happened to the Ethiopians and Libyans and their vast army, with all of their chariots and cavalrymen? But you relied then on the Lord, and he delivered them all into your hand." The end of verse 9 says, "What a fool you have been! From now on you shall have wars."
In 2 Chron. 16:12 says, "In the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa developed a serious foot disease. Yet even with the severity of his disease, he did not seek the Lord's help but turned only to his physicians."
Bring this home. It's easy to disconnect from the message of this story about the kings of long ago. How does it apply to us? The Lord desires to use our situations to deliver us and make his name great. How does that happen? It happens when we rely on him to give us direction in our problems and come through with answers that bring glory to his name.
When we fix things without consulting God, we rob ourselves of a victory that is greater than we could imagine. Sure, we may deflect the immediate battle, but as the word came to King Asa, the bigger plan was to defeat the Syrians, too.
We must discipline ourselves to seek God in EVERYTHING. You don't know what God wants to ultimately do through your struggle. You may be looking for a simple victory, but God is looking to do miraculous things.
Make your heart "perfect toward him" by walking in obedience. Walk in DEPENDENCE on him. When we lay our "power" down, and constantly rely on him, we will experience some incredible things.
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, July 24, 2010
7.24.10 "Trusting"
"Trusting"
2 Chronicles 11:1-13:22
Romans 8:24-39
Psalm 18:35-50
Proverbs 19:27-29
"Trust me." Has anyone ever said that to you? It's usually said when you've got a look on your face that displays you're not sure what you're getting into. One of my favorite parenting experiences was when my daughter learned to ride her bike. After taking off the training wheels, I would walk beside her holding her bike up. She'd yell, "Dad! Don't let go!" I kept telling her she could trust me. (I know you're thinking I did let go, but not until she was ready!)
Dictionary.com has these definitions of trust:
1. Firm reliance on the integrity, ability, or character of a person or thing.
2. Custody; care.
3. Something committed into the care of another; charge.
4. One in which confidence is placed.
5. Reliance on something in the future; hope.
6. Reliance on the intention and ability of a purchaser to pay in the future; credit
Romans 8:24-25 says, "We are saved by trusting. And trusting means looking forward to getting something we don't yet have - for a man who already has something doesn't need to hope and trust that he will get it. But if we must keep trusting God for something that hasn't happened yet, it teaches us to wait patiently and confidently."
When I was a teen in youth group we would play a game called "trust". a person would stand in the middle of a bunch of kids sitting in a tight circle with their feet together around the standing persons ankles. The person standing in the middle would then fall and those sitting would catch them and push them back up. If you've ever played this game before you know what i'm talking about. There's only a couple ways this thing works. 1. The people sitting must do their part to catch the person and push them up, or it ruins the "trust" of the falling person. 2. The falling person must fall completely stiff or it wont work, but to fall completely stiff, you must really TRUST that someone is going to catch you.
Looking at the outline of the dictionary definition of trust, here are some simple thoughts on trust for us today.
Do you Trust God?
1. Do you have a firm reliance on His integrity? His ability to accomplish what needs to be accomplished? Do you trust His character? Do you really believe he will do what he said he will do?
2. Are you in his "custody"? Are you keeping yourself in his care? Trusting God is like staying under his umbrella. Are you waiting patiently under his care, or are you running ahead trying to fix things your way?
3. Have you committed your ways to him? Have you placed your life in His charge? "Here I am Lord, You are in charge of me."
4. Is He your confidence? Your trust? Do you confide in him? Is there that bond of trust?
5. How sure are you of his promise? Do you have a firm reliance in the future? Do you have hope?
6. This will sound funny, but do you believe God will pay his bills? Do you believe he will come through the way he said he will? Is he able to "cover" his promises? He is in no way indebted to us, but he is committed to fulfill his word.
These definitions come from the dictionary, not the bible, but nonetheless they do define how we should be trusting God.
The game of trust is a lot of fun when you completely trust those who are catching you. they almost throw you back and forth and around the circle, but you don't get hurt because they don't let you fall.
Think of a life COMPLETELY trusting God. There's no flinching. There's no dropping. Wouldn't that be a blast? Living a Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship is a thrill ride when we don't hesitate to walk in obedience because we TRUST the One giving the commands.
The words written almost 100 years ago:
’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
And to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus says the Lord!”
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!
There is discipline in trusting God. It is an action. Trust in Him today as you Live the DREAM!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
2 Chronicles 11:1-13:22
Romans 8:24-39
Psalm 18:35-50
Proverbs 19:27-29
"Trust me." Has anyone ever said that to you? It's usually said when you've got a look on your face that displays you're not sure what you're getting into. One of my favorite parenting experiences was when my daughter learned to ride her bike. After taking off the training wheels, I would walk beside her holding her bike up. She'd yell, "Dad! Don't let go!" I kept telling her she could trust me. (I know you're thinking I did let go, but not until she was ready!)
Dictionary.com has these definitions of trust:
1. Firm reliance on the integrity, ability, or character of a person or thing.
2. Custody; care.
3. Something committed into the care of another; charge.
4. One in which confidence is placed.
5. Reliance on something in the future; hope.
6. Reliance on the intention and ability of a purchaser to pay in the future; credit
Romans 8:24-25 says, "We are saved by trusting. And trusting means looking forward to getting something we don't yet have - for a man who already has something doesn't need to hope and trust that he will get it. But if we must keep trusting God for something that hasn't happened yet, it teaches us to wait patiently and confidently."
When I was a teen in youth group we would play a game called "trust". a person would stand in the middle of a bunch of kids sitting in a tight circle with their feet together around the standing persons ankles. The person standing in the middle would then fall and those sitting would catch them and push them back up. If you've ever played this game before you know what i'm talking about. There's only a couple ways this thing works. 1. The people sitting must do their part to catch the person and push them up, or it ruins the "trust" of the falling person. 2. The falling person must fall completely stiff or it wont work, but to fall completely stiff, you must really TRUST that someone is going to catch you.
Looking at the outline of the dictionary definition of trust, here are some simple thoughts on trust for us today.
Do you Trust God?
1. Do you have a firm reliance on His integrity? His ability to accomplish what needs to be accomplished? Do you trust His character? Do you really believe he will do what he said he will do?
2. Are you in his "custody"? Are you keeping yourself in his care? Trusting God is like staying under his umbrella. Are you waiting patiently under his care, or are you running ahead trying to fix things your way?
3. Have you committed your ways to him? Have you placed your life in His charge? "Here I am Lord, You are in charge of me."
4. Is He your confidence? Your trust? Do you confide in him? Is there that bond of trust?
5. How sure are you of his promise? Do you have a firm reliance in the future? Do you have hope?
6. This will sound funny, but do you believe God will pay his bills? Do you believe he will come through the way he said he will? Is he able to "cover" his promises? He is in no way indebted to us, but he is committed to fulfill his word.
These definitions come from the dictionary, not the bible, but nonetheless they do define how we should be trusting God.
The game of trust is a lot of fun when you completely trust those who are catching you. they almost throw you back and forth and around the circle, but you don't get hurt because they don't let you fall.
Think of a life COMPLETELY trusting God. There's no flinching. There's no dropping. Wouldn't that be a blast? Living a Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship is a thrill ride when we don't hesitate to walk in obedience because we TRUST the One giving the commands.
The words written almost 100 years ago:
’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
And to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus says the Lord!”
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!
There is discipline in trusting God. It is an action. Trust in Him today as you Live the DREAM!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Friday, July 23, 2010
7.23.10 "The Seed that Always Grows"
"The Seed that Always Grows"
2 Chronicles 8:11-10:19
Romans 8:9-23
Psalm 18:16-34
Proverbs 19:26
In the One Year Bible reading today, we read through a couple chapters in 2 Chronicles. Through the course of this portion of scripture, we go through quite a contrast in Israel. Compare these two excerpts:
The Queen of Sheba is saying to Solomon in 2 Chronicles 9:5, "everything I heard about you in my own country is true! I didn't believe it until I got here and saw it with my own eyes. Your wisdom is far greater than I could ever have imagined. What a privilege for these men of yours to stand here and listen to you talk! Blessed be the Lord your God! How he must love Israel to give them a just king like you! He wants them to be a great, strong nation forever."
After Rehoboam succeeds Solomon, 2 Chronicles 10:19 "And Israel has refused to be ruled by a descendant of David to this day."
What happened?!
2 things: Pride & Compromise
We have to look into I Kings to get more of the story. Here's the scenario:
Solomon is successful. In 2 Chronicles 8:15, "Solomon did not deviate in any way from David's instructions." This was concerning the building of the temple. Great! but what about what we read in I Kings 11:1,4 "King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women... his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God as the heart of David his father had been."
As a result of this, later in I Kings 11 we meet Jeroboam who Solomon puts in charge of much of the labor force. The prophet Ahijah prophecies that because of Solomon's compromise the Kingdom of Israel will be torn apart. the Lord promises Jeroboam will be a blessed leader, and have a dynasty as that of David if he follows after the Lord. Solomon tries to kill him, but he hides in Egypt until Solomon's death.
Then there's Rehoboam, Solomon's son. He has the chance to win the hearts of the people. In 2 Chronicles 10, because of his pride, he rejects the wisdom of Solomon's advisors, and the tribes of Israel turn their backs on him & refuse to follow the house of David anymore.
What a disaster! What a disgrace to the name of the Lord God of Israel. Where did all this start??
It started in Solomon's compromise.
How can we apply this to our lives??
Solomon was MOSTLY obedient. Sometimes we fall into the same trap. For example, we can really make things look good on the outside by doing work for the kingdom. Doing everything our leader asks us to do, Just as Solomon did what David commanded in regards to the temple. This may give us "enough" of a sense of accomplishment that we think the things that are hidden will go unnoticed.
But it's the seed that always grows. There will be a consequence to partial obedience. Maybe it's like the case of Rehoboam. The motivation is pride that causes us to go without heeding the spiritual advisors around us. We'll do it OUR way. There will always be a consequence to that as well.
It's important that we understand how urgent it is to make sure we are totally pure before God. We live in danger each moment we linger with hidden high places of pride and compromise.
Jeroboam blew it too. He caused the people to worship idols as well.
God has a great plan for us. It's full of promise like it was for each of these leaders. The terms of this promise are dependent on "if you obey all I command."
Our sinful nature drives us to compromise. "So, dear brothers, you have no obligations whatever to your old sinful nature to do what it begs you to do. For if you keep on following it you are lost and will perish, but if through the power of the Holy Spirit you crush it and its evil deeds, you shall live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." (Romans 8:12-14)
Do that today. Be led by the Spirit. Live in full obedience of all God commands. If you find the seeds of pride and compromise, allow God to weed them out of your life, or they will grow!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
2 Chronicles 8:11-10:19
Romans 8:9-23
Psalm 18:16-34
Proverbs 19:26
In the One Year Bible reading today, we read through a couple chapters in 2 Chronicles. Through the course of this portion of scripture, we go through quite a contrast in Israel. Compare these two excerpts:
The Queen of Sheba is saying to Solomon in 2 Chronicles 9:5, "everything I heard about you in my own country is true! I didn't believe it until I got here and saw it with my own eyes. Your wisdom is far greater than I could ever have imagined. What a privilege for these men of yours to stand here and listen to you talk! Blessed be the Lord your God! How he must love Israel to give them a just king like you! He wants them to be a great, strong nation forever."
After Rehoboam succeeds Solomon, 2 Chronicles 10:19 "And Israel has refused to be ruled by a descendant of David to this day."
What happened?!
2 things: Pride & Compromise
We have to look into I Kings to get more of the story. Here's the scenario:
Solomon is successful. In 2 Chronicles 8:15, "Solomon did not deviate in any way from David's instructions." This was concerning the building of the temple. Great! but what about what we read in I Kings 11:1,4 "King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women... his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God as the heart of David his father had been."
As a result of this, later in I Kings 11 we meet Jeroboam who Solomon puts in charge of much of the labor force. The prophet Ahijah prophecies that because of Solomon's compromise the Kingdom of Israel will be torn apart. the Lord promises Jeroboam will be a blessed leader, and have a dynasty as that of David if he follows after the Lord. Solomon tries to kill him, but he hides in Egypt until Solomon's death.
Then there's Rehoboam, Solomon's son. He has the chance to win the hearts of the people. In 2 Chronicles 10, because of his pride, he rejects the wisdom of Solomon's advisors, and the tribes of Israel turn their backs on him & refuse to follow the house of David anymore.
What a disaster! What a disgrace to the name of the Lord God of Israel. Where did all this start??
It started in Solomon's compromise.
How can we apply this to our lives??
Solomon was MOSTLY obedient. Sometimes we fall into the same trap. For example, we can really make things look good on the outside by doing work for the kingdom. Doing everything our leader asks us to do, Just as Solomon did what David commanded in regards to the temple. This may give us "enough" of a sense of accomplishment that we think the things that are hidden will go unnoticed.
But it's the seed that always grows. There will be a consequence to partial obedience. Maybe it's like the case of Rehoboam. The motivation is pride that causes us to go without heeding the spiritual advisors around us. We'll do it OUR way. There will always be a consequence to that as well.
It's important that we understand how urgent it is to make sure we are totally pure before God. We live in danger each moment we linger with hidden high places of pride and compromise.
Jeroboam blew it too. He caused the people to worship idols as well.
God has a great plan for us. It's full of promise like it was for each of these leaders. The terms of this promise are dependent on "if you obey all I command."
Our sinful nature drives us to compromise. "So, dear brothers, you have no obligations whatever to your old sinful nature to do what it begs you to do. For if you keep on following it you are lost and will perish, but if through the power of the Holy Spirit you crush it and its evil deeds, you shall live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." (Romans 8:12-14)
Do that today. Be led by the Spirit. Live in full obedience of all God commands. If you find the seeds of pride and compromise, allow God to weed them out of your life, or they will grow!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Thursday, July 22, 2010
7.22.10 "You Can't, Yet You Must!"
"You Can't, yet You Must!"
2 Chronicles 6:12-8:10
Romans 7:14-8:8
Psalm 18:1-15
Proverbs 19:24-25
Guess what? You can't keep from sinning. Period. There is nothing in your strength that can defeat sin's power over you. Yet you must.
Paul says it well in Romans 7:15 "I don't really understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I can't."
Have you ever been there? are you there right now?
We need to keep a very important truth before us at ALL times: we NEED the power of the Holy Spirit!
As we mature in Christ there's a "by-product" of maturity we must guard against. It's an element of pride that sneaks in. We begin to think we can work in our own strength and our own understanding. We learn a spiritual principle, then walk away thinking, "OK, I got it." and we come back with a bloody nose. Why is that?
One of the main reasons is that we understand that knowing God's Commands is EXTREMELY important, but we many times forget that KNOWING isn't enough. We desperately need the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 8:3-4 says, "We aren't saved from sin's grasp by knowing the commandments of God, because we can't and don't keep them, but God put into effect a different plan to save us. He sent his own Son in a human body like ours - except that ours are sinful - and destroyed sin's control over us by giving himself as a sacrifice for our sins. So now we can obey God's laws if we follow after the Holy Spirit and no longer obey the old evil nature within us."
As humans mature, they become increasingly independent. Maturity in Christ IS our goal! We need to get the point that we are "no longer as infants tossed back and forth by every wind of doctrine." We need to get past the point of surviving only on spiritual milk. HOWEVER, we MUST realize that unlike our human maturity, Christian Maturity makes us MORE dependent on Christ.
Here's a good test for yourself. How well do you think you can do today without spending time with God? Your answer may be an indicator of your maturity. Will the mature answer be: I spent extra time with God yesterday... I know the word... I made it to church a couple days ago... Or will it be: I can't take another step without time with the Lord! Guess which one is a sign of maturity.
Now think about the sin that so easily entangles you. Are you wrestling with it in your own power, or have you given it to Christ? Sunday school answer is: I've given it to Christ. Well then why does it still entangle? The answer is: Because we walk in the flesh and not in the Spirit.
Try something today: Consciously walk in the power of the Spirit. When challenges or temptations come up, discipline yourself to not react in the flesh. Rest on the power of the Spirit, and see what happens.
"Those who let themselves be controlled by their lower natures live only to please themselves, but those who follow after the Holy Spirit find themselves doing those things that please God. Following after the Holy Spirit leads to life and peace, but following after the old nature leads to death." Romans 8:5-6
There's a chorus that says: "Lord fill me with your power, your all consuming fire. Take this clay, mold me I pray, so I'll be ready, Lord. Prepare me today."
Guess what? You're gonna be tempted to sin again. And guess what? In your own strength, you can't keep from sinning. But here's the best part! The power of the Holy Spirit that has been given to you can keep you from sinning! Walk in THAT power!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
2 Chronicles 6:12-8:10
Romans 7:14-8:8
Psalm 18:1-15
Proverbs 19:24-25
Guess what? You can't keep from sinning. Period. There is nothing in your strength that can defeat sin's power over you. Yet you must.
Paul says it well in Romans 7:15 "I don't really understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I can't."
Have you ever been there? are you there right now?
We need to keep a very important truth before us at ALL times: we NEED the power of the Holy Spirit!
As we mature in Christ there's a "by-product" of maturity we must guard against. It's an element of pride that sneaks in. We begin to think we can work in our own strength and our own understanding. We learn a spiritual principle, then walk away thinking, "OK, I got it." and we come back with a bloody nose. Why is that?
One of the main reasons is that we understand that knowing God's Commands is EXTREMELY important, but we many times forget that KNOWING isn't enough. We desperately need the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 8:3-4 says, "We aren't saved from sin's grasp by knowing the commandments of God, because we can't and don't keep them, but God put into effect a different plan to save us. He sent his own Son in a human body like ours - except that ours are sinful - and destroyed sin's control over us by giving himself as a sacrifice for our sins. So now we can obey God's laws if we follow after the Holy Spirit and no longer obey the old evil nature within us."
As humans mature, they become increasingly independent. Maturity in Christ IS our goal! We need to get the point that we are "no longer as infants tossed back and forth by every wind of doctrine." We need to get past the point of surviving only on spiritual milk. HOWEVER, we MUST realize that unlike our human maturity, Christian Maturity makes us MORE dependent on Christ.
Here's a good test for yourself. How well do you think you can do today without spending time with God? Your answer may be an indicator of your maturity. Will the mature answer be: I spent extra time with God yesterday... I know the word... I made it to church a couple days ago... Or will it be: I can't take another step without time with the Lord! Guess which one is a sign of maturity.
Now think about the sin that so easily entangles you. Are you wrestling with it in your own power, or have you given it to Christ? Sunday school answer is: I've given it to Christ. Well then why does it still entangle? The answer is: Because we walk in the flesh and not in the Spirit.
Try something today: Consciously walk in the power of the Spirit. When challenges or temptations come up, discipline yourself to not react in the flesh. Rest on the power of the Spirit, and see what happens.
"Those who let themselves be controlled by their lower natures live only to please themselves, but those who follow after the Holy Spirit find themselves doing those things that please God. Following after the Holy Spirit leads to life and peace, but following after the old nature leads to death." Romans 8:5-6
There's a chorus that says: "Lord fill me with your power, your all consuming fire. Take this clay, mold me I pray, so I'll be ready, Lord. Prepare me today."
Guess what? You're gonna be tempted to sin again. And guess what? In your own strength, you can't keep from sinning. But here's the best part! The power of the Holy Spirit that has been given to you can keep you from sinning! Walk in THAT power!
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, July 21, 2010
7.21.10 "What is Worship?"
"What is Worship?"
2 Chronicles 4:1-6:13a
Romans 7:1-14
Psalm 17:1-15
Proverbs 19:22-23
What is worship? Is it music? What is it? Worship is our response to the revelation of God. HOW we respond is the "form" of worship, of which "obedience" honors God more than any other. This is also why we sing. We sing in response to his greatness. We clap, shout, etc. all in response to the revelation of our God.
Notice 2 Chronicles 5:10. "Nothing was in the Ark except the two stone tablets which Moses had put there at Mount Horeb, when the Lord made a covenant with the people of Israel as they were leaving Egypt."
Think about this. The Ark has been a consistent representation of the Presence of God throughout the Old Testament. Both David and Solomon have referred to the Temple as a place for the Lord to dwell. How do they "move" God in? By bringing in the Ark. What's in the Ark? His commands.
Now, we all know "the Lord inhabits the praises of His people." What are "the praises of His people"? They are "our response to the revelation of God". How is God revealed? Through His Commands!
The dot that we must connect here is that you MUST be "Empowered through Biblical Training" to live a "Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship". Why? because worshiping without the revelation of God is just going through the motions. "having a form of godliness but denying its power." (2 Tim 3:5)
Again, we are speaking of Balance. One could take this to the extreme and say, well then the highest form of worship IS legalism. Not at all!! In today's reading in Romans 7:6 Paul says, "not in the old way, mechanically obeying a set of rules, but in the new way, with all of your hearts and minds." (TLB) As we look at God's word it's as Paul says in verse 7 "it was the law that showed me my sin. I would never have known the sin in my heart - the evil desires that are hidden there - if the law had not said, 'you must not have evil desires in your heart.'"
As God reveals himself through His Word, we respond in worship. There may be times we wanna shout for joy. Times to sing. Times to fall down in repentance. In all things, our worship needs to be in the form of obedience to what he has shown us. This isn't always an emotional thing. In fact, most of the time it's not. We must discipline ourselves to seek his face, to get into the word, and of course, to worship in spirit and in truth.
Remember King Josiah in 2 Kings 23? They had found the commands in the temple. They read them publicly. What followed? "The king stood by the pillar and renewed the covenant in the presence of the Lord - to follow the Lord and keep his commands, regulations and decrees with all his heart and all his soul, thus confirming the words of the covenant written in this book. Then all the people pledged themselves to the covenant." They responded to the revelation of God. Their worship took the form of cleansing the temple.
In 2 Chronicles 5:11-14, the priests present the first musical entitled "He is so good! His loving kindness lasts forever!" in response to the Ark coming into the temple.
What is your response to the revelation of God in your life?
In Psalm 17:15, David says, "But as for me, my contentment is not in wealth but in seeing you and knowing all is well between us." (TLB) How great is that! What makes you content? If you search your heart you will know that the only contentment is found as we seek God, respond in obedience, and know that all is well between us.
Live Empowered through Biblical Training today so you can Live 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
2 Chronicles 4:1-6:13a
Romans 7:1-14
Psalm 17:1-15
Proverbs 19:22-23
What is worship? Is it music? What is it? Worship is our response to the revelation of God. HOW we respond is the "form" of worship, of which "obedience" honors God more than any other. This is also why we sing. We sing in response to his greatness. We clap, shout, etc. all in response to the revelation of our God.
Notice 2 Chronicles 5:10. "Nothing was in the Ark except the two stone tablets which Moses had put there at Mount Horeb, when the Lord made a covenant with the people of Israel as they were leaving Egypt."
Think about this. The Ark has been a consistent representation of the Presence of God throughout the Old Testament. Both David and Solomon have referred to the Temple as a place for the Lord to dwell. How do they "move" God in? By bringing in the Ark. What's in the Ark? His commands.
Now, we all know "the Lord inhabits the praises of His people." What are "the praises of His people"? They are "our response to the revelation of God". How is God revealed? Through His Commands!
The dot that we must connect here is that you MUST be "Empowered through Biblical Training" to live a "Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship". Why? because worshiping without the revelation of God is just going through the motions. "having a form of godliness but denying its power." (2 Tim 3:5)
Again, we are speaking of Balance. One could take this to the extreme and say, well then the highest form of worship IS legalism. Not at all!! In today's reading in Romans 7:6 Paul says, "not in the old way, mechanically obeying a set of rules, but in the new way, with all of your hearts and minds." (TLB) As we look at God's word it's as Paul says in verse 7 "it was the law that showed me my sin. I would never have known the sin in my heart - the evil desires that are hidden there - if the law had not said, 'you must not have evil desires in your heart.'"
As God reveals himself through His Word, we respond in worship. There may be times we wanna shout for joy. Times to sing. Times to fall down in repentance. In all things, our worship needs to be in the form of obedience to what he has shown us. This isn't always an emotional thing. In fact, most of the time it's not. We must discipline ourselves to seek his face, to get into the word, and of course, to worship in spirit and in truth.
Remember King Josiah in 2 Kings 23? They had found the commands in the temple. They read them publicly. What followed? "The king stood by the pillar and renewed the covenant in the presence of the Lord - to follow the Lord and keep his commands, regulations and decrees with all his heart and all his soul, thus confirming the words of the covenant written in this book. Then all the people pledged themselves to the covenant." They responded to the revelation of God. Their worship took the form of cleansing the temple.
In 2 Chronicles 5:11-14, the priests present the first musical entitled "He is so good! His loving kindness lasts forever!" in response to the Ark coming into the temple.
What is your response to the revelation of God in your life?
In Psalm 17:15, David says, "But as for me, my contentment is not in wealth but in seeing you and knowing all is well between us." (TLB) How great is that! What makes you content? If you search your heart you will know that the only contentment is found as we seek God, respond in obedience, and know that all is well between us.
Live Empowered through Biblical Training today so you can Live 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
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
7.20.10 "The Bondage of Freedom or Bound to Be Free"
"The Bondage of Freedom or Bound to Be Free"
2 Chronicles 1:1- 3:17
Romans 6:1-23
Psalm 16:1-11
Proverbs 19:20-21
Romans 6:2 "Should we keep sinning when we don't have to?"
The trip through Romans is very interesting. Paul writes with such a logical process to the Roman Christians. It reminds me of some of my early computer programing classes. Many of the calculations were "if-then" statements. (IF this is true, THEN this is true...) I had a Logical Philosophy class in college which Paul would have been a great teacher of, based on his teachings in Romans. I'm not as eloquent logically, so this DEVO may be hard to follow.
The concept of freedom is very paradoxical. For example, look at America. We are so proud of our freedom, but as individuals "do what's right in their own eyes", their freedom leads to bondage. In legal terms, Americans are "free" to drink alcohol, but how many are bound by alcoholism. When an alcoholic took his first drink and you asked him why, I'm sure there may have been a response something like, "Because I can! Nobody's telling ME what to do!" Yet if you ask him now it would probably be "Because I must!" Freedom? I don't think so.
Romans 6:16b says, "The one to whom you offer yourself - he will take you and be your master and you will be his slave."
Why is it that the "freedoms" of sin are so tempting? We love to please the flesh. We fool ourselves into thinking that our flesh is not really a master. Yet you know in your heart, that pleasing the flesh is exactly what satan hopes we do. As we please the flesh, we become a slave to it's desires.
So where is freedom found? Freedom is found in becoming a slave to God. Romans 6:16a says "Don't you realize that you can choose your own master? You can choose sin (with death) or else obedience (with acquittal)." verse 18 says, "and now you are free from your old master, sin; and you have become slaves to your new master, righteousness."
Where is the line drawn between legalism and slavery to righteousness? That's a really tough question. Were we to legislate the conduct and behavior of every individual, it would be yet another form of bondage. But at the same time, being a slave to righteousness will dictate our conduct and behavior.
Bob Dylan sang the song, "You Gotta Serve Somebody". The line was, "Well, it may be the devil, or it may be the Lord, but you gotta serve somebody!"
The fact is this: you ARE a slave. But, you have a choice to whom you will be a slave to. Look at the benefits package of both sin and righteousness. Make no mistake. If sin wasn't fun, no one would do it. It does please the flesh. So, why not sin? Because you become a slave to it. Period. There's no exception.
We must commit ourselves to be slaves to God. In doing that, it becomes like Romans 6:6 "Your old evil desires were nailed to the cross with him; that part of you that loves to sin was crushed and fatally wounded, so that your sin-loving body is no longer under sin's control, no longer needs to be a slave to sin."
A friend of mine who was freed from an addiction wrote the following:
Sometimes my body aches, but my heart, spirit, mind, and conscience
rejoice. This makes the score 4 to 1 against the flesh, as I see it.
Yet the flesh is a heavy hitter. It will try to get me to trade scores:
"I can make you feel great!" When we're a slave to sin, this lie works
so well, and I often traded what I knew was right for what I knew was
wrong. After we're away from the flesh for awhile, though, the mind,
heart, spirit, and conscience not only recognize the lie (I recognized it
even when I was in the middle of sin, but still made the trade) but they
now begin to ask, "Is this worth it?" The spirit gains more and more
strength as time goes on and soon says, "It's not worth it today, this
week, this month, .... this year?!!??? " To me the key to no longer
being a slave to sin is to get away from it for awhile completely. Time
is the key to growing stronger, with the Lord's power, of course. The
devil will try to sift as wheat, but if we can make it through a sifting
or 2, suddenly we see a faint light, a spark at the end of the tunnel.
For me, when I saw the spark, I lit out for it, wanted the light. Now
the light shines, and the flesh is no longer the slave driver. Christ
bought me as His slave and offers me the papers of freedom. I don't want
them! Keep me as yours, Lord!
Psalm 16:8 says, "I am always thinking of the Lord; and because he is so near, I never need to stumble or to fall." Keeping our mind on Christ keeps us from sin.
Christians need to be reminded of this. Too often there is a flirting with the slavery of sin. There is willful bondage.
To truly be free, find freedom in Christ your master. On the outside, it may seem that your conduct is constrained, but your heart will be free, and there is nothing like that feeling! This is a daily choice. Romans 6:22,23 "But now you are free from the power of sin and are slaves of God, and his benefits to you include holiness and everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord!"
I am free in Christ!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
2 Chronicles 1:1- 3:17
Romans 6:1-23
Psalm 16:1-11
Proverbs 19:20-21
Romans 6:2 "Should we keep sinning when we don't have to?"
The trip through Romans is very interesting. Paul writes with such a logical process to the Roman Christians. It reminds me of some of my early computer programing classes. Many of the calculations were "if-then" statements. (IF this is true, THEN this is true...) I had a Logical Philosophy class in college which Paul would have been a great teacher of, based on his teachings in Romans. I'm not as eloquent logically, so this DEVO may be hard to follow.
The concept of freedom is very paradoxical. For example, look at America. We are so proud of our freedom, but as individuals "do what's right in their own eyes", their freedom leads to bondage. In legal terms, Americans are "free" to drink alcohol, but how many are bound by alcoholism. When an alcoholic took his first drink and you asked him why, I'm sure there may have been a response something like, "Because I can! Nobody's telling ME what to do!" Yet if you ask him now it would probably be "Because I must!" Freedom? I don't think so.
Romans 6:16b says, "The one to whom you offer yourself - he will take you and be your master and you will be his slave."
Why is it that the "freedoms" of sin are so tempting? We love to please the flesh. We fool ourselves into thinking that our flesh is not really a master. Yet you know in your heart, that pleasing the flesh is exactly what satan hopes we do. As we please the flesh, we become a slave to it's desires.
So where is freedom found? Freedom is found in becoming a slave to God. Romans 6:16a says "Don't you realize that you can choose your own master? You can choose sin (with death) or else obedience (with acquittal)." verse 18 says, "and now you are free from your old master, sin; and you have become slaves to your new master, righteousness."
Where is the line drawn between legalism and slavery to righteousness? That's a really tough question. Were we to legislate the conduct and behavior of every individual, it would be yet another form of bondage. But at the same time, being a slave to righteousness will dictate our conduct and behavior.
Bob Dylan sang the song, "You Gotta Serve Somebody". The line was, "Well, it may be the devil, or it may be the Lord, but you gotta serve somebody!"
The fact is this: you ARE a slave. But, you have a choice to whom you will be a slave to. Look at the benefits package of both sin and righteousness. Make no mistake. If sin wasn't fun, no one would do it. It does please the flesh. So, why not sin? Because you become a slave to it. Period. There's no exception.
We must commit ourselves to be slaves to God. In doing that, it becomes like Romans 6:6 "Your old evil desires were nailed to the cross with him; that part of you that loves to sin was crushed and fatally wounded, so that your sin-loving body is no longer under sin's control, no longer needs to be a slave to sin."
A friend of mine who was freed from an addiction wrote the following:
Sometimes my body aches, but my heart, spirit, mind, and conscience
rejoice. This makes the score 4 to 1 against the flesh, as I see it.
Yet the flesh is a heavy hitter. It will try to get me to trade scores:
"I can make you feel great!" When we're a slave to sin, this lie works
so well, and I often traded what I knew was right for what I knew was
wrong. After we're away from the flesh for awhile, though, the mind,
heart, spirit, and conscience not only recognize the lie (I recognized it
even when I was in the middle of sin, but still made the trade) but they
now begin to ask, "Is this worth it?" The spirit gains more and more
strength as time goes on and soon says, "It's not worth it today, this
week, this month, .... this year?!!??? " To me the key to no longer
being a slave to sin is to get away from it for awhile completely. Time
is the key to growing stronger, with the Lord's power, of course. The
devil will try to sift as wheat, but if we can make it through a sifting
or 2, suddenly we see a faint light, a spark at the end of the tunnel.
For me, when I saw the spark, I lit out for it, wanted the light. Now
the light shines, and the flesh is no longer the slave driver. Christ
bought me as His slave and offers me the papers of freedom. I don't want
them! Keep me as yours, Lord!
Psalm 16:8 says, "I am always thinking of the Lord; and because he is so near, I never need to stumble or to fall." Keeping our mind on Christ keeps us from sin.
Christians need to be reminded of this. Too often there is a flirting with the slavery of sin. There is willful bondage.
To truly be free, find freedom in Christ your master. On the outside, it may seem that your conduct is constrained, but your heart will be free, and there is nothing like that feeling! This is a daily choice. Romans 6:22,23 "But now you are free from the power of sin and are slaves of God, and his benefits to you include holiness and everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord!"
I am free in Christ!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Monday, July 19, 2010
7.19.10 "I am a Friend of God"
"I am a Friend of God"
I Chronicles 28:1-29:30
Romans 5:6-21
Psalm 15:1-5
Proverbs 19:18-19
Have you met anyone famous? Any "heroes" of yours that you've met? Due to the marvels of facebook, I can now say I'm "friends" with some of my heroes. I've even sustained some conversations with some people that I think to be GREAT people. Occasionally I'll name drop a couple... well, just for the sake of example... Gretchen Carlson on the FOX news morning show has MY autograph... yep... not the other way around... I scored the music for a pageant she was in in the 80's... she loved it & wanted my autograph... there... I name dropped.. now I'm important right?
Why do we name drop? It almost gives us a feeling of worth, or it makes us feel that "now people should respect me." Check out these verses in Romans:
"When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.... So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God." Romans 5:6-8,11
As believers we sometimes take the wrong approach to being a friend of God. We can get the sense of "NOW I'm somebody!" A subtle arrogance can develop. Almost as if we "deserve" to be a friend of God.
That couldn't be further from the truth. Christ died for us while we were sinners... we "deserved" none of it. Yet He did it.
Why is this important? If we walk in arrogance of knowing God, we are much like the Pharisees who were proud of their standing and looked in disdain at others who didn't measure up. To realize in humility that we walk in a gift that is undeserved, our outlook is much different. We begin to see those who need Christ through the eyes of hope. We see that They too have this wonderful gift being offered to them. This motivation moves our perspective from a seat of judgment to a kneeling position of washing feet and touching lives.
Oh, that others would know this friendship. Not so the list of "Friends of God" on Facebook can reach 1000, but so that each can know the value that Christ placed in every one of us.
How beautiful it is... I am a friend 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
I Chronicles 28:1-29:30
Romans 5:6-21
Psalm 15:1-5
Proverbs 19:18-19
Have you met anyone famous? Any "heroes" of yours that you've met? Due to the marvels of facebook, I can now say I'm "friends" with some of my heroes. I've even sustained some conversations with some people that I think to be GREAT people. Occasionally I'll name drop a couple... well, just for the sake of example... Gretchen Carlson on the FOX news morning show has MY autograph... yep... not the other way around... I scored the music for a pageant she was in in the 80's... she loved it & wanted my autograph... there... I name dropped.. now I'm important right?
Why do we name drop? It almost gives us a feeling of worth, or it makes us feel that "now people should respect me." Check out these verses in Romans:
"When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.... So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God." Romans 5:6-8,11
As believers we sometimes take the wrong approach to being a friend of God. We can get the sense of "NOW I'm somebody!" A subtle arrogance can develop. Almost as if we "deserve" to be a friend of God.
That couldn't be further from the truth. Christ died for us while we were sinners... we "deserved" none of it. Yet He did it.
Why is this important? If we walk in arrogance of knowing God, we are much like the Pharisees who were proud of their standing and looked in disdain at others who didn't measure up. To realize in humility that we walk in a gift that is undeserved, our outlook is much different. We begin to see those who need Christ through the eyes of hope. We see that They too have this wonderful gift being offered to them. This motivation moves our perspective from a seat of judgment to a kneeling position of washing feet and touching lives.
Oh, that others would know this friendship. Not so the list of "Friends of God" on Facebook can reach 1000, but so that each can know the value that Christ placed in every one of us.
How beautiful it is... I am a friend 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
Sunday, July 18, 2010
7.18.10 "Be All that You Can Be"
"Be All that You Can Be"
I Chronicles 26:12-27:34
Romans 4:14 - 5:2
Psalms 14:1-7
Proverbs 19:17
One of the most frustrating things for me is not living up to full potential. I can't stand it when things hold me back that don't need to. I hate seeing it in others, too. So much potential never realized.
Time for a bit of self-evaluation today. We know God has a plan for our lives. We are all at various stages of understanding the plan or walking in it. I want you look at yourself in terms of living up to your full potential. If 100% is living up to your full potential, where are you at today? What's your percentage?
If it's not 100%, do you know what's holding you back ?
In the Living Bible, Romans 5:2 says "we confidently and joyfully look forward to actually becoming all that God has had in mind for us to be."
Our Mission Statement at Oak Creek A/G is "Reaching Our World for Christ as We Lead Individuals to Discover and Become who God created them to Be."
As with any "slogan", it can become cliche if it loses it's meaning and becomes only a slogan. So, where are you at in the "Discover and Become" process? Paul says we can be confident and joyful in the fact that we can actually become all that God has in mind for us.
Of course, the maturing process never ends, so you can beat yourself up over the fact that you haven't "arrived" yet, but that's not the point.
You could actually live up to your potential today! "What? How can that be? I need to change jobs to live up to my potential! I need to lose 20 pounds to live up to my potential!"
Some of our perceptions as to what is holding us back from our potential are way off! There is not a "cookie cutter" goal that God has laid out for us. It's not that we all should be trying to end up like Paul, or Peter, or another hero of the faith. It's not about what God wants us to "do" as much as it is who he wants us to "BE".
Here's a checklist of 5 questions today:
1. Am I walking in obedience to what the Lord is directing me to do today?
2. Am I caring for those around me by meeting their needs through the principle of submission?
3. Am I disciplining myself to get into the Word and to be faithful to study with fellow believers?
4. Am I using the gifts and talents I have to serve others?
5. Am I living in awareness of those around me who need Christ and doing what I can to connect them to God?
Another way of asking the same questions is "am I living the DREAM?"
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship (walking in Obedience)
Relationships Devoted to Unity (Submitting to the needs of one another)
Empowered through Biblical training (Disciplined to study God's Word)
Active Ministry Involvement (Responsibly using gifts)
Mission to Reach Our World for Christ (Purpose for everything we do)
OK, you're thinking, "why the DREAM 101 class today?" It's because sometimes we become numbed by the familiar. We think that because we've heard it before we can file it away and not really think about it. That's not the case. We need to seriously look at "actually becoming all that God has had in mind for us to be."
Pastor Jon Brooks said, "Peace is not just an end of conflict, it's a state of everything being in order." In Romans 5:1 Paul says "we can have real peace with him because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us."
Because of this gift of salvation, we can have things in order. We can apply these scriptural principles to our life. By putting the principles of DREAM in place today, we position ourselves for God to use us for his glory. Remember the excuse of changing jobs, losing weight, etc? Well, that may all happen, but it will be a result of having yourself in order, not the other way around.
Don't let this be mere cliche 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
I Chronicles 26:12-27:34
Romans 4:14 - 5:2
Psalms 14:1-7
Proverbs 19:17
One of the most frustrating things for me is not living up to full potential. I can't stand it when things hold me back that don't need to. I hate seeing it in others, too. So much potential never realized.
Time for a bit of self-evaluation today. We know God has a plan for our lives. We are all at various stages of understanding the plan or walking in it. I want you look at yourself in terms of living up to your full potential. If 100% is living up to your full potential, where are you at today? What's your percentage?
If it's not 100%, do you know what's holding you back ?
In the Living Bible, Romans 5:2 says "we confidently and joyfully look forward to actually becoming all that God has had in mind for us to be."
Our Mission Statement at Oak Creek A/G is "Reaching Our World for Christ as We Lead Individuals to Discover and Become who God created them to Be."
As with any "slogan", it can become cliche if it loses it's meaning and becomes only a slogan. So, where are you at in the "Discover and Become" process? Paul says we can be confident and joyful in the fact that we can actually become all that God has in mind for us.
Of course, the maturing process never ends, so you can beat yourself up over the fact that you haven't "arrived" yet, but that's not the point.
You could actually live up to your potential today! "What? How can that be? I need to change jobs to live up to my potential! I need to lose 20 pounds to live up to my potential!"
Some of our perceptions as to what is holding us back from our potential are way off! There is not a "cookie cutter" goal that God has laid out for us. It's not that we all should be trying to end up like Paul, or Peter, or another hero of the faith. It's not about what God wants us to "do" as much as it is who he wants us to "BE".
Here's a checklist of 5 questions today:
1. Am I walking in obedience to what the Lord is directing me to do today?
2. Am I caring for those around me by meeting their needs through the principle of submission?
3. Am I disciplining myself to get into the Word and to be faithful to study with fellow believers?
4. Am I using the gifts and talents I have to serve others?
5. Am I living in awareness of those around me who need Christ and doing what I can to connect them to God?
Another way of asking the same questions is "am I living the DREAM?"
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship (walking in Obedience)
Relationships Devoted to Unity (Submitting to the needs of one another)
Empowered through Biblical training (Disciplined to study God's Word)
Active Ministry Involvement (Responsibly using gifts)
Mission to Reach Our World for Christ (Purpose for everything we do)
OK, you're thinking, "why the DREAM 101 class today?" It's because sometimes we become numbed by the familiar. We think that because we've heard it before we can file it away and not really think about it. That's not the case. We need to seriously look at "actually becoming all that God has had in mind for us to be."
Pastor Jon Brooks said, "Peace is not just an end of conflict, it's a state of everything being in order." In Romans 5:1 Paul says "we can have real peace with him because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us."
Because of this gift of salvation, we can have things in order. We can apply these scriptural principles to our life. By putting the principles of DREAM in place today, we position ourselves for God to use us for his glory. Remember the excuse of changing jobs, losing weight, etc? Well, that may all happen, but it will be a result of having yourself in order, not the other way around.
Don't let this be mere cliche 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
7.18.10 "Be All that You Can Be"
"Be All that You Can Be"
I Chronicles 26:12-27:34
Romans 4:14 - 5:2
Psalms 14:1-7
Proverbs 19:17
One of the most frustrating things for me is not living up to full potential. I can't stand it when things hold me back that don't need to. I hate seeing it in others, too. So much potential never realized.
Time for a bit of self-evaluation today. We know God has a plan for our lives. We are all at various stages of understanding the plan or walking in it. I want you look at yourself in terms of living up to your full potential. If 100% is living up to your full potential, where are you at today? What's your percentage?
If it's not 100%, do you know what's holding you back ?
In the Living Bible, Romans 5:2 says "we confidently and joyfully look forward to actually becoming all that God has had in mind for us to be."
Our Mission Statement at Oak Creek A/G is "Reaching Our World for Christ as We Lead Individuals to Discover and Become who God created them to Be."
As with any "slogan", it can become cliche if it loses it's meaning and becomes only a slogan. So, where are you at in the "Discover and Become" process? Paul says we can be confident and joyful in the fact that we can actually become all that God has in mind for us.
Of course, the maturing process never ends, so you can beat yourself up over the fact that you haven't "arrived" yet, but that's not the point.
You could actually live up to your potential today! "What? How can that be? I need to change jobs to live up to my potential! I need to lose 20 pounds to live up to my potential!"
Some of our perceptions as to what is holding us back from our potential are way off! There is not a "cookie cutter" goal that God has laid out for us. It's not that we all should be trying to end up like Paul, or Peter, or another hero of the faith. It's not about what God wants us to "do" as much as it is who he wants us to "BE".
Here's a checklist of 5 questions today:
1. Am I walking in obedience to what the Lord is directing me to do today?
2. Am I caring for those around me by meeting their needs through the principle of submission?
3. Am I disciplining myself to get into the Word and to be faithful to study with fellow believers?
4. Am I using the gifts and talents I have to serve others?
5. Am I living in awareness of those around me who need Christ and doing what I can to connect them to God?
Another way of asking the same questions is "am I living the DREAM?"
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship (walking in Obedience)
Relationships Devoted to Unity (Submitting to the needs of one another)
Empowered through Biblical training (Disciplined to study God's Word)
Active Ministry Involvement (Responsibly using gifts)
Mission to Reach Our World for Christ (Purpose for everything we do)
OK, you're thinking, "why the DREAM 101 class today?" It's because sometimes we become numbed by the familiar. We think that because we've heard it before we can file it away and not really think about it. That's not the case. We need to seriously look at "actually becoming all that God has had in mind for us to be."
Pastor Jon Brooks said, "Peace is not just an end of conflict, it's a state of everything being in order." In Romans 5:1 Paul says "we can have real peace with him because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us."
Because of this gift of salvation, we can have things in order. We can apply these scriptural principles to our life. By putting the principles of DREAM in place today, we position ourselves for God to use us for his glory. Remember the excuse of changing jobs, losing weight, etc? Well, that may all happen, but it will be a result of having yourself in order, not the other way around.
Don't let this be mere cliche 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
I Chronicles 26:12-27:34
Romans 4:14 - 5:2
Psalms 14:1-7
Proverbs 19:17
One of the most frustrating things for me is not living up to full potential. I can't stand it when things hold me back that don't need to. I hate seeing it in others, too. So much potential never realized.
Time for a bit of self-evaluation today. We know God has a plan for our lives. We are all at various stages of understanding the plan or walking in it. I want you look at yourself in terms of living up to your full potential. If 100% is living up to your full potential, where are you at today? What's your percentage?
If it's not 100%, do you know what's holding you back ?
In the Living Bible, Romans 5:2 says "we confidently and joyfully look forward to actually becoming all that God has had in mind for us to be."
Our Mission Statement at Oak Creek A/G is "Reaching Our World for Christ as We Lead Individuals to Discover and Become who God created them to Be."
As with any "slogan", it can become cliche if it loses it's meaning and becomes only a slogan. So, where are you at in the "Discover and Become" process? Paul says we can be confident and joyful in the fact that we can actually become all that God has in mind for us.
Of course, the maturing process never ends, so you can beat yourself up over the fact that you haven't "arrived" yet, but that's not the point.
You could actually live up to your potential today! "What? How can that be? I need to change jobs to live up to my potential! I need to lose 20 pounds to live up to my potential!"
Some of our perceptions as to what is holding us back from our potential are way off! There is not a "cookie cutter" goal that God has laid out for us. It's not that we all should be trying to end up like Paul, or Peter, or another hero of the faith. It's not about what God wants us to "do" as much as it is who he wants us to "BE".
Here's a checklist of 5 questions today:
1. Am I walking in obedience to what the Lord is directing me to do today?
2. Am I caring for those around me by meeting their needs through the principle of submission?
3. Am I disciplining myself to get into the Word and to be faithful to study with fellow believers?
4. Am I using the gifts and talents I have to serve others?
5. Am I living in awareness of those around me who need Christ and doing what I can to connect them to God?
Another way of asking the same questions is "am I living the DREAM?"
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship (walking in Obedience)
Relationships Devoted to Unity (Submitting to the needs of one another)
Empowered through Biblical training (Disciplined to study God's Word)
Active Ministry Involvement (Responsibly using gifts)
Mission to Reach Our World for Christ (Purpose for everything we do)
OK, you're thinking, "why the DREAM 101 class today?" It's because sometimes we become numbed by the familiar. We think that because we've heard it before we can file it away and not really think about it. That's not the case. We need to seriously look at "actually becoming all that God has had in mind for us to be."
Pastor Jon Brooks said, "Peace is not just an end of conflict, it's a state of everything being in order." In Romans 5:1 Paul says "we can have real peace with him because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us."
Because of this gift of salvation, we can have things in order. We can apply these scriptural principles to our life. By putting the principles of DREAM in place today, we position ourselves for God to use us for his glory. Remember the excuse of changing jobs, losing weight, etc? Well, that may all happen, but it will be a result of having yourself in order, not the other way around.
Don't let this be mere cliche today:
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Saturday, July 17, 2010
7.17.10 "Grateful for the Gift"
"Grateful for the Gift"
I Chronicles 24:1-26:11
Romans 4:1-13
Psalm 13:1-6
Proverbs 19:15-16
Anyone with kids knows that there's a fine line when it comes to gifts. You love them so much you want to give them gifts all the time, but you know how it is. It doesn't take but a couple gifts and kids start to think they deserve gifts on a regular basis.
We're never that way are we? Taking a gift for granted?
In Romans 4 Paul is talking about Abraham and this question of faith and good deeds. vs 1-2: "Abraham was, humanly speaking, the founder of our Jewish nation. What were his experiences concerning this question of being saved by faith? Was it because of his good deeds that God accepted him? If so, then he would have something to boast about."
We know we are saved by faith, not of works, but it's easier than we realize to subconsciously slip into a "deserving the gift" mentality. "I deserve to be saved."
Have you ever received a gift that really humbled you? I remember a nationally known speaker telling the story of a gift he received. He's fairly well off, nice car, nice home, etc. After a service a lady, who he knew was dirt poor came and gave him a check for $5.00 to support his ministry. He shared how that gift really knocked him down to size. He realized how he did not deserve that $5.00 not to mention all the other blessings in his life.
Receiving a gift that you know you don't deserve does an incredible thing to your heart, if you acknowledge the fact of how undeserving you are.
Think of your salvation. Something you deserve? Sunday School answer is "No." But does your heart bear that sentiment? Take a moment to think of this gift of salvation. Think of the cost. Think of the giver. Think about yourself as the recipient.
In Romans 4:4-5 it says, "...being saved is a gift; if a person could earn it by being good, then it wouldn't be free-- but it is! It is given to those who do NOT work for it."
Psalm 13 starts out "How long will you forget me, Lord? Forever?" it continues to lament about the anguish of the heart. but in verse 5&6 "But I will always trust in you and in your mercy and shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord because he has blessed me so richly."
No matter where you feel you are at, in a season of blessing or trial, you are not deserving of this gift of salvation. Yet, it has been given you. Rejoice in it this day!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
I Chronicles 24:1-26:11
Romans 4:1-13
Psalm 13:1-6
Proverbs 19:15-16
Anyone with kids knows that there's a fine line when it comes to gifts. You love them so much you want to give them gifts all the time, but you know how it is. It doesn't take but a couple gifts and kids start to think they deserve gifts on a regular basis.
We're never that way are we? Taking a gift for granted?
In Romans 4 Paul is talking about Abraham and this question of faith and good deeds. vs 1-2: "Abraham was, humanly speaking, the founder of our Jewish nation. What were his experiences concerning this question of being saved by faith? Was it because of his good deeds that God accepted him? If so, then he would have something to boast about."
We know we are saved by faith, not of works, but it's easier than we realize to subconsciously slip into a "deserving the gift" mentality. "I deserve to be saved."
Have you ever received a gift that really humbled you? I remember a nationally known speaker telling the story of a gift he received. He's fairly well off, nice car, nice home, etc. After a service a lady, who he knew was dirt poor came and gave him a check for $5.00 to support his ministry. He shared how that gift really knocked him down to size. He realized how he did not deserve that $5.00 not to mention all the other blessings in his life.
Receiving a gift that you know you don't deserve does an incredible thing to your heart, if you acknowledge the fact of how undeserving you are.
Think of your salvation. Something you deserve? Sunday School answer is "No." But does your heart bear that sentiment? Take a moment to think of this gift of salvation. Think of the cost. Think of the giver. Think about yourself as the recipient.
In Romans 4:4-5 it says, "...being saved is a gift; if a person could earn it by being good, then it wouldn't be free-- but it is! It is given to those who do NOT work for it."
Psalm 13 starts out "How long will you forget me, Lord? Forever?" it continues to lament about the anguish of the heart. but in verse 5&6 "But I will always trust in you and in your mercy and shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord because he has blessed me so richly."
No matter where you feel you are at, in a season of blessing or trial, you are not deserving of this gift of salvation. Yet, it has been given you. Rejoice in it this day!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Friday, July 16, 2010
7.16.10 "Who's better?"
"Who's better?"
I Chronicles 22:1-23:32
Romans 3:9-31
Psalm 12:1-8
Proverbs 19:13-14
Having just returned from a missions trip with a LONG flight, and a couple times of sitting through the preflight announcements, I can really appreciate the humor in something a friend sent me a while ago. It was funny things that stewardesses & pilots would say during announcements. One of them fits with today's DEVO:
"In the event of a sudden loss of cabin pressure, masks will descend
from the ceiling. Stop screaming, grab the mask, and pull it over your
face. If you have a small child traveling with you, secure your mask
before assisting with theirs. If you are traveling with more than one small
child, pick your favorite."
Have you ever felt like you're not the favorite? Maybe this picture illustrates:
Our minds can get real hung up on the value of self.
First, Look at I Chron. 22. David decides where the temple is to be placed & begins gathering the materials. In verse 7-10 it says, "'I wanted to build it myself,' David said, 'but the Lord said not to do it..."but I will give you a son," he told me,..."He shall build my temple."'"
So Solomon was better than David, right? You say "no," but he got to build the temple didn't he? David must have been less valuable to God, because God didn't want him to build the temple. Isn't that what our flesh thinks?
Why is it that we attach personal value to position? I was thinking of it in the context of roles in the body of Christ. Even roles in a music department. Is a soloist more valuable than a person in the choir? Is a person in the choir more valuable than a person in the pew? OF COURSE NOT! yet, we allow those thought processes to enter our lives.
In I Chron 23 David assigns structure to the Levites. they handle many tasks in the temple from assisting priests to custodial work. Each one of these positions is important to God.
In Romans 3:9 Paul says, "Well, then, are we Jews better than others?"
There is this natural tendency in man to be comparative. We must guard against this. Think about that parent on the plane. If the parent were to pick the "favorite", who's the bad guy in the story? the "favorite" kid? No. the parent. So connect this dot: If we assign personal worth to position, who is the "bad guy"? We need to realize the answer: it's God. If we're not happy with how he's assigned things, we need to remember that we need to take it up with him, not with those whom he's assigned.
Therefore, our tendency to place people in a "value" order diminishes the greatness of God. He has no favorites. He gives gifts and talents as he sees fit. Romans 3:30 says, "God treats us all the same; all, whether Jews or Gentiles..." David was a man after God's own heart, Yet it was Solomon who was to build the temple. Who's better than who?
By seeing ourselves as less valuable, we often slack off in our duties however humble they may be. Psalm 12:1 says, "Where in all the world can dependable men be found?" Can you be found dependable in whatever station you are in?
Rise to the occasion this day. Realize your value in God. Guard against thoughts of comparison which are based on pride and insecurity.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
I Chronicles 22:1-23:32
Romans 3:9-31
Psalm 12:1-8
Proverbs 19:13-14
Having just returned from a missions trip with a LONG flight, and a couple times of sitting through the preflight announcements, I can really appreciate the humor in something a friend sent me a while ago. It was funny things that stewardesses & pilots would say during announcements. One of them fits with today's DEVO:
"In the event of a sudden loss of cabin pressure, masks will descend
from the ceiling. Stop screaming, grab the mask, and pull it over your
face. If you have a small child traveling with you, secure your mask
before assisting with theirs. If you are traveling with more than one small
child, pick your favorite."
Have you ever felt like you're not the favorite? Maybe this picture illustrates:
Our minds can get real hung up on the value of self.
First, Look at I Chron. 22. David decides where the temple is to be placed & begins gathering the materials. In verse 7-10 it says, "'I wanted to build it myself,' David said, 'but the Lord said not to do it..."but I will give you a son," he told me,..."He shall build my temple."'"
So Solomon was better than David, right? You say "no," but he got to build the temple didn't he? David must have been less valuable to God, because God didn't want him to build the temple. Isn't that what our flesh thinks?
Why is it that we attach personal value to position? I was thinking of it in the context of roles in the body of Christ. Even roles in a music department. Is a soloist more valuable than a person in the choir? Is a person in the choir more valuable than a person in the pew? OF COURSE NOT! yet, we allow those thought processes to enter our lives.
In I Chron 23 David assigns structure to the Levites. they handle many tasks in the temple from assisting priests to custodial work. Each one of these positions is important to God.
In Romans 3:9 Paul says, "Well, then, are we Jews better than others?"
There is this natural tendency in man to be comparative. We must guard against this. Think about that parent on the plane. If the parent were to pick the "favorite", who's the bad guy in the story? the "favorite" kid? No. the parent. So connect this dot: If we assign personal worth to position, who is the "bad guy"? We need to realize the answer: it's God. If we're not happy with how he's assigned things, we need to remember that we need to take it up with him, not with those whom he's assigned.
Therefore, our tendency to place people in a "value" order diminishes the greatness of God. He has no favorites. He gives gifts and talents as he sees fit. Romans 3:30 says, "God treats us all the same; all, whether Jews or Gentiles..." David was a man after God's own heart, Yet it was Solomon who was to build the temple. Who's better than who?
By seeing ourselves as less valuable, we often slack off in our duties however humble they may be. Psalm 12:1 says, "Where in all the world can dependable men be found?" Can you be found dependable in whatever station you are in?
Rise to the occasion this day. Realize your value in God. Guard against thoughts of comparison which are based on pride and insecurity.
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, July 15, 2010
7.15.10 "The Cost of the Offering"
"The Cost of the Offering"
I Chronicles 19:1-21:30
Romans 2:24-3:8
Psalm 11:1-7
Proverbs 19:10-12
What have you given God? What has it cost you? When we consider that, our mind can run a bunch of different directions. Some might be thinking about a check that's thrown in the offering, some might think of some time committed, or something donated or something like that.
In I Chronicles 21, David has made a mistake. He has sinned against the Lord. The results of his actions bring a plague on his people that causes 70,000 to die. In his mercy, God relents from destroying Jerusalem. David sees an angel with a sword drawn that points toward Jerusalem.
"Then the angel of the Lord told Gad to instruct David to build an altar to the Lord at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite." (I Chron. 21:18)
"David said to Ornan, 'Let me buy this threshing-floor from you at its full price; then I will build an altar to the Lord and the plague will stop.' 'Take it, my lord, and use it as you wish,' Ornan said.... 'I give it all to you.' 'No,' the king replied, 'I will buy it for the full price; I cannot take what is yours and give it to the Lord. I will not offer a burnt offering that has cost me nothing!'"
David offered the sacrifice and the angel put the sword away.
We've heard that phrase before "I will not offer that which cost me nothing." It is more profound than we realize. Following Christ demands our all. We live in an age of convenience Christianity. "I will serve Christ if it conveniences me," seems to be the mantra for many in our culture. "Heaven forbid there is a cost to following Christ."
Truly serving Christ costs us everything. If we want our life to be pleasing unto God, we need to offer him our all. Isaac Watts in the hymn, "When I survey the Wondrous Cross" wrote the phrase, "Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all."
What is the payment we must make? The specifics of each individual moment will vary for each of us. At some point it may be merely a sacrifice of convenience. It may be a sacrifice of comfort zone. At other times it may be offering that which is most precious.
But why?? Why does God want this? Does he really need my money? my time? Does he really need me to give him what is so important to me?
In our minds we look at what we're giving up. He's not looking at that at all. He's looking deeper. He's looking at our heart.
In Romans 2:29 Paul is talking to the Roman Jews about what it means to truly follow Christ. He says, "For God is not looking for those who cut their bodies in actual circumcision, but he is looking for those with changed hearts and minds. Whoever has that kind of change in his life will get his praise from God, even if not from you."
The cost of the offering is the changed heart.
God isn't asking you to lay down your life because he needs it. He's asking us to lay it down because it's ONLY in laying down our lives that we can find life. Your right, it makes no worldly sense. But when we plant our hopes, dreams, fears, affections, in the grave of sacrifice, incredible life breaks forth. That's the way God works.
With that perspective, we realize that any "cost" is really no cost at all. We're only giving up that which is keeping us from fulfillment, joy and peace.
We sing the song "Offering" in our services. Here are the lyrics:
"I bring an offering of worship to my King
No one on earth deserves the praises that I sing
Jesus may you receive the honor that you're due.
Oh Lord, I bring an offering to you."
That last line is repeated a few times. It's easy to sing if you think the offering is only the song. The offering is not the song. It's the changed heart.
I will not offer Him that which cost me nothing. "Oh Lord, I bring an offering to you."
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
I Chronicles 19:1-21:30
Romans 2:24-3:8
Psalm 11:1-7
Proverbs 19:10-12
What have you given God? What has it cost you? When we consider that, our mind can run a bunch of different directions. Some might be thinking about a check that's thrown in the offering, some might think of some time committed, or something donated or something like that.
In I Chronicles 21, David has made a mistake. He has sinned against the Lord. The results of his actions bring a plague on his people that causes 70,000 to die. In his mercy, God relents from destroying Jerusalem. David sees an angel with a sword drawn that points toward Jerusalem.
"Then the angel of the Lord told Gad to instruct David to build an altar to the Lord at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite." (I Chron. 21:18)
"David said to Ornan, 'Let me buy this threshing-floor from you at its full price; then I will build an altar to the Lord and the plague will stop.' 'Take it, my lord, and use it as you wish,' Ornan said.... 'I give it all to you.' 'No,' the king replied, 'I will buy it for the full price; I cannot take what is yours and give it to the Lord. I will not offer a burnt offering that has cost me nothing!'"
David offered the sacrifice and the angel put the sword away.
We've heard that phrase before "I will not offer that which cost me nothing." It is more profound than we realize. Following Christ demands our all. We live in an age of convenience Christianity. "I will serve Christ if it conveniences me," seems to be the mantra for many in our culture. "Heaven forbid there is a cost to following Christ."
Truly serving Christ costs us everything. If we want our life to be pleasing unto God, we need to offer him our all. Isaac Watts in the hymn, "When I survey the Wondrous Cross" wrote the phrase, "Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all."
What is the payment we must make? The specifics of each individual moment will vary for each of us. At some point it may be merely a sacrifice of convenience. It may be a sacrifice of comfort zone. At other times it may be offering that which is most precious.
But why?? Why does God want this? Does he really need my money? my time? Does he really need me to give him what is so important to me?
In our minds we look at what we're giving up. He's not looking at that at all. He's looking deeper. He's looking at our heart.
In Romans 2:29 Paul is talking to the Roman Jews about what it means to truly follow Christ. He says, "For God is not looking for those who cut their bodies in actual circumcision, but he is looking for those with changed hearts and minds. Whoever has that kind of change in his life will get his praise from God, even if not from you."
The cost of the offering is the changed heart.
God isn't asking you to lay down your life because he needs it. He's asking us to lay it down because it's ONLY in laying down our lives that we can find life. Your right, it makes no worldly sense. But when we plant our hopes, dreams, fears, affections, in the grave of sacrifice, incredible life breaks forth. That's the way God works.
With that perspective, we realize that any "cost" is really no cost at all. We're only giving up that which is keeping us from fulfillment, joy and peace.
We sing the song "Offering" in our services. Here are the lyrics:
"I bring an offering of worship to my King
No one on earth deserves the praises that I sing
Jesus may you receive the honor that you're due.
Oh Lord, I bring an offering to you."
That last line is repeated a few times. It's easy to sing if you think the offering is only the song. The offering is not the song. It's the changed heart.
I will not offer Him that which cost me nothing. "Oh Lord, I bring an offering to you."
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Monday, July 12, 2010
7.12.10 "Your Fight, or God's?"
"Your Fight, or God's?"
I Chronicles 12:19 - 14:17
Romans 1:1-17
Psalm 9:13-20
Proverbs 19:4-5
It isn't news to anyone that there are battles out there. What does tend to surprise many is that battles come even in the path of obedience. "Wait a minute! I'm doing what God want me to do! Why is the enemy attacking?"
In 1 Chronicles 14 we're reading of David. He as now become king, and good things are happening. There is celebration, new palaces built, and verse 2 says, "David now realized why the Lord had made him king and why he had made his kingdom so great; it was for a special reason -- to give joy to God's people!" I like the way David understood it wasn't about him.
But in verse 8, the first challenge comes up. "When the Philistines heard that David was Israel's new king, they mobilized their forces to capture him..." David has an army of over 350,000 men who are completely devoted to him at this time. They had all gathered to bring David from Hebron to make David king. So David calls them together in reaction to the Philistines.
Then "David asked the Lord, 'If I go out and fight them, will you give me the victory?' and the Lord replied, 'Yes, I will.' So he attacked them..."
A small, seemingly unimportant portion of scripture, and yet in it is the key to life. Oh, it's not all rosy from there on out. Two verses later, "Later the Philistines raided the valley again..." The troubles/trials/tests show up again, "and again David asked God what to do."
This time, the Lord gives David a different approach to attacking the enemy. in verse 16, "So David did as the Lord commanded him; and he cut down the army of the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer. David's fame spread everywhere, and the Lord caused all the nations to fear him."
One of my favorite studies is Bruce Wilkinson's Vision of the Leader. It's a study of Nehemiah and his pursuit of God's plan for rebuilding the wall. One section is about "traffic signals" to pursuing God's vision for our lives. It's a series of checks along the way to determine if the timing is right to do what God has placed on our heart.
One of the major signs as to whether we should move ahead or not is related to how dependent on God we are. Do we find ourselves devoted to prayer, or do we find ourselves moving ahead in our own strength? One thing Bruce said was, "you may not even notice it happening, but there's a small fork in the road and you veer slightly off course when you cease to depend on God for every step. Yes, you're still moving in the right direction, but now it's become your vision, and not God's."
The same can happen with our battles. We know that God won it before when we did "A, B & C", so we do "A,B & C" without inquiring of the Lord.
The principle behind the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship is Obedience. To Live the DREAM, this pattern must be a regular and consistent part of our life.
1. Recognize trial/test/trouble
2. Inquire of the Lord
3. Receive instruction
4. Obey it.
Making this a LIFESTYLE is so important. What can happen so many times is that we do this for a couple situations, and God comes through. Then we think..."the last time this happened, I did this, so I'll do it again." We then skip over what David did in verse 14 when he AGAIN asks God what to do. Look at how well skipping that step works: Moses hit the rock the first time, but the second time was told to speak to it. He hit it... Samson said "I'll go out as before..."
It is so important that we develop a habit of checking in with God through every moment of every day. "What would you have me to do?" Man! that is so easy! The more you discipline yourself to walk in this lifestyle of worship, the more you recognize the voice of God, and some incredible victories become a way of life.
No, it's not always a quick "road to success", but when you realize it's not about you, life becomes a wonderful adventure.
Many people find it difficult to "get into" praise and worship. When you live a life of obedience, you can't help but rejoice in what God has done. There are those who view the Sunday worship service as a place to come so they can "get through the next week". When God's people are in the habit of seeking him & walking in obedience the worship service becomes a celebration of what God has done in the past week as His people have walked in obedience & experienced incredible victories.
Just a reminder today to Inquire of the Lord, and Obey His direction.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
I Chronicles 12:19 - 14:17
Romans 1:1-17
Psalm 9:13-20
Proverbs 19:4-5
It isn't news to anyone that there are battles out there. What does tend to surprise many is that battles come even in the path of obedience. "Wait a minute! I'm doing what God want me to do! Why is the enemy attacking?"
In 1 Chronicles 14 we're reading of David. He as now become king, and good things are happening. There is celebration, new palaces built, and verse 2 says, "David now realized why the Lord had made him king and why he had made his kingdom so great; it was for a special reason -- to give joy to God's people!" I like the way David understood it wasn't about him.
But in verse 8, the first challenge comes up. "When the Philistines heard that David was Israel's new king, they mobilized their forces to capture him..." David has an army of over 350,000 men who are completely devoted to him at this time. They had all gathered to bring David from Hebron to make David king. So David calls them together in reaction to the Philistines.
Then "David asked the Lord, 'If I go out and fight them, will you give me the victory?' and the Lord replied, 'Yes, I will.' So he attacked them..."
A small, seemingly unimportant portion of scripture, and yet in it is the key to life. Oh, it's not all rosy from there on out. Two verses later, "Later the Philistines raided the valley again..." The troubles/trials/tests show up again, "and again David asked God what to do."
This time, the Lord gives David a different approach to attacking the enemy. in verse 16, "So David did as the Lord commanded him; and he cut down the army of the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer. David's fame spread everywhere, and the Lord caused all the nations to fear him."
One of my favorite studies is Bruce Wilkinson's Vision of the Leader. It's a study of Nehemiah and his pursuit of God's plan for rebuilding the wall. One section is about "traffic signals" to pursuing God's vision for our lives. It's a series of checks along the way to determine if the timing is right to do what God has placed on our heart.
One of the major signs as to whether we should move ahead or not is related to how dependent on God we are. Do we find ourselves devoted to prayer, or do we find ourselves moving ahead in our own strength? One thing Bruce said was, "you may not even notice it happening, but there's a small fork in the road and you veer slightly off course when you cease to depend on God for every step. Yes, you're still moving in the right direction, but now it's become your vision, and not God's."
The same can happen with our battles. We know that God won it before when we did "A, B & C", so we do "A,B & C" without inquiring of the Lord.
The principle behind the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship is Obedience. To Live the DREAM, this pattern must be a regular and consistent part of our life.
1. Recognize trial/test/trouble
2. Inquire of the Lord
3. Receive instruction
4. Obey it.
Making this a LIFESTYLE is so important. What can happen so many times is that we do this for a couple situations, and God comes through. Then we think..."the last time this happened, I did this, so I'll do it again." We then skip over what David did in verse 14 when he AGAIN asks God what to do. Look at how well skipping that step works: Moses hit the rock the first time, but the second time was told to speak to it. He hit it... Samson said "I'll go out as before..."
It is so important that we develop a habit of checking in with God through every moment of every day. "What would you have me to do?" Man! that is so easy! The more you discipline yourself to walk in this lifestyle of worship, the more you recognize the voice of God, and some incredible victories become a way of life.
No, it's not always a quick "road to success", but when you realize it's not about you, life becomes a wonderful adventure.
Many people find it difficult to "get into" praise and worship. When you live a life of obedience, you can't help but rejoice in what God has done. There are those who view the Sunday worship service as a place to come so they can "get through the next week". When God's people are in the habit of seeking him & walking in obedience the worship service becomes a celebration of what God has done in the past week as His people have walked in obedience & experienced incredible victories.
Just a reminder today to Inquire of the Lord, and Obey His direction.
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, July 11, 2010
"What Do You Know About These Christians"
I Chronicles 11:1-12:18
Acts 28:1-31
Psalm 9:1-12
Proverbs 19:1-3
In Acts 28, Paul, after being shipwrecked on an island for several months finally arrives in Rome. He calls together the Jewish leaders to inform them of what he believes and let them know that is why he is in chains. Listen to the response of the Jewish leaders in Acts 8:22: "But we want to hear what you believe, for the only thing we know about these Christians is that they are denounced everywhere."
"The only thing we know about these Christians..." That would be an interesting door-to-door survey. What would your neighbor say to finish that sentence? What would mine? Our subdivision seems to be the melting pot of the world. We have many Pakistani, many Latinos, Hmong, as well as many others. There are 85 homes in our subdivision, and I'm sure if you asked most of them what their religion is, there would be a great number who would look at the list and say, "ummm, I'm Christian". We also have a population of Sikhs as well. Of these, who do you think is easiest to identify by their actions? It's probably the Sikhs because of the difference in their dress and lifestyle. The only thing I know about them is they are very strict, and when they grill it smells REALLY good!
I'm not saying we need to bun our hair and wear jean skirts every where just so people know who we are, but it has been said that we are living in a "post-Christian society". Why is that? Where is the influence of Godly men and women? The point here has nothing to do with making a "visible" statement by wearing obnoxious clothing, but should there be a difference in how we live?
Who holds the reputation of Christ in their hand?
You do.
How does that affect the way you walk each day? Does that effect the way you work? The way you join in the discussion complaining about your boss?
Knowing Christ should make us different. I'm not talking about freakish zealots. I'm not saying that we have to turn "religious" and get all pious and snobbish. I'm talking about being people of integrity. People who care for those around us. People who go the extra mile for a neighbor instead of suing them.
What would your neighbors say?
"The only thing I know about these Christians is that they look down on us." "The only thing I know about these Christians is that their dog keeps coming in our yard." "The only thing I know about these Christians is that when I was sick they came and brought us dinner." "The only thing I know about these Christians is that they are the friendliest people on the block." "The only thing I know about these Christians is that their barbecue doesn't smell quite as good, but at least they invite us over!"
Live today as if you hold the reputation of Christ in your hand, Because you do! Living the DREAM should change your world.
"The only thing I know about those Christians is that I want to be like them."
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
I Chronicles 11:1-12:18
Acts 28:1-31
Psalm 9:1-12
Proverbs 19:1-3
In Acts 28, Paul, after being shipwrecked on an island for several months finally arrives in Rome. He calls together the Jewish leaders to inform them of what he believes and let them know that is why he is in chains. Listen to the response of the Jewish leaders in Acts 8:22: "But we want to hear what you believe, for the only thing we know about these Christians is that they are denounced everywhere."
"The only thing we know about these Christians..." That would be an interesting door-to-door survey. What would your neighbor say to finish that sentence? What would mine? Our subdivision seems to be the melting pot of the world. We have many Pakistani, many Latinos, Hmong, as well as many others. There are 85 homes in our subdivision, and I'm sure if you asked most of them what their religion is, there would be a great number who would look at the list and say, "ummm, I'm Christian". We also have a population of Sikhs as well. Of these, who do you think is easiest to identify by their actions? It's probably the Sikhs because of the difference in their dress and lifestyle. The only thing I know about them is they are very strict, and when they grill it smells REALLY good!
I'm not saying we need to bun our hair and wear jean skirts every where just so people know who we are, but it has been said that we are living in a "post-Christian society". Why is that? Where is the influence of Godly men and women? The point here has nothing to do with making a "visible" statement by wearing obnoxious clothing, but should there be a difference in how we live?
Who holds the reputation of Christ in their hand?
You do.
How does that affect the way you walk each day? Does that effect the way you work? The way you join in the discussion complaining about your boss?
Knowing Christ should make us different. I'm not talking about freakish zealots. I'm not saying that we have to turn "religious" and get all pious and snobbish. I'm talking about being people of integrity. People who care for those around us. People who go the extra mile for a neighbor instead of suing them.
What would your neighbors say?
"The only thing I know about these Christians is that they look down on us." "The only thing I know about these Christians is that their dog keeps coming in our yard." "The only thing I know about these Christians is that when I was sick they came and brought us dinner." "The only thing I know about these Christians is that they are the friendliest people on the block." "The only thing I know about these Christians is that their barbecue doesn't smell quite as good, but at least they invite us over!"
Live today as if you hold the reputation of Christ in your hand, Because you do! Living the DREAM should change your world.
"The only thing I know about those Christians is that I want to be like them."
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Saturday, July 10, 2010
7.10.10. "What u do is important to God"
"What you do is Important to God"
I Chronicles 9:1-10:14
Acts 27:21-44
Psalm 8:1-9
Proverb 18:23-24
Psalm 8:3-6 says, " When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers - the moon and the stars you set in place - I cannot understand how you can bother with mere puny man, to pay any attention to him! And yet you have made him only a little lower than the angels, and placed a crown of glory and honor upon his head. You have put him in charge of everything you made; everything is put under his authority."
As I write this this morning I am on a missions trip in Rio de Janeiro. It truly is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Incredible views of mountain and sea. It is "winter" here. (the coldest it ever gets is 72!) God made all of this! And he has put it under our care!
In 1 Chronicles 9 we are going through family trees, and families of priests and chiefs of sub-clans.
What caught my attention was some of the job descriptions being mentioned. In verse 17, there are the gatekeepers. "They are responsible for the eastern royal gate." There were the Korahites who "were in charge of the sacrifices and the protection of the sanctuary, just as their ancestors had supervised and guarded the Tabernacle." in verse 20, "Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, was the first director of this division in ancient times. And the Lord was with him."
In verse 21-22 there was Zechariah, who "had been responsible for the protection of the entrance to the Tabernacle. There were 212 doorkeepers in those days. They were chosen from their villages on the basis of their genealogies, and they were appointed by David and Samuel because of their reliability."
In verse 26, the four head gatekeepers... "were in an office of great trust, for they were responsible for the rooms and treasuries in the Tabernacle of God. Because of their important positions they lived near the Tabernacle, and they opened the gates each morning." Some were in charge of checking in and out the vessels used in worship, others responsible for the furniture, items in the sanctuary, and the supplies such as fine flour, etc.
So what's that about? What you do is important to God. The principle behind Active Ministry Involvement is Responsibility. This is not just a "get involved in church" concept. You can see through scriptural examples like this that God wants each of us to treat our duties in the body of Christ as well as in our workplace with great reverence, and understanding of responsibility.
We live in a "volunteer mentality" age. The volunteer mentality is that we "help out", often with a shallow motivation of feeling good about ourselves. If the going gets a little rough, it's no big deal to drop out because there's no sense of responsibility. Some don't take responsibility for duties, tasks, ministries, etc because they think... "well, I'm just a volunteer... it's not really my 'JOB' to do do it..." That doesn't make sense when you read the Psalm, "You have put him in charge of everything you have made. Everything is put under his authority." When we read that commission, we should be in awe of the privilege we have to work for the Lord. We can think that we get involved in ministry just because it's a good thing to do. We do it because it's a necessary element of who God has created us to be. As we mature in Christ, we must be showing maturity in this area as well.
The men mentioned in this scripture were described as treating their positions with honor. They were appointed because of their reliability.
Sure, it benefits many people when you are reliable and responsible, but more importantly, God is watching your attitudes and behaviors in how you treat the assignments you've been given. Don't ever feel that you have an unimportant part. Some people mentioned in today's reading were in charge of furniture... It's still important to God.
There's something in each of us that has a desire to do great things for God. As you look at David, and Stephen, and so many other great men of God, what prepared them for greatness was their faithfulness in the daily tasks before them. Be faithful today. No matter how small your task may seem, You are making a difference!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
I Chronicles 9:1-10:14
Acts 27:21-44
Psalm 8:1-9
Proverb 18:23-24
Psalm 8:3-6 says, " When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers - the moon and the stars you set in place - I cannot understand how you can bother with mere puny man, to pay any attention to him! And yet you have made him only a little lower than the angels, and placed a crown of glory and honor upon his head. You have put him in charge of everything you made; everything is put under his authority."
As I write this this morning I am on a missions trip in Rio de Janeiro. It truly is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Incredible views of mountain and sea. It is "winter" here. (the coldest it ever gets is 72!) God made all of this! And he has put it under our care!
In 1 Chronicles 9 we are going through family trees, and families of priests and chiefs of sub-clans.
What caught my attention was some of the job descriptions being mentioned. In verse 17, there are the gatekeepers. "They are responsible for the eastern royal gate." There were the Korahites who "were in charge of the sacrifices and the protection of the sanctuary, just as their ancestors had supervised and guarded the Tabernacle." in verse 20, "Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, was the first director of this division in ancient times. And the Lord was with him."
In verse 21-22 there was Zechariah, who "had been responsible for the protection of the entrance to the Tabernacle. There were 212 doorkeepers in those days. They were chosen from their villages on the basis of their genealogies, and they were appointed by David and Samuel because of their reliability."
In verse 26, the four head gatekeepers... "were in an office of great trust, for they were responsible for the rooms and treasuries in the Tabernacle of God. Because of their important positions they lived near the Tabernacle, and they opened the gates each morning." Some were in charge of checking in and out the vessels used in worship, others responsible for the furniture, items in the sanctuary, and the supplies such as fine flour, etc.
So what's that about? What you do is important to God. The principle behind Active Ministry Involvement is Responsibility. This is not just a "get involved in church" concept. You can see through scriptural examples like this that God wants each of us to treat our duties in the body of Christ as well as in our workplace with great reverence, and understanding of responsibility.
We live in a "volunteer mentality" age. The volunteer mentality is that we "help out", often with a shallow motivation of feeling good about ourselves. If the going gets a little rough, it's no big deal to drop out because there's no sense of responsibility. Some don't take responsibility for duties, tasks, ministries, etc because they think... "well, I'm just a volunteer... it's not really my 'JOB' to do do it..." That doesn't make sense when you read the Psalm, "You have put him in charge of everything you have made. Everything is put under his authority." When we read that commission, we should be in awe of the privilege we have to work for the Lord. We can think that we get involved in ministry just because it's a good thing to do. We do it because it's a necessary element of who God has created us to be. As we mature in Christ, we must be showing maturity in this area as well.
The men mentioned in this scripture were described as treating their positions with honor. They were appointed because of their reliability.
Sure, it benefits many people when you are reliable and responsible, but more importantly, God is watching your attitudes and behaviors in how you treat the assignments you've been given. Don't ever feel that you have an unimportant part. Some people mentioned in today's reading were in charge of furniture... It's still important to God.
There's something in each of us that has a desire to do great things for God. As you look at David, and Stephen, and so many other great men of God, what prepared them for greatness was their faithfulness in the daily tasks before them. Be faithful today. No matter how small your task may seem, You are making a difference!
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, July 9, 2010
7.9.10 "What do you know about God?"
NOTE: My apologies that I have not been able to send that past few devotions while on a missions trip to Brazil. I am sending today's because we have a few hours free time this morning. Lord willing, regular posting will resume next week.
"What Do You Know About God?"
I Chronicles 7:1-8:40
Acts 27:1-20
Psalm 7:1-17
Proverbs 18:22
If someone were to ask you, "Hey, what do you know about God?" and you had no time to prepare, what's your first response? "Tell me about him. What's he like? What's important to him?"
As much as we have a personal relationship with the Lord, we still have a tendency to "create" him. We develop an image of what God is based on our presumptions, prejudice, and even opinion. Not that we do that intentionally, we're just wired to think from our own understanding.
I've heard it said that many times an individual's picture of God is greatly influenced by the picture they have of their earthy father. If your father was angry and heavy handed, you may think of God as a disciplinarian. If your father left your family, you may even have a misplaced resentment of God being distant. I have a great dad who's kind and merciful and always available to help and counsel, so my image of God reflects some of those things. Even though those are great qualities, and do describe who God is, I have to be careful that I discover those attributes of God by knowing him, and not just "give" him those attributes.
Yesterday I went up the mountain to the "Christ the Redeemer" statue that overlooks Rio. This famous statue is nearing 100 years old. In the base of the monument is a prayer room. Many of the Catholics here believe that to truly meet with God they must travel up this mountain.
Looking at how each of us can develop our own view, it can actually be somewhat disconcerting that we all could have differing opinions of what God is like. Don't you think that's dangerous? How do we reconcile this?
This brings up the urgency and importance that we are "Empowered Through Biblical Training". As we mature in Christ, we must increase in our intensity and devotion to the study of the Word. He reveals himself to us through scripture. Sometimes we can take little "snapshots". A verse here, a verse there, and build up a theology, or belief of what God is like, but as you look at scripture in it's entirety, God's nature REALLY shows up.
It's kind of like one of those pictures that's made up of a bunch of tiny pictures. If you look at one segment you can develop an understanding of what that little picture is of, but when you zoom out, it's like, "OH! I get it!" (if you haven't seen what i'm talking about... sorry for the confusion!)
For example, look at today's one year bible reading: I Chronicles 7-8 - Genealogies, populations and authority structures, Acts 27:1-20 - Paul's wild boat ride through many ports and storms, Psalm 7 - David having some issues with the bad guys, and Proverbs 18:22 - "the man who finds a wife finds a good thing..."
Those scriptures paint a great picture of who I see that God is. Here's a few thoughts:
1. He's into details - he knows how many people there are, he knows them by name, and who they're related to. This was made sonreal to me looking out over the city of Rio. Hundreds of thousands of people one one view & he knows each name.
2. He's into authority structures - He established them, and he gives honor to those who honor them
3. He knows about the storms - he completes his will through them.
4. He has no patience for evil
5. He is Good
6. He's excited about the blessing of a wife.
There's so much more in here, but that last one is important to me as tomorrow Lisa & I celebrate 17 years of this wonderful marriage. I'm so glad that God's a part of it. He has put us together in such a cool way and has used us to help each other grow in our understanding of God. What a great thing! I'm telling you that it's amazing how I learn more about Lisa the longer I'm with her. How much more with God! I've never been further from her in miles (5350). But I've never been closer in my heart!
Make sure you are disciplined in getting into the Word. It helps you make sure that your picture of God is balanced, and not a man made image.
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
"What Do You Know About God?"
I Chronicles 7:1-8:40
Acts 27:1-20
Psalm 7:1-17
Proverbs 18:22
If someone were to ask you, "Hey, what do you know about God?" and you had no time to prepare, what's your first response? "Tell me about him. What's he like? What's important to him?"
As much as we have a personal relationship with the Lord, we still have a tendency to "create" him. We develop an image of what God is based on our presumptions, prejudice, and even opinion. Not that we do that intentionally, we're just wired to think from our own understanding.
I've heard it said that many times an individual's picture of God is greatly influenced by the picture they have of their earthy father. If your father was angry and heavy handed, you may think of God as a disciplinarian. If your father left your family, you may even have a misplaced resentment of God being distant. I have a great dad who's kind and merciful and always available to help and counsel, so my image of God reflects some of those things. Even though those are great qualities, and do describe who God is, I have to be careful that I discover those attributes of God by knowing him, and not just "give" him those attributes.
Yesterday I went up the mountain to the "Christ the Redeemer" statue that overlooks Rio. This famous statue is nearing 100 years old. In the base of the monument is a prayer room. Many of the Catholics here believe that to truly meet with God they must travel up this mountain.
Looking at how each of us can develop our own view, it can actually be somewhat disconcerting that we all could have differing opinions of what God is like. Don't you think that's dangerous? How do we reconcile this?
This brings up the urgency and importance that we are "Empowered Through Biblical Training". As we mature in Christ, we must increase in our intensity and devotion to the study of the Word. He reveals himself to us through scripture. Sometimes we can take little "snapshots". A verse here, a verse there, and build up a theology, or belief of what God is like, but as you look at scripture in it's entirety, God's nature REALLY shows up.
It's kind of like one of those pictures that's made up of a bunch of tiny pictures. If you look at one segment you can develop an understanding of what that little picture is of, but when you zoom out, it's like, "OH! I get it!" (if you haven't seen what i'm talking about... sorry for the confusion!)
For example, look at today's one year bible reading: I Chronicles 7-8 - Genealogies, populations and authority structures, Acts 27:1-20 - Paul's wild boat ride through many ports and storms, Psalm 7 - David having some issues with the bad guys, and Proverbs 18:22 - "the man who finds a wife finds a good thing..."
Those scriptures paint a great picture of who I see that God is. Here's a few thoughts:
1. He's into details - he knows how many people there are, he knows them by name, and who they're related to. This was made sonreal to me looking out over the city of Rio. Hundreds of thousands of people one one view & he knows each name.
2. He's into authority structures - He established them, and he gives honor to those who honor them
3. He knows about the storms - he completes his will through them.
4. He has no patience for evil
5. He is Good
6. He's excited about the blessing of a wife.
There's so much more in here, but that last one is important to me as tomorrow Lisa & I celebrate 17 years of this wonderful marriage. I'm so glad that God's a part of it. He has put us together in such a cool way and has used us to help each other grow in our understanding of God. What a great thing! I'm telling you that it's amazing how I learn more about Lisa the longer I'm with her. How much more with God! I've never been further from her in miles (5350). But I've never been closer in my heart!
Make sure you are disciplined in getting into the Word. It helps you make sure that your picture of God is balanced, and not a man made image.
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
Monday, July 5, 2010
7.5.10 "The Components of God's Plan"
IMPORTANT NOTE: JULY 6-14 I will be in Brazil on a music missions trip. The ability to maintain DEVO Delivery will depend on internet access available on the trip. If you would like to follow notes regarding the trip, check out BrazilMusicMissions.Blogspot.com (which will also be uploaded as internet access allows.)
"The Components of God's Plan"
I Chronicles 1:1-2:17
Acts 23:11-35
Psalm 3:1-8
Proverbs 18:14-15
By now it should not surprise you. God's ways are not our ways. I'm sure there are times when we know in our heart what God wants to see happen, but the way it comes about is completely different than we thought. And many times it has stretched us in ways we weren't planning on. This afternoon I'm leaving on a missions trip to Brazil which was to be led by a man who is very experienced at leading teams. I know him from a few conversations, but I was really looking forward to ministering with him closely and learning from him. Over the weekend he became ill and may require surgery so he can no longer go. Now I'm feeling stretched!
In Acts 22 & 23, Paul has been going through some intense trials in Jerusalem. Paul has been mobbed, nearly killed, arrested, and brought before the council. In front of the council he gave his testimony, and a riot started again. Now he's back in prison. 23:11 "That night the Lord stood beside Paul and said, 'Don't worry, Paul; just as you have told the people about me here in Jerusalem, so you must also in Rome.'"
A couple notes from this verse:
-That night the Lord stood beside Paul -- what a powerful thing. You know what? There have probably been some times that the Lord has stood beside each one of us in the midst of a trial. I'm afraid that sometimes I get too self absorbed to notice he's there. Don't forget to take time each night to listen as he stands beside you.
-The rest of the verse is almost funny. "Don't worry... JUST as you have told..." Paul was only in Jerusalem for about a week before being thrown into prison. To me this does not paint a rosy picture of the trip to Rome if it's going to be the same kind of stuff. "Don't worry... you're gonna get a chance to go through more of this..."
How Paul gets to Rome is what really catches my attention. Here's the progression of the rest of Acts 23:
1. The Lord stands beside Paul & tells him he's going to rome
2. More than 40 Jews get together and vow to not eat until they have killed Paul
3. Paul's nephew catches wind of this & Tells Paul
4. Paul sends the nephew to the roman Commander
5. The Roman commander calls together a detachment of 470 roman soldiers, spearmen & calvary to escort Paul to Caesarea with a personal letter to Governor Felix
6. Governor Felix read the letter & agreed to hear his case & has him kept under guard in the palace.
What stands out to me is that all the components are in place to carry out God's plan. God uses the Jews, the nephew, the Commander, and the detachment, the Governor... Sure, it is different than the way "I" would have wanted it. Were it to be "my" plan, they would have released Paul in Jerusalem, had a big send off party and had a great time preaching in Rome. But to complete the vision God has given Paul to go to Rome, there must be time in Caesarea.
In spite of it being accomplished different than we want, it's still God's plan. So many times God gives us a vision. We take that and build such a narrow picture of how we think things should come about, we don't move when God wants or in the direction God wants.
I catch myself waiting for things to be more like I pictured they would be before moving in obedience. We need to be ready to hear the Lord saying, "The components are in place. Move as I direct."
I'm not sure exactly what this is saying to you today, but I know that the gifts you have, the experience you have, the vision God has given you, and the resources you have are all part of what God is wanting to do in you and in the lives of those around you. If God is putting something on your heart, and he's saying "go", don't wait until it looks right or looks comfortable. Offer him your all today, and see what he does. I know I had expectations for the missions trip and they are already being cleared away leaving room for God to do his thing.
All of the components are in place.
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 Components of God's Plan"
I Chronicles 1:1-2:17
Acts 23:11-35
Psalm 3:1-8
Proverbs 18:14-15
By now it should not surprise you. God's ways are not our ways. I'm sure there are times when we know in our heart what God wants to see happen, but the way it comes about is completely different than we thought. And many times it has stretched us in ways we weren't planning on. This afternoon I'm leaving on a missions trip to Brazil which was to be led by a man who is very experienced at leading teams. I know him from a few conversations, but I was really looking forward to ministering with him closely and learning from him. Over the weekend he became ill and may require surgery so he can no longer go. Now I'm feeling stretched!
In Acts 22 & 23, Paul has been going through some intense trials in Jerusalem. Paul has been mobbed, nearly killed, arrested, and brought before the council. In front of the council he gave his testimony, and a riot started again. Now he's back in prison. 23:11 "That night the Lord stood beside Paul and said, 'Don't worry, Paul; just as you have told the people about me here in Jerusalem, so you must also in Rome.'"
A couple notes from this verse:
-That night the Lord stood beside Paul -- what a powerful thing. You know what? There have probably been some times that the Lord has stood beside each one of us in the midst of a trial. I'm afraid that sometimes I get too self absorbed to notice he's there. Don't forget to take time each night to listen as he stands beside you.
-The rest of the verse is almost funny. "Don't worry... JUST as you have told..." Paul was only in Jerusalem for about a week before being thrown into prison. To me this does not paint a rosy picture of the trip to Rome if it's going to be the same kind of stuff. "Don't worry... you're gonna get a chance to go through more of this..."
How Paul gets to Rome is what really catches my attention. Here's the progression of the rest of Acts 23:
1. The Lord stands beside Paul & tells him he's going to rome
2. More than 40 Jews get together and vow to not eat until they have killed Paul
3. Paul's nephew catches wind of this & Tells Paul
4. Paul sends the nephew to the roman Commander
5. The Roman commander calls together a detachment of 470 roman soldiers, spearmen & calvary to escort Paul to Caesarea with a personal letter to Governor Felix
6. Governor Felix read the letter & agreed to hear his case & has him kept under guard in the palace.
What stands out to me is that all the components are in place to carry out God's plan. God uses the Jews, the nephew, the Commander, and the detachment, the Governor... Sure, it is different than the way "I" would have wanted it. Were it to be "my" plan, they would have released Paul in Jerusalem, had a big send off party and had a great time preaching in Rome. But to complete the vision God has given Paul to go to Rome, there must be time in Caesarea.
In spite of it being accomplished different than we want, it's still God's plan. So many times God gives us a vision. We take that and build such a narrow picture of how we think things should come about, we don't move when God wants or in the direction God wants.
I catch myself waiting for things to be more like I pictured they would be before moving in obedience. We need to be ready to hear the Lord saying, "The components are in place. Move as I direct."
I'm not sure exactly what this is saying to you today, but I know that the gifts you have, the experience you have, the vision God has given you, and the resources you have are all part of what God is wanting to do in you and in the lives of those around you. If God is putting something on your heart, and he's saying "go", don't wait until it looks right or looks comfortable. Offer him your all today, and see what he does. I know I had expectations for the missions trip and they are already being cleared away leaving room for God to do his thing.
All of the components are in place.
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, July 4, 2010
7.4.10 "Freedom"
"Freedom"
2 Kings 23:31-25:30
Acts 22:17 - 23:10
Psalm 2:1-12
Proverbs 18:13
Happy 4th of July! We have so much to rejoice in this day. I hope that in this day of patriotic celebration we don't forget to celebrate our spiritual freedom. This makes total sense to us, but to many more than we like to admit, there's a different perspective. Unfortunately, many view freedom as the opportunity to rebel against God.
This is nothing new to God, though. Look at the reading from Psalm 2 today:
Psalm 2:1,3 "What fools the nations are to rage against the Lord! How strange that men should try to outwit God! 'Come, let us break his chains,' they say, 'and free ourselves from all this slavery to God.'"
For Christ followers, we know that when we are walking in obedience to God's commands, there is true freedom for the soul. We have two small dogs. They love to run around in the back yard. They're now to the point that I can let them do that without leashes because they "know" the boundaries. If they "rebel", they will only find themselves leashed once again. How's that for freedom? They love to go for rides in the car and beg me to roll their window down. Once I was making a quick trip to the gas station and Fozzie was enjoying the freedom of the window down so much he figured he should jump through it and see what that was like... Yes, he jumped out the window at 25mph... Not the smartest use of freedom. (He was confused, but fine...) Now I will not be able to trust him with complete freedom regarding the window...
We know that true freedom is found in right relationship with God. The great deception of sin is that there is freedom in rebellion. Not so. Freedom is only found in submission to the plan of God. Within those boundaries there is plenty of room to run free.
"O kings and rulers of the earth, listen while there is still time. Serve the Lord with reverent fear; rejoice with trembling... But oh, the joys of those who put their trust in him!" Psalm 2:10-12
A tremendous price was paid for our spiritual freedom, and for the freedom of this land.
The end of "Saving Private Ryan", a war movie, moved me to tears. It was the story of a soldier giving his life for the safe return of another. The final scene had a pose of the soldier looking over the dead body of the one who saved his life, then with special effects, he "aged" and it switched to him looking at the grave 50 years later. He made a statement something to the effect of "I have my family with me today... I'll never forget what you've done for me. I hope I've lived a life worthy of the price you paid."
This Independence Day, we each need to say the same thing as we pause to remember the white crosses in the field, and the cross of Christ. I pray that each of us will stand before the Lord someday and say, "I have my family with me today... I'll never forget what you've done for me. I hope I've lived a life worthy of the price you paid."
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
2 Kings 23:31-25:30
Acts 22:17 - 23:10
Psalm 2:1-12
Proverbs 18:13
Happy 4th of July! We have so much to rejoice in this day. I hope that in this day of patriotic celebration we don't forget to celebrate our spiritual freedom. This makes total sense to us, but to many more than we like to admit, there's a different perspective. Unfortunately, many view freedom as the opportunity to rebel against God.
This is nothing new to God, though. Look at the reading from Psalm 2 today:
Psalm 2:1,3 "What fools the nations are to rage against the Lord! How strange that men should try to outwit God! 'Come, let us break his chains,' they say, 'and free ourselves from all this slavery to God.'"
For Christ followers, we know that when we are walking in obedience to God's commands, there is true freedom for the soul. We have two small dogs. They love to run around in the back yard. They're now to the point that I can let them do that without leashes because they "know" the boundaries. If they "rebel", they will only find themselves leashed once again. How's that for freedom? They love to go for rides in the car and beg me to roll their window down. Once I was making a quick trip to the gas station and Fozzie was enjoying the freedom of the window down so much he figured he should jump through it and see what that was like... Yes, he jumped out the window at 25mph... Not the smartest use of freedom. (He was confused, but fine...) Now I will not be able to trust him with complete freedom regarding the window...
We know that true freedom is found in right relationship with God. The great deception of sin is that there is freedom in rebellion. Not so. Freedom is only found in submission to the plan of God. Within those boundaries there is plenty of room to run free.
"O kings and rulers of the earth, listen while there is still time. Serve the Lord with reverent fear; rejoice with trembling... But oh, the joys of those who put their trust in him!" Psalm 2:10-12
A tremendous price was paid for our spiritual freedom, and for the freedom of this land.
The end of "Saving Private Ryan", a war movie, moved me to tears. It was the story of a soldier giving his life for the safe return of another. The final scene had a pose of the soldier looking over the dead body of the one who saved his life, then with special effects, he "aged" and it switched to him looking at the grave 50 years later. He made a statement something to the effect of "I have my family with me today... I'll never forget what you've done for me. I hope I've lived a life worthy of the price you paid."
This Independence Day, we each need to say the same thing as we pause to remember the white crosses in the field, and the cross of Christ. I pray that each of us will stand before the Lord someday and say, "I have my family with me today... I'll never forget what you've done for me. I hope I've lived a life worthy of the price you paid."
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, July 3, 2010
7.3.10 "Empowered for Repentance"
"Empowered for Repentance"
2 Kings 22:4-23:30
Acts 21:37-22:16
Psalm 1:1-6
Proverbs 18:11-12
As we grow as individuals who "Live the DREAM", we must guard against losing the meaning behind the words.
What does it mean to be "Empowered through Biblical Training"? What are we empowered for? Well, the answer is obvious in some ways. We are Empowered to live the Balanced Christian Life... to Live in Obedience (D), Relationships.... etc.
All of that is true, and important, but it should never just be stuck in our head. It must reach our heart. What happens when you read the Word?
In 2 Kings 22-23, an 8 year old becomes king. He is described as a king who "followed in the steps of his ancestor King David, obeying the Lord completely." (22:2) At the age of 26, he orders the temple repaired. (Remember the past kings have pretty much decimated it, and defiled it with heathen altars.) In 22:8, The word of God is discovered. "One day Hilkiah the High Priest went to Shaphan the secretary and exclaimed, 'I have discovered a scroll in the Temple, with God's laws written on it!'"
verse 11: When the king heard what was written it in, he tore his clothes in terror.
The following 2 chapters describe the process it takes for Josiah to carry out repentance throughout the land, destroying high places, altars, evil priests, etc. It's hard work!
As we "discover the scroll" each day, what happens in us? We are not in a day where the "scroll" is hard to find. We have several bibles in each of our homes. Yet at the same time, the scroll can be lost to us even though it's right in front of us. Confused? What I'm saying is that it's very easy to get caught in the ritual of reading the Word and not become empowered through it. Empowered for what?
With a heart open to the Word, the first thing Josiah was empowered for was repentance. To hear the laws of God is like taking an audit of the heart. At this stage, the nation of Judah did not line up with God's plan. The process of repentance was begun. It was not a pretty process. It took time. It was work. What empowered this work? Knowing the commands of God.
In this age of grace, forgiveness is a prayer away. I John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Praise God for that! Where would we be without it! But, this forgiveness that is so available to us does not negate the necessity of repentance in our lives. It is a process as well. when we are forgiven, we must follow through with steps of repentance to cleanse our lives from that which has led us astray. We must apply the commands that are revealed to us in the "scroll".
James 1:22-25 says, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it -- he will be blessed in what he does."
The empowerment that comes through the Word is for a purpose. It's so that we can use it as a mirror. Does my life line up with God's commands? As the Word reveals high places that need to be torn down, we must follow through in discipline to tear them down. We are empowered by the commands God has given.
Live Empowered today. The Psalm reading for today is a great way to close.
"Oh the joys of those who do not follow evil men's advice, who do not hang around with sinners, scoffing at the things of God: But they delight in doing everything God wants them to, and day and night are always meditating on his laws and thinking about ways to follow him more closely." Ps 1:1-2
Think about ways to follow Him more closely as you Live the DREAM!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
2 Kings 22:4-23:30
Acts 21:37-22:16
Psalm 1:1-6
Proverbs 18:11-12
As we grow as individuals who "Live the DREAM", we must guard against losing the meaning behind the words.
What does it mean to be "Empowered through Biblical Training"? What are we empowered for? Well, the answer is obvious in some ways. We are Empowered to live the Balanced Christian Life... to Live in Obedience (D), Relationships.... etc.
All of that is true, and important, but it should never just be stuck in our head. It must reach our heart. What happens when you read the Word?
In 2 Kings 22-23, an 8 year old becomes king. He is described as a king who "followed in the steps of his ancestor King David, obeying the Lord completely." (22:2) At the age of 26, he orders the temple repaired. (Remember the past kings have pretty much decimated it, and defiled it with heathen altars.) In 22:8, The word of God is discovered. "One day Hilkiah the High Priest went to Shaphan the secretary and exclaimed, 'I have discovered a scroll in the Temple, with God's laws written on it!'"
verse 11: When the king heard what was written it in, he tore his clothes in terror.
The following 2 chapters describe the process it takes for Josiah to carry out repentance throughout the land, destroying high places, altars, evil priests, etc. It's hard work!
As we "discover the scroll" each day, what happens in us? We are not in a day where the "scroll" is hard to find. We have several bibles in each of our homes. Yet at the same time, the scroll can be lost to us even though it's right in front of us. Confused? What I'm saying is that it's very easy to get caught in the ritual of reading the Word and not become empowered through it. Empowered for what?
With a heart open to the Word, the first thing Josiah was empowered for was repentance. To hear the laws of God is like taking an audit of the heart. At this stage, the nation of Judah did not line up with God's plan. The process of repentance was begun. It was not a pretty process. It took time. It was work. What empowered this work? Knowing the commands of God.
In this age of grace, forgiveness is a prayer away. I John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Praise God for that! Where would we be without it! But, this forgiveness that is so available to us does not negate the necessity of repentance in our lives. It is a process as well. when we are forgiven, we must follow through with steps of repentance to cleanse our lives from that which has led us astray. We must apply the commands that are revealed to us in the "scroll".
James 1:22-25 says, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it -- he will be blessed in what he does."
The empowerment that comes through the Word is for a purpose. It's so that we can use it as a mirror. Does my life line up with God's commands? As the Word reveals high places that need to be torn down, we must follow through in discipline to tear them down. We are empowered by the commands God has given.
Live Empowered today. The Psalm reading for today is a great way to close.
"Oh the joys of those who do not follow evil men's advice, who do not hang around with sinners, scoffing at the things of God: But they delight in doing everything God wants them to, and day and night are always meditating on his laws and thinking about ways to follow him more closely." Ps 1:1-2
Think about ways to follow Him more closely as you Live the DREAM!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Friday, July 2, 2010
7.2.10 "Stay the Course"
"Stay the Course"
2 Kings 20:1-22:3
Acts 21:18-36
Psalm 150:1-6
Proverbs 18:9-10
One of the marvels of modern technology is the GPS. They are becoming more & more common. A few years ago was my first experience with a GPS. We travelled to New York with another family, so there were 7 of us in the van. Well, I should say there were 8. We named the GPS "Molly". We grew to love and hate Molly. If you've never worked w/ a gps, they're really cool. You program in the destination, and she gives you DETAILED instructions as you drive. "Keep left in point five miles."
Molly's tenacious. She would never let up. If you got off course, she'd let you know. "At the next opportunity, make a legal u-turn." Yeah thanx for that, Molly. With Molly's help, we actually backed up on a freeway once (do not try this at home) and on the way to see the Statue of Liberty we did a u-turn that stopped 4 lanes of traffic... Needless to say, Molly wasn't the only female in the car making comments on that procedure... but that's ANOTHER story!
So what does this have to do with a DEVO? God has a destination for each one of us. While there are things that can bump us seemingly off course, God's word calls us to Stay the Course.
There are a couple of phrases that jumped out at us from today's reading in Acts:
"As they were killing him (Paul)..."
"When the mob saw the troops coming, they quit beating Paul..."
Have you ever had one of those days? Probably not to the extent that Paul did. If you remember from the bible reading a couple days ago, Paul had been warned by the Holy Spirit that the trip to Jerusalem was going to contain suffering and jail. Well, it did.
The context of what is occurring in Acts 21 is this: Paul meets with the church leaders in Jerusalem and they are discussing some of the challenges of church unity. There is some division regarding the Jewish customs, and the leaders believe that Paul needs to take some steps to show that he honors the Jewish traditions. He does this for the sake of unity. It involves shaving his head and taking vows. This is a 7 day process, and as it almost wraps up, trouble erupts.
"The seven days were almost ended when some Jews from Turkey saw him in the Temple and roused a mob against him. They grabbed him, yelling, 'Men of Israel! Help! Help! This is the man who preaches against our people and tells everybody to disobey the Jewish laws." (Acts 21:27-28)
That would be frustrating to say the least. Here you're trying to do your best to show your support of the Jewish people, and the Jewish people mob you.
You have to look ahead to tomorrow's reading to see Paul's response, but as the soldiers are taking him away, he asks for an opportunity to speak to the people. As ugly as all this is, Paul realizes that this is what he is created to do. This is his purpose. Nothing will knock him off course.
Too often the circumstances of life dictate much of our direction. God may have laid something on our heart to do, but as soon as the road becomes a bit troublesome, we're "outa here" and back inside "Comfort Zone".
As we mature in Christ, we must grow deeper in our walk with him. We must dig into the word more than ever. We must be able to hear his voice in all circumstances. Developing this depth is like strengthening a keel on a sailboat. If you don't know what a keel is, here's the definition:
A fin like structure extending from the bottom of the hull which aids in stabilization and resists lateral movement of the boat under the force of the wind.
This is what we need in our spiritual walk. We need aid in stabilization. We need to resist lateral movement under the force of wind. We need to stay the course.
A friend commented on this metaphor and said, "Keels are most prevalent on sailboats. Motorboats and canoes, etc have very small ones to do just what you said here - keep the boat tracking where you want it. Sailboats on the other hand generally have relatively large keels and most have adjustable depth keels. Besides keeping the boat tracking properly the keel functions as a counterbalance to the rotating force of the wind in the sails. The more sails and stronger the wind, the deeper the keel needs to be to counteract that force - which wants to tip the boat over. Similarly, God's Word functions as the keel in our lives, not only helping us to track properly in the waters of life, but it serves to counterbalance the force of the winds on our sails - both the force that results in our growth in "calm" sea and the winds from the storms brought our way by Satan."
I can't imagine being beaten by a mob. I don't really have a desire to experience that. I would hope that wouldn't knock me off course of what God has called me to do. Yet so often, it's much less that causes me to question, doubt, fear, and hesitate.
No matter what the enemy may throw at you, stay the course!
When you keep to the path with a GPS, and you get to the hotel, or whatever you've programmed in, Molly's so happy for you. She says, "You have reached your destination." Let's work together to hear the Lord say, "You have reached your destination!"
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
2 Kings 20:1-22:3
Acts 21:18-36
Psalm 150:1-6
Proverbs 18:9-10
One of the marvels of modern technology is the GPS. They are becoming more & more common. A few years ago was my first experience with a GPS. We travelled to New York with another family, so there were 7 of us in the van. Well, I should say there were 8. We named the GPS "Molly". We grew to love and hate Molly. If you've never worked w/ a gps, they're really cool. You program in the destination, and she gives you DETAILED instructions as you drive. "Keep left in point five miles."
Molly's tenacious. She would never let up. If you got off course, she'd let you know. "At the next opportunity, make a legal u-turn." Yeah thanx for that, Molly. With Molly's help, we actually backed up on a freeway once (do not try this at home) and on the way to see the Statue of Liberty we did a u-turn that stopped 4 lanes of traffic... Needless to say, Molly wasn't the only female in the car making comments on that procedure... but that's ANOTHER story!
So what does this have to do with a DEVO? God has a destination for each one of us. While there are things that can bump us seemingly off course, God's word calls us to Stay the Course.
There are a couple of phrases that jumped out at us from today's reading in Acts:
"As they were killing him (Paul)..."
"When the mob saw the troops coming, they quit beating Paul..."
Have you ever had one of those days? Probably not to the extent that Paul did. If you remember from the bible reading a couple days ago, Paul had been warned by the Holy Spirit that the trip to Jerusalem was going to contain suffering and jail. Well, it did.
The context of what is occurring in Acts 21 is this: Paul meets with the church leaders in Jerusalem and they are discussing some of the challenges of church unity. There is some division regarding the Jewish customs, and the leaders believe that Paul needs to take some steps to show that he honors the Jewish traditions. He does this for the sake of unity. It involves shaving his head and taking vows. This is a 7 day process, and as it almost wraps up, trouble erupts.
"The seven days were almost ended when some Jews from Turkey saw him in the Temple and roused a mob against him. They grabbed him, yelling, 'Men of Israel! Help! Help! This is the man who preaches against our people and tells everybody to disobey the Jewish laws." (Acts 21:27-28)
That would be frustrating to say the least. Here you're trying to do your best to show your support of the Jewish people, and the Jewish people mob you.
You have to look ahead to tomorrow's reading to see Paul's response, but as the soldiers are taking him away, he asks for an opportunity to speak to the people. As ugly as all this is, Paul realizes that this is what he is created to do. This is his purpose. Nothing will knock him off course.
Too often the circumstances of life dictate much of our direction. God may have laid something on our heart to do, but as soon as the road becomes a bit troublesome, we're "outa here" and back inside "Comfort Zone".
As we mature in Christ, we must grow deeper in our walk with him. We must dig into the word more than ever. We must be able to hear his voice in all circumstances. Developing this depth is like strengthening a keel on a sailboat. If you don't know what a keel is, here's the definition:
A fin like structure extending from the bottom of the hull which aids in stabilization and resists lateral movement of the boat under the force of the wind.
This is what we need in our spiritual walk. We need aid in stabilization. We need to resist lateral movement under the force of wind. We need to stay the course.
A friend commented on this metaphor and said, "Keels are most prevalent on sailboats. Motorboats and canoes, etc have very small ones to do just what you said here - keep the boat tracking where you want it. Sailboats on the other hand generally have relatively large keels and most have adjustable depth keels. Besides keeping the boat tracking properly the keel functions as a counterbalance to the rotating force of the wind in the sails. The more sails and stronger the wind, the deeper the keel needs to be to counteract that force - which wants to tip the boat over. Similarly, God's Word functions as the keel in our lives, not only helping us to track properly in the waters of life, but it serves to counterbalance the force of the winds on our sails - both the force that results in our growth in "calm" sea and the winds from the storms brought our way by Satan."
I can't imagine being beaten by a mob. I don't really have a desire to experience that. I would hope that wouldn't knock me off course of what God has called me to do. Yet so often, it's much less that causes me to question, doubt, fear, and hesitate.
No matter what the enemy may throw at you, stay the course!
When you keep to the path with a GPS, and you get to the hotel, or whatever you've programmed in, Molly's so happy for you. She says, "You have reached your destination." Let's work together to hear the Lord say, "You have reached your destination!"
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
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