9.30.10 "Jesus for Sale"

"Jesus for Sale"

Isaiah 60:1-62:6
Philippians 1:27-2:18
Psalm 72:1-20
Proverbs 24:11-12

Isaiah 60:1-2 says, "Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see. For the glory of the Lord rises to shine on you. Darkness as black as night shall cover all the peoples of the earth, but the glory of the Lord will shine from you. All nations will come to your light; might kings will come to see your radiance."

We are the light of the world. How brightly do we shine? An interesting thing is that we are a product of our environment. I once heard the story of a Russian girl Oxana Malaya. At the age of 3, her alcoholic parents left her out in the yard, and she found shelter with a pack of dogs. Five years later, the neighbors reported what was going on. When found she barked like a dog, ate like a dog and ran around on all fours. She was a product of her environment. She looks at life based on her experience.

While this illustration is quite tragic, it shows how much we exhibit the environment we are accustomed to. To be the light of the world, we must put ourselves in an environment where we become "light". In order for that to happen, we must be in the presence of God so that when we're in the world, we shine as one who's been with Jesus.

Unfortunately, the Christian culture of our nation has become a more "capitalistic" approach. We look at life with a "marketing" perspective. We buy dish soap because it makes you skinny and beautiful... at least that's what the commercial shows. We market ourselves. We sell ourself by resume and by image. "Presentation" is everything. This spills into how we attempt to be the light of the world.

We know we have a Mission to Reach our World for Christ. What happens? We often fall into the trap of "marketing" Jesus. How do we do this? With this message: Come to Jesus and all your problems will go away. Instead of being the light, we "market" the light.

I've mentioned this quote from Erwin McManus before: "Jesus didn't come to solve the world's problems. He came to change lives. Through changed lives the world's problems are solved."

In this life there WILL be trials. But as James 1 tells us, it's through these trials that Christ transforms us into who he wants us to be. Our objective is not to be problem free. Our objective is to allow Christ to work in our life and change us and mold us. Then we can handle ANY storm that comes our way. We wont live without storms.

What's the danger of the "marketing campaign"? When we present that "Jesus is the way to the easy life" those who come to Christ are confused. As soon as a trial comes they call "tech support". "Hey, I want my money back! This isn't easy!"

Philippians 2:14-16 says "In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing, so that no one can speak a word of blame against you. You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of people who are crooked and stubborn. Shine out among them like beacon lights, holding out to them the Word of Life."

We can only live that way as the Spirit transforms us. We don't have to conjure up a marketing campaign. We just have to allow him to make us into who he's created us to be.

It's dark out there? Exactly. That's the point. You're the light. I've said this before, but I get tired of Christians who complain about sinners sinning. What are they supposed to do? They have no light. As we become the people God has created us to be we're going to see the darkness fade.

If we will be who we are supposed to be, others can become who God wants them to be. Live as one responsible for the light, because you are. Let the light of Jesus shine through your life. You don't have to put Jesus on a billboard. Put his presence on you. You are the best commercial. People will come to Christ because they want what you have. They want to be like you. If they don't, it's because they don't want what you have. They don't want to be like you.

Live as Children of the Light!


Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ

9.29.10 "Moved, yet Unchanged"

"Moved, yet Unchanged"

Isaiah 57:15-59:21
Philipians 1:1-26
Psalm 71:1-24
Proverbs 24:9-10

Incredible things happen when we are faithful in reading the Word. The more we read, the more we hear God's voice, and the more the scriptures come alive. Today's reading in Isaiah is great! Isaiah chapter 58 speaks of each element of the DREAM.

Is 58:2 "[My people] act so pious! They come to the Temple every day and are so delighted to hear the reading of my laws - just as though they would obey them - just as though they don't despise the commandments of their God! How anxious they are to worship correctly; oh, how they love the Temple services!"

Too often rather than a Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship, we live FOR a Dynamic Event! We'll slap down 30 bucks for concert tickets and feel like that's our act of worship. So anxious to worship correctly... and yet...

verse 3 says, "'We have fasted before you,' they say, 'Why aren't you impressed? Why don't you see our sacrifices? Why don't you hear our prayers? We have done much penance, and you don't even notice it!' I'll tell you why! Because you are living in evil pleasure even while you are fasting,"

It's easy to slip into the mistake of trying to impress God with our worship. Not good. Too often even the worship is "about me" rather than responding to His greatness!

Here's a question: Why are you saved? just because it's the right thing to do? Just because you need the additional strength to live life the way you are? We need to be experiencing changed lives! Too often we are moved and yet unchanged. Our relationship with God should make itself manifest in EVERY area of our lives. Our Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship should bring us to a position of change.

verse 4: "Look, what good is fasting when you keep on fighting and quarreling? This kind of fasting will never get you anywhere with me." Relationships Devoted to Unity are important to God. He wants to see our "impressive" worship in action. Look at verse 6: "No, the kind of fast I want is that you stop oppressing those who work for you and treat them fairly and give them what they earn." This is important to God.

Active Ministry Involvement is the process of using our resources which include time, talent, and money to serve others. This is a fruit of true worship as well. verse 7: "I want you to share your food with the hungry and bring right into your own homes those who are helpless, poor and destitute. Clothe those who are cold and don't hide from relatives who need your help." We MUST use the resources God has given us as he leads.

Empowered Through Biblical training shows up in verse 8. (I know E should be before A, but this is the way it's outlined in this scripture!) The principle of "E" is Discipline. Verse 8 says, "if you do these things, God will shed his own glorious light upon you. He will heal you; your godliness will lead you forward, and goodness will be a shield before you, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind." If we Discipline ourselves to be faithful to his commands, and to godliness, the Light of his Word will shine on us. As we read about in Ephesians 6 yesterday, the armor of God will surround us.

All of this is for the purpose of our Mission to Reach our World for Christ. verse 10 says, "Feed the hungry! Help those in trouble! Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you shall be as bright as day." We are the light of the world. We need to put our faith in action. That's when our purpose is fulfilled.

So, why are you saved? It should be so that God can change your life. If you're living life the same way you did years ago, something could be out of whack. In Philippians 1:6 today, Paul says, "And I am sure that God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in his grace until his task within you is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns." Through His power we are equipped to mature and grow in him.

I don't want the church service to "move" me. I don't want to just be "blessed" by an encouraging word. I need to be changed by the power of God! This should have an effect on me today. This should change me as I grow in him.

Lord, Change Me! Don't allow me to stop at a state of emotional recognition of you, but help me to open up and give you the freedom to complete your work in me and through me.



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ

9.28.10 "Honor Your Father and Mother"

"Honor Your Father and Mother"

Isaiah 54:1-57:14
Ephesians 6:1-24
Psalm 70:1-5
Proverbs 24:8

"Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. 'Honor your father and mother.' This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, 'things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.'" (Eph. 6:1-3)

A familiar scripture, and a few short thoughts today.

Think about this: Paul is writing this letter to the Ephesian church. Do you think he just meant for this to be read to the kids 17 and under, or do you think it was for everyone? This is one of the 10 commandments. Would God have given Moses these 10 laws, and had 10% of them only apply to children, or do you think this is a life long principle?

I believe that we are to honor our parents throughout our lives. The word "obey" often gets many hung up in this concept. "hey, I'm an adult I make my own decisions..." I think the greater principle is the word "honor".

We've now hit the stage of life where we are caring for and helping make decisions for my wife's parents. Thankfully, we have a great family that gets along, but even in that scenario, we have to remember not to do anything that would dishonor our parents. There are some decisions we will just have to make for Lisa's mom, for example, but at the same time we must honor her by making sure she feels like she's a part of the process. This is the right thing to do.

There's a tendency to look at the time of life where you would care for a parent as an "inconvenience". Living with that mindset is not honoring at all, and I don't know that God would be pleased. We've been working on developing the heart and the mindset that we've been given an opportunity to honor our parents.

My mother in law lived with us for 6 months. I've found that as we treated her with respect, my pre-teen daughter noticed. When we are curt or impatient, she noticed that as well. We see the fruit in how she responds to her grandparents and to us as well.

If your parents have already passed on, you can still honor them by the way you live. Some may have had a strained relationship with their parents, and will have to work hard to put their parents in the place of honor in their hearts, but remember the scripture: "... this is the right thing to do."

The promise is that "Things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth." Who wouldn't want that? Now, don't let your honor be self serving, but as you truly honor your parents, something happens in your heart. It's an incredible thing. If this is a change of mindset for you, be ready for unexpected blessings that will come your way as you walk in obedience to God's commands.




Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ

9.27.10 "The Hero and The Treasure"

"The Hero and The Treasure"

Isaiah 51:1-53:12
Ephesians 5:1-33
Psalm 69:15-36
Proverbs 24:6-7

"As the Scriptures say, 'A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.' This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." - Ephesians 5:31-33

Marriage - a great mystery, and yet it is the illustration of Christ and the church.

Marriage is important to God. Because it's important to God, it's many times in the center of Satan's crosshairs. The attack on marriage is an attack on God. In our marriages we are the illustration of Christ and the Church.

In the verses above, the husband is commanded to love the wife, and the wife is commanded to respect her husband. Dr. Emerson Eggerich has written a great book entitled "Love and Respect". In this book he addresses the issue of how many times communication troubles and conflict are escalated because of miscommunication in this area. Wives are not communicating in a way that their husbands feel respected, and husbands are not communicating in a way that their wives feel loved.

I think there is a "disconnect" even from those words "love and respect" because of the different "wiring" in a man and a woman. I like to explain it in the terms of "The Hero and The Treasure".

God has wired man to be a "Hero", and he has wired the woman to be a "Treasure". Because of these differences, The Hero and The Treasure actually begin to speak in different languages. The Hero thinks and hears from a "hero" perspective, and The Treasure does the same from a "treasure" point of view.

Like any thing valuable, The Treasure needs to be protected. She needs to feel safe. She needs to feel cared for. Each Treasure is unique, so the recipe for this security may very slightly, but security is vital nonetheless. The treasure needs to feel valued.

The Hero is wired quite different than The Treasure. He is wired for accomplishment. Often his identity is closely connected to his work. He loves to conquer an enemy. There is no greater fear than failure.

Enter the challenge of communication: "You forgot to take out the garbage." A statement. No big deal, right? Well, it all depends on the health of The Hero and The Treasure.

Worst case scenario:

"You forgot to take out the garbage" in the Treasure's mind could mean, "I can't believe he doesn't love me enough to follow through on what I asked. He never listens to me. I have all of this stuff to do and he doesn't even care. He never considers my needs."

In the Hero's mind he hears, "You are such a failure. You are such a disappointment. I had hoped for a great husband, but I ended up with you." So he decides, "I think I'll just keep watching this program. It helps me 'escape'."

Then the conflict escalates.

While that may seem ridiculous that a conflict could arise from something so trite, over time it's these very circumstances that cause major division in the home. The ability of The Hero and The Treasure to communicate healthily will determine how every conflict is resolved and worked through.

"And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." (Eph. 5:21) This word "submit" is such an unpopular word in our culture. Submit has become a term for "door mat". That is not the heart of God at all. The point is that the man must consider the need of The Treasure. The woman must consider the need of The Hero.

"For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. he is the Savior of his body, the Church. As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything." (Eph 5:22-24)

Wives, rest in the leadership of your husband. Let him be your hero. Speak his language. Build him up. Equip him to treasure you. It's hard for him to do if he feels put down.

"For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God's word... In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. for a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself. No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church." (Eph. 5:25-26,28-29)

Husbands, do you hear what that's saying? TREASURE your wives. Protect her. Let her know how valuable she is to you. "I do love her. I bring a paycheck home. I work hard." That's "hero" talk, not treasure talk. If a Hero's hobby is a car, he will spend time with it. Care for it. He'll protect it from the elements. He'll get whatever is needed for it. A Hero MUST spend that much more time protecting and valuing the Treasure.

Jesus was the ultimate example. He laid down his life. This is what we must do for one another!


Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ

9.26.10 "Just Do It"

"Just Do It"

Isaiah 48:1-50:11
Ephesians 4:17-32
Psalm 69:1-14
Proverbs 24:5

Do you ever feel like giving up? Do you ever feel like what you're doing isn't making a difference?

Isaiah is relating a conversation he had with the Lord in the beginning of chapter 49. It's something we can relate to. In verse 1 he says, "The Lord called me before my birth. From within the womb he called me by my name." That's true for everyone of us. God has a plan and a purpose for our lives. He has a path laid out for us that is for the point of completing His mission.

What God says to Isaiah in verse 3 is what he is saying to each one of us. "You are my servant, Israel, and you will bring me glory." That's why we're here. To bring him glory. It's a great thing that we can rely on the power of His Spirit.

In verse 4 we hear Isaiah say what we can sometimes feel. "But my work for them seems all in vain; I have spent my strength for them without response."

Have you ever been there? Have you ever done what you felt God had told you to do, and yet saw no fruit? You witnessed to someone, but they didn't say the sinner's prayer, or you stepped out in faith, but didn't see the miracle?

Is that failure?

There are many times we judge our success by results. There are some things that work that way. A successful business makes money, for example. But is that the way it is in the kingdom of God?

What's really important to God is the obedience of his people. When we are obedient, we bring him glory. In God's rule book, the question of success is: "Did you do everything I commanded you to do?" It's a "yes" or "no" question of success. "Well, kind of..." just wont cut it.

There's something in our human nature that "tricks" us into thinking that it's our own effort that brings results for the kingdom. But it's not us. God brings the increase. It's not by our strength.

Don't take this the wrong way. This doesn't mean we relax. We have to understand that it is our responsibility to obey with intensity. Isaiah 50:7 says, "Because the Lord God helps me, I will not be dismayed; therefore, I have set my face like flint to do his will..." That's how we need to be, regardless of the results. We need to be committed and disciplined to do what the Lord commands.

Todays reading in Psalm 69:9 says, "My zeal for God and his work burns hot within me." There should be a passion that stirs up within us to follow God's direction. Passion doesn't just "happen". It is stirred up. This is a fire that is maintained and stoked and refreshed through the Word and through the power of the Spirit.

The recognition of God's voice comes through consistent discipline of getting into the Word and seeking his face. This isn't necessarily going to be easy, and the results can be difficult. Isaiah 50:4-6 says, "The Lord has given me his words of wisdom so that I may know what I should say to all these weary ones. Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will. The Lord God has spoken to me and I have listened; I do not rebel nor turn away. I give my back to the whip, and my cheeks to those who pull out my beard. I do not hide from shame - they spit in my face."

Going through all of that, Isaiah could easily feel like a failure. Whatever your situation is, you may at some level feel like a failure. You need to ask yourself the question: "Am I obedient?" What's the answer? If you can say yes, you are not a failure. It is not in vain. If you have to answer, "no", don't waste time in regret. All you need to to do is return to the point of direction that God has given you and walk in obedience.

This is all about living the DREAM. Obedience is the fruit of the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship. Submission to the needs of those God has called you to serve is Relationships Devoted to Unity. Being Disciplined in seeking the will of God is being Empowered through Biblical Training. Being Responsible to set ourselves to the task God has laid out is our Active Ministry Involvement. And as always, this is all for our Purpose: Mission to Reach our World for Christ.

Whatever God is leading you to do, do it. As you step in obedience, you will hear his next command. And then the next. Don't worry about what's ahead. Know that he's in control.

Have an Obedient 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

9.25.10 "No Dream is Free"

"No Dream is Free"

Isaiah 45:11-48:11
Ephesians 4:1-16
Psalm 68:19-35
Proverbs 24:3-4

Opening our eyes to what God has created us to do is a great thing. We begin to see life with purpose and intention. Isaiah 46:3 says, "I have created you and cared for you since you were born. I will be your God through all your lifetime, yes, even when your hair is white with age. I made you and I will care for you. I will carry you along and be your Savior." Knowing that God is with us, and that his plan is specific and intentional can give us incredible confidence to pursue the abundant life.

There is something that is EXTREMELY important that we understand, however: No dream is free. Just because God calls us to something doesn't mean we are to stand around and wait for it to happen.

Paul says in Eph. 4:1, "I beg you, - I, a prisoner here in jail for serving the Lord - to live and act in a way worthy of those who have been chosen for such wonderful blessings as these."

We first see the cost of Paul's dream. He is in jail "for serving the Lord". This is part of the price he must pay for what God has called him to do. Now, realistically, very few of us will have to pay that price. But don't be misled into thinking there is no price. What Paul is saying in this verse is laying out our cost. The NIV says, "Live a life worthy of the calling you have received."

Our cost is to Live a life worthy of God's call on our life. If you are signed to play professional sports, you MUST stay in shape. You MUST keep clean. Unfortunately, we've seen all too many pro athletes who don't "live a life worthy", and whether they like it or not, there are consequences.

What about our Christian walk? How can we live and act in a worthy manner? Paul's initial instructions give a great starting point. "Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. Try always to be led along together by the Holy Spirit, and so be at peace with one another." (Eph 4:2-3) Imagine if we were all living like that!

I find it interesting that he says, "be led along together by the Holy Spirit, and so be at peace with one another." A fruit of being led of the Spirit is peace within the body. It's not competition, or contention, it's peace. I've heard before, "the Spirit told me to do this, and you better get outta my way..." Does that sound "worthy of the calling"?

The rest of Eph. 4 is one of my favorite passages in the Bible. It spells out how we have been given unique gifts for the purpose of building up the body, until we become mature. I like verse 15. It says, "... we will lovingly follow the truth at all times - speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly..."

To do this, we must walk disciplined lives. We must count the cost and live worthy. To be who God has created you to be will take steps of obedience on your part. For each of us it will be different. It may be changing a work schedule to make sure you can be in church to grow in Christ. It may be taking additional classes to fulfill the vocation God has called you to. It may be "making allowance for each other's faults". Sometimes our "cost" is learning how to deal with "irritating" people God has put into our lives for the purpose of refining us.

Proverbs 24:3-4 says, "A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense. Through knowledge its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables." Paying the price of wisdom, common sense, and committing to grow in knowledge is the cost of being who God has created us to be.

If you spend life taking the easiest road, you will soon find yourself trapped in sin and selfishness. It takes discipline to stay off that road and follow the leading of the Spirit. No Dream is free, but the cost is worth it!



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ

9.24.10 "Think About It"

"Think About It"

Isaiah 43:14-45:10
Ephesians 3:1-21
Psalm 68:1-18
Proverbs 24:1-2

Idolatry. The context in which we place that word is often in relation to the old testament practice of people who would actually carve idols out of wood, and bow down and pray to them. Listen to what the Lord says through the prophet Isaiah:

"Such stupidity and ignorance! Their eyes are closed, and they cannot see. Their minds are shut, and they cannot think. the person who made th idol never stops to reflect, 'Why, it's just a block of wood! I burned half of it for heat and used it to bake my bread and roast my meat. How can the rest of it be a god? Should I bow down to worship a piece of wood?' The poor, deluded fool feeds on ashes. He trusts something that can't help him at all. Yet he cannot bring himself to ask, 'Is this idol that I'm holding in my hand a lie?'" (Is. 44:18-20)

What great verses! From this perspective it seems so obvious. How stupid it is to trust in something that is just a hunk of wood. It's a good thing we don't worship idols, right?

While it could be easy to begin to list the strongholds of idolatry in our culture, and even within the Body of Christ, I'd like to just look at the next section of scripture.

"Pay attention, O Jacob, for you are my servant, O Israel. I, the Lord, made you, and I will not forget you. I have swept away your sins like a cloud. I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free." (Is. 44:21-22)

What a wonderful God we serve. What great love he has shown us. He has made us free! When we focus our minds on thinking of the privilege we have to be called his own, it makes the "idols" around us pale in comparison. We look to people for hope. We look to finances for hope. We look to possessions for hope and comfort... "such stupidity and ignorance!" We have a God who loves us! He set us free!

We need to put aside everything that causes us to lose our focus on the greatness of our God. Think about who He is. Think about what He's done.

"Sing, O heavens, for the Lord has done this wondrous thing. Shout for joy, O depths of the earth! Break into song, O mountains and forests and every tree! For the Lord has redeemed Jacob and is glorified in Israel!" (Is. 44:23)



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ

9.23.10 "Never Forget"

"Never Forget"

Isaiah 41:17-43:13
Ephesians 2:1-22
Psalm 67:1-7
Proverbs 23:29-35

Eph. 2:11 "Never forget that once you were heathen..."

In the midst of busy schedules, it's easy to forget what our purpose is, our mission. We have to remember Eph. 2:9. "Salvation is not a reward for the good we have done, so none of us can take any credit for it."

Eph 2:10 "It is God himself who has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus; and long ages ago he planned that we should spend these lives in helping others." I must view my life as a resource that needs to be invested in what God has created me for. Your life is as well. "Never forget," you were a heathen. Now you're not.

Eph 2:2 "You went along with the crowd and were just like all the others, full of sin..." "BUT GOD is so rich in mercy; he loved us so much that even though we were spiritually dead and doomed by our sins, he gave us back our lives again when he raised Christ from the dead - only by his undeserved favor have we ever been saved." Eph 2:4-5

Our salvation is not a badge to be worn in pride. It is a gift. And it's not just a gift to hoard. It is for a purpose. In our world, there are people who are thirsty. Salvation is their water. How easily we forget how desperate they are for this water. We forget because we are no longer thirsty. Have you ever been REALLY thirsty? When you are, that's the only thing on your mind... how can i get water?

Isaiah 41:17 says, "When the poor and needy seek water and there is none and their tongues are parched from thirst, then I will answer when they cry to me. I, Israel's God, will not ever forsake them."

Who do you think God will use to meet the need of the thirsty? He has those of us to whom he has given new life. "But I have witnesses, O Israel, says the Lord! You are my witnesses and my servants, chosen to know and to believe me and to understand that I alone am God. There is no other God; there never was and never will be. I am the Lord, and there is no other Savior. Whenever you have thrown away your idols, I have shown you my power. With one word I have saved you. You have seen me do it; you are my witnesses that it is true."

The world doesn't know where the answer is. BUT WE HAVE SEEN IT! We have responsibility. We don't have salvation just for ourselves, we have it to show them the way!

What's holding us back? Fear?

Isaiah 43:1-3 says, "But now the Lord who created you, O Israel, says, Don't be afraid, for I have ransomed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up - the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, your Savior, the Holy One of Israel."

You probably noticed something there: It doesn't say, "you WONT go through deep waters, or trouble, or difficulty, or fire of oppression..." It says "WHEN you" go through these things.

So, what's our excuse? People dying of thirst all around, and we have cases of "Ice Mountain" water at our disposal... In this time of need do we jack up the cost of the Living Water? Do we wait for them to come to us? We pray that God will send someone to witness to our friends. We pray that there will be anointing on the flyer for a church outreach so they will come and then pastor can lead them to the Lord. It's wonderful when that happens, but don't get in the mindset of "Heaven forbid we give them some of our own water."

Today's Psalm 67 tells it all: "O God, in mercy bless us; let your face beam with joy as you look down at us. Send us around the world with the news of your saving power and your eternal plan for all mankind. How everyone throughout the earth will praise the Lord! How glad the nations will be, singing for joy because you are their King and will give true justice to their people! Praise God, O world! May all the peoples of the earth give thanks to you. For the earth has yielded abundant harvests. God, even our own God, will bless us. And peoples from remotest lands will worship him."

Never forget! The harvest is there! Let's get at it!


Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ

9.22.10 "Get a Little Perspective"

"Get a Little Perspective"

Isaiah 39:1-41:16
Ephesians 1:1-23
Psalm 66:1-20
Proverbs 23:26-28

Have you ever seen something that just makes you feel tiny? I've been to the Sear's (Willis) Tower this summer and stood outside & looked up. Also the view from the top looking down is quite impressive. I've stood next to a C-130 Cargo plane. That was huge! On a family trip to Niagara Falls I had an opportunity to take an early morning walk before anyone else was out there. It was unbelievable. Incredibly intimidating. Getting a perspective of how small and frail we really are has quite an impact.

Life can be chaotic. We see people chasing around after so many things. Unfortunately, It's not just those who don't know Christ who are running around. There are many believers who just lose perspective. We're so busy and buried by the cares of life that our problems and concerns have become mountains in our eyes. It is way to easy to forget that the cares of our life are nothing compared to His greatness. As we grow in our Christian maturity we must not take our eyes off the greatness of our God.

"'With whom will you compare me? Who is my equal?' asks the Holy One. Look up into the heaven's! Who created all these stars? As a shepherd leads his sheep, calling each by its pet name, and counts them to see that none are lost or strayed, so God does with stars and planets!" (Is. 40:25-26)

The concerns of our life don't go unnoticed by him.

"O Jacob, O Israel, how can you say that the Lord doesn't see your troubles and isn't being fair? Don't you yet understand? Don't you know by now that the everlasting God, the Creator of the farthest parts of the earth, never grows faint or weary? No one can fathom the depths of his understanding." (Is 40:27-28)

Aren't you tired of carrying the burdens on your own? Trying to fix it in your own strength? We forget that we don't have to. He's waiting to equip us with power at all times.

"He gives power to the tired and worn out, and strength to the weak. Even the youths shall be exhausted, and the young men will all give up. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." (Is 40:29-31)

When my car is out of fuel, I must go to a gas station to replenish. I can't take my car anywhere else. That is the source of energy that is needed. When we feel empty, why do we so often fail to understand the importance of allowing God to replenish us and give us strength? Waiting on the Lord is vital. When you're worn out, That's what you need to do. You need to do it BEFORE you're worn out!

We need to apply the principle of Sabbath to our lives. This can be a confusing concept because we commonly equate this with a full day of sitting around, doing nothing. If you remember, this perspective got the Pharisees in trouble with Jesus. It's not about a "doing nothing" ritual. It's about taking the time to rest and hear from God, and allow him to complete us.

Most people spend most of their energies in pursuit of Sabbath. They work extra jobs to buy the house that they're sure they can relax in. They buy the RV's, the pools, the spas, the toys, etc. all in hopes that they will find the time to "play", which will hopefully fill that void inside: the God-given need for rest and recreation. But even with the toys, the rest isn't taken, the peace isn't found.

When we pause to wait on the Lord, there is a precious thing that happens deep inside us. It's as if God gives us new flesh. He restores our soul. It's just taking time to be at peace. To enjoy him and his creation.

In Ephesians, Paul gives us this encouragement:

"I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can see something of the future he has called you to share... I pray that you will begin to understand how incredibly great his power is to help those who believe him." (Eph 1:18-19)

Set your mind on God today. Take time to rest in him. No, you don't have to reduce your hours, you don't have to quit your ministry. He has the strength you need. You just need to take moments to rest in him. You need to be flooded with the light of His Word. His plans for you are great!



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ

9.21.10 "No Man Left Behind"

"No Man Left Behind"

Isaiah 37:1-38:22
Galatians 6:1-18
Psalm 64:1-10
Proverbs 23:24

We are in a battle. The great news is that we win! We too often forget that, especially when things don't seem to be going good around us. In battle soldiers get wounded. This is no different in our Christian walk. Soldiers get wounded.

I believe it's the Marine motto that says, "Until they are home, No man left behind!" They've trained to follow through on what they believe. At any cost, they will work to bring a fallen soldier home.

As believers, what's our training? What's our motto? In the battle we wage, we must show the same loyalty and commitment. In looking at this let's unwrap some verses in Galatians 6.

Galatians 6:1 "Dear brothers, if a Christian is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help him back onto the right path, remembering that next time it might be one of you who is in the wrong."

There are a few things to pull out of this verse.
1. "if a Christian is overcome by some sin..." There will times that a Christian you know will struggle with sin. What does that mean to you? Often we don't respond as one committed to the care of the individual. We tend to want to check with someone else. "So what's going on with Jim... someone should really set him straight..." What follows next shows that YOU are part of the process in helping this person out.

2. "... you who are godly..." If you need extra motivation for living a godly life, let this be it. Your world is desperate for you to be who God has created you to be. Raise the bar in your life so you can be a lifeline for someone else. It's really important that you know the Word, so you know how to help someone who needs help. Imagine an EMT who waits until his first ambulance call to pull the book off the shelf & learn CPR. You have to be prepared & pre-prayered for the work God has for you. Someone desperately needs you.

3. "... should gently and humbly help him..." This is what discipleship is all about: Helping one another to be aligned with God's word. What's your definition of discipleship? I'm not sure how I came up with my "old" definition of discipleship, but it was basically, "punishing someone for not being who I expected them to be". I would "speak the truth in love" which usually meant I would give them a piece of my mind and walk away. If I didn't have the courage to do that, I'd just do that in my mind... I guess it's more of a "ding & ditch discipleship" program... not quite what Jesus had in mind. I'm just beginning to understand the process of "leading individuals to discover and become who God created them to be." It's the approach we need to have when dealing with one another... gentle & humble. Ultimately, be a friend.

4. "... back onto the right path," What is the right path? Again, it compels us to be Empowered through Biblical Training to know the truth and help others align to the truth. This requires relational leadership. To be a leader in a relationship, you have to create an environment where people want to be with you. The same is true when leading someone to the right path. Beating someone up when they're wounded and in the wrong place is not that way to bring them home. It's a matter of creating an environment of trust.

5. "... remembering that next time it might be one of you who is in the wrong." This says a lot. I was thinking about opinionated people (of which I am one!). It's important that we make sure we understand we are not above being wrong. "I get irritated when everyone doesn't do things the way I think they should be done." can be an attitude that creeps into our life that is nothing other than arrogance. We must walk humbly with our God, knowing that we always have much to learn.

Galatians 6:2 "Share each other's troubles and problems, and so obey our Lord's command."

1. "Share each other's troubles and problems..." This is what Relationships Devoted to Unity is all about. When someone is going through something, it's vital that we carry the load together.

2. "... and so obey our Lord's command." Remember that Obedience is the highest form of worship. We must follow the path of unity to live the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship.

Galatians 6:3 "If anyone thinks he is too great to stoop to this, he is fooling himself. He is really a nobody."

1. This is a principle we need to be constantly reminded of. Greatness in Christ is found in being the "least". Our pride keeps us from being vulnerable. Being humble and open about our struggles is the only path to maturity. We are a "nobody" when our pride causes us to hide or struggles, sins or insecurities to the point that they take root and cause a BIG problem. This paralyzes the Body. When we are appropriately vulnerable with one another, it's like allowing the oxygen of the Holy Spirit to flow freely through the muscles of the Body so it can function in health.

Today's reading in Psalms 65:2-4 says, "All of us must come to you. Though we are overwhelmed by our sins, you forgive them all. What joy for those you choose to bring near, those who live in your holy courts. What festivities await us inside your holy Temple."

We need to work together until all come together to the one who forgives and enjoy the festivities of God's kingdom.

Do your part. "No Man left behind"


Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ

9.20.10 "The Fruit of the Undisciplined Life"

"The Fruit of the Undisciplined Life"

Isaiah 33:13-36:22
Galatians 5:13-26
Psalm 64:1-10
Proverbs 23:23

"Read your Bible and pray every day." Is something that we've heard since we were young. Growing up in the church, I've heard it thousands of time. Sometimes my response was an internal "rolling of the eyes". Thoughts range from, "Duh," to "I need something more profound", or "you don't know how busy I am", or "You don't understand my problems." Even, "I tried that and it didn't work".

We forget that this is as important as "Make sure you breathe today!" Why is it that important? Remember the principle of Empowered through Biblical Training is Discipline. There is fruit that comes from a disciplined life. We all want that fruit. In fact, I think at times we fool ourselves into thinking that "wanting" the disciplined life earns us some credit points or something.

I do belong to a gym. I make a payment to them each month. It's amazing that I haven't gotten in better shape just "belonging to" the gym. In the same way, we think that because we would LIKE to read the bible every day, that somehow we can still glean the fruit of that empowerment. Guess what. It doesn't work that way. Good intentions are not enough.

That doesn't mean your life wont bear fruit however. It's a like math equation. If you are Empowered Through Biblical Training, you will bear certain fruits. At the same time, If you are NOT Empowered Through Biblical Training, you will produce a specific fruit. Period. Here's what it is:

"But when you follow your own wrong inclinations your lives will produce these evil results: impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, idolatry, spiritism (that is, encouraging the activity of demons), hatred and fighting, jealousy and anger, constant effort to get the best for yourself, complaints and criticisms, the feeling that everyone else is wrong except those in your own little group - and there will be wrong doctrine, envy, murder, drunkenness, wild parties, and all that sort of thing. Let me tell you again as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God." - Galatians 5:19-21

"Yeah, but you don't understand, I'm a nice person." We hear that from unsaved individuals when witnessing to them, and we know that isn't good enough. But, we also hear that (and say that) from Christians who think their personality or charisma, or good intentions, will give them an exemption from the fruit of the undisciplined life. "I can get by with missing my time in the word. I'll be able stop myself from doing the wrong thing..."

The list of the "fruit of the flesh" in today's scripture includes a wide variety of things. Some of them are unconscionable. We couldn't think of doing them. Spiritism is something we could never consider, but what about "constant effort to get the best for yourself"? What about envy? anger? Lust? So many struggle with the thought life. We all do to one measure or another. The last part of Galatians 5:17 says, "These two forces within us are constantly fighting each other to win control over us, and our wishes are never free from their pressures." Some are constantly losing this battle for the thought life, and yet there is not a disciplined devotional life. You don't read the bible every day.... and yet you have trouble with your thought life.... Imagine that!

Lack of discipline is not just a matter of what we don't do. It's what we are doing. If you are not reading the word every day, you ARE feeding the flesh. You ARE harvesting a crop of fruit that you HAVE labored on. Sitting on the couch watching something inappropriate is a process of tilling the soil in your spirit and planting thoughts, images and values, that WILL bear fruit.

Seeing friends of mine who have healthy eating plans and an exercise routine, I feel bad for them that they don't get to pig out at will like i do. I even think, "yeah, that dieting is not a bad idea..." When it comes down to playing a game of basketball or going for a jog, we know the fruit of that mindset.

Why do we think our own lives are different? Why do we think that if we intend to be Empowered through Biblical Training that's enough???

We MUST get this! It's not as important that I tell you about it as it is that I apply it to my life. The fact that I write a morning devotional does not exempt me from the need to get into the word & seek God's face. The fact that you teach a Sunday School class and teach others to be Empowered does not exempt you from being Empowered.

Don't forget to breathe today. Don't forget to read the word. Both of these are equally important.

One of my favorite scriptures is Hosea 10:12 "Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers righteousness on you."

Dig into the word today. Seek God!



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ

9.19.10 "Getting rid of 'That Thing'"

"Getting rid of 'That Thing'"

Isaiah 30:12-33:12
Galatians 5:1-12
Psalm 63:1-11
Proverbs 23:22

We all have "That Thing". It was Achan's desire for "That Thing" that caused defeat for Israel and ultimately the destruction of Achan & his entire family. For each of us, it's a different "Thing". There's something in our life we know shouldn't be there. It may be a bad habit, a "comfort sin", a pattern of unhealthy thought, bitterness, selfishness, lust, the list can go on. If you think you don't have a "That Thing", spend a little more time in prayer. God will show it to you.

I heard a testimony from a friend who was finally free from YEARS of sinful addiction. It was a great testimony! One thing he said was how he would in essence "resolve" to never sin again. and yet, he would find himself in the middle of it over and over. So many times we try to get rid of "That Thing", only to return. Why is that? Why can we try and try, but not shake free?

Isaiah 31:7-8 says, "I know the glorious day will come when every one of you will throw away his gold idols and silver images - which in your sinfulness you have made. And the Assyrians will be destroyed, but not by sword of men. The "sword of God" will smite them."

The biggest problem we have with "that Thing" is that we are usually trying to get rid of it by the sword of men. We read self-help books, talk to friends, make resolutions, but we don't completely surrender our lives to the work of the Holy Spirit and allow God to do his thing in us. Yes, we will go to an altar, or sense the conviction, and we'll even cry. But a broken surrender is a whole different thing. It's getting out of the way to let God do his deep work. It's waiting for God to break us.

Isaiah 30:18 says, "Yet the Lord still waits for you to come to him, so he can show you his love; he will conquer you to bless you, just as he said. For the Lord is faithful to his promises. Blessed are all those who wait for him to help them."

We can't win any battle in our own strength. I don't know why we fool ourselves into thinking we can. Isaiah 32:2 says, "But to us, O Lord, be merciful, for we have waited for you. Be our strength each day and our salvation in the time of trouble. The enemy runs at the sound of your voice. When you stand up, the nations flee."

Remember a couple days ago talking about the shelter in the time of storm? Isaiah 31:2 says, "He will shelter Israel from the storm and wind. He will refresh her as a river in the desert and as the cooling shadow of a might rock within a hot and weary land." It is in running to this shelter that we find our strength.

There is a discipline to this. Most of the time when we fail, it's because we are living in the flesh. We are serving the flesh, or relaxing our thought process, or even feeling like we "deserve" the indulgence. That sets us up for bringing "That thing" back.

Galatians 5:1 says, "So Christ has made us free. Now make sure that you stay free and don't get all tied up again in the chains of slavery..." Yes, we are set free through the blood of Jesus, but we must discipline ourselves to not go there again. John Bevere says, "He brought us out of Egypt, but we have to be faithful to get Egypt out of us."

We must be intentional about rejoicing in and remaining in this freedom. Psalm 63:5-8 says, "At last I shall be fully satisfied; I will praise you with great joy. I lie awake at night thinking of you - of how much you have helped me - and how I rejoice through the night beneath the protecting shadow of your wings. I follow close behind you, protected by your strong right arm." Think about that discipline of thought. Think about that habit of worship. Many times we create room for "that thing" through laziness of thought, and lack of discipline in worship.

God will be faithful. He is constantly trying to direct us in his path. Isaiah 30:21 says, "And if you leave God's paths and go astray, you will hear a Voice behind you say, 'No, this is the way; walk here.' And you will destroy all your silver idols and gold images and cast them out like filthy things you hate to touch. 'Ugh!' you'll say to them. 'Be gone!'"

Get rid of the things that are holding you back from being who God has created you to be. Allow him to purify you. Keep your thoughts on him. Let him set you free. Be disciplined to stay free.




Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ

9.18.10 "The Plans We Make"

"The Plans We Make"

Isaiah 28:14-30:11
Galatians 3:23-4:31
Psalms 62:1-12
Proverbs 23:19-21

"Number 5 Alive!" If you're a product of the 80's you remember the line from Short Circuit. It's where a robot short circuits & develops a mind and personality of it's own. Many a movie have been made about man's creation coming to life. Frankenstein and many others. Most of the time, it's with disastrous results.

Isaiah 29:15 says, "Woe to those who try to hide their plans from God, who try to keep him in the dark concerning what they do! 'God can't see us,' they say to themselves. 'He doesn't know what is going on!'"

Doesn't that sound like the way many people live? Unfortunately, that's how some Christians live. We make moves to get close to God, but then we still make OUR plans. Want to know how God feels about this? Look how Isaiah describes it in verse 16: "How stupid can they be! Isn't he, the Potter, greater than you, the jars he makes? Will you say to him, 'He didn't make us'? Does a machine call its inventor dumb?"

How simple we are sometimes to think that we can make our own way without God being a part of the process. Why do we do that? Sometimes we feel God directing us to do something, and we agree on our terms. Ok, I'll obey, but first I'm going to do this, and get this, and buy this, or wait until this.... We have all these plans that we've made on our own, and we've not let the Lord be a part of the process.

Lisa and I have always had busy lives, but there was a time years ago when Lisa and I were working 4 jobs between us. We were having a good time, and things were going well, but everyone was saying, "You guys are crazy! How can you do this?" etc. Well one night we sat down and decided we were going to determine what direction we were going to take. We had lists of pros & cons, and were going to work it all out. Good plan, right? Actually, we became very frustrated in the process. What God spoke to us during that moment was, "Are you saying I can't give you the strength to do what I've called you to do?" Needless to say, we knew the answer: Do His plan, not ours. We had one more year of that unbelievable schedule, but we knew we were in God's hands, and in his plan, and a year later he gave us clear direction.

When it comes to finding direction from the Lord, often we like to talk to a bunch of people before waiting on God. Isaiah 30:1-2 addresses that. "Woe to my rebellious children, says the Lord; you ask advice from everyone but me, and decide to do what I don't want you to do. You yoke yourselves with unbelievers, thus piling up your sins. For without consulting me you have gone down to Egypt to find aid and have put your trust in Pharaoh for his protection."

WE know & love Jeremiah 29:11 - "for I know the plans I have for you..." We know that there is a plan and direction for our lives. Why then do we try to figure it out on our own? We need to rest in him, trust in him, rely on him, wait for him, and obey him. There's no other way to live in peace.

If you're sensing frustration in your life regarding direction, make sure you are not trying to make plans on your own. Make sure you are moving in a direction God has pointed you toward. "Hey, this looks like a good idea..." leads to trouble most of the time. Instead of saying, "I'm going to head out in this direction unless God tells me different...", maybe we should say like Jehosaphat, "We don't know what to do but our eyes are on you." (2 Chr. 20:12)

We need to live God-directed lives. Obedience is the focus of a Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship. To be obedient, we need to hear his voice. To hear his voice, we need to stop talking and planning, and wait on him.


Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ

9.17.10 "A Shelter in the Time of Storm"

"A Shelter in the Time of Storm"

Isaiah 25:1-28:13
Galatians 3:8-22
Psalm 61:1-8
Proverbs 23:17-18

Isaiah 25:4 "But to the poor, O Lord, you are a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, a shelter from merciless men"

Psalm 61:3-4 "For you are my refuge, a high tower where my enemies can never reach me. I shall live forever in your tabernacle; oh, to be safe beneath the shelter of your wings!"

Psalm 91:1 "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the almighty. I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'"

The title of today's DEVO is the name of one of my favorite hymns. The first verse and chorus are as follows:

The Lord's our Rock, in Him we hide,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
Secure whatever ill betide,
A shelter in the time of storm.

Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A weary land, a weary land,
Oh, Jesus is a Rock, in a weary land,
A Shelter in the time of Storm.


Shelter is one of man's basic needs. We are not animals that were created to lay in the yard during a snow storm. God created us with a need for shelter. I believe this physical need is a representation of our spiritual need. We need shelter. My daughter has a devotional that talks about being under the umbrella of your parents and of God. This is a God-ordained shelter.

Where does "shelter" fit into the DREAM? What principle does this need align with? I realized that God's shelter is a part of being "Empowered through Biblical Training". We find shelter and safety in the Word of God. It is the Rock in the weary land.

This might not be where you're at right now, but there may be someone in your circle of influence that needs to hear this from you. There are people all around us struggling through the storms of life. They can't find the Rock. I'm not just talking about those who don't know God. I'm talking about individuals who may have been Christians a long time.

A shelter does you no good if you do not come under it. In Annalese's devotional, it was talking about a parent walking with an umbrella during the rain, and the child stepped out from under it. The result? Well it's a simple concept. The child got wet. The safety was found in keeping in step with the parent.

As we walk with God through life, sometimes we are in a season of peace where the sun is shining, and all is well. We see God, know where he is, but we don't get into the Word, and don't realize we've wandered outside the safety of his principles and commands. I'm not talking about backsliding, I'm just talking about intimacy with Him & time in the word.

When a storm comes up, we find ourselves getting wet. At this point, many different things happen. You've seen it. The complaining. The feeling sorry for yourself. The anger at God.

Where is the shelter found? Under his wings. What are his wings? The covering of his Word and safety of His commands.

In today's reading from the One Year Bible, it seems like Isaiah, Galatians & Psalms are all talking about this. Even Proverbs applies. Proverbs 23:17-18 says, "Don't envy evil men but continue to reverence the Lord all the time, for surely you have a wonderful future ahead of you. There is hope for you yet!" What does it mean to reverence the Lord, but to be in the covering of His word.

Once we realize this, it's frustrating to watch people swimming around in circles in the storm when the Rock is so close. It's right there in the Word. Quit your whining and get to it!

Sometimes the purpose of the storm is to get the "kids" under the umbrella! Isaiah 27:8 says, "...he has punished Israel but a little, exiling her far from her own land as though blown away in a storm from the east. And why did God do it? It was to purge away her sins..." In other words, To bring her under the umbrella!

The principle of Empowered Through Biblical Training is Discipline. Many times we have separate definitions of discipline with punishment being one with a negative connotation. If we think of the definition of Discipline as "to bring into alignment", Punishment itself is not a negative thing, but just a part of the process to get us under the umbrella, under the shadow of His wings.

Galatians 3:11 says, "the man who finds life will find it through trusting God." Trust is a discipline. Sometimes trust isn't the first thought in our head. We have to be disciplined to review the greatness of God and remember all that he has done and will do. We must discipline ourselves to trust the promises of his word.

You may or may not be in a storm right now, but someone around you is. Go to the Rock. Go to the shelter. Show someone where safety is found. It's found in the Word 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

9.16.10 "The Goal of Christian Maturity"

"The Goal of Christian Maturity"

Isaiah 22:1 - 24:23
Galatians 2:17-3:7
Psalm 60:1-12
Proverbs 23:15-16

As we grow in the Balanced Christian Life, our objective is maturity. When you start out on any journey, it's a good idea to know where you are headed. So, what is your objective in maturity?

We'll start with a quiz. I'm going to give you two scriptures and you have to pick which of the two is our goal. Now, you might have to think about this!

Ok, Here's door number 1:

"I have been crucified with Christ: and I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And the real life I now have within this body is a result of my trusting in the son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20

Here's door number 2:
"Then have you gone completely crazy? For if trying to obey the Jewish laws never gave you spiritual life in the first place, why do you think that trying to obey them now will make you stronger Christians?" Galatians 3:3

Well, which one did you pick?

Here's the thing. Paul is talking to the Galatians this way because they started to get real legalistic about issues of the Jewish law, and were equating their Christian walk with these external actions. Basically, they had lost sight of what it's all about. Paul says in 3:1 "... you USED to see the meaning of Jesus Christ's death as clearly as though I had waved a placard before you with a picture on it of Christ dying on the cross." They had lost sight.

Glad that never happens to us, right? Well, here's how we get lured into that trap: We each have certain areas of conduct in which the Lord is leading us to change. As we draw closer to Christ, we sense his Spirit drawing us to "clean up!" Where we can easily get into trouble is when we start to place our cleaning list on other people. "God is dealing with me that this is wrong, so if anyone who is doing this is wrong..." We place our burdens on others. Another mistake is that we start to clean up our act, and we get so hung up in the cleaning process that we become prideful about what we no longer do.

The reality is that becoming "crucified with Christ" is what our goal must be. When one begins to live this way, it naturally reflects in that individual's conduct. There are certain things that individual will not do. However, changing your conduct will not automatically make you crucified with Christ. Don't get me wrong, we do need to be set apart from the filth of the world, but it doesn't end with being set apart. We must set ourselves apart for the purpose of experiencing his presence.

This may be hard to follow, but I'll keep plowing away. Let me use this example. There is a lot of junk on TV. When you develop maturity in Christ, there are things you will not watch. Your character and Christ in you will not allow you to do it. it just doesn't feel right. However, just because you stop watching things that are inappropriate does not make you mature in Christ. Proper conduct is the FRUIT of the Spirit purifying us.

Paul says in 3:2 "Let me ask you this one question: did you receive the Holy Spirit by trying to keep the Jewish laws? Of course not, for the Holy spirit came upon you only after you heard about Christ and trusted him to save you."

The life of holiness is a result of drawing close to Christ. Trying to be pious does not make you closer to Christ. Too often our human nature wants to take the path of "fixing things" before drawing close to Christ. We forget that drawing close to Christ "fixes things."

This is a tough message to properly communicate so I hope it makes sense. I'll use another example: I remember one big mistake I made when I was in high school. I was witnessing to a friend who was feeling the conviction of the Holy Spirit very strongly. He was smoking as we were walking down the street. It got to the point where he was ready to say the sinner's prayer. He finally said, "ok, I'm ready to do it." I told him, "alright, but first put that out." It took some convincing, but he did, and we prayed. The unfortunate and unintended picture he had in his mind was that if he smoked, he wasn't Good enough for Christ. Consequently, he really struggled as an early Christian because he had such difficulty with the smoking issue. He felt he couldn't "measure up".

What I didn't understand fully at that stage in my life is that my only job was to lead him to Christ. I needed to let the Lord take care of the rest. We all need to remember that we catch the fish, and HE cleans them. We don't need to get cleaned up BEFORE taking the bath!

When dealing with others, we don't realize that God's cleaning list may very well be in a different order than ours. What we want God to take out of another person's life may not be the next item on God's agenda. In fact, when we spend to much time worrying about what God's agenda is for someone else, it can too easily distract us from the next thing he wants to take out of our own life.

Draw close to Christ, and everything else will take care of itself. That should be the goal of your maturity. To be crucified with Christ, so that it's not you living, but him living in you!

Even as we work at living the DREAM, we must remember that it's through the power of the Spirit, not our own strength that we grow 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

9.15.10 "But as for Me..."

"But as for Me..."

Isaiah 19:1-21:17
Galatians 2:1-16
Psalm 59:1-17
Proverbs 23:13-14

Psalm 59:16 "But as for me, I will sing each morning about your power and mercy."

Notice the power in this little phrase: But as for me... The context of this Psalm is found by looking at the verses prior: "Let these evil men slink back at evening, and prowl the city all night before they are satisfied, howling like dogs and searching for food." (vs. 14-15) That's followed up with "But as for me..."

There are a lot of reasons out there to do the wrong thing. You may have been mistreated. "my dad beat me so therefore I..." You may indulge in sinful activity because you feel you've earned the "indulgence". "Hey, I've been working hard lately, I deserve this." "I gotta do this for me." It could be something else. "I've been up too late, so there's no way I'm getting up early to read the Word." "You know, we've been out too much let's not go to church." "I would get into worship, but they don't do my favorite songs."

I don't know if the recurring theme is obvious, but all of those statements are made from a "victim mentality". Each one of them represent an underlying thought process that an individual can't do the right thing because of external circumstances. Using a word a pastor friend of mine would say: "HOOEY!" Enough with the whining!

If you can picture the Iwo Jima memorial. It's time that every member of the army of God "takes the hill" of free will and says, "It doesn't make a difference what is happening around me. I will take this territory!" Most of the time the territory we need to take is within us. It's today's verse. "I will sing each morning about your power and mercy."

As I'm writing this I'm sitting at my kitchen table and it is pitch black out right now. In a little while the sun will come over the trees in the horizon. There will be "light" before the sun shows up, but when it comes into view, it will "take the territory". It will be bright! What a huge opportunity to "sing about your power and mercy."

We can come up with pages of reasons on why we think we can't worship. It's all deception. There's a reason it's called a "DYNAMIC Lifestyle of Worship". The word Dynamic implies change and growth. It means that in EVERY circumstance of life you can say, "But as for me..."

I did a quick online Bible search of that phrase, "But as for me..." Depending on the version you use, it shows up numerous times. One of the most familiar occurrences is in Joshua 24:15: "Choose ye this day whom you will serve, BUT AS FOR ME and my house, we will serve the Lord."

It's time we took a little responsibility for our choices. We can justify compromise, laziness, lack of discipline, lack of productivity, etc. all we we want. We can even occasionally feel good about ourselves when we're done, but it's all junk. It's not based on Godly principles. You don't have your DLOW! (Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship)

CHOOSE to worship the Lord each morning, no matter the circumstance. CHOOSE to do the right thing when everything around you is setting you up for compromise and failure. Paul says in 1 Cor. 10:23, "'Everything is permissible' - but not everything is beneficial. 'Everything is permissible' - but not everything is constructive." Basically, he's saying, "Just because you CAN doesn't mean you SHOULD."

For every one of us, God has laid something on our heart that we need to be doing. It may be getting up to read the Word, it may be a certain action. The circumstances around us may be lined up for us to easily continue on the way things have always been, and never leave the rut. The Lord is waiting for someone to say like the Psalmist did, "But as for me..."



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ

9.14.10 "The Season of Preparation"

"The Season of Preparation"

Isaiah 15:1-18:7
Galatians 1:1-24
Psalm 58:1-11
Proverbs 23:12

God has big plans for your life! Each of us has varying levels of understanding of that statement. We're all aware of Jer. 29:11, and know that God wants to do a great work in us and through us. So, now what?

There have been times of my life where I've been waiting for God's plans to "happen" to me. I get a big dream or vision, and then sit around and wait for it to occur. I wouldn't really recommend that as a course of action. At least not if you want to see the dream come about. Rarely, if ever, does God complete his work in us as we sit around and wait. One of my wife's middle school teachers always told her: "Nothing of value is ever obtained in an atmosphere of comfort." In other words, "No DREAM is free!"

In this opening chapter of Paul's letter to the churches of Galatia, Paul addresses the purity of the message of Jesus Christ. He's recounting to them that the plan of salvation is, and needs to remain unaltered. It is through Jesus Christ alone.

In verse 13-14, Paul is talking about his old life & how he tried so hard to be religious and was persecuting Christians. In verse 15 he says, "But then something happened! For even before I was born God had chosen me to be his, and called, me - what kindness and grace - to reveal his Son within me so that I could go to the Gentiles and show them the Good News about Jesus." You know the story - Damascus, light, etc.

You can remember from reading in Acts what happened next. He got hooked up with Ananias, etc. We probably think that after such a dramatic conversion, Paul was thrust right into his dream - This "calling" that was ordained from before he was born. Not so.

"When all this happened to me I didn't go at once and talk it over with anyone else; I didn't go up to Jerusalem to consult with those who were apostles before I was. No, I went away into the deserts of Arabia, and then came back to the city of Damascus. It was not until three years later that I finally went to Jerusalem for a visit with Peter, and stayed there with him for fifteen days." (Gal 1:16-18) In verse 22 he says, "And still the Christians in Judea didn't even know what I looked like."

When God moves on our hearts, and gives us a glimpse of His plan, we wanna get moving! We want to jump into victory and change the world. Right now. Why not? It's from God, right? Let's go! What are we waiting for?

It's easy to forget that God needs to bring us through a season of preparation. This is a season of becoming Empowered Through Biblical Training. It may involve a desert or wilderness, but it's not without purpose. It is a necessary part of the refining process. We need to understand that this is not a "holding pattern". It is a "proving ground". During these seasons of preparation, we need to be picking fruit that is necessary for the journey God has laid out for us. God needs to complete is work in you before he can complete his work through you.

When we built our house we had some major challenges. One of them was a grading problem between our neighbors driveway and our house. The slope was so intense, we were at risk of their driveway washing into our house. We had to build a huge retaining wall. It felt so good to place the last of the Four Hundred Six 75lb blocks! We were THRILLED to be done with this. It took us over 2 months to do this wall. What takes most of the time is the preparation work. It takes forever to lay down the foundation for the first course of block. We backfilled with 125 tons of stone laid down 8 inches at a time then packed down. An incredibly long process. Why? Why does the preparation take longer? My neighbors put a little 3 foot lanon stone wall in and it only took 2 days. Why the difference? It's because of the function it is to serve. Their wall isn't holding back much dirt. Mine is keeping my neighbor's driveway from washing into my house. We want it to last. We want to make sure to do it right. Because of it's purpose, it must take much longer in preparation.

Sometimes the season of preparation you are in is taking longer because of the great purpose God has created you for. He is laying a foundation that needs to be firmly established so that you wont be washed away in the storms to come. We need to understand the importance of this. During what we call "holding patterns", we too often relax, and lose our intensity for the preparation process. We don't understand that this is our chance for being Empowered Through Biblical Training and we MUST make the most of this opportunity. If we don't give it that focus, then we risk never seeing God's purpose accomplished in us or through us.

I'm not sure where you're at right now, but I do know that the discipline of getting into the Word needs to be one of your highest priorities. You may be in the "deserts of Arabia", but understand that you can't just sit on a sand dune and feel sorry for yourself cuz your dream hasn't "happened" to you. You need to prepare for what is to come, because it is coming! And you will be able to say like Paul does in Gal 1:24 "And they gave glory to God because of me."



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ

9.13.10 "Who's Discipling You?"

"Who's Discipling You?"

Isaiah 12:1-14:32
2 Corinthians 13:1-14
Psalm 57:1-11
Proverbs 23:9-11

Are you a disciple of Christ? What is a disciple? The dictionary says a follower of Jesus, or a student of a leader. We're commanded in Matthew 28:19 to "Go and make disciples..." Jesus had a lot of people around him, but not all of them were considered disciples. Why is that? The disciples were the ones who experienced changes in their behavior, redirection in their lives, and committed themselves to the path.

So "Who's discipling you?" I've asked that question to quite a few people. Some are new in the faith, others have been serving the Lord for years. The reactions to that question are pretty interesting. In fact, there have only been a few times when someone has been able to answer. What does that indicate?

If we are to "go into all the world and make disciples...", that should mean there are many disciples around everywhere right? To some extent, it could be argued that there are, based on our definition. What is a disciple? A follower? a learner? Most Christians would qualify for that definition. So if they're all disciples, who's discipling them?

I'm kind of taking a long way around a point I'm trying to make. There seems to be the feeling that the longer you've been a Christian, the less you need to be discipled. We get the feeling that our growth is just between us and God. This could not be further from the truth.

Empowered through Biblical Training is the element of DREAM that represents discipleship. There are many facets to this, including group bible study, church attendance, personal discipline in the word, but we forget the necessity of personal mentorship that comes through a close discipling relationship.

In today's reading, Paul makes a tough statement: "Check up on yourselves. Are you really Christians? Do you pass the test? Do you feel Christ's presence and power more and more within you? Or are you just pretending to be Christians when actually you aren't at all?" (2 Cor. 13:5) That's a pretty strong, but it shows something. There needs to be an expectation to feel Christ's presence "more and more". There is a progression, a growth that is necessary to the Christian life.

Paul says at the end of verse 9 " Our greatest wish and prayer is that you will become mature Christians." This is the objective for all of us. How do we become mature? Of course it comes through getting into the word in greater ways, but a major element is being a part of an "iron sharpens iron" discipling relationship.

The root of discipleship is discipline which means "to bring into alignment." We need people we trust to help us stay the course, not grow weary, and to challenge our actions and decisions. This is a vital part of helping us become mature.

Another question to ask is "who are you discipling?" Your friends are not there to make you feel good. Remember, "it's not about you!" We need to be looking at every relationship as a discipling opportunity. A chance to help another come into alignment with the Word of God. It's interesting that we'd be more inclined to stop a friend from buying the wrong car than we would to help them out spiritually. We'll help them with a home improvement project, but we wont ask if they're getting in the Word each day.

We can't Live the DREAM without this. I need it, you need it, your world needs it.

2 Cor. 13:11 "I close my letter with these last words: Be happy. Grow in Christ. Pay attention to what I have said. Live in harmony and peace. And may the God of love and peace be with 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

9.12.10 "Tool Time!"

"Tool Time!"

Isaiah 10:1-11:16
2 Corinthians 12:11-21
Psalm 56:1-13
Proverbs 23:6-8

Comedian Tim Allen made millions off his TV show and his power tools. There wasn't any job that couldn't use a "Binford 3000" for something. He would usually end up with over-kill and destroy the job or some sort of comedic damage. I'm not that handy with tools, but I've tackled some pretty big projects.

Isaiah 10:15 "But the Lord says, 'Shall the axe boast greater power than the man who uses it? Is the saw greater than the man who saws? Can a rod strike unless a hand is moving it? Can a cane walk by itself?'"

I don't have very many "cool" tools. I have a nice 4 foot level that I like. I got quite a bit of use from my cordless drill while placing deck boards on my deck project. The compound miter saw came in pretty handy when it came to cutting the angles. Now that my major projects are pretty much done, the tools will go back to their usual task of collecting dust.

Imagine my surprise to walk through my garage and hear my cordless drill bragging to my skil saw, "You see that deck I built? I was pretty amazing."

Sound's a little silly doesn't it? What do you think God feels when he hears us doing the same thing? "Did you see what I did? Man, I was something!" The reality is that we're not the Craftsman, we're His utinsils. Don't misunderstand that. We're not "pawns", but we are instruments of God's purpose.

Tools can be very frustrating. My pet peeve is a shopping cart with one wheel that wont turn. It's always wanting to go it's own direction. That's irritating. What a worthless piece of junk! Of course, I didn't create it, and I have no love for it, so I know that's not how God feels when we go our own direction. He wont call us a "worthless piece of junk", but I'm sure there are many times he has to look around for another available tool.

What if I was going to dig a hole to plant a bush, but my shovel was afraid and feeling "insecure"? I would have to use a different one... maybe the rake. It may take much longer, and wasn't part of my original plan. I could have accomplished so much more if the shovel were available when I needed it.

I'm trying to get my tools to live the DREAM. Alright, they're not much for worship, etc. But I really want them to be available so that when I need them in Active Ministry Involvement, and to accomplish their Mission, I can complete my work through them. It's tough, because those tools can get such attitudes!

It's not our job to take credit for what God is doing. We only have to be available.


Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ

9.11.10 "Your Weakness is your Greatest Strength"

"Your Weakness is your Greatest Strength"

Isaiah 8:1-9:21
2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Psalm 55:1-23
Proverbs 23:4-5

God's ways are not our ways. The way He thinks goes against what comes natural for us. Across the walls of the weight room in my high school were the words "Bigger! Faster! Stronger!" This is the focus in athletics. I think that we've got it in our heads that's what God is looking for. That's not true.

God is looking for people who will make themselves available the way they are. What paralyzes us from diving in to radical obedience? Usually it's some form of concern about an area of insecurity. Usually the phrase "I'm not good enough" shows up somewhere in the thought process. We need to aggressively recognize that as a thought that is not of God. It is a prideful thought. "What?? pride?? How can insecurity be pride?" Well, think about it: If you're not "good enough" to accomplish something for God, what does it mean when you do accomplish something? It must mean that you're "good enough", That there's something about you that made this great thing happen. That's how pride and insecurity are so closely linked.

We need to stop being so limited by weakness, and embrace the fact that God desires to use us in our weakness to make His name great. In 2 Corinthians 12:5, Paul says, "I am going to boast only about how weak I am and how great God is to use such weakness for his glory."

What credit is it to God when you are able to do something in your own strength? His plan for your life is filled with supernatural promise. The only thing missing is for you to get out of the way and let Him do his thing.

So what about this weakness? Paul referred to a 'thorn' in the flesh. A sickness as his weakness. He asked God repeatedly to take it away.

2 Cor. 12:9-10 "Each time he said, 'No. But I am with you; that is all you need. My power shows up best in weak people.' Now I am glad to boast about how weak I am; I am glad to be a living demonstration of Christ's power, instead of showing off my own power and abilities. Since I know it is all for "Christ's good, I am quite happy about 'the thorn,' and about insults and hardships, and persecutions and difficulties; for when I am weak, then I am strong - the less I have, the more I depend on him."

We're filled with such fear that others will see our weaknesses... that we will be vulnerable and exposed. We're held captive by this fear. Our reading today from Isaiah 8:13 says, "Don't fear anything except the Lord of the armies of heaven! If you fear him, you need fear nothing else." Imagine the freedom of not worrying about what others think of us. Imagine the freedom of stepping out in faith toward the plans the Lord has laid out.

We get so worried about image. "What will people think?" is such a paralyzing force in the life of the modern day believer. The only thing we should be worried about is carrying out God's orders.

Paul makes an interesting statement in verse 6. "I have plenty to boast about and would be no fool in doing it, but I don't want anyone to think more highly of me than he should from what he can actually see from my life and my message." People often get in the trap of "spinning" their image. They talk about the "glory years" what they could do back then or how they could throw a steak and hit Napoleon on his bike... (inside joke for some) But it's not what we say we "could" do. It's what we do that tells the story.

The spiritual principle of Active Ministry Involvement is Responsibility. We need to fear God, because we have a responsibility to offer him all we have, including our weakness. In failing to do this, we are not being good stewards of the resources He's given us. We are not fulfilling our Responsibility.

The sign on the weight room of our heart needs to say, "Available! Ready! Obedient!" Don't limit yourself from your potential of what God has. In doing so, you're missing the point. It's in your weakness you are made strong. We need to be dependent on him. That can only come if we don't have much to depend on in our flesh.




Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ

9.10.10 "Experiencing the Presence of God"

"Experiencing the Presence of God"

Isaiah 6:1-7:25
2 Corinthians 11:16-33
Psalm 54:1-7
Proverbs 23:1-3

"In the year King Uzziah died I saw the Lord!....the Temple was filled with his glory... In a great antiphonal chorus they sang, 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is filled with his glory.' Such singing it was! It shook the Temple to it's foundations, and suddenly the entire sanctuary was filled with smoke." (Is. 6:1-4)

Experiencing the presence of God. When's the last time you REALLY sensed the presence of God? What was it like? Do you realize that God is omnipresent? that means he's everywhere all the time. The difference is, we don't always see him. Our eyes are not opened to HIs presence. Wherever you are right now, God is there. Depending on the circumstances of life, our eyes become clouded to that fact, and we don't see his glory.

We gather regularly for corporate worship, and we celebrate what he's done in our lives, but too many times, we are routine about the process, and don't focus in on the presence of God. He desires to reveal himself to us, but our cares and encumbrances are clouding us from what's really important. We miss the point.

At the risk of sounding cynical, too many times it's like this:

"I saw the Lord! He was sitting on a lofty throne... actually I wish they hadn't built it so high... it's a little uncomfortable to look at from where I'm sitting... Hovering about him were angels.... I'm not sure choreography is appropriate here.... they sang, 'Holy, Holy, Holy'... I really think they should have picked a different song, we sing that one too much... Such singing it was! It shook the Temple to its foundations.... This music is way too loud! Somebody's going to hear about this!... and the entire sanctuary was filled with smoke... this stuff makes me cough, it's totally inappropriate at this time!"

The point is lost. Too often we come into his presence to "get" something out of it, not to worship him in the splendor of his glory.

Do you wanna know what the response to seeing God is? "Then I said, 'My doom is sealed, for I am a foul-mouthed sinner, a member of a sinful, foul-mouthed race'". (Is 6:5) Looking at God in His majesty reduces us of ours. We gain a proper perspective of who we are and what we deserve. Coming into the light of his presence causes the stain of our sin to become apparent. Maybe that's why we pull back from his presence. We don't want to go there. But how else can he cleanse us? "He touched my lips with it and said, 'Now you are pronounced "Not guilty" ... Your sins are all forgiven.'" (Is 6:7) We need to experience his presence to be purified in him.

That's not all. In the presence of God, our eyes become open to the needs of those around us. "Then I heard the Lord asking, 'Whom shall I send as a messenger to my people? Who will go?' And I said, 'Lord, I'll go! Send ME.'" (Is 6:8)

We are people who are always looking for direction. "What should I do with my life?" "What career should I have?" "I have no direction..." Those questions are all around us. People looking for purpose. For guidance. When the priority of the Presence of God is in place, the proper progression exists for God to speak. We must see his glory, respond accordingly, be purified, and respond to his call. For some reason we think that as we mature in Christ, we can bypass these steps. It ain't so!

The Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship is all about opening our eyes to the presence of God, being purified, and obeying his direction. We need this formula to live the DREAM. We need it to live a fulfilled life.

Whether you're in personal devotional time, or corporate worship, close your eyes to the distractions around (angels, etc) and look for God. He desires to reveal His presence to you more than you know. What you "get" out of worship will be life changing!



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ

9.9.10 "Truth or Fiction?"

"Truth or Fiction?"

Isaiah 3:1-5:30
2 Corinthians 11:1-15
Psalm 53:1-6
Proverbs 22:28-29

"No payment until 2010". "One low monthly payment". It all sounds so good. I'm sure these people are out for our best interest right? (actually INTEREST is right!) How do you know when something is a good deal or not?

Information is everywhere. Knowledge at our fingertips, "gurus" at every corner. When is something wrong? when is it right? It SOUNDS good...

Paul says in 2 Corinthians 11:3-4, "But I am frightened, fearing that in some way you will be led away from your pure and simple devotion to our Lord, just as Eve was deceived by Satan in the Garden of Eden. You seem so gullible; you believe whatever anyone tells you even if he is preaching about another Jesus than the one we preach, or a different spirit than the Holy Spirit you received, or shows you a different way to be saved. You swallow it all."

As we walk in the Christian life & grow in maturity, we will be faced with information, challenges, principles and circumstances that are a bit gray to us. The answer isn't so obvious. We'll hear one side of the story and say, "you're right." then we'll hear the other side..."oh... you're right..." We begin to go through life in a "reactionary" state. It's like Paul says in Ephesians 4. We're like infants tossed back and forth by every wind of doctrine.

You're thinking, "What? I'm not going to sway in my doctrine!" You have to realize that false doctrine is not obvious. It's not in aisle 11 at Pick n Save. False doctrine many times is built on someone responding incorrectly to circumstance, and building a belief system on that. Look at the many ways people have justified divorce. It's not biblical. This happens in small ways. Look at law suits. People are waiting for a chance to sue someone. Is it biblical? How does it start? It starts when people rise up, "I have rights!!" Well, that's a good thing right? well... that often switches to "I deserve..." and that becomes the root of selfishness, and before you know it... you're a slave to false doctrine.

So how do you know?

It's all around us. Isaiah 5:20 says, "They say that what is right is wrong, and what is wrong is right; that black is white and white is black; bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter." Who do you believe, and what do you stand for?

The only way to know is to know the Word of God. Being "Empowered through Biblical Training" must be a priority in the life of every believer. Lack of bible study will stunt growth no matter what. There's no way around it. When you study scripture, The character and nature of God is revealed, and you are more equipped to respond to situations and circumstances based on the principles of the word and not on emotion or what the latest talk show host convinced us of.

It's too easy to know "about" God. We must KNOW him. That's what this is all about. When you know God, you know what does not line up with His nature. The false doctrine exposes itself in the light of knowing who God is.

We find God's nature in His word. It is so important that the word is where our belief system comes from. We need it to mature in Christ. Be Empowered Through Biblical Training 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

9.8.10 "What's up with your slag?"

"What's up with your slag?"

Isaiah 1:1-2:22
2 Corinthians 10:1-18
Psalm 52:1-9
Proverbs 22:26-27

Isaiah 1:25 "I myself will melt you in a smelting pot, and skim off your slag."

2 Corinthians 10:13 "... our goal is to measure up to God's plan for us..." (TLB)

Paul pretty much says it all in that phrase. That's what this is all about. This is why we want to Live the DREAM. We want to measure up to God's plan for us.

What holds us back?

Of course, we have human nature which is sinful and selfish. That's a big part of it. In fact that's probably the entirety of what's holding us back. But the bigger problem is we don't REALLY understand that doesn't need to hold us back. We have this mental image or this mindset that it's our own efforts that make us measure up to God's plan. We can mistakenly think it's our works that make us "be who he's created us to be." Do you see what's wrong with that mindset?

What we need to get into our minds is the fact that what we need to do is allow God to do His work in our life. There is nothing I can do to earn His love. There's nothing I can do to fix my problems, or cleanse my sin. In fact, when I try to do that, I make things worse. In essence, I'm attempting to become my own savior, and He is no longer Lord of my life. We become like the people of Jerusalem in Isaiah 1:4 "They have cut themselves off from my help."

I don't think we fully understand what God's plan for us is. I'm not talking about a vocation, but about His plan for our relationship with Him. I don't think we can fathom how much he really desires us to allow him to fully cleanse us. If we did, we wouldn't stop him from doing it. There may be times we think there's no way God can forgive, or for some reason we feel we must do something to earn this.

I was about to pray with an elderly couple who wanted to accept Christ. We were just about to pray, when the husband said, "wait a minute. This doesn't feel right. I need to do something to earn this. I don't deserve this." He was a little shocked when I said, "You're right! That's the point. None of us do!" We don't deserve it, but we remove ourselves from the cleansing process when we try to clean ourselves up. What a precious thing it was as that man accepted the cleansing forgiveness of Christ.

Isaiah 1:18-19 says "Come, let's talk this over! says the Lord; no matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can take it out and make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you white as wool! If you will only let me help you, if you will only obey, then I will make you rich!" Remember, this was written before laundry detergent. It is a BIG miracle of how God can cleanse us.

Maybe what holds us back from allowing him to complete HIs plan in our life is the discomfort that sometimes occurs in the process. In Isaiah 1:25, He says, "I myself will melt you in a smelting pot, and skim off your slag." I don't know if you've gone through a "slag skimming" in your walk with the Lord, but it can be somewhat uncomfortable at the time. The only way to get this to happen is to turn the temperature up. But what an awesome feeling to be pure when you get through it. Don't be surprised when nasty stuff comes to the surface. That's the purification process. You'll be in a situation when the temper comes to the surface. Don't let it go unchecked. Surrender your will to the Lord and let him fight your battles. (If you don't, you'll get another chance to repeat the test... unfortunately!)

To grow in our Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship, we must grow in maturity by allowing God to work a deeper cleansing in us. The best place to be on the potter's wheel is in the center! when we scoot out to the edge, we feel like we're going to fly off! Be in the center of His plan today. Take a moment to say, "Lord Jesus, here I am. Have your way in me. Skim off my slag!" He'll be faithful. It will be worth it!

Don't be satisfied with living a "slaggy" life. Let it go!




Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ