8.31.11 "How Great is Your God?"

"How Great is Your God?"

Job 37:1-39:30
2 Corinthians 4:13-5:11
Psalm 44:8-26
Proverbs 22:13

Have you ever seen a cartoon where someone's getting yelled at, and they shrink down to a miniature person? I think I saw that when Mr. Slate was chewing out Fred Flintstone. Have you ever been in that situation where you've felt that way? The summer before we moved here I worked construction. It was hard work! My first day of work I ate my lunch before 9:00! I didn't quite get the whole construction thing, so I had to be taught everything. The second day of work I was told to go around an pull all the nails out of the forms of the footings for a house. There was one nail that was sticking out of the cement in a weird place. Oh well, I was told all of the nails... Well I soon learned that there's one nail that is used to sight up the whole house to make sure everything's square. They had to send the whole crew home while they re-measured the whole site. It was one of those lessons I learned as I was shrinking!

That's nothing in comparison to the questions God asks Job. Job & his three buddies have been pontificating on their opinions of why Job is going through all this trouble. The Lord answers Job in a whirlwind: "Now get ready to fight, for I am going to demand some answers from you, and you must reply." (Job 38:3) ... GULP!.... That would make me a little nervous! (even more than hearing from across the job site, "WHO PULLED OUT THIS NAIL?!?"

God's questions aren't the easiest to answer. "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much. Do you know how its dimensions were determined, and who did the surveying? What supports its foundations, and who laid its cornerstone, as the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?" (38:4-7) I picture that it's one of those situations where Job probably didn't even open his mouth to answer. I imagine if he even said, "well I..." the legacy of Job would be just a little grease spot on the ground.

The questions the Lord asks are more rhetorical than anything, but I would STRONGLY encourage you to read these two chapters. The Lord asks everything from the source of light to who gives intuition and instinct, to watching the birth of mountain goats, and the nesting of eagles.

When you really consider how great our God is, not only do we become small, our troubles do, too. One of the reasons we worship is to give God his proper place of Lordship in our life. With him on the throne, everything else seems to take care of itself. This is why scripture tells us to rejoice through suffering. It causes us to get through.

Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, "That is why we never give up. though our bodies are dying, our inner strength in the Lord is growing every day. These troubles and sufferings of ours are, after all, quite small and won't last very long. Yet this short time of distress will result in God's richest blessing upon us forever and ever! So we do not look at what we can see right now, the troubles all around us, but we look forward to the joys in heaven which we have not yet seen. The troubles will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever."

If you don't need to hear this today, someone near you does! This is reality! Our God is awesome! There are incredible things in store for those who trust in Him! Do you realize what keeping this perspective can do for you and those around you? We can actually look at every trouble that comes our way and give it a little smile and say, "Bring it on!" Next to our God EVERY trial is NOTHING! It's time to whoop it up! Get your D-LOW on! (Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship)

You tell me: How big is your trouble? How big is your God? Do the math!


Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

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

8.30.11 "Get Over Yourself"

"Get Over Yourself"

Job 34:1-36:33
2 Corinthians 4:1-12
Psalm 44:1-7
Proverbs 22:10-12

Think of that "impossible" thing God has put on your heart. Why haven't you moved ahead? It's probably some of the same reasons many of us are held back: "I'm not good enough", "There's no way I could do that", "The resources aren't there to accomplish this".... the list can go on.

What is it that keeps us from moving ahead in bold obedience? What keeps us from experiencing supernatural victories on a regular basis? I think that many times it's because we don't live in true acknowledgment of where the victory comes from. Of course, we know it as a Sunday School answer: our help comes from the Lord, etc..., but knowing it in our heads and putting it into everyday life can be two different things.

Our responses of our lack of ability, resources and the like reveal something about our belief process. If we respond this way, we must believe deep down that victory comes from us. We must think that what God wants to accomplish is because of our skill, value, etc. (Time to take the daily, "It's not about you." pill) If we truly believed in the truth of where victory was, we would be more faithful in stepping out in faith and obedience.

Psalm 44:1 says, "O God, we have heard of the glorious miracles you did in the days of long ago." Have you been there? Have you heard awesome testimonies, or seen what God has done or is doing and wanted so bad to be a part of that?

verse 3 says of the forefathers, "They did not conquer by their own strength and skill, but by your mighty power and because you smiled upon them and favored them." verse 5: "For it is only by your power and through your name that we tread down our enemies;" We need to remind ourselves of this consistently. We need the power of God. We need to understand and walk in His presence. that is the only source of strength and victory. Yes, it's a Sunday School answer, but why don't we walk in this in reality?

We need to daily acknowledge Psalm 44:6 "I do not trust my weapons. They could never save me." We need to live lives of desperate dependence. If we were to rest only on His strength, we would be quick to respond to his leading and experience victory as never before.

The presence of God is a valuable commodity. 2 Corinthians 4:7 says, "But his precious treasure - this light and power that now shine within us - is held in a perishable container, that is, in our weak bodies. Everyone can see that the glorious power within must be from God and is not our own."

Yes, "i'm not good enough." That's the point. The point is that the Almighty God, Creator of the universe, wants to complete his plan and his purpose in someone as simple and as frail as me. He's just waiting for me to "get over myself" and the insecurities, and move in His power and not my own.

Spend the day trusting in his power to save you. Rest in his strength. See what waters part. See what walls fall down. See what enemies scatter.



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

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

8.29.11 "What's that on Your Face?"

"What's that on Your Face?"

Job 31:1-33:33
2 Corinthians 3:1-18
Psalm 43:1-5
Proverbs 22:8-9

2 Corinthians 3:18 "But we Christians have no veil over our faces; we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him."

Have you ever noticed that as people grow up, they look more and more like their parents? It's really an inevitable process. It's in our DNA.

As we mature in Christ, our spiritual DNA must cause us to look more and more like the image of Christ. This is a process to which we must commit. Philippians 1:6 says, "he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." We want God to complete His work in us, but we need to remind ourselves that it's so OTHERS can see his glory!

Paul is talking in 2 Corinthians 3 about the glory in the new covenant of salvation. verse 12 says, "Since we know that this new glory will never go away, we can preach with great boldness". We forget sometimes that the salvation we have needs to be reflected in our face. Sometimes Christians walk around like they've been sucking on lemons, and then they complain that people don't want to be like them.

When we were new to the neighborhood, we met a family down the street who used to live right next door to a family from our church. As we struck up a conversation, I mentioned his former neighbors. He stopped what he was doing and said, "Just mentioning them brings a smile to my face! They are truly the salt of the earth. They are the kind of people that people are supposed to be." I couldn't have been more proud of my brother & sister in Christ! Their testimony paved the way for this man & I to be friends. Imagine the different response he would have toward me if these Christian neighbors had spent their lives complaining, arguing, and NOT representing Christ.

There is such a power when we let our lives reflect the glory of Christ. Don't forget the last part of the scripture: "... as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him." If you're not allowing the Spirit to work in your life, the reflection shown on your face will not be a pretty one. If you're restraining his work there is no freedom. Verse 17 says, "the Lord is the Spirit who gives them life, and where he is there is freedom." When you allow God to move in you, your face shows freedom.

The world is in bondage, and they are starving for freedom. We need to stop veiling it behind selfishness, complaining, and the overall victim mentality. (victim mentality comes from Christians cowering away from sinners) We need to let the Spirit have freedom within us so his glory shines around us!

This is all necessary to fulfill our Mission to Reach our World for Christ. You can't Live the DREAM without this. Let your face reflect his glory today. There's someone in your world desperate to see it!


Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

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

8.28.11 "This Road You're On"

"This Road You're On"

Job 28:1-30:31
2 Corinthians 2:12-17
Psalm 42:1-11
Proverbs 22:7

Yeah, I'm kind of a geek when it comes to tech gadgets. I'm one of the many who "have" to have a GPS for the car. I know it's not a "need", but it's been interesting... I know now how far I am away from the places I drive every day. (Work - 2.1 miles, DiCarlo's Pizza - 1.9 miles...) it's pretty important stuff. When looking for a place I haven't been before, I just plug in the destination. It figures the shortest route, and sets you on your way. ("right turn in 400 yards") I picked the voice with the British accent: "Please take the motorway".

It's a good thing that toy doesn't have a personality. It would say things like, "Where do you think you're going? I said, "RIGHT TURN IN 400 YARDS!!! NOW YOU GOTTA TURN AROUND!!!) No, if you get off course, it just reconfigures the route to bring you home.

When you get to where you're headed, it says, "You have Reached your destination". Andy Stanley said, "The Spiritual journey is the only place where people pray that their destination is different than the path they've chosen." People live their life in one direction, and then pray that they end up somewhere else. He said, "Direction, not intention determines destination."

A few years ago I wrote a "poem" when the Lord was pressing heavy on me about the roads we take. Several of the scriptures from today's reading set up the context.


Psalm 42:1 "As the deer pants for water, so I long for you, O God."
2 Corinthians 2:14 "wherever we go he uses us to tell others about the Lord and to spread the Gospel like a sweet perfume."
2 Corinthians 2:13 "But Titus, my dear brother, wasn't there to meet me and I couldn't rest, wondering where he was and what had happened to him. so I said good-bye and went right on to Macedonia to try to find him."
Job 29:2 "Oh, for the years gone by..."
Job 29:7 "Those were the days..."
Job 28:9-12 "Men know how to tear apart flinty rocks and how to overturn the roots of mountains. They drill tunnels in the rocks and lay bare precious stones. They dam up streams of water and pan the gold. But though men can do all these things, they don't know where to find wisdom and understanding."
2 Corinthians 2:9 "I wrote to you as I did so that I could find out how far you would go in obeying me."

Each of these scriptures are excerpts from today's Bible reading. They are at first glance unrelated, but I want to tie them in to what I feel the Lord wants to say.

The Road

My question, dear friend, is of this road you're on.
As I watch you travel and see you toil,
my heart asks of yours what brought you here.
Has this path been laid before you or is it one you've forged?
Were you guided, driven, lured, drawn or seduced down the path
of This Road You're On

When this Journey began and you were Called
the fire in your eye could not be quenched.
You're passion was known to all around.
Your hunger to know the One who called
Caused your course to not be changed.
Like a deer for water your feet were sure
Your Mission was set. There was no question
of This Road You're On.

Now where are you, my friend, I cannot rest.
It's not to judge that I question you.
For I can dig for diamonds, and pan for gold,
but no work of mine can know your heart.
I only know of the One who called and his plan for you.
I pray His path
is This Road You're on.

Will you take the time to take a pause,
to check the course and mark your path?
What's in your heart as you look back?
Does the song of your heart mourn for days gone by
When the path was clear and your step was sure?
When your passion burned bright and your Master was clear?
From that time till now, what has brought you to
This Road You're On

There is a world that is desperate to see
You become who he's created you to be.
For you to go where he's called you to go
The path he has drawn you must surely know.
You may not know where the time has gone
Or how you got to This Road You're On.

Don't hesitate or delay your resolve to stir up the fire
For clearing the road of all it's debris:
The things in the way that have drawn your eyes from the course.
The comfort. The pride. The glory. The shame.
If you feel lost, Just call on the name
Of the One who set you on this path to begin.
He knows YOUR name. He's calling again.
To make sure where you walk is where He's led.
How far will you go as you obey?
Make sure it's HIS...

This Road You're On.


"You have reached your destination".


Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

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

8.27.11 "How Much do You Care?"

"How Much do You Care?"

Job 23:1-27:23
2 Corinthians 1:12-2:8
Psalm 41:1-13
Proverbs 22:5-6

2 Corinthians 2:4 "Oh, how I hated to write that letter! It almost broke my heart and I tell you honestly that I cried over it. I didn't want to hurt you, but I had to show you how very much I loved you and cared about what was happening to you."

In this second letter to the Corinthian church, Paul references the first letter. If you remember, there were some harsh words in I Corinthians. In today's verse, Paul models what it really means to be devoted to unity.

Unity is great when everything is going smoothly & everyone is getting along. But when it comes to dealing with sin, and discipling one another, there can be an awkwardness to it. Here are some possible reactions to seeing someone doing/acting/talking inappropriately:

1. I'm uncomfortable. I'm just going to walk away.
2. I didn't just hear what I thought I heard!? I'm shocked that person would do that. they've offended me.
3. Why doesn't Pastor do something about this individual?
4. How dare they do that! They should know by now that that is wrong! I'm going to "share the truth in love" by telling that person off.
5. I'm going to just ignore this & hope it goes away. I know now I should keep my distance.
6. I need to talk to another friend to make sure I'm not off base in thinking what they're doing is wrong.

There's many more responses, but don't these somewhat represent our initial reactions? Do you realize that none of these are what discipleship is all about?

Discipleship is about love. Yes, it is "bringing into alignment" as we've talked about before. But it's not about bringing into alignment to prove we are "right"! It's bringing into alignment because we care enough about the spiritual and physical health and welfare of the individual. Discipleship is friendship.

Proper motivation will give you the appropriate method of encouraging and correcting one another.

There may be times for a strong word like Paul gave, but when it is done in brokenness and humility, for the purpose of restoration, God is glorified.

Allowing someone to continue walking out of alignment with the word is not only dangerous to the individual, it's dangerous to you. It gives you a callous heart, and builds walls of division in the body of Christ. We really need to truly grow in our love for one another.

There used be an old saying. "Care enough to confront" was the mantra. Usually it translated into, "I was offended when you didn't say hi to me last week", then a couple tears and a hug. That's not what this is about. It's about "I notice you guys haven't been to bible study in a while. Is everything ok? Is there anything I can do to help?"

How much do you care? How devoted to unity are you? How comforting it would be to know that the Body of Christ is looking out for one another. Not make sure everyone's "toeing the line", but to know that everyone cares enough to stick it out through tough times and bring each other into the alignment of the Word.

Is it uncomfortable? It can be. But there is nothing more secure than knowing that someone is watching out for you.





Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

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

8.26.11 "A Purpose in the Problem"

"A Purpose in the Problem"

Job 20:1-22:30
2 Corinthians 1:1-11
Psalm 40:11-17
Proverbs 22:2-4

Do you ever notice that sometimes God is trying to get a point across? The readings today from the One Year Bible share a theme.

Psalm 40:12 says, "... problems far to big for me to solve are piled higher than my head." Have you ever been there? Have you been in a situation where even for a moment you saw no hope? What is the natural reaction? Most of the time it is survival. "Lord, help me survive this." "How am I going to get through this?"

Notice the pronouns in those last two sentences: "me" "I". We tend to be so self focused that when trial comes our self is our only concern. But, is "getting through" and "survival" the proper response to the difficult situation? If the problem is "not about you", then what IS it about?

Proverbs 22:3 says, "A prudent man foresees the difficulties ahead and prepares for them; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences." Is it possible to prepare for every difficulty ahead? It isn't if your definition of preparing for the difficulty is to be able to avoid it.

For example, if I were to tell you that you were going to be going through a difficult time in the next month, what would you do? How would you prepare? You don't know what type of difficulty, you don't know if it's work, family, health or finances. You only know it's going to be a tough time. How can you be a "prudent man" about this and not a simpleton? The prudent man prepares... how can you prepare when you have no idea what's ahead?

The biggest step in preparing for problems is to come to full understanding that EVERY problem serves a purpose. In specific situations each different problem may have it's own unique challenges. Each will have those things that could be working out various character issues in you, or building your faith, or that type of thing, but there is a greater good that goes beyond what the problem is doing in you. Remember: It's not about you.

Let's see what Paul has to say about this in 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 "What a wonderful God we have - he is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of every mercy, and the one who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials. And why does he do this? So that when others are troubled, needing our sympathy and encouragement, we can pass on to them this same help and comfort God has given us. You can be sure that the more we undergo sufferings for Christ, the more he will shower us with his comfort and encouragement." Paul makes this personal: "We are in deep trouble for bringing you God's comfort and salvation. But in our trouble God has comforted us - and this, too, to help you: to show you from our personal experience how God will tenderly comfort you when you undergo these same sufferings."

Are you beginning to see the purpose in the problems? It's far bigger than you realize. It's bigger than survival. It's bigger than the growth of your faith. Oh, yes, don't get me wrong. Growing in faith is a key element in all of this, but that so the larger purpose brings us back to our Mission: Reaching our World for Christ.

We have a mandate to approach each difficulty with an understanding that the problem is a necessary part of our learning process so we can train/teach/sympathize/encourage others. When you read a book, there's a difference between "just reading it" and reading it because you are about to teach it. When you're preparing to teach it, you make sure you understand it. We should take the same approach to the challenges of life. If we face it with courage because we know we will need to comfort others in a like situation, it will give us momentum and purpose in what we're experiencing.

So, the Purpose in your Problem is to place you in a position of helping others. This puts quite a responsibility on you. You're no longer in survival mode. You now have to go through your trial marking the trail for others.

How do you prepare as "the prudent man"? By knowing the Word. Be Empowered through Biblical Training. Knowing God's character and his commands keeps you balanced and centered on principle and not on circumstance. If you say, "I've got this problem, and I'm going to go through it to teach others!" and you go through it in your own strength, without biblical principles guiding you, you can get off course. This is how false doctrine develops. God does a miracle a certain way in a certain circumstance, and an individual makes that their doctrine. They try to implement that in every trial that comes up.

This is what Job is talking about in Job 21:34 when he asks his friend Zophar: "How can you comfort me when your whole premise is so wrong?" His friend was building a case that was not built on principle. It was built on circumstance. Circumstances change. God doesn't. Knowing God can help in any trial.

Like David was saying at the beginning, sometimes these problems are "far to big for me to solve". That's kind of the point. Paul says in 2 Cor. 1:9 "We felt we were doomed to die and saw how powerless we were to help ourselves; but that was good, for then we put everything into the hands of God..."

The purpose of going through problems is not so you can learn how to solve them. It's so you can learn how to put them in the hands of God, and then teach others to do the same.

It's important that we grow in balance as we mature in Christ. Today's DEVO contained every element of the DREAM:

Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship - Rejoicing through trial & frustration Ps 40:16 "But may the joy of the Lord be given to everyone who loves him and his salvation. May they constantly exclaim, "How great God is!"

Relationships Devoted to Unity - Our trials have the purpose of encouraging and building one another up.

Empowered through Biblical Training - the preparation mentioned in Proverbs, and Job

Active Ministry Involvement - the Responsibility we have to use the resource God has given us to serve others. - even when that resource is a battle scar!

Mission to Reach our World for Christ - That's what all this is about. Bringing others closer to Christ.

As you go through your day today, don't Live to learn, Live to teach!



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

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

8.25.11 "Life Portrait"

"Life Portrait"

Job 16:1 - 19:29
I Corinthians 16:1-24
Psalm 40:1-10
Proverbs 22:1

What does it take to make a great painting? Well rarely would it be one of just one or 2 colors. Although in the world of abstract, there's some pretty bizarre stuff that gets a "great" label. To most of us though, the greatest portraits are full of a variety of colors and great contrasts.

Our lives are a portrait. God is the artist. The purpose of this portrait is to bring glory to His name. We'd like our life portrait to be the equivalent to a Yellow Smiley Face - nothing but brightness and joy. The truth of the matter is, that is not great art. Great art can only be shown through the contrast of shadow and joy.

Psalm 40 outlines the portrait of David's life.

"I waited patiently for God to help me; then he listened and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out from the bog and the mire, and set my feet on a hard, firm path and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing of praises to our God. Now many will hear of the glorious things he did for me, and stand in awe before the Lord and put their trust in him." (Ps 40:1-3)

Why are people standing in awe in these verses? Because of the way God delivered from the miry pit. How can God deliver unless there IS a miry pit? There will be difficult times in life. There may be times when it's the result of disobedience, or rebellion, or the fruit of bad decisions, but that's not always the reason. The book of Job is a journey through a difficult season (how's that for an understatement) and how Job and his friends seek to find meaning in the difficult times.

It may not matter WHY the difficult times are there, but the truth is that God will take the colors from the pallet of discouragement, and cause the brilliance of his hope and his will to shine through.... if we allow him to complete his work.

Often our response to the trial is to make promises and sacrifices, and show up to church more often, etc... That's not really what God wants from us. "It isn't sacrifices and offerings which you really want from your people. Burnt animals bring no special joy to your heart. But you have accepted the offer of my life-long service. Then I said, 'See, I have come, just as the prophets foretold. And I delight to do your will, my God, for your law is written upon my heart!'" (Ps. 40:6-8)

Don't get me wrong. When you've offered God your all, you WILL be in his house as much as possible. You will sing songs, etc. But the motivation is no longer "get me out of this trial". The motivation is now "Take my life and paint a portrait that will bring you glory! Use whatever colors you want. If they can only be found in a valley, I will go with you. I will never cease to trust you!"

Let God complete his artistry in you today. Don't 'bemoan' the trial, but relish with pleasure the work he is completing in you. A friend and I were talking about the famous "pure joy" scripture from James 1:2. He said, "yeah, that always sounded so good when I was giving the scripture to someone else, but when I'm going through it... that's another story."

Your portrait is for a purpose and a mission. "I have told everyone the Good News that you forgive people's sins. I have not been timid about it, as you well know, O Lord. I have not kept this Good News hidden in my heart, but have proclaimed your lovingkindness and truth to all the congregation." (Ps. 40:9-10)



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

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

8.24.11 "Significance"

"Significance"

Job 12:1-15:35
I Corinthians 15:29-58
Psalm 39:1-13
Proverbs 21:30-31

One of the basic desires of everyone of us is that we live a life of significance. There's something within us that detests the thought of wasting time, going unnoticed, or of falling short. In today's reading in Job, Job is describing the frailty of man in comparison to the wisdom of God. As he's wrapping up in chapter 14 he speaks of those who die: "They never know if their children grow up in honor or sink to insignificance." (Job 14:21)

"Sink to insignificance". What a phrase... Do we want our lives to "sink to insignificance"? I don't think so.

This line of thinking can be somewhat dangerous if we determine to take our own steps to establish "significance". Some will think, "hey, I'm wasting my time at this job, and I'm going to move on..." Just because of their own feelings, and not necessarily because that's what God is directing.

In 1 Corinthians 15:58 Paul says, "So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless."

If we want to be significant, we must work with all our might at pleasing the Lord with what is before us. We need to take the opportunity now to work for him. "Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered - how fleeting my life is." (Psalm 39:4)

With this in mind, we should press on realizing that today is Significant. Today makes a difference. Work enthusiastically for the Lord.


Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

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

8.23.11 "Living a Life of Vision"

"Living a Life of Vision"

Job 8:1 - 11:20
I Corinthians 15:1-28
Psalm 38:1-22
Proverbs 21:28-29

Psalm 38:17 "How constantly I find myself upon the verge of sin; this source of sorrow always stares me in the face."

Job 10:1 "I am weary of living. Let me complain freely. I will speak in my sorrow and bitterness."

Psalm 38:5-6 "My wounds are festering and full of pus. Because of my sins I am bent and racked with pain. My days are filled with anguish."

I Corinthians 15:19 "And if being a Christian is of value to us only now in this life, we are the most miserable of creatures."

Each of these scriptures were taken from today's reading. Taken at face value, it doesn't leave an encouraging taste in your mouth does it?

What is it that keeps us going? What is it that keeps us from stepping into the sin that stares us in the face? "if being a Christian is of value to us only now in this life, we are the most miserable of creatures."

What Paul is saying is that we must see the big picture! Never lose sight of what this is all about!

I Corinthians 15:1 says, "Now let me remind you, brothers, of what the Gospel really is, for it has not changed...."

15:3 "...Christ died for our sins just as the Scriptures said he would, and that he was buried, and that three days afterwards he arose from the grave just as the prophets foretold."

15:20 "... the fact is that Christ did actually rise from the dead, and has become the first of millions who will come back to life again some day."

15:23-24 "... then when Christ comes back, all his people will become alive again. After that the end will come when he will turn the Kingdom over to God the Father, having put down all enemies of every kind."

We need to be aware that THIS is REALITY!

As frail human creatures, we get so caught up in the "moment", we easily lose sight what is really true. We live our lives as if what the world teaches is true. We think that what's really important is financial gain. We think that if we are "happy" then all is well. The truth is: NONE of that is reality! The reality is that we are not of this world. This is all an "illusion" in comparison to what is really important. Christ is coming back... SOON!

You will probably exchange glances with someone today that you will never see again. They may or may not understand what the "true reality" is. You do. It may be that this "chance" meeting has been set up by God for you to play a part in their discovery of the gospel.

What does that mean to you as a Christian?

If we are living a life merely concerned about ourselves and our comfort, it's not really a big deal. We can live as "each one does what is right in his own mind" like the Israelites did when there was no king. It's every man for himself. "Yes, I'm thankful that I know the truth, but hey, they're sinners... that's their problem."

But if we are living a life of vision, aware of what reality truly is, we see every situation through "God Goggles". We don't miss the opportunity. We see that comfort is only temporary and not reality. We bear the burden to connect individuals to God at every opportunity.

Does this mean we stand on a street corner with a wearing a sandwich board reading "The End is NEAR!" ? No. That's probably out of balance. But keeping the vision of what reality is will constrain us to live a life of purpose.

Look at what David's saying in Psalm 38:17: "How constantly I find myself upon the verge of sin; this source of sorrow always stares me in the face."

What keeps you from sinning when it stares you in the face? If you are living a life without a concept of the true reality, it's probable that there isn't a good reason not to sin. Why not do it?

If you are living a life knowing what's at stake, constantly aware of what the Gospel really is, and that Christ is coming back soon, and it's REAL, sin just isn't worth it.

It takes discipline to keep the vision in front of you. We must remind ourselves of this constantly. When driving, when dealing with our neighbors, when joking at work, when dealing with family members.

We are not of this world (John 17:16). We need to remember this. It's one of those "zoom out" things. Don't get so caught up in the struggles, challenges, stresses, and joys of the moment that we forget what is really important.

You are a key player in God's plan! Keep that in focus! Live a life of vision!


Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

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

8.22.11 "Discipline!"

"Discipline!"

Job 4:1 - 7:21
I Corinthians 14:18:40
Psalm 37:29-40
Proverbs 21:27

If this where one of those ink blot tests where you look at it & say the first thing that comes to your mind, what happens when you see the word "discipline"? You like it? You hate it? What is your definition? What is your perception of what it means?

From the reading a few days ago, I Corinthians 11:32 says, "When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world."

The word "discipline" really stands out from that reading. It is a challenge to me to really understand what discipline means: To bring into alignment. That may have no profound impact on you at all, but it does for me. I have lived life with multiple definitions for the word, including, punishment, self-control, restraint, focus, etc. Each of those have a specific application, but I believe "to bring into alignment" covers all of these.

So what's the big deal? When you get right down to it, to be "Empowered through Biblical Training" is really to be "disciplined". To live the DREAM, we need to live the "E". So what does that mean? that means we need to live a life of discipline. So what does THAT mean? It means we need "to bring alignment" to our life. How? By knowing God's Word and God's voice and making sure everything in our circle of influence is "aligned" to scriptural truth.

We NEED to know the Word! Yes, we know that from Sunday School, but it's more urgent than we realize. How do you know when your actions align with God's word? How do you know when someone else's does?

We all share a God given purpose: to "make disciples". (matt. 28:19) What does "disciple" mean? To bring into alignment. This gives us 2 responsibilities: 1. To KNOW what we are aligning to, 2. to Help others align to it.

Let's look at today's readings: In Job chapters 4&5, Job's friend Elephaz is going off on Job about how he must have sinned for all this bad stuff to be happening. In chapter 6:10 Job says, "This, at least, gives me comfort despite all the pain - that I have not denied the words of the Holy God." Job is empowered through biblical training. He is "aligned" to God's word, an he has not denied them. This gives him strength to carry on through the hardship. This should cause us to hunger greatly for the word so we can have that same empowerment when we go through tough times. If not, we'll more than likely go through the questioning season: "Maybe I'm out of God's will". Too often that is a Christian's response to difficulty. That in itself can be a sign of deficiency in the area of "biblical training".

A couple verses later, Job brings his friend "into alignment" so to speak. He corrects him for his erroneous accusation. In 6:14-18 he says, "One should be kind to a fainting friend, but you have accused me without the slightest fear of God. My brother, you have proved as unreliable as a brook; it floods when there is ice and snow, but in hot weather, disappears. The caravans turn aside to be refreshed, but there is nothing there to drink, and so they perish." Job is disciplining his friend. We might take the interpretation that he's "going off" on him (like sometimes we like to do to people), but it's not a personal thing to Job he refers to "fear of God" in this rebuke. He's bringing his friend "into alignment" with the truth of God's word.

We have a GREAT responsibility to DISCIPLE our friends and loved ones. How does that happen? By lovingly bringing them into alignment wherever/whenever possible. How many times has a fellow Christian complained to you or acted inappropriately or ungodly? Too often our response is to "let it go". We fear conflict. Let's just say it's you who's off track. Wouldn't you want someone to help correct your course? If you are "Devoted to Unity", why wouldn't you work to bring another into alignment with scripture?

Psalm 37:34 says, "Don't be impatient for the Lord to act! Keep traveling steadily along his pathway and in due season he will honor you with every blessing, and you will see the wicked destroyed."

What great encouragement in this word! The discipline of Biblical Training is evident in several ways in this scripture. First we're encouraged to travel steadily along "his pathway." There's no way to know what his pathway is without knowing his word. another benefit of discipline is the wisdom of holding steady to the path. Being faithful and remaining undistracted from what His direction is. That takes discipline. The last is knowing this scripture brings encouragement to know that God will be faithful when all is said and done. Having been disciplined to study this Psalm will give you strength for the journey.

After reading this DEVO, Rudy Ruiz, a former Marine sent me this email:

I served 8 years in the United States Marine Corps, and three of those years as a Marine Parachutist. Our boot camp is 13 weeks long, far longer than any other branch of the service. It was during these years I became a man.

During those 13 months in boot camp we did thousands of push-ups. For every push-up we did there were two words we shouted out. "Loyalty Sir!" was the shout as we lowered our bodies and "Discipline Sir!" was the cry on the way up from a push-up. So "Discipline" became an integral part of my life as a Marine, and for every Marine. Loyalty to the Marine Corps and to our superiors was also deeply instilled into every fiber of our being. That is why we were, we are, and we will always be the most efficient fighting force on this planet. One of the Marine Corps goals is to bring every Marine into alignment with Marine Corps doctrine. The Marine Corps brings ghetto kids, farm boys, suburban kids, and even kids from wealthy families together, and in 13 weeks molds them into one well oiled fighting machine. That takes discipline.

I believe if every Christian lived their lives with that kind of loyalty to our Lord, and that kind of discipline to His Word, the Church would impact this planet like the world has never seen!

What a powerful example of the importance of discipline.

Think of the balance that we can obtain in our life if we have a proper understanding and application of the biblical principle of discipline. You wont punish your kids in anger because they "made you mad". You will do what is proper and necessary to bring them "into alignment" with the values you hold dear. You will be intentional in your relationships with those around you to bring each other into alignment of the Word.

Live the "E" today. Live the disciplined life.



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

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

8.21.11 "What Right Do You Have?"

"What Right Do You Have?"

Job 1:1-3:26
I Corinthians 14:1-17
Psalm 37:12-28
Proverbs 21:25-26

Another familiar portion of scripture today. We know the story of Job: A Godly man who does not turn against God in times of hardship. His response to the calamity that falls on his life is in verse 21: "'I came naked from my mother's womb,' he said, 'and I shall have nothing when I die. The Lord gave me everything I had, and they were his to take away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.'"

Looking at this portion of scripture gives us a good opportunity to evaluate where we are at in our Christian maturity. Would my response resemble Job's? My first reaction is probably not. Why is that?

It really comes down to the fact that we feel we have a "right" to things. When God blesses us, somehow we attach ourselves to that blessing and we make it "ours". If you've ever seen "Finding Nemo", we're like the seagulls that always go around saying "mine! mine! mine!"

Often it takes a significant event in our lives to bring to light how connected we really are. Mark, a member of our pastoral team & his family lost everything in a house fire on a Saturday night. They were in church that next night & I spoke briefly with his wife Heather, and she said, "We're fine, it's just 'stuff'." Sure, there were tears for heirlooms and other memories that were gone, and over time there was the process of grieving, but there was not despair.

How connected to your "stuff" are you? Whether you live in a place of great financial blessing, or adequate provision, you are blessed with your "stuff". You know what? You have no right to any of it. It is only by the grace of God you have what you have. You have no "right" to good health. No "right" to financial gain. It's purely by the grace of God.

Living with that attitude can make quite a difference. It's much easier to live the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship when we are not hung up on our "rights". When we realize what little we really deserve, we are already postured for worship. This denial of our fleshly desire for rights opens our eyes to the greatness of God, his awesome power, and his love for us.

You may have heard the phrase, "I know God wont give me more than I can handle, but I wish he wouldn't trust me so much." there are times when our "connectivity" to the blessings will be tested. Realizing that everything is God's sure takes away some of the worry and fret over these issues.

Don't get out of balance in this, however. We are still Responsible to be good stewards of the blessings he has given us. We are to put the blessings of time, talent and resource to work to bring an increase for the kingdom, but they are not "ours". They are his. What I'm saying is that to be blessed with a thousand dollars and say "oh it's not mine, it's God's" and set the pile of money on the front step and let it blow away is not God's plan either. To live the DREAM, we must understand the principle of Active Ministry involvement is Responsibility. We must be good stewards of all that God has given us. But never get out of balance to the point that we think what is given to us is ours.

Psalm 37:23-26 says, "The steps of good men are directed by the Lord. He delights in each step they take. If they fall it isn't fatal, for the Lord holds them with his hand. I have been young and now I am old. And in all my years I have never seen the Lord forsake a man who loves him; nor have I seen the children of the godly go hungry. Instead, the godly are able to be generous with their gifts and loans to others, and their children are a blessing."

Our life may be filled with abundance, or it may be scarred by disease, but the circumstances don't change the fact that we have not been forsaken. All we have is the Lord's. We are in the palm of his hand.

We don't have any right to any of the blessing we have, but in his infinite wisdom, graciousness, love and mercy, God has poured out these blessings upon us. Take time today to say, "Blessed be the Name of the Lord!"



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

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

8.20.11 "Your Heart's Desires"

"Your Heart's Desires"

Esther 8:1-10:3
I Corinthians 12:27-13:13
Psalm 37:1-11
Proverbs 21:23-24

"Be delighted with the Lord. Then he will give you all your heart's desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him to help you do it and he will."

Just a simple thought today of placing your heart in the hand of God. What does it mean to be delighted with the Lord? I'm thinking that it's not something that's swayed by circumstance. It's allowing your heart to be filled with love for Him. It's living a life of trust. It's being so in love with him you can't help but say, "God, I'm excited about what you're doing in my life!" even when it's uncomfortable.

What are your heart's desires? I'm finding that as I begin to delight in the Lord, it's not a matter of him giving me what I want, it's a matter of me realizing that I desire what He wants. The closer we draw to Him, the more he places desires within us that align to his will. The passions that motivate us come into alignment with what he has set out to do in us and through us. My delight transforms my desires.

I'm a dreamer. I have all kinds of crazy plans and big things I'd like to do and see accomplished. There's a purpose for that. As I delight myself in the Lord, I see how he's placing proper perspective to all I have in my heart.

Sometimes we think if we commit everything to the Lord, and trust him to help us do it, it will be accomplished immediately in the way we imagined. Rarely is that the case. In the process of helping us in what we do, he has a way of molding us, purifying our motivations, our desires, our burdens and our vision.

There may be times we fear that if we commit everything to the Lord, He would never fulfill the desires. This fear comes from a lack of understanding the nature of the God who loves us so much. Matthew 7:9-11 says, "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"

It is paradoxical. In order to see our desires fulfilled we must completely die to the desires. We can't even be "mostly dead" to them. We have to place them COMPLETELY in his hands. We have to delight in him. That is only way we will find fulfillment. We must die to our dreams in order to live them out.

It's interesting that one of the most well known scripture readings is in today's reading as well. It's I Cor. 13... the "love" chapter. It can basically be outlined as this: Love is dying to self. All of us desperately need love, yet the only way to experience it to die to the need.

As difficult as it sounds, it's really a great place to be. Living in the freedom of knowing your heart is in the hands of the One who has all power, all knowledge, and loves you so much. Trust him today.



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

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

8.19.11 "I'm glad you're odd!"

"I'm glad you're odd!"

Esther 4:1-7:10
I Corinthians 12:1-26
Psalm 36:1-12
Proverbs 21:21-22

Michael Phelps... a few years ago, I wouldn't have recognized that name. I had no idea who he was. Now, because of winning 8 gold medals in the 2008 olympics, he's become world renown. I'll never forget watching him come from behind to win by one one hundredth of a second. That was thrilling and amazing. While that particular race was Phelps alone, his final record setting 8th medal was won by his relay team: 4 men each with an area of specialization, each competing to win for the team. I don't believe I could name any one of the other guys, but without their help, Michael Phelps would not hold the record for the most medals. Phelps himself told them, "I couldn't have done it without you."

"Our bodies have many parts, but the many parts make up only one body when they are all put together. So it is with the 'body' of Christ." I Cor. 12:12

In a sense, the Body of Christ is like a great relay team. We all work together in our given are a of responsibility and giftings. While we may not be the "recognizable name" in this relay, it doesn't mean that we aren't important.

The Living Bible brings some renewed perspectives to this familiar scripture. Here's my favorite of the day: "And some of the parts that seem weakest and least important are really the most necessary. Yes, we are especially glad to have some parts that seem rather odd!" (I Cor. 12:22-23) Do you know any odd parts?

As we mature in Christ, we need to strengthen each element of DREAM. If you haven't learned already, one of the truths of growing in Christ is that we are never done. Even if we understand each of the principles of DREAM, and have read the Bible through, we can't just check it off our to-do list and then coast through life. We have to be continually strengthened in all areas.

Today's reading is to strengthen our resolve to live in "Relationships Devoted to Unity". Do you find there are individuals in your life who rub you the wrong way? Their personality grates on you, or it seems like you disagree with everything they say? Do you know that God put them in your life to complete his work in you? Do you know that He has a plan for that individual just like he has a plan for you?

Sometimes I struggle with my own concerns so much that it's easy to forget about God's plan for the people around me. I forget that the body would be incomplete without those "odd" parts. (The truth is, I'm probably the odd one!) Sometimes we may get frustrated with individuals who seem to distract from what we're trying to do. We forget that God is using that individual to make us better. We forget that we cannot function properly without their opposing view, or complementary giftings, or putting it more bluntly, the body can't function without that person that drives you nuts!

It's easy for us to read this chapter and say we "get it". Putting it into practice is a whole other issue. What did you see the last time you were walking through the hall at church? Did what you see describe I Corinthians 12:25? "This makes for happiness among the parts, so that the parts have the same care for each other that they do for themselves."

You may have passed by someone that made you uncomfortable. They seemed "odd". The tendency is to want to go to those who make you feel good about yourself when you talk to them. You may have been on a mission to get something done. The question is, did you walk through the hall with "the same care for others" that you have for yourself?

Put yourself in the shoes of the "outsider". The one who may feel a little "odd". What kind of impact would it make for you to take the time to speak with them, Listen to their story, Let them know that the Body welcomes them? If someone did that for you, don't you think that would make quite an impact?

Chuck Swindoll said once, "Christians are like porcupines on a cold winter night. They get cold, so they huddle together for warmth, until one pokes another, then they scatter for a while until they get cold again." So many times offenses in the body of Christ occur, and one porcupine is complaining about the quills of another, completely ignorant of their own quills.

We're all odd. We all have a different function in the body. Everyone is necessary. We have to "get over ourselves" and realize that God is working his plan in all of us. I Cor. 12:6 says, "There are many ways in which God works in our lives, but it is the same God who does the work in and through all of us who are his. The Holy Spirit displays God's power through each of us as a means of helping the entire church."

Remember you are no more important than anyone else. Some need to hear that. Others need to hear this: You are NO LESS important than anyone else. To live the Balanced Christian Life, we need to understand this! We need to find that balance point.

"if one part suffers, all parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored all the parts are glad." I Cor. 12:26.

Live today "especially glad to have some parts that seem rather odd!"


Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

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

8.18.11 "The Danger of the Familiar"

"The Danger of the Familiar"

Esther 1:1-3:15
I Corinthians 11:17-34
Psalm 35:17-28
Proverbs 21:19-20

Today's reading in I Corinthians is a familiar portion of scripture to many, especially verses 23-30. These are the verses used during a communion service.

In this section Paul is rebuking the Corinthian church for what they've done to the communion service. By the nature of his writing, it's clear that they have been celebrating the communion service on a regular basis. That's a good thing, right? Not really. Somehow over time, the familiarity of the "ritual" has caused the focus to be lost. In verse 17 Paul says, "... it sounds as if more harm than good is done when you meet together for your communion services."

How does a communion service cause more harm than good? There are several reasons, but one is the danger of the familiar. You know what it's like. There are verses you've heard thousands of times. What do they mean to you? "For God so loved the world...." "Go ye into all the world...." "Do this in remembrance of me..."

It's so easy to allow the teaching of the word, and even the practices of the church become mere rituals because we forget what it really means. We get caught in the routine of life and numbed to our purpose, and what God has done for us. How thankful are you today that you know Christ? Have you become so accustomed to being in the light that you've forgotten the loneliness of the darkness?

"Take this and eat it. This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me." Do you remember the setting? Do you remember what was at stake? Do you remember the agony of "his only son".

"This cup is the new agreement between God and you that has been established and set in motion by my blood." Look at your wrist. Imagine a spike being driven through it. Imagine the blood you would lose. Remember the one who went through that for the purpose of setting in motion a new covenant between you and God... so you could be right with God.

What happens when you just go the ritual motions of communion? Do you sense the danger of apathy creeping in? It's like a silent killer gradually snuffing out the flame of gratefulness and reverence.

What happens in your heart as you truly take the time to remember? What posture do you have in your spirit when you really consider what Christ has done for you?

Isn't it humbling? There's an old song that says:

Who am I that The King would bleed and die for?
Who am I that He would pray not my will, but Thine Lord?
The answer I may never know
Why He ever loved me so
That to an old rugged cross He'd go
For who am I?

What happens to us when we genuinely remember? It humbles us. We're in awe of his love. Maybe that's why we become casual about these things. We don't like to be in that humble position.

Paul says in verse 26 "For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup you are re-telling the message of the Lord's death, that he has died for you. Do this until he comes again."

If you are re-telling this message, is there any time that it should be unimportant? is there any time that it should be casual?

Can you see the importance of guarding against the dangers of the familiar? This doesn't only apply to communion. It applies to worship, the preaching of the word, all areas of the Christian walk.

As we mature in true Godly humility we can better keep the course the Lord has laid out for us. When we remember our mission, our purpose, and above all what Christ has done for us, then we will truly guard ourselves from eating and drinking in an "unworthy manner."

Take time today to examine your heart, your motives, your actions. You may not have the opportunity to have a formal communion service, but wherever you are at, you can truly thank Jesus for the price he paid.

Thank you Lord for what you've done!


Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

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

8.17.11 "Whose Responsibility is It?"

"Whose Responsibility is It?"

Nehemiah 12:27 - 13:31
I Corinthians 11:3-16
Psalm 35:1-16
Proverbs 21:17-18

Today's memory verse is Nehemiah 13:25 "So I confronted these parents and cursed them and punched a few of them and knocked them around and pulled out their hair."

How do you like that?? Having been a school teacher I shouldn't admit this, but there were days when that would have felt real good!

To get the context of the verse above you need to read all of Nehemiah 13. After the wall has been completed and they go through their celebrations, and the people are rejoicing, Nehemiah leaves town for a period. He comes back to find things that should not be. Remember Tobiah & his plots with Sanballat? Well Nehemiah returns to find him living in the temple! the context of verse 13 is that he has found that the children were marrying foreigners which was in direct violation of what God had commanded the parents. Sometimes ministry is like herding cats more than herding sheep. Why is that?

How would you feel if you were Nehemiah? You remember the vision, you remember the burden, you remember the work, you remember the attacks, the discouragement, the victory, the celebration, and after all that, the hearts of the people stray back to where they were. How discouraging and frustrating.

Good thing that doesn't happen today...

Unfortunately, it's way too common. Why is that? Part of the reason is that individuals don't take responsibility for the work of the ministry. A close friend once said, "every Christian should minister and live a life of servitude. Pastors are called to minister to the minister, lead the leader and train the trainer while the flock is ministering to the hurting, leading the lost and training the clueless." That's a powerful statement.

Often people will say, "hey, you get paid to do this" when it comes to ministry. Can you see the danger with that thought process? The point is that every single member of the body of Christ has a stake in obeying God's commands, and watching out for one another.

For example, if Charlie choir member says to Edgar Usher, "I'm thinking of leaving the church." What is Edgar's responsibility? Many times the thought process is: "I'm just an usher. I'll tell him I'll pray for him and that's it. The Pastor will have to deal with that." And nothing is done to restore the relationship. It's as if the individual parts of the body are willing to let other parts die because "it's not my job."

Imagine how healthy we will be as a body when we take responsibility not only for tasks we've been given, but we also take responsibility to carry out the instruction of the Word, take responsibility for the health and care of one another, and make it a personal responsibility to carry out the vision of our Pastor.

"Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." Ephesians 4:14-16 That's how it should be.

This does not reduce the responsibility of the leader. in Nehemiah 13:30 he "assigned tasks to the priests and Levites making certain that each knew his work." It is incumbent upon you as a leader to communicate vision and responsibility to those in your charge. Otherwise you get upset with people for things they don't know they are responsible for.

Responsibility is the spiritual principle of "Active Ministry Involvement". To live the Balanced Christian Life, we must understand the Responsibility we have in all areas of life. We are responsible for what we've been given, and we are responsible to God and to the authorities he's placed over us.

Take Responsibility for the ministry today. Whose responsibility is it?


Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

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

8.16.11 "Just Because You Can Doesn't Mean You Should"

"Just Because You Can Doesn't Mean You Should"

Nehemiah 11:1-12:26
I Corinthians 10:15-11:2
Psalm 34:11-22
Proverbs 21:14 - 16

Today's portion of scripture is quite challenging. Paul is addressing the Corinthian church about eating food that has been sacrificed to idols. At the surface level, it's a bit hard for us to relate to this issue. In our culture we really don't have to worry about whether Pick 'n' Save sacrificed the cow to an idol before we purchase the T-Bone. But don't throw out this section of scripture, because there are some very important principles that need to be integrated into the life of a maturing Christian.

What is sin and what isn't? As Paul is addressing this issue he is addressing things in life that are "matters of conscience". In other words, what may be sin for one, may not be sin for another. This is not an easy topic to tackle, but bear with me on this.

If you read through these scriptures, it sounds like Paul is contradicting himself. In verse 18 he says, "Do not those who eat the sacrifices participate in the altar?" (NIV) and yet in verse 25 he says, "Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience". In verse 27 he says, "If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience." and yet the very next verse: "But if anyone says to you, 'This has been offered in sacrifice,' then do not eat it".

So what's the point? How does this apply to our lives?

Paul answers this in verses 32-33 (TLB) "So don't be a stumbling block to anyone, whether they are Jews or Gentiles or Christians. That is the plan I follow, too. I try to please everyone in everything I do, not doing what I like or what is best for me, but what is best for them, so that they may be saved."

It all comes back to living a life of purpose. There are people who really get hung up on some issues of legalism. They spend their time on "holiness patrol" making it their mission to point out things other Christians are doing that are questionable, and wanting to bring them judgment. There are others who could care less what others think about their actions, and live life loose and figure, "hey it's just between me and God, it doesn't make a difference what others think." Both of these are wrong. They are out of balance.

It comes back to the first line of Purpose Driven Life: "It's not about you."

Bring this home. What things in your life are questionable? What are you watching on TV? Where are you hanging out? What kind of language do you use? Do you use the Lord's name in vain in casual conversation?

Now by the nature of the questions, it sounds like I'm on "holiness patrol". Not at all. What I'm saying is: Does the way you live reflect your purpose? Are you "doing what I like or what is best for me"? or are you doing "what is best for them, so that they may be saved."

In all that we do we need to be conscious of the need for others to have a right relationship with the Lord. We could get into some great battles about which TV shows are sin, and if you're more holy with cable because you get TBN or without cable because you don't get MTV, or whether or not you should have a TV, or if you're sinning because you love Cheetos or whatever. That's not the point! The point is living a life of purpose. It's not just what you do. It's who you are.

We need to walk every step of every day with the "M" in mind. We are on a "Mission to Reach Our World for Christ". "Relationships Devoted to Unity" are also a major part in this discussion. What are the needs of those around you who don't know Christ, and what are the needs of those around you who do know Christ.

It's not about you.

Paul says in I Cor. 10:29 "In this case his feeling about it is the important thing, not yours. But why you may ask, must I be guided and limited by what someone else thinks?" in verse 31 he answers, "Well, I'll tell you why. It is because you must do everything for the glory of God, even your eating and drinking."

Don't forget your Mission today. Do everything for the glory of God so that others may be saved!



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

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

8.15.11 "Slaves in the Land of Plenty"

"Slaves in the Land of Plenty"

Nehemiah 9:22 - 10:39
I Corinthians 9:20 - 10:14
Psalm 34:1-10
Proverb 21:13

The book of Nehemiah records a prayer of Ezra, in which he proclaims a covenant that all the people sign to declare their commitment to serve the Lord. He prayed this after reading the laws of the Lord, and proclaiming the history of his people. This is what he says in Neh. 9:35-36:

"They did not worship you despite the wonderful things you did for them and the great goodness you showered upon them. You gave them a large, fat land, but they refused to turn from their wickedness. So now we are slaves here in the land of plenty which you gave to our ancestors! Slaves among all this abundance!"

Reading this one can not help but think of the state of our nation, even the state of the church. We are slaves in the land of abundance. Specifically, I'm thinking in the area of finances.

Our family loves games. When we first taught our daughter Monopoly, it was fun to see her learn to count money and make change, etc. Parker Brothers and Visa have now partnered to release the new monopoly which has no cash, but comes with cute little credit cards, and a swipe machine that keeps track of what each player has and owes. What a "great" way to teach youth that debt is now a way of life... slaves in the land of plenty.

In I Corinthians Paul is talking about how we need to run to win. "In a race, everyone runs but only one person gets first prize. So run your race to win. To win the contest you must deny yourselves many things that would keep you from doing your best." (I Cor. 9:24-25)

As a society, we're not known for denying ourselves anything. We want it, so we get it, regardless of if we have to go in debt to get it. We don't realize how this paralyzes us. Imagine if all Christians were debt free. About 10 years ago I had a friend tell me that Christians should be debt free. At the time I thought he was NUTS! But think about it! What would the state of the church be? How strong would the missions programs be? How strong would ministries be? How about taking care of the poor?

Proverbs 21:13 says, "He who shuts his ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in his own time of need." Think about how being in debt shuts the ears to the needy. "I'd give, but I've got these payments..."

I Cor. 10:12-14 says, "So be careful. If you are thinking, 'Oh, I would never behave like that' - let this be a warning to you. For you too may fall into sin. but remember this - the wrong desires that come into your life aren't anything new and different. Many other have faced exactly the same problems before you. And no temptation is irresistible. You can trust God to keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it, for he has promised this and will do what he says. He will show you how to escape temptation's power so that you can bear up patiently against it. So dear friends, carefully avoid idol-worship of every kind."

Let's throw off everything that entangles today! Christ died to bring us freedom, not bondage. Let's worship him with all that we have so we are no longer slaves in the land of plenty.






Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

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

8.14.11 "Responsible to No Mere Man"

"Responsible to No Mere Man"

Nehemiah 7:61-9:21
I corinthians 9:1-19
Psalm 33:12-22
Proverbs 21:11-12

I Corinthians 9:1 "I am an apostle, God's messenger, responsible to no mere man."

We've been talking over the last couple of days about carrying the vision, working hard, and knowing the voice of God. I guess that today's DEVO would fit into this "mini-series".

We MUST understand the RESPONSIBILITY that comes with the call of God on our lives. This is a BIG deal that I think we too easily shrug off into a minor thing. The verse I'm using from 1 Corinthians 9 is not directly speaking to what I'm talking about, but it says a whole lot! In context, Paul is talking to the Corinthian believers about how they need to support those in ministry. I'm not speaking to that issue at all, but Paul's first statement is HUGE! He is not responsible to mere man, he's responsible to God! Guess what? So am I. So are you.

You're thinking, "what's so profound about this?"

We need to understand the awesome responsibility of being the caretaker of all the resources given to us from God. I'll use finances first, because I think it's a tangible resource that we can all relate to. We understand the principle of tithing, and we walk in obedience to it. We know we must give him our first fruits. Then, with the other 90% we know we should be good stewards. But how seriously do we take that stewardship? What do you do with $50? What do you do with $100,000? Do you act differently toward different amounts? why?

If we are careless with finances, we can get this casual sub-conscious thought: "Oops, I guess I wasn't a very good steward there, oh well..." We don't think it's a big deal. A while back I heard a story on the radio where a city official threw this party downtown and went into the red by several hundred thousand dollars. I didn't get the full story, but my impression was that the individual responsible for this had the attitude of "oops, oh well..." You can see the problem here.

Stewardship is a BIG deal in every area of life! I want to speak now in terms of what you are called to do. Your vision, your career, your calling. You are "responsible to no mere man" in this as well. You can't take a "oops, oh well..." attitude in the stewardship of the gifts, calling and vision God has placed upon you. You have to understand the gravity of this message.

We often see airliners taking off over our house. Once, when airliner went by I felt the Lord say, "What if the pilot said, oops, I wasn't a good steward of my gifts today..." What would the result be? "I probably shouldn't have crashed that plane..." What's the difference? Your answer may be, "well, he's responsible for all those lives... I don't have that kind of responsibility..." How do you know?

God has equipped you for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:17) He didn't give you gifts and resources so you could spend your life "playing house". He gave it to you because you are to be a good steward. We have a saying with the choir & drama ministry: "Why be faithful in small things? Because God has BIG plans!" You don't know whether the gifts you have are $50 or a million dollars in God's plan. Either way, you need to understand the heart-discipline of stewardship and responsibility.

Responsibility is the spiritual principle of Active Ministry Involvement. You can't live the Balanced Christian Life without living a life of responsibility. This means being a good steward of your Time, Talent and Resources.

Maybe if we understood that we were going to be "audited" in regards to our resources. God's going to be checking the receipts of what we've done for His glory. (Matthew 25:14-30) If you knew you were about to be audited, you'd get your stuff in order. Well, get your stuff in order, cuz you're going to be audited!

This needs to be a part of who we are. There's no vacation from being a good steward of the resources God has given. It must be an ingrained part of life. I am responsible to no mere man. I Timothy 4:14-15 says "Do not neglect your gift... Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress." 2 Timothy 2: 15 says "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." (because you're going to be audited today.) (Note: It is good stewardship to have a vacation! :) )

Live today as if you're flying a plane, because you are. We have a great responsibility for the gifts God has given us, and we are responsible TO the One who's given them. It's with that intensity we must treat our stewardship.



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

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

8.13.11 "Knowing the Voice of God"

"Knowing the Voice of God"

Nehemiah 5:14-7:60
I Corinthians 8:1-13
Psalm 33:1-11
Proverbs 21:8-10

Ok, so you will carry the vision. (see DEVO 8.11.5) Now more than ever, you need to know the voice of God.

In Nehemiah 6, Sanballat, Tobiah & Geshem are out to get Nehemiah. The great vision of rebuilding the wall is near completion, so the enemies are stepping it up. They send a message to Nehemiah to meet them in a village. "But I realized they were plotting to kill me..." (6:2) The bad guys then begin to attack his character, his motives, and make a pretty good case for him meeting with them. Still he stands firm.

In Nehemiah 6:10-11, "A few days later I went to visit Shemaiah... for he said he was receiving a message from God. 'Let us hide in the Temple and bolt the door,' he exclaimed, 'for they are coming tonight to kill you.'"

What would you do in this instance? This "message from God" makes sense. It seems to fit in with the way things have gone. What does Nehemiah do?

6:11-13 "But I replied, 'Should I, the governor, run away from danger? And if I go into the Temple, not being a priest, I would forfeit my life. No, I won't do it!' Then I realized that God had not spoken to him, but Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him to scare me and make me sin by fleeing to the Temple; and then they would be able to accuse me." What discernment!

As we walk along the journey of carrying the vision God has placed on us, we have to grow past the point of knowing someone who knows the voice of God. We HAVE TO KNOW THE VOICE OF GOD. It's our natural reaction to go to others for advice, and Proverbs speaks of the value of many counselors, but as you carry vision, you have to KNOW GOD!

How do we get to know the voice of God? By walking in obedience. To be honest, you will learn his voice by stepping out, and finding out, "oops, that wasn't God, that was me". The next time you will know the difference. We have to be Empowered Through Biblical Training. You have to be in the word. Reading devotionals is great, but you have to get into the word and let God speak his word into your life. Nehemiah knew God's commands well enough to know that Shemaiah's "message" did not line up with God's commands.

Can you imagine the strength that comes from knowing God's voice? The wind and the waves become so small in comparison to knowing that no matter what storms arise, you are walking in obedience to the voice of God!

This next concept may be difficult for me to communicate, but here goes: The larger the vision, the greater the constraint to know the voice of God. As we mature in Christ, and he births greater vision and direction, the enemy will step up the attacks and attempts to confuse the communication lines. There will be more distractions. You may have heard the phrase, "Good is the enemy of Great". As you walk in greater intensity of obedience, you begin to realize the great danger of small compromise. The message Nehemiah received from Shemaiah appealed to his flesh. In a moment of weakness he could have done the wrong thing because it "made sense". But knowing the great call of God constrained him to avoid any level of compromise. Earlier his response to Sanballat & company was "I am doing a great work! Why should I stop to come and visit with you?" (6:3) His passion for the vision and constraint to follow God's direction kept compromise far from him.

God has a vision for you that is larger than you realize. His plans are incredible. The plan begins to be revealed to you as you walk in obedience (Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship). As you seek to intensify your focus on walking with God, you can see the increasing value of it. You then begin to understand that the things around that feed the flesh are not worth the cost of compromise. You begin to understand that watching something full of impurity on television begins to cloud your recognition of the voice of God. Then, when conflicting messages come, you don't know which way to turn.

Guarding the voices you allow into your life will greatly aid your recognition of God's voice. If you're willing to carry the vision, you must be willing to commit yourself to his voice. All of the elements of DREAM are necessary in this maturing process. Each element needs to grow in your life. Go through the checklist of DREAM today. How are you doing? Do you recognize what God is telling you right now? What "noise" in life is clouding his voice? How badly do you want to hear his voice?



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

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

8.12.11 "Don't Be Afraid! Remember the Lord! Fight!"

"Don't Be Afraid! Remember the Lord! Fight!"

Nehemiah 3:15-5:13
I Corinthians 7:20-40
Psalm 32:1-11
Proverbs 21:5-7

What do you do when it just seems like everything is going wrong? The opposition is too great. Is it worth it?

Nehemiah chapter 4 describes some of the most intense opposition his people experience in the building of the wall. Nehemiah is being obedient to what God has called him to do. He's cast the vision. He has all of the workers organized, and there is progress. And here comes Sanballat & Tobiah, mocking them as they work. Nehemiah cries out to God about this, and keeps on going.

Then things get better, right? No, when the workers visit home, the enemy has planted people to try to discourage the workers. If that isn't enough, then there's an army organized against them, planning to attack.

You know what, Nehemiah? It just ain't worth it. You tried. This must not be of God. It's too tough. Maybe you are out of God's will. Maybe your motives were wrong in doing this. I don't think anyone would blame you if you quit working. Nice try.

Is that how it played out? No. In Nehemiah 4:14 it says, "Then as I looked over the situation I called together the leaders and the people and said to them, 'Don't be afraid! Remember the Lord who is great and glorious; fight for your friends, your families, and your homes!'" verse 15-18 "... Now we all returned to our work on the wall; but from then on, only half worked while the other half stood guard behind them. And the masons and laborers worked with weapons within easy reach beside them, or with swords belted to their sides. The trumpeter stayed with me to sound the alarm." verse 20-21, " We worked early and late, from sunrise to sunset; and half the men were always on guard."

As modern day believers we are facing tremendous opposition. If we really looked at the state of morality, the lack of fear of God, and other situations in the world, we could very easily feel like quitting. "It's just not worth it."

Marriages are under attack. Not only nationally, but individually. The enemy is doing whatever he can to destroy Godly foundations. What should we do? Should we quit? Give in?

I Corinthians 7:28-30 says, "... marriage will bring extra problems that I wish you didn't have to face right now. The important thing to remember is that our remaining time is very short, [and so are our opportunities for doing the Lord's work]. For that reason those who have wives should stay as free as possible for the Lord; happiness or sadness or wealth should not keep you from doing God's work."

You may read that & think, "What did Paul say?? Marriage brings problems?? We shouldn't face them???" The point is that so many people are shocked when trouble comes in marriage. They think that it must be doomed. NOT AT ALL! That's the point! Your marriage is a weapon the Lord wants to use against the enemy. When you get married, you are a target.

Just like Nehemiah on the wall, when you are doing work for the Lord, don't be surprised when opposition comes. Whether it's in your marriage or your job, or in your ministry, you need to follow the advice of Nehemiah. "Don't be afraid! Remember the Lord. Fight for your friends, your families, and your homes!"

Proverbs 21:5 says, "Steady plodding brings prosperity; hasty speculation brings poverty." So many of us want the "get rich quick" plan. Not just in our finances, but in our marriage, and in our dreams. We want to know the secret so it will just "happen". That's not the way it works. God wants us to prosper in ALL things. He wants our character to prosper. That can only happen through the refining furnace of affliction and the crucible of conflict.

Do not grow weary! Don't Be Afraid! Remember the Lord! Fight!



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

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

8.12.11 "Don't Be Afraid! Remember the Lord! Fight!"

"Don't Be Afraid! Remember the Lord! Fight!"

Nehemiah 3:15-5:13
I Corinthians 7:20-40
Psalm 32:1-11
Proverbs 21:5-7

What do you do when it just seems like everything is going wrong? The opposition is too great. Is it worth it?

Nehemiah chapter 4 describes some of the most intense opposition his people experience in the building of the wall. Nehemiah is being obedient to what God has called him to do. He's cast the vision. He has all of the workers organized, and there is progress. And here comes Sanballat & Tobiah, mocking them as they work. Nehemiah cries out to God about this, and keeps on going.

Then things get better, right? No, when the workers visit home, the enemy has planted people to try to discourage the workers. If that isn't enough, then there's an army organized against them, planning to attack.

You know what, Nehemiah? It just ain't worth it. You tried. This must not be of God. It's too tough. Maybe you are out of God's will. Maybe your motives were wrong in doing this. I don't think anyone would blame you if you quit working. Nice try.

Is that how it played out? No. In Nehemiah 4:14 it says, "Then as I looked over the situation I called together the leaders and the people and said to them, 'Don't be afraid! Remember the Lord who is great and glorious; fight for your friends, your families, and your homes!'" verse 15-18 "... Now we all returned to our work on the wall; but from then on, only half worked while the other half stood guard behind them. And the masons and laborers worked with weapons within easy reach beside them, or with swords belted to their sides. The trumpeter stayed with me to sound the alarm." verse 20-21, " We worked early and late, from sunrise to sunset; and half the men were always on guard."

As modern day believers we are facing tremendous opposition. If we really looked at the state of morality, the lack of fear of God, and other situations in the world, we could very easily feel like quitting. "It's just not worth it."

Marriages are under attack. Not only nationally, but individually. The enemy is doing whatever he can to destroy Godly foundations. What should we do? Should we quit? Give in?

I Corinthians 7:28-30 says, "... marriage will bring extra problems that I wish you didn't have to face right now. The important thing to remember is that our remaining time is very short, [and so are our opportunities for doing the Lord's work]. For that reason those who have wives should stay as free as possible for the Lord; happiness or sadness or wealth should not keep you from doing God's work."

You may read that & think, "What did Paul say?? Marriage brings problems?? We shouldn't face them???" The point is that so many people are shocked when trouble comes in marriage. They think that it must be doomed. NOT AT ALL! That's the point! Your marriage is a weapon the Lord wants to use against the enemy. When you get married, you are a target.

Just like Nehemiah on the wall, when you are doing work for the Lord, don't be surprised when opposition comes. Whether it's in your marriage or your job, or in your ministry, you need to follow the advice of Nehemiah. "Don't be afraid! Remember the Lord. Fight for your friends, your families, and your homes!"

Proverbs 21:5 says, "Steady plodding brings prosperity; hasty speculation brings poverty." So many of us want the "get rich quick" plan. Not just in our finances, but in our marriage, and in our dreams. We want to know the secret so it will just "happen". That's not the way it works. God wants us to prosper in ALL things. He wants our character to prosper. That can only happen through the refining furnace of affliction and the crucible of conflict.

Do not grow weary! Don't Be Afraid! Remember the Lord! Fight!



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

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

8.11.11 "Who Will Carry the Vision?"

"Who Will Carry the Vision?"

Nehemiah 1:1-3:14
I Corinthians 7:1-19
Psalm 31:19-24
Proverbs 21:4

I've read the book of Nehemiah several times in my life, and always thought it was a good story. A while back, a Christian leader & friend who I really look up to gave me a copy of "Vision of the Leader" by Bruce Wilkinson. I've quoted or referred to it quite a bit in bast devos. It is one of the most impacting leadership teachings I've ever gone through. It teaches about the process of vision development by walking through the book of Nehemiah. It's all so good, i want to go through the whole thing in this DEVO, but I'll hold back.

What really strikes me is what it takes to carry a vision given by God. We know that to Live the DREAM is to live the balanced Christian life, but we also have a dream that God has given us. A vision of what he wants us to do, or a plan that burns in our heart that he wants us to be a part of. Each of us has a seed of vision that is unique. For one, it's a huge change the world type of million dollar dream, and for another it's a desire to organize the church library. Because we're human, we tend to qualify one dream over another. That's not God's way. His desire is that we give birth to whatever dream he has put in our heart, and walk in obedience to His call and direction.

There are many who think they don't have a dream, and it's probably not true. More than likely, the situation is that these individuals don't realize they carry a burden, or a desire that is actually the seed of the vision God has for them. Jeremiah 29:11 applies to all of us. God has plans for each one of us.

So what's it take to carry a vision given by God? Nehemiah goes through so many steps in walking in obedience to the vision God gives him, it would take too long to go through them all, but I want to hit a few that we can apply to our lives.

1. Heart for the need. How many times do we say, or hear someone say, "there's a need, and someone should do something about it." Then nothing happens. To carry through on a vision, there must be an intentional attachment. Wilkinson calls it a "Bonding" to the need. The need in the book of Nehemiah was that the walls of Jerusalem needed to be rebuilt. First, Nehemiah investigated the need by asking the status, and then "Bonds" to the need in 1:4 "when I heard this, I sat down and cried.... I spent the time in prayer to the God of heaven."

2. Acceptance of where God has placed you. At the end of the first chapter Nehemiah says, "I was the king's cupbearer." What difference could a cupbearer make? Too often that's the way we think. "I could change the world if only ..." So many times we don't follow through on the vision God has given us because we excuse ourselves because of our status. "I'm only..." "If only we had more money..." "If only I had a different job..." God's will for your life is to be accomplished not "in spite" of where you are, but BECAUSE of where you are. Esther knew that she was placed in her position "for such a time as this". So are you! You have no idea the impact you could make, so get rid of the excuse, and walk in obedience!

3. Acceptance of God's timing. There are several instances throughout these chapters that Nehemiah waits for God's timing. The first is represented at the beginning of Chapter 2. It says "four months later". Remember, he had wept and prayed and this must have gone on for months! That's so unlike our human nature. If our dream doesn't happen to us right away, we give up. we lose the passion, we don't stick it out. Later Nehemiah waits for God's timing to reveal his plan to the people. There is a strength and maturity that develops as we wait for God to open doors. Too many times we do catch a glimpse of the vision or dream God has for us, and we go around trying to kick doors open instead of waiting for him to complete his work.

4. Acceptance of God appointed authority. This is one of the biggest things i think people struggle with. Too many see those in authority over them as an obstacle to the dream instead of a necessary part of the process. In Nehemiah's prayer in chapter 1 he prays that God will move on the heart of the king. In chapter 2 he is reverent to the king, and honors the kings position, and moves only when given permission. If we get resistance from our authority, we do everything from complaining, to rebuking satan, to rebelling and going against instruction. In every circumstance God is using your authorities to mold you into what he needs you to be to carry out the vision. One thing is for certain. It is not God's plan for you to carry out his vision with a heart of rebellion. His blessing will not be on that.

5. Complete dependance on God. Throughout the book of Nehemiah, he acknowledges that this is not his vision. It's a vision that has been given by God. He is dependent in prayer, and trusts in the strength of God. Verse 2:20 says, "...the God of heaven will help us, and we, his servants, will rebuild this wall..." He knows where his strength comes from.

6. Endurance. Nehemiah faces many challenges. He is accused of rebellion, opposed by others, and yet he sticks it out. A question I ask my self on a regular basis is, "How 'expensive' is the vision?" If it's worth nothing, it wont take much for me to walk away from it. If I know it's from God, I will go through anything to walk in obedience. Too many times we don't realize the value of the vision, and we trade it for a bowl of soup, or quick gratification, or the easy road. If it's of value, (and it always is!) it is going to cost you something. It will cost you your comfort zone and more. But it's worth it.

Seek God for his vision and direction for your life, and know that your dream is going to be accomplished as you Live the DREAM and mature in the Balanced Christian Life. No matter how small your dream seems, it will change the world for someone.

Will you carry the vision?



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

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