"Complete Devotion"
Ezekiel 14:12-16:42
Hebrews 7:18-28
Psalm 106:1-12
Proverbs 27:4-6
"Who can ever list the glorious miracles of God? Who can ever praise him half enough?" Ps. 106:2
Our relationship with the Lord is an incredible thing. I don't think we can understand the full magnitude of this, and how important this relationship is in God's eyes. In Eph. 5:31 Paul quotes a verse that we've heard many times at a wedding. "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." He explains something very important in the next verse. "This is a profound mystery - but I am talking about Christ and the church."
Our relationship with Christ is one of profound intimacy. In Ezekiel 15, the Lord is describing his relationship with his people. He talks about how he created them, and brought them to him, and then set them apart as his bride. The description of his love for them is quite vivid. It talks of gifts of clothing, jewelry, and how "you looked like a queen, and so you were!"
That's how God views each one of us. The bride of Christ. He loves us more intensely than we can realize. He can't wait to commune with us. To spend time with us. He is passionate about us.
Tragically, his people are not faithful. Ez. 15:15 says, "But you thought you could get along without me..." It goes on to describe how his bride becomes a prostitute to everyone that comes along.
We can be kind of flippant about "priorities" that are out of whack in our lives. Basically, we're talking about idolatry. About how we've found other things than the Lord to please us. To be our "lovers". We prostitute ourselves to flesh pleasing things. This separates us from God.
He created us for Him. We will never be satisfied until there is nothing that stains our intimacy with Him.
Proverbs 27:4 says, "Jealousy is more dangerous and cruel than anger." Do you know why that is? Because when we are jealous, we feel like we are not getting something that we deserve. The dangerous part of it is that it is God who gives all things, so in essence we are mad that God hasn't given us what we feel we deserve. Praise him for the fact that he didn't give us what we REALLY deserve!!!
When you sit down to do your "devotions" each morning, think of what "devotion" means. While often our time in the word can become a ritualistic task, we need to understand the purpose of what we do is to "devote" our heart to the Lord. "Lord, I give you me." That's all it takes.
We need to live lives of complete devotion. We must guard against jealousy, bitterness, and all other cancers of the soul.
As you spend time with the Lord today, open your heart to him and ask him to purify you of anything that clouds your intimacy with him. We can't get along without Him. Even if we think we can, we need to be desperately in love with him and devoted to keep our relationship pure.
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
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Friday, November 2, 2012
11.2.12 "The Intensity of the Mission"
"The Intensity of the Mission"
Ezekiel 3:16-6:14
Hebrews 4:1-16
Psalm 104:25-35
Proverbs 26:27
Your world is desperate for you to be who God created you to be. My family is desperate for me to be the husband and dad God created me to be. My neighbors are desperate for me to be the light God created me to be. Society is desperate for me to be the salt God created me to be.
We have a Mission to reach our world for Christ. There is an intensity to this mission.
People don't like to be held responsible for things. When pro athletes get themselves into trouble, many times a comment is made, "Hey, I never asked to be a role model. I'm no role model, I'm just doing my job." Well, it doesn't work that way. We each carry a significant amount of responsibility. As profile and exposure increase, the responsibility increases all the more.
I was meeting a friend for an early morning meeting at McDonald's. We were sitting in the booth talking, and just over his shoulder, across the room, in my line of sight was a girl in her early 20's who was crying. Her glasses were broken in half, and she was trying to call someone on her cell phone. It looked to me like she had been slapped around. As I was meeting with this friend I was thinking the Lord was telling me to go talk to her. I started to try to figure out if it was "really God, or just me". Have you ever done that? It was one of those, "ok, if she hangs up the phone in the next 5 seconds, i know it's God..." type of things. Of course, all of those things happened but I was still waiting.
I finally went over to her and asked if everything was ok. She said everything was fine, and she had a ride coming. As I was walking away, I thought to myself, "whew. I guess it wasn't a big deal. She didn't need to talk to me." Remember how a second ago I was struggling with knowing whether it was "God or me"? Well, it became very clear that my next thoughts were God and not me. The Lord spoke to my heart, "It wasn't about her needing to talk to you, it was about you hearing my voice and responding to me. Delayed obedience is disobedience." Ouch.
There is an intensity to our Mission. The Lord spelled it out to Ezekiel:
Ezekiel 3:17-21 says, "Son of dust, I have appointed you as a watchman for Israel; whenever I send my people a warning, pass it on to them at once. If you refuse to warn the wicked when I want you to tell them, you are under the penalty of death, therefore repent and save your life - they will die in their sins, but I will punish you. I will demand your blood for theirs. But if you warn them and they keep on sinning, and refuse to repent, they will die in their sins, but you are blameless - you have done all you could. And if a good man becomes bad, and you refuse to warn him of the consequences, and the Lord destroys him, his previous good deeds won't help him - he shall die in his sin. But I will hold you responsible for his death, and punish you. But if you warn him and he repents, he shall live and you have saved your own life too."
It is SO important that we learn to move when God says to move. It is a process. It starts with listening in small things. It becomes a habit of listening to his voice. This is why we're here. This is our purpose.
This is not only in relation to the unbeliever. as it said in verse 20, "if a good man becomes bad..." we need to be watching out for one another. We need to be intense in our discipleship. Too often we see someone making a bad decision, and we kind of shrug our shoulders and walk away "oh well, that's their own problem!" We don't realize that the Lord is directing us to watch out for one another, to warn each other about the dangers around the corner.
We lose the intensity of our mission when we become self centered and caught up in our own problems. We're concerned about our schedule. Our rest. Our time off. Our relationships. We forget that God has placed us where he has us for a VERY specific purpose: To Reach our World for Christ.
Listen today. Then do what God is directing you to do. If no one falls to their knees crying, "I wanna get saved!" don't feel like you failed, because that's not the point. The point is that you do EVERYTHING he commands you to do!
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
Ezekiel 3:16-6:14
Hebrews 4:1-16
Psalm 104:25-35
Proverbs 26:27
Your world is desperate for you to be who God created you to be. My family is desperate for me to be the husband and dad God created me to be. My neighbors are desperate for me to be the light God created me to be. Society is desperate for me to be the salt God created me to be.
We have a Mission to reach our world for Christ. There is an intensity to this mission.
People don't like to be held responsible for things. When pro athletes get themselves into trouble, many times a comment is made, "Hey, I never asked to be a role model. I'm no role model, I'm just doing my job." Well, it doesn't work that way. We each carry a significant amount of responsibility. As profile and exposure increase, the responsibility increases all the more.
I was meeting a friend for an early morning meeting at McDonald's. We were sitting in the booth talking, and just over his shoulder, across the room, in my line of sight was a girl in her early 20's who was crying. Her glasses were broken in half, and she was trying to call someone on her cell phone. It looked to me like she had been slapped around. As I was meeting with this friend I was thinking the Lord was telling me to go talk to her. I started to try to figure out if it was "really God, or just me". Have you ever done that? It was one of those, "ok, if she hangs up the phone in the next 5 seconds, i know it's God..." type of things. Of course, all of those things happened but I was still waiting.
I finally went over to her and asked if everything was ok. She said everything was fine, and she had a ride coming. As I was walking away, I thought to myself, "whew. I guess it wasn't a big deal. She didn't need to talk to me." Remember how a second ago I was struggling with knowing whether it was "God or me"? Well, it became very clear that my next thoughts were God and not me. The Lord spoke to my heart, "It wasn't about her needing to talk to you, it was about you hearing my voice and responding to me. Delayed obedience is disobedience." Ouch.
There is an intensity to our Mission. The Lord spelled it out to Ezekiel:
Ezekiel 3:17-21 says, "Son of dust, I have appointed you as a watchman for Israel; whenever I send my people a warning, pass it on to them at once. If you refuse to warn the wicked when I want you to tell them, you are under the penalty of death, therefore repent and save your life - they will die in their sins, but I will punish you. I will demand your blood for theirs. But if you warn them and they keep on sinning, and refuse to repent, they will die in their sins, but you are blameless - you have done all you could. And if a good man becomes bad, and you refuse to warn him of the consequences, and the Lord destroys him, his previous good deeds won't help him - he shall die in his sin. But I will hold you responsible for his death, and punish you. But if you warn him and he repents, he shall live and you have saved your own life too."
It is SO important that we learn to move when God says to move. It is a process. It starts with listening in small things. It becomes a habit of listening to his voice. This is why we're here. This is our purpose.
This is not only in relation to the unbeliever. as it said in verse 20, "if a good man becomes bad..." we need to be watching out for one another. We need to be intense in our discipleship. Too often we see someone making a bad decision, and we kind of shrug our shoulders and walk away "oh well, that's their own problem!" We don't realize that the Lord is directing us to watch out for one another, to warn each other about the dangers around the corner.
We lose the intensity of our mission when we become self centered and caught up in our own problems. We're concerned about our schedule. Our rest. Our time off. Our relationships. We forget that God has placed us where he has us for a VERY specific purpose: To Reach our World for Christ.
Listen today. Then do what God is directing you to do. If no one falls to their knees crying, "I wanna get saved!" don't feel like you failed, because that's not the point. The point is that you do EVERYTHING he commands you to do!
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
Thursday, November 1, 2012
11.1.12 "The Root of Rebellion"
"The Root of Rebellion"
Ezekiel 1:1-3:15
Hebrews 3:1-19
Psalm 104:1-24
Proverbs 26:24-26
Are you a rebel? What is a rebel? We think of rebellious children who thumb their nose at their parent and do their own thing. I think of a time when I thought I'd impress my dad by putting my hair in a ponytail and putting on a gaudy clip-on earring. He looked up from his desk and said. "You look stupid." That was pretty much the end of that. What is rebellion? Well, we know it has something to do with an attitude toward authority.
"But now is the time. Never forget the warning, 'Today if you hear God's voice speaking to you, do not harden your hearts against him, as the people of Israel did when they rebelled against him in the desert.'" Hebrews 3:15
Those rebels in the desert. Remember that? From this verse we see that the people rebelled against God by hardening their hearts when he would speak to them. We live in quite a rebellious age. Hundreds and thousands of people hear the good news each week, and yet live their lives unchanged. Their hearts become hardened.
How does the heart become hard? Is it a conscious thought? "You know what? Today I'm going to harden my heart." Where does it come from?
Let's look at where it came from in the "Desert Rebels":
"And who were those people I speak of, who heard God's voice speaking to them, but then rebelled against him? They were the ones who came out of Egypt with Moses their leader." vs. 16
Can you imagine walking across the Red Sea? That would be pretty unforgettable. Most of us have seen some kind of depiction of it through the special effects of a movie and we have some context to compare it to. But these people couldn't have seen anything close to this. It was absolutely AMAZING! How Awesome!!! But... it was these people who rebelled.
Vs 17-20: "And who was it who made God angry for all those forty years? These same people who sinned and as a result died in the wilderness. And to whom was God speaking when he swore an oath that they could never go into the land he had promised his people? He was speaking to all those who disobeyed him. And why couldn't they go in?..."
You ready? Here's the root of rebellion... it's coming...
Can you imagine making God angry for forty years? Walking through the Red Sea, and then dying in the desert because of your sin? What could cause this? What horrible act???? What could enter the heart of a man that could cause him to be so foolish??
Here it is. Verse 19: "And why couldn't they go in? Because they didn't trust him."
The root of rebellion is a lack of trust. Lack of trust is the door through which the awful stench of rebellion comes in.
Why is it that so many hear the Good News, and walk away unchanged? Because they don't trust God. They perceive that there is some flaw in this great plan of His. Lack of trust is the first step in the hardening of the heart.
What about me? I know God has told me to do something. I'm hesitant though. I don't feel like I can do it. I feel like I don't have the skills. I'm worried about what people will think. Guess what these excuses are: Lack of trust.
Living a life of radical trust would be an awesome thing. To know each day that when God speaks to our heart, we jump headlong into what he commands. But, we tend to be a hard-hearted people.
This lack of trust in God is one of the greatest hinderances to the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship. Lack of trust causes us to worry. It causes us to try to mathematically figure things out on our own. All of that clogs the communication lines of heaven. It separates us from God. It is sin.
Lord, forgive me for my lack of trust in you. You've done awesome things in my life. In salvation you brought me through the Red Sea and out of the Slavery of my sin. That is an incredible miracle, one far greater than anything I can imagine. Help me to trust you more. Help me to recognize that my excuses open the door to my rebellion. Forgive me Lord. Help me to realize that when I don't trust those you've placed in authority over me, I'm opening the door to rebellion as well. Help me to radically live 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
Ezekiel 1:1-3:15
Hebrews 3:1-19
Psalm 104:1-24
Proverbs 26:24-26
Are you a rebel? What is a rebel? We think of rebellious children who thumb their nose at their parent and do their own thing. I think of a time when I thought I'd impress my dad by putting my hair in a ponytail and putting on a gaudy clip-on earring. He looked up from his desk and said. "You look stupid." That was pretty much the end of that. What is rebellion? Well, we know it has something to do with an attitude toward authority.
"But now is the time. Never forget the warning, 'Today if you hear God's voice speaking to you, do not harden your hearts against him, as the people of Israel did when they rebelled against him in the desert.'" Hebrews 3:15
Those rebels in the desert. Remember that? From this verse we see that the people rebelled against God by hardening their hearts when he would speak to them. We live in quite a rebellious age. Hundreds and thousands of people hear the good news each week, and yet live their lives unchanged. Their hearts become hardened.
How does the heart become hard? Is it a conscious thought? "You know what? Today I'm going to harden my heart." Where does it come from?
Let's look at where it came from in the "Desert Rebels":
"And who were those people I speak of, who heard God's voice speaking to them, but then rebelled against him? They were the ones who came out of Egypt with Moses their leader." vs. 16
Can you imagine walking across the Red Sea? That would be pretty unforgettable. Most of us have seen some kind of depiction of it through the special effects of a movie and we have some context to compare it to. But these people couldn't have seen anything close to this. It was absolutely AMAZING! How Awesome!!! But... it was these people who rebelled.
Vs 17-20: "And who was it who made God angry for all those forty years? These same people who sinned and as a result died in the wilderness. And to whom was God speaking when he swore an oath that they could never go into the land he had promised his people? He was speaking to all those who disobeyed him. And why couldn't they go in?..."
You ready? Here's the root of rebellion... it's coming...
Can you imagine making God angry for forty years? Walking through the Red Sea, and then dying in the desert because of your sin? What could cause this? What horrible act???? What could enter the heart of a man that could cause him to be so foolish??
Here it is. Verse 19: "And why couldn't they go in? Because they didn't trust him."
The root of rebellion is a lack of trust. Lack of trust is the door through which the awful stench of rebellion comes in.
Why is it that so many hear the Good News, and walk away unchanged? Because they don't trust God. They perceive that there is some flaw in this great plan of His. Lack of trust is the first step in the hardening of the heart.
What about me? I know God has told me to do something. I'm hesitant though. I don't feel like I can do it. I feel like I don't have the skills. I'm worried about what people will think. Guess what these excuses are: Lack of trust.
Living a life of radical trust would be an awesome thing. To know each day that when God speaks to our heart, we jump headlong into what he commands. But, we tend to be a hard-hearted people.
This lack of trust in God is one of the greatest hinderances to the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship. Lack of trust causes us to worry. It causes us to try to mathematically figure things out on our own. All of that clogs the communication lines of heaven. It separates us from God. It is sin.
Lord, forgive me for my lack of trust in you. You've done awesome things in my life. In salvation you brought me through the Red Sea and out of the Slavery of my sin. That is an incredible miracle, one far greater than anything I can imagine. Help me to trust you more. Help me to recognize that my excuses open the door to my rebellion. Forgive me Lord. Help me to realize that when I don't trust those you've placed in authority over me, I'm opening the door to rebellion as well. Help me to radically live 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
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
10.31.12 "Undeserving"
"Undeserving"
Lamentations 4:1-5:22
Hebrews 2:1-18
Psalm 103:1-22
Proverbs 26:23
We all have expectations. When we walk into a store, we expect that employees will treat customers with respect. If we buy something, it will be in good working order. We should be satisfied. We paid for it, we deserve it.
What a blessing it is to serve God. "I bless the holy name of God with all my heart. Yes, I will bless the Lord and not forget the glorious things he does for me. He forgives all my sin. He heals me. He ransoms me from hell. He surrounds me with lovingkindness and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things! My youth is renewed like the eagle's! He gives justice to all who are treated unfairly." Ps 103:1-7
How do you feel reading that scripture? It's too easy to read all of that and say, "Boy, I sure am glad for all that!" and go on with the day. We can become callous to the blessing of salvation.
"He is merciful and tender toward those who don't deserve it; he is slow to get angry and full of kindness and love. He never bears a grudge, nor remains angry forever. He has not punished us as we deserve for all our sin, for his mercy toward those who fear and honor him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth." Ps 103:8-11
"those who don't deserve it..." Who is that? that's me. I walk in and out of the church doors at least a couple dozen times each week. I must be cautious lest I take for granted the grace God has given me. I should never walk into his presence as if I deserve to be there. I should not walk through life as if I deserve to be a child of God. I don't. All i deserve is the punishment for my sin. Praise the Lord, "he has not punished us as we deserve..."
I'm thankful that through the power of his blood we can boldly come before him. "He has removed our sins as far away from us as the east is from the west." Ps 103:12 He has made us pure. Even though we don't deserve it. "For he knows we are but dust, and that our days are few and brief, like grass, like flowers, blown by the wind and gone forever."
How does an individual live if they feel like they "deserve" God's favor? They make for tough customers. We had friends years ago who had a goal to get a free meal at a restaurant every time. They would try to find something to make a stink about. It was actually quite embarrassing. When asked about it, the comment was, "hey, I paid for this meal, and it's their job to keep us happy." Well, let's just say the waiters had their work cut out for them.
Do you know that it's not God's "job" to keep us happy? He has a purpose for all creation, and we are so blessed to be even thought of as part of the family. How awful to walk around in life as if "I paid for this Christianity, so I deserve better..."
Lord, I'm so thankful that you chose me to be one of your very own. I'm full of flaws and I've failed you many times, and yet your love for me just makes it all seem to disappear. Forgive me for times that I walk around as a spoiled child acting arrogant like I deserve your favor. I don't. Help me to walk daily in the humility of one who's been forgiven so much.
"Let everything everywhere bless the Lord. And how I bless him too!" Ps. 103:22
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
Lamentations 4:1-5:22
Hebrews 2:1-18
Psalm 103:1-22
Proverbs 26:23
We all have expectations. When we walk into a store, we expect that employees will treat customers with respect. If we buy something, it will be in good working order. We should be satisfied. We paid for it, we deserve it.
What a blessing it is to serve God. "I bless the holy name of God with all my heart. Yes, I will bless the Lord and not forget the glorious things he does for me. He forgives all my sin. He heals me. He ransoms me from hell. He surrounds me with lovingkindness and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things! My youth is renewed like the eagle's! He gives justice to all who are treated unfairly." Ps 103:1-7
How do you feel reading that scripture? It's too easy to read all of that and say, "Boy, I sure am glad for all that!" and go on with the day. We can become callous to the blessing of salvation.
"He is merciful and tender toward those who don't deserve it; he is slow to get angry and full of kindness and love. He never bears a grudge, nor remains angry forever. He has not punished us as we deserve for all our sin, for his mercy toward those who fear and honor him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth." Ps 103:8-11
"those who don't deserve it..." Who is that? that's me. I walk in and out of the church doors at least a couple dozen times each week. I must be cautious lest I take for granted the grace God has given me. I should never walk into his presence as if I deserve to be there. I should not walk through life as if I deserve to be a child of God. I don't. All i deserve is the punishment for my sin. Praise the Lord, "he has not punished us as we deserve..."
I'm thankful that through the power of his blood we can boldly come before him. "He has removed our sins as far away from us as the east is from the west." Ps 103:12 He has made us pure. Even though we don't deserve it. "For he knows we are but dust, and that our days are few and brief, like grass, like flowers, blown by the wind and gone forever."
How does an individual live if they feel like they "deserve" God's favor? They make for tough customers. We had friends years ago who had a goal to get a free meal at a restaurant every time. They would try to find something to make a stink about. It was actually quite embarrassing. When asked about it, the comment was, "hey, I paid for this meal, and it's their job to keep us happy." Well, let's just say the waiters had their work cut out for them.
Do you know that it's not God's "job" to keep us happy? He has a purpose for all creation, and we are so blessed to be even thought of as part of the family. How awful to walk around in life as if "I paid for this Christianity, so I deserve better..."
Lord, I'm so thankful that you chose me to be one of your very own. I'm full of flaws and I've failed you many times, and yet your love for me just makes it all seem to disappear. Forgive me for times that I walk around as a spoiled child acting arrogant like I deserve your favor. I don't. Help me to walk daily in the humility of one who's been forgiven so much.
"Let everything everywhere bless the Lord. And how I bless him too!" Ps. 103:22
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
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
10.30.12 "Trick or Treat!"
"Trick or Treat!"
Lamentations 2:20 - 3:66
Hebrews 1:1-14
Psalm 102:1-28
Proverbs 26:21-22
Sin is sneaking up on you. It's waiting for a chance to infect you. You're probably thinking that this is going to have something to do with halloween. It doesn't. It has to do with one of the biggest lures and deceptions in the body of Christ. This is a sin that probably all Christians have taken part of at some point. Sometimes it's been willful, other times it came out of nowhere, but the opportunity is always there. It's always at the door. It's not only at your door. There's someone near who's often willing to dive into the sin with you.
"Gossip is a dainty morsel eaten with great relish." Prov. 26:22
What is it about gossip? For some reason people like to talk about other people. "Did you hear about..." Why is that such a lure? Why are we enthralled with the problems of others? In the reading a few days ago the Proverb reading said, "Yanking a dog's ears is no more foolish than interfering in an argument that isn't any of your business." Prov. 26:17
Sometimes we think that if we phrase gossip in the form of a prayer request, we've cleared ourselves of the sin part. That's not necessarily true. Our human nature wants to feel better about itself. Often it takes the opportunity to shine light on someone else's faults or struggles just to elevate ourselves.
There is some lure to gossip. It's like a piece of candy. I like those brown pink and white ones with the coconut... mmmm... you pop it in your mouth and your mouth waters, savoring the flavor. There's something about our human nature that salivates over hearing the troubles and / or faults of others. If we are not careful we find ourselves savoring their trial.
How do we know when something is gossip, and not just talking about our lives? One way is to recognize when the voices go low. Another is when it's said, "Don't tell anybody this, but..."
Wouldn't it be great to be gossip free? Where trust and freedom abound? That's the fruit of Relationships Devoted to Unity. If I know you would never say anything to harm me, and you know the same about me, we can trust each other to work together in ministry... to help each other through any situation. I will treat your needs with honor, and I know you will defend me to the end. That's a the kind of Body I want to be a part of. One that is truly Devoted to Unity.
Yesterday's Proverb was verse 20: "Fire goes out for lack of fuel, and tensions disappear when gossip stops." I love the thought of "tensions disappear". How wonderful that is! Let's prioritize that atmosphere in the body of Christ!
Don't be lured in by the "treat" of gossip. It's really a "trick" that destroys unity. Unity is VERY important to Christ, so we need to treat it with the utmost care. Defend one another!
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
Lamentations 2:20 - 3:66
Hebrews 1:1-14
Psalm 102:1-28
Proverbs 26:21-22
Sin is sneaking up on you. It's waiting for a chance to infect you. You're probably thinking that this is going to have something to do with halloween. It doesn't. It has to do with one of the biggest lures and deceptions in the body of Christ. This is a sin that probably all Christians have taken part of at some point. Sometimes it's been willful, other times it came out of nowhere, but the opportunity is always there. It's always at the door. It's not only at your door. There's someone near who's often willing to dive into the sin with you.
"Gossip is a dainty morsel eaten with great relish." Prov. 26:22
What is it about gossip? For some reason people like to talk about other people. "Did you hear about..." Why is that such a lure? Why are we enthralled with the problems of others? In the reading a few days ago the Proverb reading said, "Yanking a dog's ears is no more foolish than interfering in an argument that isn't any of your business." Prov. 26:17
Sometimes we think that if we phrase gossip in the form of a prayer request, we've cleared ourselves of the sin part. That's not necessarily true. Our human nature wants to feel better about itself. Often it takes the opportunity to shine light on someone else's faults or struggles just to elevate ourselves.
There is some lure to gossip. It's like a piece of candy. I like those brown pink and white ones with the coconut... mmmm... you pop it in your mouth and your mouth waters, savoring the flavor. There's something about our human nature that salivates over hearing the troubles and / or faults of others. If we are not careful we find ourselves savoring their trial.
How do we know when something is gossip, and not just talking about our lives? One way is to recognize when the voices go low. Another is when it's said, "Don't tell anybody this, but..."
Wouldn't it be great to be gossip free? Where trust and freedom abound? That's the fruit of Relationships Devoted to Unity. If I know you would never say anything to harm me, and you know the same about me, we can trust each other to work together in ministry... to help each other through any situation. I will treat your needs with honor, and I know you will defend me to the end. That's a the kind of Body I want to be a part of. One that is truly Devoted to Unity.
Yesterday's Proverb was verse 20: "Fire goes out for lack of fuel, and tensions disappear when gossip stops." I love the thought of "tensions disappear". How wonderful that is! Let's prioritize that atmosphere in the body of Christ!
Don't be lured in by the "treat" of gossip. It's really a "trick" that destroys unity. Unity is VERY important to Christ, so we need to treat it with the utmost care. Defend one another!
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
Monday, October 29, 2012
10.29.12 "The DLOW Challenge"
"The DLOW Challenge"
Lamentations 1:1 - 2:19
Philemon 1:1-25
Psalm 101:1-8
Proverbs 26:20
So, are you living the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship? Where's the easiest place for you to live your "D-LOW"? I would imagine that for most it's a church setting. We know how we're supposed to act spiritual there, so we put it on. For some it may be at work. I've talked to a few who work in a factory where they can sing to the top of their lungs and no one can hear them. How's your DLOW when you're driving?
Living the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship entails turning every situation into a chance to commune with God. It's rejoicing in trials and victories alike. It's recognizing that every frustration is an opportunity to hear his voice in a new way. It's offering him our highest form of worship: Obedience.
Do you know what can be the hardest place to let your DLOW shine?? HOME! Home is where we let it all out. Our family sees our flaws. In public we've worked to maintain an image. We wanna be light to the world, so we're really careful about what we say. We keep our attitudes in check. We even try to point others to scriptural principles. So, what happens at home?
David was a man after God's own heart. He had the same issue. "I will try to walk a blameless path, but how I need your help, especially in my own home, where I long to act as I should." Ps 101:2
What happens when tensions rise in the home? Where's the DLOW? It's interesting that when we begin to set into motion the habit of worship and obedience at home, it becomes MUCH easier everywhere else.
Do you ever wonder why reality TV is so popular? My theory is that people like to see the portrayal of how people REALLY are. Most people live their lives constantly building walls of pride and pretension. With these shows, the reality cameras are always on, so people are shown for who they really are. My guess is the popularity is there because the viewers realize that "I'm not so bad" when they realize others are the same or "worse" than they are.
Who I am at home is WHO I AM. When my daughter was young, she found my name tag and was walking around saying. "Look I'm Pastor Greg, you're just Greg!" She was getting a big kick out of it. The question is how much difference is there between Greg & Pastor Greg? When the name tag goes on what has to change? If I'm Living the DLOW, there is no mask. No pretension.
When the atmosphere of the home is one where worship is alive, it's amazing how family members can encourage one another. "Daddy, I was looking for this and I prayed and God helped me find it." That may not seem like a big deal, but when we connect our relationship with the Lord to the everyday victories and frustrations, we are beginning to Live the DREAM.
How's the DLOW in your home? Make the presence of God known in your home. When someone has a hard day, stop and pray together. Respond to situations in a Godly manner. Respond with worship and obedience & see what begins to happen. Live the Dynamic LIFESTYLE of Worship.
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
Sunday, October 28, 2012
10.28.12 "Seduction and Destruction"
"Seduction and Destruction"
Jeremiah 51:54-52:34
Titus 3:1-15
Psalm 100:1-5
Proverbs 26:18-19
There is a powerful part of our human nature. Much of it's power lies in the fact that its attack is subtle. Its entry into our life is not something that we even guard against. We welcome it we entertain it. We dwell on it and it grows. We're not worried that its roots are going deeper and deeper, because we think it to be a good thing. It's hard to know at what point it becomes out of control, but many times it ends up on the throne of our thoughts. We don't even realize that this "friend" has now become our master, and we're controlled by it.
What is this rebel, this insurrectionist? This thing that causes such a subtle yet devastating war inside? It's none other than our Opinion.
"Don't get involved in arguing over unanswerable questions and controversial theological ideas; keep out of arguments and quarrels about obedience to Jewish laws, for this kind of thing isn't worthwhile; it only does harm. If anyone is causing divisions among you, he should be given a first and second warning. After that have nothing more to do with him, for such a person has a wrong sense of values. He is sinning, and he knows it." Titus 3:9-11
Unity is important to God. The majority of the time, it is Opinion that destroys unity. Division is most often birthed when an individual has an opinion of how something could be done better. It may very well be a good idea, but whoever is in authority determines not to do it that way. Opinion feels that it hasn't been understood, so it pushes a little harder to make a point... to no avail. Suddenly, Opinion has changed it's name to Offense. Offense feels justified, because Opinion was a really good idea. Offense begins to search for allies, and looks for platforms to promote this great Opinion. The only thing is that the drive is now Offense. Offense is intent on Opposition. The Seduction of Opinion is now leading to Destruction of Unity.
What makes this so destructive is the lure of Opinion in the first place. It might not necessarily have been off base theologically, nor did it begin with impure motives, but momentum was built as Opinion was given more honor than it was due. The Values and Goals of the Body have been lost as Opinion as grown to the point of blocking them out. It has taken the throne. Sometimes this happens because some find their personal value in their opinion. If their opinion is rejected, then they feel rejected, so they fight for the right for opinion to live.
Discipleship many times is the "ministry of damage control". I usually say that in jest, but there is truth in it. Much of the time we find alignment by getting out of line and needing to be brought back in to line. Paul's instructions to Titus don't say "if someone is divisive, kick them out right away." He says warn them. However, he does say that there is a point to not give them a voice any longer. If an individual will not accept "alignment", "such a person has a wrong sense of values."
This is a difficult part of growing in the Body of Christ. This is why it is so VITAL that the mission and vision are shared by all. It keeps our values in check. It keeps us aligned with scripture. Being Empowered through Biblical Training helps keep Opinion aligned with the Word, and Relationships Devoted to Unity keeps our dedication to building one another up, and keeps our opinion from growing out of control as we are committed to one another.
Keep Opinion in its proper perspective today.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Jeremiah 51:54-52:34
Titus 3:1-15
Psalm 100:1-5
Proverbs 26:18-19
There is a powerful part of our human nature. Much of it's power lies in the fact that its attack is subtle. Its entry into our life is not something that we even guard against. We welcome it we entertain it. We dwell on it and it grows. We're not worried that its roots are going deeper and deeper, because we think it to be a good thing. It's hard to know at what point it becomes out of control, but many times it ends up on the throne of our thoughts. We don't even realize that this "friend" has now become our master, and we're controlled by it.
What is this rebel, this insurrectionist? This thing that causes such a subtle yet devastating war inside? It's none other than our Opinion.
"Don't get involved in arguing over unanswerable questions and controversial theological ideas; keep out of arguments and quarrels about obedience to Jewish laws, for this kind of thing isn't worthwhile; it only does harm. If anyone is causing divisions among you, he should be given a first and second warning. After that have nothing more to do with him, for such a person has a wrong sense of values. He is sinning, and he knows it." Titus 3:9-11
Unity is important to God. The majority of the time, it is Opinion that destroys unity. Division is most often birthed when an individual has an opinion of how something could be done better. It may very well be a good idea, but whoever is in authority determines not to do it that way. Opinion feels that it hasn't been understood, so it pushes a little harder to make a point... to no avail. Suddenly, Opinion has changed it's name to Offense. Offense feels justified, because Opinion was a really good idea. Offense begins to search for allies, and looks for platforms to promote this great Opinion. The only thing is that the drive is now Offense. Offense is intent on Opposition. The Seduction of Opinion is now leading to Destruction of Unity.
What makes this so destructive is the lure of Opinion in the first place. It might not necessarily have been off base theologically, nor did it begin with impure motives, but momentum was built as Opinion was given more honor than it was due. The Values and Goals of the Body have been lost as Opinion as grown to the point of blocking them out. It has taken the throne. Sometimes this happens because some find their personal value in their opinion. If their opinion is rejected, then they feel rejected, so they fight for the right for opinion to live.
Discipleship many times is the "ministry of damage control". I usually say that in jest, but there is truth in it. Much of the time we find alignment by getting out of line and needing to be brought back in to line. Paul's instructions to Titus don't say "if someone is divisive, kick them out right away." He says warn them. However, he does say that there is a point to not give them a voice any longer. If an individual will not accept "alignment", "such a person has a wrong sense of values."
This is a difficult part of growing in the Body of Christ. This is why it is so VITAL that the mission and vision are shared by all. It keeps our values in check. It keeps us aligned with scripture. Being Empowered through Biblical Training helps keep Opinion aligned with the Word, and Relationships Devoted to Unity keeps our dedication to building one another up, and keeps our opinion from growing out of control as we are committed to one another.
Keep Opinion in its proper perspective today.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Thursday, October 25, 2012
10.25.12 "Take the Time to Praise"
"Take the Time to Praise"
Jeremiah 48:1-49:22
2 Timothy 4:1-22
Psalm 95:1-96:13
Proverbs 26:9-12
Many times it's easy to get entrenched in the routines of life and we forget the most important thing: Taking time to praise the Lord. Let's take the time today.
"Oh, come, let us sing to the Lord! Give a joyous shout in honor of the Rock of our salvation! Come before him with thankful hearts. Let us sing him psalms of praise. For the Lord is a great God, the great King of all gods. He controls the formation of the depths of the earth and the mightiest mountains; all are his. He made the sea and formed the land; they too are his. Come, kneel before the Lord our Maker, for he is our God. We are his sheep and he is our Shepherd. Oh, that you would hear him calling you today and come to him!" Ps:95:1-7
I wrote a song a couple years ago similar to this Psalm:
I'm amazed that the One who made the mighty oceans roar,
Placed the stars in the heavens, formed the mountains of the earth,
Gave the infant breath of life, turned the sea into dry land,
Is the One who carries me.
Think about that. The creator of the universe is carrying you! I love the last part of verse 7. "Oh, that you would hear him calling you today and come to him!" We get so distracted by the stress we try to carry on our own that we lose track of his voice.
Come to him in worship today. "Sing a new song to the Lord! Sing it everywhere around the world! Sing out his praises! Bless his name. Each day tell someone that he saves." Ps 96:1-2
This Psalm shows that worship isn't just between us and him! His worship should be made known to unbelievers as well. "Publish his glorious acts throughout the earth. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does. For the Lord is great beyond description, and greatly to be praised. Worship only him among the gods! For the gods of other nations are merely idols, but our God made the heavens!" Ps 96:3-5
I love Ps 96:9: "Worship the Lord with the beauty of holy lives." What a great way to worship God: Living a holy life. You can only imagine what that means to God when we live that way. When you live that way, your lifestyle is an expression of praise for others to see how great your God is. Notice it's not a "holier than thou" life. When we worship properly, it puts us in our proper place. It doesn't exalt me, it humbles me. Living a holy life is living a humble life. When speaking with a co-worker about why we don't party the way they do it should not be a conversation of condemnation. It should be a revelation of how great God is, not how great WE are!
Take the Time to praise today! Live the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship. Take note of what it does inside of you. Then take note of what he does through 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
Jeremiah 48:1-49:22
2 Timothy 4:1-22
Psalm 95:1-96:13
Proverbs 26:9-12
Many times it's easy to get entrenched in the routines of life and we forget the most important thing: Taking time to praise the Lord. Let's take the time today.
"Oh, come, let us sing to the Lord! Give a joyous shout in honor of the Rock of our salvation! Come before him with thankful hearts. Let us sing him psalms of praise. For the Lord is a great God, the great King of all gods. He controls the formation of the depths of the earth and the mightiest mountains; all are his. He made the sea and formed the land; they too are his. Come, kneel before the Lord our Maker, for he is our God. We are his sheep and he is our Shepherd. Oh, that you would hear him calling you today and come to him!" Ps:95:1-7
I wrote a song a couple years ago similar to this Psalm:
I'm amazed that the One who made the mighty oceans roar,
Placed the stars in the heavens, formed the mountains of the earth,
Gave the infant breath of life, turned the sea into dry land,
Is the One who carries me.
Think about that. The creator of the universe is carrying you! I love the last part of verse 7. "Oh, that you would hear him calling you today and come to him!" We get so distracted by the stress we try to carry on our own that we lose track of his voice.
Come to him in worship today. "Sing a new song to the Lord! Sing it everywhere around the world! Sing out his praises! Bless his name. Each day tell someone that he saves." Ps 96:1-2
This Psalm shows that worship isn't just between us and him! His worship should be made known to unbelievers as well. "Publish his glorious acts throughout the earth. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does. For the Lord is great beyond description, and greatly to be praised. Worship only him among the gods! For the gods of other nations are merely idols, but our God made the heavens!" Ps 96:3-5
I love Ps 96:9: "Worship the Lord with the beauty of holy lives." What a great way to worship God: Living a holy life. You can only imagine what that means to God when we live that way. When you live that way, your lifestyle is an expression of praise for others to see how great your God is. Notice it's not a "holier than thou" life. When we worship properly, it puts us in our proper place. It doesn't exalt me, it humbles me. Living a holy life is living a humble life. When speaking with a co-worker about why we don't party the way they do it should not be a conversation of condemnation. It should be a revelation of how great God is, not how great WE are!
Take the Time to praise today! Live the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship. Take note of what it does inside of you. Then take note of what he does through 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
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
10.24.12 "WuduyaNogood?"
"WuduyaNogood?"
Jeremiah 44:24-47:7
2 Timothy 2:22 - 3:17
Psalm 94:1-2
Proverbs 26:1-2
I'm guessing you look at that title and are like... "what??" That's how I was when i heard it. My wife and I had driven down to Arkansas to visit a friend. My friends dad greeted us with, "WuduyaNogood?" We smiled and nodded acting like we knew what he said. I wasnt' sure if it was a friendly insult, a cajun greeting, or what. I finally asked him to explain. It's "what do you know that's good?" Basically "WUTSUP!" (THAT I understand!) I was telling the Wednesday night bible study about this, when i was corrected afterward by a couple from Texas they said it's Wutchaknowgood?"
So, Wutchaknowgood?
Knowledge is an incredible thing. What you know shapes what you believe. What you believe shapes how you act. So in actuality, your actions reveal what you know. So, What do you know? Our quest for knowledge needs to be based on truth, not on opinion or circumstance. In a Sunday school class, all our heads nod because we "agree" with that. However, many times our actions and the way we deal with situations bring into question whether or not we really do believe this.
Let's look at it this way: Are you a disciple of Christ? Look at the requirement of John 8:31-32 "...If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Do we know the truth? How do we know it? It is EXTREMELY important that we gain truth from the Word of God. In Timothy 3 Paul is warning of how in the last days the truth will become very confusing. A lot of "gray area". Sounds like today doesn't it? Too often Christians get lured in to foolish arguments and discussions over issues that are not based on truth. And ultimately they don't lead individuals to live holy lives.
So, we need to base our lives on the Word. "You know how, when you were a small child, you were taught the holy Scriptures; and it is these that make you wise to accept God's salvation by trusting in Christ Jesus. The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right. It is God's way of making us well prepared at every point, fully equipped to do good to everyone." 2 Timothy 3:14-17
Knowing the Word teaches us truth, and helps us align to that truth, which in turn helps us to do right. It prepares us for everything we come up against.
You may be reading along saying, "yeah, I know all this." But here is a major connection we need to make in this: 2 Timothy 2:23-26 "Again I say, don't get involved in foolish arguments which only upset people and make them angry. God's people must not be quarrelsome; they must be gentle, patient teachers of those who are wrong. Be humble when you are trying to teach those who are mixed up concerning the truth. For if you talk meekly and courteously to them they are more likely , with God's help, to turn away from their wrong ideas and believe what is true. Then they will come to their senses and escape from Satan's trap of slavery to sin which he uses to catch them whenever he likes, and then they can begin doing the will of God."
This is a really big deal.
First, we must know the solid truth of scripture. We need to know what God says, and align our lives to that.
Secondly, we need to use this knowledge to be able to see what the root of the issue is when it comes to foolish arguments, or more importantly when it comes to dealing with someone's sin, or where they are not "aligned" with truth.
Third, a VERY important thing is that knowing the truth is not JUST about what you know, it's about having the maturity to humbly reveal the truth to others at the appropriate time and in the appropriate way. Jesus says we are the light of the world. We need to be the light that people are drawn to, not one they run from. Revealing the truth to them in arrogance does not make them want to be like you.
Finally, don't get caught in the illusion that YOUR knowledge will turn people from sin. It's God. Your knowledge of truth that you gain from scripture "equips" you to bring the light of truth to any situation (in humility, of course). Then "they are more likely, with God's help, to turn away from their wrong ideas and believe what is true." (2 Tim. 2:25) When they know this truth, the truth will set them free.
Your world is desperate for you to get this. You MUST be "Empowered Through Biblical Training". Those around you need you to be. You need to show another the key to open the doors of the prison of sin they are in. So, WuduyaNogood? Hopefully you got it out of the Word today!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Jeremiah 44:24-47:7
2 Timothy 2:22 - 3:17
Psalm 94:1-2
Proverbs 26:1-2
I'm guessing you look at that title and are like... "what??" That's how I was when i heard it. My wife and I had driven down to Arkansas to visit a friend. My friends dad greeted us with, "WuduyaNogood?" We smiled and nodded acting like we knew what he said. I wasnt' sure if it was a friendly insult, a cajun greeting, or what. I finally asked him to explain. It's "what do you know that's good?" Basically "WUTSUP!" (THAT I understand!) I was telling the Wednesday night bible study about this, when i was corrected afterward by a couple from Texas they said it's Wutchaknowgood?"
So, Wutchaknowgood?
Knowledge is an incredible thing. What you know shapes what you believe. What you believe shapes how you act. So in actuality, your actions reveal what you know. So, What do you know? Our quest for knowledge needs to be based on truth, not on opinion or circumstance. In a Sunday school class, all our heads nod because we "agree" with that. However, many times our actions and the way we deal with situations bring into question whether or not we really do believe this.
Let's look at it this way: Are you a disciple of Christ? Look at the requirement of John 8:31-32 "...If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Do we know the truth? How do we know it? It is EXTREMELY important that we gain truth from the Word of God. In Timothy 3 Paul is warning of how in the last days the truth will become very confusing. A lot of "gray area". Sounds like today doesn't it? Too often Christians get lured in to foolish arguments and discussions over issues that are not based on truth. And ultimately they don't lead individuals to live holy lives.
So, we need to base our lives on the Word. "You know how, when you were a small child, you were taught the holy Scriptures; and it is these that make you wise to accept God's salvation by trusting in Christ Jesus. The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right. It is God's way of making us well prepared at every point, fully equipped to do good to everyone." 2 Timothy 3:14-17
Knowing the Word teaches us truth, and helps us align to that truth, which in turn helps us to do right. It prepares us for everything we come up against.
You may be reading along saying, "yeah, I know all this." But here is a major connection we need to make in this: 2 Timothy 2:23-26 "Again I say, don't get involved in foolish arguments which only upset people and make them angry. God's people must not be quarrelsome; they must be gentle, patient teachers of those who are wrong. Be humble when you are trying to teach those who are mixed up concerning the truth. For if you talk meekly and courteously to them they are more likely , with God's help, to turn away from their wrong ideas and believe what is true. Then they will come to their senses and escape from Satan's trap of slavery to sin which he uses to catch them whenever he likes, and then they can begin doing the will of God."
This is a really big deal.
First, we must know the solid truth of scripture. We need to know what God says, and align our lives to that.
Secondly, we need to use this knowledge to be able to see what the root of the issue is when it comes to foolish arguments, or more importantly when it comes to dealing with someone's sin, or where they are not "aligned" with truth.
Third, a VERY important thing is that knowing the truth is not JUST about what you know, it's about having the maturity to humbly reveal the truth to others at the appropriate time and in the appropriate way. Jesus says we are the light of the world. We need to be the light that people are drawn to, not one they run from. Revealing the truth to them in arrogance does not make them want to be like you.
Finally, don't get caught in the illusion that YOUR knowledge will turn people from sin. It's God. Your knowledge of truth that you gain from scripture "equips" you to bring the light of truth to any situation (in humility, of course). Then "they are more likely, with God's help, to turn away from their wrong ideas and believe what is true." (2 Tim. 2:25) When they know this truth, the truth will set them free.
Your world is desperate for you to get this. You MUST be "Empowered Through Biblical Training". Those around you need you to be. You need to show another the key to open the doors of the prison of sin they are in. So, WuduyaNogood? Hopefully you got it out of the Word today!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
10.23.12 "A Soldier, an Athlete and a Farmer"
"A Soldier, an Athlete and a Farmer"
Jeremiah 42:1-44:23
2 Timothy 2:1-21
Psalm 92:1-93:5
Proverbs 26:3-5
"Take your share of suffering as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, just as I do, and as Christ's soldier do not let yourself become tied up in worldly affairs, for then you cannot satisfy the one who has enlisted you in his army. Follow the Lord's rules for doing his work, just as an athlete either follows the rules or is disqualified and wins no prize. Work hard, like a farmer who gets paid well if he raises a large crop. Think over these three illustrations, and may the Lord help you to understand how they apply to you." 2 Timothy 2:3-7
Let's do what it says in verse 7 today: "Think over these three illustrations and may the Lord help you to understand how they apply to you."
1. A soldier: When I think of a soldier, I think of how trained he is. Knowing the value of his future, he has committed himself to the training that will help him survive. He will obey every order from his commanding officer. He is completely devoted to the men in his unit. They would never let a fellow soldier stand alone. The mission is always in mind. He has been trained so that suffering will not throw him off course. He will endure to the end. He will give his life.
How does that apply to the Christian life? I must obey the Lord. I must intensely follow the training set out by my spiritual leaders knowing they have my well-being in mind. I must devote myself to fellow believers. I must help them so they don't stand alone. I must endure suffering to the very end.
2. An Athlete: When I think of an athlete I first think of the discipline necessary for them to be successful. The greatest opponent they have ever faced is the one within. As Paul says, they must follow the rules lest they be disqualified. I think of how there is a goal: winning the prize.
As a Christian I must constantly keep focused on keeping my body under subjection. I cannot win battles on the outside unless I win them on the inside first. I need to understand that there are rules of competition in the Word of God. I must be faithful to all he commands keeping the goal in mind: winning the prize the Lord has laid out for me.
3. A Farmer: When I think of a farmer I think of HARD WORK! I think of how there are no "days off". A farmer rises early each day to take care of stock and crops. He must faithfully attend to every situation at hand, thinking ahead to potential threats on his livestock, and on his crops. He builds fences to protect that which he's been entrusted. I think of the amount of time it takes to bring forth a harvest. I think of the harvest and how all hands are on deck to bring it in.
As a Christian, I must build fences against anything that would threaten what is entrusted to my care. There is no "day off" to being a believer. It must be a part of who I am. Each morning i must wake up with the mindset that the harvest is coming. I must give everything I have to bring the harvest in. I know that the harvest is coming!
As you live the DREAM today, remember as Paul instructs Timothy: the Soldier, the Athlete and the Farmer. Live the Christian life with this intensity.
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
Jeremiah 42:1-44:23
2 Timothy 2:1-21
Psalm 92:1-93:5
Proverbs 26:3-5
"Take your share of suffering as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, just as I do, and as Christ's soldier do not let yourself become tied up in worldly affairs, for then you cannot satisfy the one who has enlisted you in his army. Follow the Lord's rules for doing his work, just as an athlete either follows the rules or is disqualified and wins no prize. Work hard, like a farmer who gets paid well if he raises a large crop. Think over these three illustrations, and may the Lord help you to understand how they apply to you." 2 Timothy 2:3-7
Let's do what it says in verse 7 today: "Think over these three illustrations and may the Lord help you to understand how they apply to you."
1. A soldier: When I think of a soldier, I think of how trained he is. Knowing the value of his future, he has committed himself to the training that will help him survive. He will obey every order from his commanding officer. He is completely devoted to the men in his unit. They would never let a fellow soldier stand alone. The mission is always in mind. He has been trained so that suffering will not throw him off course. He will endure to the end. He will give his life.
How does that apply to the Christian life? I must obey the Lord. I must intensely follow the training set out by my spiritual leaders knowing they have my well-being in mind. I must devote myself to fellow believers. I must help them so they don't stand alone. I must endure suffering to the very end.
2. An Athlete: When I think of an athlete I first think of the discipline necessary for them to be successful. The greatest opponent they have ever faced is the one within. As Paul says, they must follow the rules lest they be disqualified. I think of how there is a goal: winning the prize.
As a Christian I must constantly keep focused on keeping my body under subjection. I cannot win battles on the outside unless I win them on the inside first. I need to understand that there are rules of competition in the Word of God. I must be faithful to all he commands keeping the goal in mind: winning the prize the Lord has laid out for me.
3. A Farmer: When I think of a farmer I think of HARD WORK! I think of how there are no "days off". A farmer rises early each day to take care of stock and crops. He must faithfully attend to every situation at hand, thinking ahead to potential threats on his livestock, and on his crops. He builds fences to protect that which he's been entrusted. I think of the amount of time it takes to bring forth a harvest. I think of the harvest and how all hands are on deck to bring it in.
As a Christian, I must build fences against anything that would threaten what is entrusted to my care. There is no "day off" to being a believer. It must be a part of who I am. Each morning i must wake up with the mindset that the harvest is coming. I must give everything I have to bring the harvest in. I know that the harvest is coming!
As you live the DREAM today, remember as Paul instructs Timothy: the Soldier, the Athlete and the Farmer. Live the Christian life with this intensity.
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
Monday, October 22, 2012
10.22.12 "Know the One you Trust"
"Know the One you Trust" Jeremiah 39:1-41:18 2 Timothy 1:1-18 Psalm 90:1-91:16 Proverbs 26:1-2 In Paul's second letter to Timothy he says, "And God has chosen me to be his missionary, to preach to the Gentiles and teach them. That is whey I am suffering here in jail and I am certainly not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to safely guard all that I have given him until the day of his return. Hold tightly to the pattern of truth I taught you, especially concerning the faith and love Christ Jesus offers you." 2 Timothy 1:11-13 There are several things to note, but first think of this: Paul is in jail BECAUSE he's been chosen by God. Paul understands that it's not a diversion from God's plan, it's a part of it! Oh, that we would all have that kind confidence in the midst of trials. The main phrase to focus on today is "I know the one in whom I trust." Now THAT'S a great place to be! I'm thinking that most of the people reading this DEVO can say that with a fairly decent amount of certainty. You KNOW the one in whom you trust. But each one of us need to realize that we are surrounded by people who don't. I'm not just talking about the unbeliever. I'm talking about believers who have not grown in discipleship and have fallen into the trap of "circumstantial theology". Little things can get in and throw the life of the believer way off course if they do not heed what Paul instructs Timothy in verse 13: "Hold tightly to the pattern of truth I taught you..." We need to understand the tremendous importance of disciplining our minds to the knowledge of God through His word. Studying his character helps us know His voice. Wherever you are in your growth in Christ, you need to be helping those around you to know the one in whom they trust. Too many Christians are attempting to live a double life. They believe one thing in church and when they read their word. They believe it with all their heart! But that belief system is shut off when troubles and trials come. Circumstantial theology kicks in, and some of the wackiest decisions are made having nothing to do with truth. Then they are in a mess, and wonder what happened to their Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship. If you've ever wondered why it's important to be in God's house and in Sunday School and Wednesday night activities, realize that when we are together with other believers we are strengthening our resolve to know the one we trust. We are reinforcing that which is true. Then, when the trial comes to challenge the depth of our resolve, we can say with confidence that We KNOW him and He will carry us through! Know God. That simple instruction can bring you safely through some incredible storms. It can also equip you to help someone else weather their storm! 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 |
Sunday, October 21, 2012
10.21.12 "It's not about the Toys!"
"It's not about the Toys!"
Jeremiah 37:1-38:28
I Timothy 6:1-21
Psalm 89:38-52
Proverbs 25:28
"Tell those who are rich not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which will soon be gone, but their pride and trust should be in the living God who always richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and should give happily to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God has given them. By doing this they will be storing up real treasure for themselves in heaven - it is the only safe investment for eternity!" I Tim 6:17-19
I Timothy 6 is a chapter about Active Ministry Involvement. It may not seem like that's the topic when you first look at it, but Active Ministry Involvement is far more than being an usher, or a choir member or working in the nursery. As with all of the DREAM principles, this is not just something we "do" this is about who we ARE.
The principle of Active Ministry Involvement (AM I) is Responsibility. This principle is consistent throughout scripture. God wants us to offer him what he has given us so he can bless it and use it to serve others. This principle doesn't make a lot of sense to the world... Imagine that!
We're commanded to "Always be ready to share..." can't you see how great it is to have that as a part of your character? We've all seen kids who share well... and those who don't! You know what is so important about sharing? It's not about the toys! It's about the character of the child. Sometimes the reason we want kids to share is so they wont fight. To be honest that may be part of my mindset, but the truth of the matter is that it's not about the toys. It's a much larger spiritual principle at work. We are to use our resources to serve others.
This includes your behavior in the workplace. "Christian slaves should work hard for their owners and respect them; never let it be said that Christ's people are poor workers. Don't let the name of God or his teaching be laughed at because of this. If their owner is a Christian, that is no excuse for slowing down; rather they should work all the harder because a brother in the faith is being helped by their efforts." I Tim. 6:1-3
Do you realize that money and talent aren't your only resources? One of your resources is "the name of God". You are a Christian. That means "of Christ". The way you work, act, and talk all reflect your stewardship of the name of God. You carry his reputation. This responsibility is yours. What are you going to do with it?
There is a Christian financial guy on radio and TV who I really enjoy listening to when I get the chance. He has some very sound principles that encourage us to live debt free. It's awesome to know what God can do when his people are out from the bondage of debt. The only thing I don't like is that sometimes some interpret the concept of being debt free to mean, "so you can enjoy your money." While God does want us to enjoy his blessings, it's not accurate to call it "our money." It's God's money! All of "our" resources are from God, therefore they ARE God's. We have to make sure our resources don't become "gods". I Tim. 6:10 says, "For the love of money is the first step toward all kinds of sin." Why is that? Because it is selfishness. Selfishness is the root of sin. That's what separates us from God.
In John 15, Jesus says that we will be known as disciples by our fruit. According to I Tim. 6:19, applying the principle of responsibility is the way to live a "fruitful Christian life down here." So when it comes to AM I, you can ask yourself, "Am I?" For you is it about the toys, or the joys of helping those in need? It takes discipline (Empowered Through Biblical Training) to get into this mindset. It's important. This is the best investment ever. That's not just a "feel good" phrase. It's the ultimate reality. We will be held to account for this principle. Apply it 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
Jeremiah 37:1-38:28
I Timothy 6:1-21
Psalm 89:38-52
Proverbs 25:28
"Tell those who are rich not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which will soon be gone, but their pride and trust should be in the living God who always richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and should give happily to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God has given them. By doing this they will be storing up real treasure for themselves in heaven - it is the only safe investment for eternity!" I Tim 6:17-19
I Timothy 6 is a chapter about Active Ministry Involvement. It may not seem like that's the topic when you first look at it, but Active Ministry Involvement is far more than being an usher, or a choir member or working in the nursery. As with all of the DREAM principles, this is not just something we "do" this is about who we ARE.
The principle of Active Ministry Involvement (AM I) is Responsibility. This principle is consistent throughout scripture. God wants us to offer him what he has given us so he can bless it and use it to serve others. This principle doesn't make a lot of sense to the world... Imagine that!
We're commanded to "Always be ready to share..." can't you see how great it is to have that as a part of your character? We've all seen kids who share well... and those who don't! You know what is so important about sharing? It's not about the toys! It's about the character of the child. Sometimes the reason we want kids to share is so they wont fight. To be honest that may be part of my mindset, but the truth of the matter is that it's not about the toys. It's a much larger spiritual principle at work. We are to use our resources to serve others.
This includes your behavior in the workplace. "Christian slaves should work hard for their owners and respect them; never let it be said that Christ's people are poor workers. Don't let the name of God or his teaching be laughed at because of this. If their owner is a Christian, that is no excuse for slowing down; rather they should work all the harder because a brother in the faith is being helped by their efforts." I Tim. 6:1-3
Do you realize that money and talent aren't your only resources? One of your resources is "the name of God". You are a Christian. That means "of Christ". The way you work, act, and talk all reflect your stewardship of the name of God. You carry his reputation. This responsibility is yours. What are you going to do with it?
There is a Christian financial guy on radio and TV who I really enjoy listening to when I get the chance. He has some very sound principles that encourage us to live debt free. It's awesome to know what God can do when his people are out from the bondage of debt. The only thing I don't like is that sometimes some interpret the concept of being debt free to mean, "so you can enjoy your money." While God does want us to enjoy his blessings, it's not accurate to call it "our money." It's God's money! All of "our" resources are from God, therefore they ARE God's. We have to make sure our resources don't become "gods". I Tim. 6:10 says, "For the love of money is the first step toward all kinds of sin." Why is that? Because it is selfishness. Selfishness is the root of sin. That's what separates us from God.
In John 15, Jesus says that we will be known as disciples by our fruit. According to I Tim. 6:19, applying the principle of responsibility is the way to live a "fruitful Christian life down here." So when it comes to AM I, you can ask yourself, "Am I?" For you is it about the toys, or the joys of helping those in need? It takes discipline (Empowered Through Biblical Training) to get into this mindset. It's important. This is the best investment ever. That's not just a "feel good" phrase. It's the ultimate reality. We will be held to account for this principle. Apply it 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
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