"A Life of Purpose"
2 Kings 17:1-18:12
Acts 20:1-38
Psalm 148:1-14
Proverbs 18:6-7
Our world is starved for purpose and meaning. It is sad to watch friends and neighbors scramble to fill their lives with so many things in the attempt of finding fulfillment, only to be left empty. I met a young couple a while back that will never have to worry about money again. They will never have to work. That's what people dream of, right? Yet, I have never seen eyes so empty. They were seeking direction to find that there is a plan for their life.
True fulfillment is found as we do what we are created to do. We have a purpose, and we must be consistently reminding ourself of our purpose. Life goes by at such an intense speed that it doesn't take long to get off course. We must constrain our self to become who God has created us to be.
Paul lived a life of purpose. In a farewell address to the Ephesian church leaders in Acts 20, he he says some incredible things.
"I have done the Lord's work humbly - yes, and with tears - and have faced grave danger from the plots of the Jews against my life. Yet I never shrank from telling you the truth, either publicly or in your homes. I have had one message for Jews and Gentiles alike - the necessity of turning from sin to God through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. And now I am going to Jerusalem, drawn there irresistibly by the Holy Spirit, not knowing what awaits me, except that the Holy Spirit has told me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead." (Acts 20:19-23)
How about that? Paul is drawn irresistibly by the Holy Spirit, even though he knows that where he goes from here jail & suffering await. How could someone walk so confident? How could they endure? His next statement is profound:
"But life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus - The work of telling others the Good News about God's mighty kindness and love." (Acts 20:24)
I don't know what that verse does to you, but it is FULL of some incredible meaning.
1. "Life is worth nothing" - Wow! Remember how Solomon talks about how life is meaningless - a beating at the wind? So many struggle with this feeling that life is meaningless. Maybe you find yourself struggling in that same area. Meaning in life can only be met one way - Doing what you were created to do. There are so many "sugar-substitutes" in life. These are things that appear to offer meaning, but are empty. Busyness for the sake of busyness is a black hole that sucks so many into its trap. When you see someone today who has the "glazed eye" of the meaningless life, try to bring them to the realization that there is a purpose for them. See where that leads...
2. "...unless I use it for doing the work assigned me..." - This directly relates to Active Ministry Involvement (AM I) . The Principle behind AM I is responsibility. As we've talked before about the parable of the talents we are given the charge of taking the resources of this life and putting them to the work of the kingdom. We will be held to account for this. What is the work assigned you? You will be held to account. Later in Acts 20:28 Paul says, "And now beware! Be sure that you feed and shepherd God's flock - his church, purchased with his blood - for the Holy Spirit is holding you responsible as overseers." You may be thinking this only applies to pastors.... NOT TRUE! think of the ministry you are involved in. You are an overseer for someone! You are responsible for the work of the Lord. Knowing that responsibility should constrain you to remain focussed on the purpose of this life.
3. "..."The work of telling others the Good News about God's mighty kindness and love." Whatever the specific location and nature of our ministry, we all share the same purpose. It's our Mission to Reach Our World for Christ. Some get pretty stressed about this because they feel they don't have the "gift" of evangelism. Regardless of giftings, the purpose is still the same. We are here to Connect people to God. Don't get hung up in your own insecurity of theological understanding. Remember it's God who purifies hearts. You don't have to have all the answers, you just need to know Who does! Just share the "Good News about God's mighty kindness and love."
Don't miss the opportunity you have of this day to live a life of purpose. Life is full of worth as you do what you were created 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
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Friday, June 29, 2012
6.29.12 "How His Heart Must Break"
"How His Heart Must Break"
2 Kings 15:1-16:20
Acts 19:13-41
Psalm 147:1-20
Proverbs 18:4-5
For those of you who are going along in the One Year Bible, we've been plugging along in 2 Kings. I've gone through this many times before, and to be honest, it can be easy to get bored. It's a pattern: Bad king, bad king, good king who doesn't destroy high places, bad king, bad king... etc. from cold observation, it can be very irritating reading.
But think of the Heart of God. His love for His people is unfathomable. Look at what he's done in their lives to fulfill his promises to them. Think of the times he heard them cry out to him, and he provided to meet their need. Quail, Manna, the Red Sea, Jericho... There's a history here. A history of a Loving God doing whatever it takes to draw his people to him.
And yet king after king lives, does evil & dies. Decades roll by through this repetition. Thousands enter eternity knowing not God.
If we read these scriptures from God's perspective, we can almost be moved to tears. The Kings are killing one another & building heathen altars in the temple. Imagine how God must feel to see his people. They KNOW what to do. They KNOW the right thing. They are SO close! And yet they don't tear down the high places.
What would it take for God to send his Son? I can imagine it would be a heart that is broken beyond comprehension. Broken for a people who just don't get it. There is a need to make things right. The sacrifice is great. The pain unfathomable.
And now...
As we live our lives Knowing God, what does he see? Are the days of the Kings gone? Thankfully in this age of grace there are those who remain faithful and strong, and do the right thing, but are the high places gone?
The Kings who did evil in the sight of God did some horrible things. Surely not the body of Christ! Yet there are the shrines of hidden sin and compromise imbedded in the hills of God's people. There are those who resist the conviction of the Holy Spirit by hiding behind busy lives. There are those who have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof. There are those who worship in Spirit, but not in truth. There are those who Make NO effort to keep the unity through the bond of peace. There are those who have NOT hidden his Word in there heart, and as a result there IS sin against Him. There are those who have buried their talent in the ground. There are those who are blind to their neighbors' desperate need for Christ.
They KNOW what to do. They KNOW the right thing. They are SO close! And yet they don't tear down the high places.
How His Heart Must Break.
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
2 Kings 15:1-16:20
Acts 19:13-41
Psalm 147:1-20
Proverbs 18:4-5
For those of you who are going along in the One Year Bible, we've been plugging along in 2 Kings. I've gone through this many times before, and to be honest, it can be easy to get bored. It's a pattern: Bad king, bad king, good king who doesn't destroy high places, bad king, bad king... etc. from cold observation, it can be very irritating reading.
But think of the Heart of God. His love for His people is unfathomable. Look at what he's done in their lives to fulfill his promises to them. Think of the times he heard them cry out to him, and he provided to meet their need. Quail, Manna, the Red Sea, Jericho... There's a history here. A history of a Loving God doing whatever it takes to draw his people to him.
And yet king after king lives, does evil & dies. Decades roll by through this repetition. Thousands enter eternity knowing not God.
If we read these scriptures from God's perspective, we can almost be moved to tears. The Kings are killing one another & building heathen altars in the temple. Imagine how God must feel to see his people. They KNOW what to do. They KNOW the right thing. They are SO close! And yet they don't tear down the high places.
What would it take for God to send his Son? I can imagine it would be a heart that is broken beyond comprehension. Broken for a people who just don't get it. There is a need to make things right. The sacrifice is great. The pain unfathomable.
And now...
As we live our lives Knowing God, what does he see? Are the days of the Kings gone? Thankfully in this age of grace there are those who remain faithful and strong, and do the right thing, but are the high places gone?
The Kings who did evil in the sight of God did some horrible things. Surely not the body of Christ! Yet there are the shrines of hidden sin and compromise imbedded in the hills of God's people. There are those who resist the conviction of the Holy Spirit by hiding behind busy lives. There are those who have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof. There are those who worship in Spirit, but not in truth. There are those who Make NO effort to keep the unity through the bond of peace. There are those who have NOT hidden his Word in there heart, and as a result there IS sin against Him. There are those who have buried their talent in the ground. There are those who are blind to their neighbors' desperate need for Christ.
They KNOW what to do. They KNOW the right thing. They are SO close! And yet they don't tear down the high places.
How His Heart Must Break.
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, June 28, 2012
6.28.12 "What you lookin' at?"
"What you lookin' at?"
2 King 13:1-14:29
Acts 18:22-19:12
Psalm 146:1-10
Proverbs 18:2-3
We live in a society that looks to heroes. The heroes range from Political leaders to sports figures, to family members and spiritual leaders. There are interesting dynamics that go along with this hero mentality. We want to emulate our heros. This manifests itself in different ways, from clothing styles to brand of shoe, to using the same kind of golf balls, etc.
Another interesting fruit of hero worship is when the heros let us down. That makes news! Look at the celebrity trials, or political news, etc. Why the big deal? I believe one factor is because there's a subconscious satisfaction in human nature that when we see a "hero" fail, it excuses our own lack of success.
Remember when you were in school & you didn't have your homework done? You asked your friend if they did theirs because you didn't want to be the only one. There was some version of peace knowing that you weren't alone in your delinquency.
We'd probably all agree that society is full of hero worshipers, but at the same time you're probably saying, "I'm not a hero worshipper!" Let's bring it a little closer to home. Think of an authority in your life, maybe your boss. Now, i know that in most situations your boss is not your hero, but they are your leader nonetheless. Each of us will have a different response or reaction to the success and failures of our leader, depending on our view of them.
Today's scripture is Psalm 146:3 "Don't look to men for help; their greatest leaders fail."
I use the phrase "Sunday School Answer" alot, and it means that in our head we know this, but it may not be felt in our heart. So, as you read this scripture, your Sunday School Answer is "Of course! we look to God for help!" But really examine your heart.
When your leader fails, or makes a mistake, do you find yourself excusing your own behavior or attitude? Do you find yourself justifying your lack of success because of the faults in your leader? If so, what does that mean? Doesn't that mean that you've been looking to man for help?
After reading the "Tale of Three Kings" (a book I highly recommend!) I sent this note to one of the leaders I work with.
"You may be frustrated with me as a leader because of my flaws, but you
must understand that God is completing his work in my life, and has
placed me in this position to accomplish his work. In fact, he has placed you under my
leadership in order to complete his work in your life. My strengths
AND my weaknesses are part of his plan for YOU. How you respond to my
faults are key to helping you work through yours. God's work will not
be made complete unless we work together."
Understand that the point is not to say "I'm a leader... so what if I make a mistake." That's totally the wrong angle.
The point is, we need to stop being shocked that our heros or leaders have flaws. It's as if we are looking for perfection in leadership for us to be able to accomplish what God has called us to. Wrong answer. We need to understand that the rough edges in our leaders are there to work out the rough edges in us. We are all here to equip one another.
A key element to living the "Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship" (DLOW) is that we look to God first in all situations. If you are looking to man for help, you definitely don't got your DLOW. There is such freedom in working for God! You begin to look at flaws & quirks in your leader as opportunities to bless instead of an obstacle. You look at them as a chance to advance in your own character development. To stand in opposition to your leader is to be a rebel. Today's Proverb 18:2 says, "A rebel doesn't care about the facts. All he wants to do is yell." We need to make our goal to kill the rebel within.
In 2 Kings 13, Jehoahaz began his reign over Israel. "But he was an evil king, and he followed the wicked paths of Jeroboam... So the Lord was very angry with Israel... But Jehoahaz prayed for the Lord's help, and the Lord listened to him; for the Lord saw how terribly the king of Syria was oppressing Israel. So the Lord raised up leaders among the Israelis to rescue them from the tyranny of the Syrians; and then Israel lived in safety again as they had in former days." (2 Kings 13:2-5)
Jehoahaz had flaws. The Lord raised up leaders to fill the gaps. That's why God has placed you where he has. You are to equip your leader in whatever area they have need. It can be tough sometimes because your own pride and opinion get in the way. We have to understand that Relationships Devoted to Unity cannot occur without submission. Submission is the active setting aside of pride, will and opinion to meet the need of another.
Look to God today and live the D! Meet the needs of those around you and live the R!
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
2 King 13:1-14:29
Acts 18:22-19:12
Psalm 146:1-10
Proverbs 18:2-3
We live in a society that looks to heroes. The heroes range from Political leaders to sports figures, to family members and spiritual leaders. There are interesting dynamics that go along with this hero mentality. We want to emulate our heros. This manifests itself in different ways, from clothing styles to brand of shoe, to using the same kind of golf balls, etc.
Another interesting fruit of hero worship is when the heros let us down. That makes news! Look at the celebrity trials, or political news, etc. Why the big deal? I believe one factor is because there's a subconscious satisfaction in human nature that when we see a "hero" fail, it excuses our own lack of success.
Remember when you were in school & you didn't have your homework done? You asked your friend if they did theirs because you didn't want to be the only one. There was some version of peace knowing that you weren't alone in your delinquency.
We'd probably all agree that society is full of hero worshipers, but at the same time you're probably saying, "I'm not a hero worshipper!" Let's bring it a little closer to home. Think of an authority in your life, maybe your boss. Now, i know that in most situations your boss is not your hero, but they are your leader nonetheless. Each of us will have a different response or reaction to the success and failures of our leader, depending on our view of them.
Today's scripture is Psalm 146:3 "Don't look to men for help; their greatest leaders fail."
I use the phrase "Sunday School Answer" alot, and it means that in our head we know this, but it may not be felt in our heart. So, as you read this scripture, your Sunday School Answer is "Of course! we look to God for help!" But really examine your heart.
When your leader fails, or makes a mistake, do you find yourself excusing your own behavior or attitude? Do you find yourself justifying your lack of success because of the faults in your leader? If so, what does that mean? Doesn't that mean that you've been looking to man for help?
After reading the "Tale of Three Kings" (a book I highly recommend!) I sent this note to one of the leaders I work with.
"You may be frustrated with me as a leader because of my flaws, but you
must understand that God is completing his work in my life, and has
placed me in this position to accomplish his work. In fact, he has placed you under my
leadership in order to complete his work in your life. My strengths
AND my weaknesses are part of his plan for YOU. How you respond to my
faults are key to helping you work through yours. God's work will not
be made complete unless we work together."
Understand that the point is not to say "I'm a leader... so what if I make a mistake." That's totally the wrong angle.
The point is, we need to stop being shocked that our heros or leaders have flaws. It's as if we are looking for perfection in leadership for us to be able to accomplish what God has called us to. Wrong answer. We need to understand that the rough edges in our leaders are there to work out the rough edges in us. We are all here to equip one another.
A key element to living the "Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship" (DLOW) is that we look to God first in all situations. If you are looking to man for help, you definitely don't got your DLOW. There is such freedom in working for God! You begin to look at flaws & quirks in your leader as opportunities to bless instead of an obstacle. You look at them as a chance to advance in your own character development. To stand in opposition to your leader is to be a rebel. Today's Proverb 18:2 says, "A rebel doesn't care about the facts. All he wants to do is yell." We need to make our goal to kill the rebel within.
In 2 Kings 13, Jehoahaz began his reign over Israel. "But he was an evil king, and he followed the wicked paths of Jeroboam... So the Lord was very angry with Israel... But Jehoahaz prayed for the Lord's help, and the Lord listened to him; for the Lord saw how terribly the king of Syria was oppressing Israel. So the Lord raised up leaders among the Israelis to rescue them from the tyranny of the Syrians; and then Israel lived in safety again as they had in former days." (2 Kings 13:2-5)
Jehoahaz had flaws. The Lord raised up leaders to fill the gaps. That's why God has placed you where he has. You are to equip your leader in whatever area they have need. It can be tough sometimes because your own pride and opinion get in the way. We have to understand that Relationships Devoted to Unity cannot occur without submission. Submission is the active setting aside of pride, will and opinion to meet the need of another.
Look to God today and live the D! Meet the needs of those around you and live the R!
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, June 27, 2012
6.27.12 "I got your back!"
"I got your back!"
2 Kings 10:32 - 12:21
Acts 18:1-21
Psalm 145:1-21
Proverbs 18:1
Acts 18:9-10 - "One night the Lord Spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, "Don't be afraid! Speak Out! Don't Quit! For I am with you and no one can harm you. Many people here in this city belong to me."
This is a great word of encouragement that the Lord takes the time to give Paul. To me, this implies some interesting things:
The Lord knew that Paul needed to hear this. You may not think that's a big deal, but this is Acts 18, not Acts 9. Paul has already been stoned, beaten, and remember just a couple days ago praised his way out of jail. Why would he be afraid? Why would he want to quit?
Tommy Barnett says "you're not successful in ministry until you want to quit every day." That desire to quit very often goes with the territory. Sometimes we can get in such a tailspin because it's like we get mad at ourselves for being discouraged. We feel like a failure just because we feel like quitting.
If Paul needed this word, we sure do!
Don't ever forget, "I am with you and no one can harm you!"
Do what you are called to do. God's got your back. He's already gone before you to prepare the lives of the people you will meet. It may look like things aren't what you were planning on, but God has it taken care of.
Starting in Acts 8:12 a bunch of Jews come against Paul. It's not looking good for him, but at the right time, God changes the course of direction so that Paul doesn't even need to defend himself.
We always want to figure things out. We want to know how it's going to end. We want to make sure the numbers add up. That's not faith. Faith is knowing that God's got your back!
Another way to remind one another who's got our back is listed in Psalm 145.
"Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness.... The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads... The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness. The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. He grants the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them."
Be encouraged today! God's got your back!
So, "Don't be afraid! Speak out! Don't quit! For I am with you and no one can harm 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
2 Kings 10:32 - 12:21
Acts 18:1-21
Psalm 145:1-21
Proverbs 18:1
Acts 18:9-10 - "One night the Lord Spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, "Don't be afraid! Speak Out! Don't Quit! For I am with you and no one can harm you. Many people here in this city belong to me."
This is a great word of encouragement that the Lord takes the time to give Paul. To me, this implies some interesting things:
The Lord knew that Paul needed to hear this. You may not think that's a big deal, but this is Acts 18, not Acts 9. Paul has already been stoned, beaten, and remember just a couple days ago praised his way out of jail. Why would he be afraid? Why would he want to quit?
Tommy Barnett says "you're not successful in ministry until you want to quit every day." That desire to quit very often goes with the territory. Sometimes we can get in such a tailspin because it's like we get mad at ourselves for being discouraged. We feel like a failure just because we feel like quitting.
If Paul needed this word, we sure do!
Don't ever forget, "I am with you and no one can harm you!"
Do what you are called to do. God's got your back. He's already gone before you to prepare the lives of the people you will meet. It may look like things aren't what you were planning on, but God has it taken care of.
Starting in Acts 8:12 a bunch of Jews come against Paul. It's not looking good for him, but at the right time, God changes the course of direction so that Paul doesn't even need to defend himself.
We always want to figure things out. We want to know how it's going to end. We want to make sure the numbers add up. That's not faith. Faith is knowing that God's got your back!
Another way to remind one another who's got our back is listed in Psalm 145.
"Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness.... The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads... The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness. The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. He grants the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them."
Be encouraged today! God's got your back!
So, "Don't be afraid! Speak out! Don't quit! For I am with you and no one can harm 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
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
6.26.12 "This God"
"This God"
2 Kings 9:15b-10:31
Acts 17:1-34
Psalm 144:1-15
Proverbs 17:27-28
"It should be explained that all the Athenians as well as the foreigners in Athens seemed to spend all their time discussing the latest ideas." (Acts 17:21) Doesn't that sound like the way things are today? Everyone's got an opinion, and so many are searching for answers and meaning just through their own ideas.
Paul's message to the men of Athens in Acts 17:22-31 is a great gospel message.
"Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way, for as I was walking along I saw your many shrines." Notice Paul did not start off with "you people are MESSED UP!" He used a point of connection that affirmed their quest for truth. Even though the direction they went with their search was way off, it was a God-given need they were seeking to fill. Paul went past the surface, identified the core need, and used that as a point of connection.
"And one of your altars had this inscription on it: 'To an Unknown God.' This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I'm telling you about. He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn't live in manmade temples, and human hands can't serve his needs - for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need."
This is a profound statement: "human hands can't serve his needs - for he has no needs." Think about that. God doesn't NEED us to serve him. He doesn't NEED us to be obedient. It's for OUR benefit that we are obedient. It's to complete his purpose in us and through us.
"From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries. His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him -though he is not far from any one of us. For in him we live and move and exist. As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.' And since this is true, we shouldn't think of God as an idol designed by craftsmen from gold or silver or stone."
"God overlooked people's ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him. For he has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man he has appointed, and he proved to everyone who this is by raising him from the dead."
We don't serve an unknown god. We serve "This God". He is our creator. He has done all this to bring the nations to him. We must repent and turn to him.
What a privilege to love "This God."
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
2 Kings 9:15b-10:31
Acts 17:1-34
Psalm 144:1-15
Proverbs 17:27-28
"It should be explained that all the Athenians as well as the foreigners in Athens seemed to spend all their time discussing the latest ideas." (Acts 17:21) Doesn't that sound like the way things are today? Everyone's got an opinion, and so many are searching for answers and meaning just through their own ideas.
Paul's message to the men of Athens in Acts 17:22-31 is a great gospel message.
"Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way, for as I was walking along I saw your many shrines." Notice Paul did not start off with "you people are MESSED UP!" He used a point of connection that affirmed their quest for truth. Even though the direction they went with their search was way off, it was a God-given need they were seeking to fill. Paul went past the surface, identified the core need, and used that as a point of connection.
"And one of your altars had this inscription on it: 'To an Unknown God.' This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I'm telling you about. He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn't live in manmade temples, and human hands can't serve his needs - for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need."
This is a profound statement: "human hands can't serve his needs - for he has no needs." Think about that. God doesn't NEED us to serve him. He doesn't NEED us to be obedient. It's for OUR benefit that we are obedient. It's to complete his purpose in us and through us.
"From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries. His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him -though he is not far from any one of us. For in him we live and move and exist. As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.' And since this is true, we shouldn't think of God as an idol designed by craftsmen from gold or silver or stone."
"God overlooked people's ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him. For he has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man he has appointed, and he proved to everyone who this is by raising him from the dead."
We don't serve an unknown god. We serve "This God". He is our creator. He has done all this to bring the nations to him. We must repent and turn to him.
What a privilege to love "This God."
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, June 25, 2012
6.25.12 "The Jailer from Thyatira"
"The Jailer from Thyatira"
2 Kings 8:1-9:15a
Acts 16:16-40
Psalm 143:1-12
Proverbs 17:26
We've all heard the story of Paul & Silas singing in prison. Again, it's one of those Sunday School stories that we can remember the pictures of... Men in chains worship God. There's an earthquake & they're set free. The Jailer is upset & about to commit suicide, but they stop him & he becomes a believer. Often the lesson we glean from that is "when your in trouble, praise God, and you'll get set free." While that is a lesson we must apply to our lives, I think we can look at this from a different angle. There's a much bigger picture.
Acts 16:16-40 covers the story of Paul & Silas being thrown into prison. Let's look at this story from a different perspective.
There's a man in Thyatira. He's a good man, with a good family. He's not rich, but he's not poor either. He has enough. He works for the government as a jailer. He may not realize it, but God has a big plan for his life.
What's it gonna take for God to get the attention of this jailer? Just as the story of the shepherd and the lost sheep, he's willing to go to great lengths to bring him home. He was going to have to connect some dots.
He gives Paul a vision of a man from Macedonia. Paul "could only conclude that God was sending us to preach the Good News there." (Acts 15:10) Paul and Silas went to Philippi. They were closer. The first dot was in place.
There was a well off lady from Thyatira named Lydia. She was a faithful worshiper of the Lord. Her business was selling purple cloth, which was more the choice of the wealthy, and gave her the means to bring her household with her as she traveled to expand her sales. No matter where she was, she was faithful to meet with others to discuss scripture. This day, she was was to visit a prayer meeting outside Philippi near a river bank. Philippi? Isn't that where Paul & Silas are? Another dot.
Meanwhile, the Lord was watching over the Jailer from Thyatira.
Paul & Silas decided to check out this prayer meeting they had heard about by the river bank. They went and taught scriptures to some women who came. After they finished, a woman named Lydia accepted all their teachings, and along with her household, was baptized. She begged them to come stay in her home in Thyatira. This wasn't a part of their original plans, but it was part of God's. "She urged us until we did." Acts 16:15
The dots were connecting.
Paul & Silas went regularly to teach by the river. Many came, but never the jailer... There MUST be a way to bring them together.
While they were there, a demon possessed slave girl was driving Paul & Silas nuts. They finally couldn't take it any more, so they set the girl free. This greatly angered the owners of the slave girl. There goes their source of income. They got a mob together. As the mob was forming, another dot was in place. The judges ordered that Paul and Silas be beaten.
But wait! How can this be? These men are obedient! They're doing what they were called to do! It shouldn't be this way!
The Lord felt it each time a rod hit their backs. It hurt him, too, but "dots" are getting closer.
The Jailer heard about the beatings, and didn't much approve, but that wasn't his department. He had a job to do.
Paul and Silas were thrown into prision. The Jailer's superiors told him that he would be killed if he allowed these two to escape. He didn't see what the big deal about these two was, but he knew this was no idle threat. As the prisoners were brought in, the jailer's eyes met theirs. It was a casual glance, but significant in the eyes of eternity. The prisoners were secured.
God was so proud of Paul and Silas. He knew their love and commitment to Him could never be diminished by a beating, no matter how severe. Paul had proved that a few weeks before when he was stoned by the people of Lystra. Now, the anticipation was great.
Sure enough, the prisoners began to sing. At first the other prisoners began to mock, but then they were silenced by the praise. It was as if they could feel something shaking inside of them. The jailer saw all of this. He was awed by what he was seeing, but tried to remain true to the task.
Then it happened.
A shaking that hadn't been experienced there before. The earthquake caused the prisoners shackles to fall off. Not just the chains of the prisoners who were singing, but their singing shook EVERYONE'S chains off! Paul & Silas got up and walked out of the area they were in. They could have ran, but something inside caused them to wait to make sure everything was ok.
The Jailer could not believe the destruction, but was more in awe of the fact that no one seemed to be hurt. He knew his responsibility though, and seeing the doors wide open, he knew the prisoners must be gone.
His world stopped. This was the end. He knew what would come. He had brought shame to his family. His love for them caused him to want to protect them from public humiliation. It would be better to handle this himself. He prepared to take his own life.
God was watching.
"Wait!"
It was as if time had stopped.
"Don't do it! We are all here!"
It took a minute for this to sink in. The sound of the words of the prisoners rang as if they were from the hearts of free men. It was then when the jailer realized he found a prison inside himself. He broke.
"Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
It was as if all of heaven stood to cheer. The plan of God was carried out in the life of the Jailer.
There were alot of factors. There were alot of variables.
God's people were faithful. They didn't falter, they didn't question, even though they couldn't see the big picture.
The dot's were connected.
What about you? What part do you play today? Do you know that you're a part of God's big picture? You may not get whipped by rods, nor see an earthquake, but God's plan is just as miraculous. Just as God was looking out for the Jailer from Thyatira, he's looking out for the Cashier from Kenosha or the Banker from Burlington. One thing you can know for sure...
He's looking 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
2 Kings 8:1-9:15a
Acts 16:16-40
Psalm 143:1-12
Proverbs 17:26
We've all heard the story of Paul & Silas singing in prison. Again, it's one of those Sunday School stories that we can remember the pictures of... Men in chains worship God. There's an earthquake & they're set free. The Jailer is upset & about to commit suicide, but they stop him & he becomes a believer. Often the lesson we glean from that is "when your in trouble, praise God, and you'll get set free." While that is a lesson we must apply to our lives, I think we can look at this from a different angle. There's a much bigger picture.
Acts 16:16-40 covers the story of Paul & Silas being thrown into prison. Let's look at this story from a different perspective.
There's a man in Thyatira. He's a good man, with a good family. He's not rich, but he's not poor either. He has enough. He works for the government as a jailer. He may not realize it, but God has a big plan for his life.
What's it gonna take for God to get the attention of this jailer? Just as the story of the shepherd and the lost sheep, he's willing to go to great lengths to bring him home. He was going to have to connect some dots.
He gives Paul a vision of a man from Macedonia. Paul "could only conclude that God was sending us to preach the Good News there." (Acts 15:10) Paul and Silas went to Philippi. They were closer. The first dot was in place.
There was a well off lady from Thyatira named Lydia. She was a faithful worshiper of the Lord. Her business was selling purple cloth, which was more the choice of the wealthy, and gave her the means to bring her household with her as she traveled to expand her sales. No matter where she was, she was faithful to meet with others to discuss scripture. This day, she was was to visit a prayer meeting outside Philippi near a river bank. Philippi? Isn't that where Paul & Silas are? Another dot.
Meanwhile, the Lord was watching over the Jailer from Thyatira.
Paul & Silas decided to check out this prayer meeting they had heard about by the river bank. They went and taught scriptures to some women who came. After they finished, a woman named Lydia accepted all their teachings, and along with her household, was baptized. She begged them to come stay in her home in Thyatira. This wasn't a part of their original plans, but it was part of God's. "She urged us until we did." Acts 16:15
The dots were connecting.
Paul & Silas went regularly to teach by the river. Many came, but never the jailer... There MUST be a way to bring them together.
While they were there, a demon possessed slave girl was driving Paul & Silas nuts. They finally couldn't take it any more, so they set the girl free. This greatly angered the owners of the slave girl. There goes their source of income. They got a mob together. As the mob was forming, another dot was in place. The judges ordered that Paul and Silas be beaten.
But wait! How can this be? These men are obedient! They're doing what they were called to do! It shouldn't be this way!
The Lord felt it each time a rod hit their backs. It hurt him, too, but "dots" are getting closer.
The Jailer heard about the beatings, and didn't much approve, but that wasn't his department. He had a job to do.
Paul and Silas were thrown into prision. The Jailer's superiors told him that he would be killed if he allowed these two to escape. He didn't see what the big deal about these two was, but he knew this was no idle threat. As the prisoners were brought in, the jailer's eyes met theirs. It was a casual glance, but significant in the eyes of eternity. The prisoners were secured.
God was so proud of Paul and Silas. He knew their love and commitment to Him could never be diminished by a beating, no matter how severe. Paul had proved that a few weeks before when he was stoned by the people of Lystra. Now, the anticipation was great.
Sure enough, the prisoners began to sing. At first the other prisoners began to mock, but then they were silenced by the praise. It was as if they could feel something shaking inside of them. The jailer saw all of this. He was awed by what he was seeing, but tried to remain true to the task.
Then it happened.
A shaking that hadn't been experienced there before. The earthquake caused the prisoners shackles to fall off. Not just the chains of the prisoners who were singing, but their singing shook EVERYONE'S chains off! Paul & Silas got up and walked out of the area they were in. They could have ran, but something inside caused them to wait to make sure everything was ok.
The Jailer could not believe the destruction, but was more in awe of the fact that no one seemed to be hurt. He knew his responsibility though, and seeing the doors wide open, he knew the prisoners must be gone.
His world stopped. This was the end. He knew what would come. He had brought shame to his family. His love for them caused him to want to protect them from public humiliation. It would be better to handle this himself. He prepared to take his own life.
God was watching.
"Wait!"
It was as if time had stopped.
"Don't do it! We are all here!"
It took a minute for this to sink in. The sound of the words of the prisoners rang as if they were from the hearts of free men. It was then when the jailer realized he found a prison inside himself. He broke.
"Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
It was as if all of heaven stood to cheer. The plan of God was carried out in the life of the Jailer.
There were alot of factors. There were alot of variables.
God's people were faithful. They didn't falter, they didn't question, even though they couldn't see the big picture.
The dot's were connected.
What about you? What part do you play today? Do you know that you're a part of God's big picture? You may not get whipped by rods, nor see an earthquake, but God's plan is just as miraculous. Just as God was looking out for the Jailer from Thyatira, he's looking out for the Cashier from Kenosha or the Banker from Burlington. One thing you can know for sure...
He's looking 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
Sunday, June 24, 2012
6.24.12 "Our Army is Bigger than Theirs!"
"Our Army is Bigger than Theirs!"
2 Kings 6:1-7:20
Acts 15:32-16:15
Psalm 142:1-7
Proverbs 17:24-25
We are so limited by our human understanding. We look at life through natural eyes. Don't get me wrong. God gave us common sense for a very good reason, and he expects us to use it, but it takes an internal discipline to look through spiritual eyes.
In 2 Kings 6, The king of Syria is after Elisha. Starting in verse 14, "so one night the king of Syria sent a great army with many chariots and horses to surround the city. When the prophet's servant got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere.
"'Alas, my master, what shall we do now?' he cried out to Elisha.
"'Don't be afraid!' Elisha told him. 'For our army is bigger than theirs!'
"Then Elisha prayed, 'Lord, Open his eyes and let him see!' And the Lord opened the young man's eyes so that he could see horses of fire and chariots of fire everywhere upon the mountain!"
How different could you live each day if you knew that our army is bigger than theirs. Oh, I know we all know this, and we can say it in our best "sunday school" voice, but can you imagine REALLY living this way.
Be honest. When a challenge comes, our first reaction is more like the servant than it is Elisha. "what shall we do now?"
Many times we don't ask that of God, we ask that of a friend, or a family member, and we strategize about how we're going to get out of this mess. It seems so overwhelming... so trying. We MUST fix this. So, we react in our own strength, or worse yet, we give up in despair. Think of what would change if we change our mindset.
If instead we would discipline our thoughts to acknowledge and submit to the fact that our army is indeed bigger, we could experience a new level of victory through life's situations. Elisha has a bit of fun with this Syrian army. He asks God to strike them blind. Then he tells them they've gone to the wrong place. Then he brings them to the Israeli capital, and asks the Lord to open their eyes. Then they throw a feast for them and send them home.
Seems like a trite little story, but I think it's pretty cool. I really believe that as we discipline our thought and understanding to the greatness of God in every situation, we will have our eyes opened to a new level of creativity in dealing with situations that will bring about some incredible victories.
Walk with open eyes today. Indeed, the best is yet to come!
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
2 Kings 6:1-7:20
Acts 15:32-16:15
Psalm 142:1-7
Proverbs 17:24-25
We are so limited by our human understanding. We look at life through natural eyes. Don't get me wrong. God gave us common sense for a very good reason, and he expects us to use it, but it takes an internal discipline to look through spiritual eyes.
In 2 Kings 6, The king of Syria is after Elisha. Starting in verse 14, "so one night the king of Syria sent a great army with many chariots and horses to surround the city. When the prophet's servant got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere.
"'Alas, my master, what shall we do now?' he cried out to Elisha.
"'Don't be afraid!' Elisha told him. 'For our army is bigger than theirs!'
"Then Elisha prayed, 'Lord, Open his eyes and let him see!' And the Lord opened the young man's eyes so that he could see horses of fire and chariots of fire everywhere upon the mountain!"
How different could you live each day if you knew that our army is bigger than theirs. Oh, I know we all know this, and we can say it in our best "sunday school" voice, but can you imagine REALLY living this way.
Be honest. When a challenge comes, our first reaction is more like the servant than it is Elisha. "what shall we do now?"
Many times we don't ask that of God, we ask that of a friend, or a family member, and we strategize about how we're going to get out of this mess. It seems so overwhelming... so trying. We MUST fix this. So, we react in our own strength, or worse yet, we give up in despair. Think of what would change if we change our mindset.
If instead we would discipline our thoughts to acknowledge and submit to the fact that our army is indeed bigger, we could experience a new level of victory through life's situations. Elisha has a bit of fun with this Syrian army. He asks God to strike them blind. Then he tells them they've gone to the wrong place. Then he brings them to the Israeli capital, and asks the Lord to open their eyes. Then they throw a feast for them and send them home.
Seems like a trite little story, but I think it's pretty cool. I really believe that as we discipline our thought and understanding to the greatness of God in every situation, we will have our eyes opened to a new level of creativity in dealing with situations that will bring about some incredible victories.
Walk with open eyes today. Indeed, the best is yet to come!
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
Saturday, June 23, 2012
6.23.12 "Relationships Devoted to Unity"
"Relationships Devoted to Unity"
2 Kings 4:18-5:27
Acts 15:1-31
Psalm 141:1-10
Proverbs 17:23
In Acts 15, the early church hits a significant point of challenge in their growth process.
Some men from Judea arrived and began to teach some believers that they weren't saved unless they followed the Jewish custom of circumcision. This had the potential of causing serious division in the church.
Look at the process that follows this disagreement. It is insightful into what it truly means to be devoted to unity. Here's the progression with some notes:
1. "Paul & Barnabas argued and discussed this with them at length..." (15:2) I like the "at length" part of this. If you are truly Devoted to Unity, you don't do the "ding & ditch" method of confrontation. You stick it through and talk it out. Many times we "speak the truth in love" by coughing our opinion at someone and then walking away. We may feel like "I sure told them...", but what has been done to promote unity?
2. "...finally the believers sent them to Jerusalem, accompanied by some local men, to talk to the apostles and elders there about this question." (15:2) There was a recognition that there would be no resolution without the involvement of leaders. This shows a couple things. First, they're committed to resolve this, not split off and start their own sect. Second, it shows they have a great deal of respect for God appointed authority within the church. They will commit to follow the decisions of the leaders.
3. There was an initial meeting where "Paul and Barnabas reported on what God had been doing through their ministry. But then some of the men..." (15:5) stood up and brought up the point of disagreement again. Sometimes Conflict in the church can cloud the big picture. People can get so caught up in the argument, and being right, they are not able to rejoice in what God is doing in the midst of them.
4. "So the apostles ...set a further meeting to decide this question." (15:6) There was a commitment from the leaders to resolve this issue. They recognized that the meeting they were in could not accomplish this, so they set up a special meeting for this very purpose.
5. "At the meeting, after long discussion, Peter stood..." (15:7) and addressed everyone, reminding them of the signs & wonders God has done that show the path he has laid out. He ends with "Don't you believe that all are saved the same way, by the free gift of the Lord Jesus?" (15:11) He spoke with wisdom that came from his personal experience with God. This was not a discussion of opinion, but of the principles of what God had done. It's important that we don't get too hung up on opinion. We must recognize the difference between our opinion and what God is speaking to our hearts.
6. "There was no further discussion, and everyone now listened as Barnabas and Paul told about the miracles God had done through them among the Gentiles." (15:12) Peter's words were further validated through the testimony of Paul and Barnabas. It could have been enough to just go off Peter's words, but the confirmation of the testimony of other leaders added further credibility.
7. "When they finished, James took the floor..." (15:13) James brought out how their testimonies were consistent with Scripture. James must have been the leader as he states, "and so my judgment is..." I marvel at God's process of authority. Effective work in the Body of Christ is accomplished through honoring God's authority structure.
8. In the remaining verses of this story, the leaders and congregation voted to report the decision to all believers and sent delegates with a letter of authority reporting the decision. It shows that a devotion to unity will make sure to communicate to everyone assuring the conflict is resolved. I like how they acknowledge the hurts of the past. "We understand that some believers from here have upset you..." (15:24) This validation of the hurt goes miles for bringing resolution.
If the believers were more devoted to their opinion than unity, this would have been a mess. In every step of the process they did things in accordance with what would be best for the body, while acknowledging the needs of the individual.
As the Body of Christ, we must keep these things in mind when ever conflict arises. We must keep unity as a high priority. One other point is that the frustration of this conflict served to further focus and intensify the objective of the church. Once the decision had been made, the church became more effective in reaching the world for Christ.
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
2 Kings 4:18-5:27
Acts 15:1-31
Psalm 141:1-10
Proverbs 17:23
In Acts 15, the early church hits a significant point of challenge in their growth process.
Some men from Judea arrived and began to teach some believers that they weren't saved unless they followed the Jewish custom of circumcision. This had the potential of causing serious division in the church.
Look at the process that follows this disagreement. It is insightful into what it truly means to be devoted to unity. Here's the progression with some notes:
1. "Paul & Barnabas argued and discussed this with them at length..." (15:2) I like the "at length" part of this. If you are truly Devoted to Unity, you don't do the "ding & ditch" method of confrontation. You stick it through and talk it out. Many times we "speak the truth in love" by coughing our opinion at someone and then walking away. We may feel like "I sure told them...", but what has been done to promote unity?
2. "...finally the believers sent them to Jerusalem, accompanied by some local men, to talk to the apostles and elders there about this question." (15:2) There was a recognition that there would be no resolution without the involvement of leaders. This shows a couple things. First, they're committed to resolve this, not split off and start their own sect. Second, it shows they have a great deal of respect for God appointed authority within the church. They will commit to follow the decisions of the leaders.
3. There was an initial meeting where "Paul and Barnabas reported on what God had been doing through their ministry. But then some of the men..." (15:5) stood up and brought up the point of disagreement again. Sometimes Conflict in the church can cloud the big picture. People can get so caught up in the argument, and being right, they are not able to rejoice in what God is doing in the midst of them.
4. "So the apostles ...set a further meeting to decide this question." (15:6) There was a commitment from the leaders to resolve this issue. They recognized that the meeting they were in could not accomplish this, so they set up a special meeting for this very purpose.
5. "At the meeting, after long discussion, Peter stood..." (15:7) and addressed everyone, reminding them of the signs & wonders God has done that show the path he has laid out. He ends with "Don't you believe that all are saved the same way, by the free gift of the Lord Jesus?" (15:11) He spoke with wisdom that came from his personal experience with God. This was not a discussion of opinion, but of the principles of what God had done. It's important that we don't get too hung up on opinion. We must recognize the difference between our opinion and what God is speaking to our hearts.
6. "There was no further discussion, and everyone now listened as Barnabas and Paul told about the miracles God had done through them among the Gentiles." (15:12) Peter's words were further validated through the testimony of Paul and Barnabas. It could have been enough to just go off Peter's words, but the confirmation of the testimony of other leaders added further credibility.
7. "When they finished, James took the floor..." (15:13) James brought out how their testimonies were consistent with Scripture. James must have been the leader as he states, "and so my judgment is..." I marvel at God's process of authority. Effective work in the Body of Christ is accomplished through honoring God's authority structure.
8. In the remaining verses of this story, the leaders and congregation voted to report the decision to all believers and sent delegates with a letter of authority reporting the decision. It shows that a devotion to unity will make sure to communicate to everyone assuring the conflict is resolved. I like how they acknowledge the hurts of the past. "We understand that some believers from here have upset you..." (15:24) This validation of the hurt goes miles for bringing resolution.
If the believers were more devoted to their opinion than unity, this would have been a mess. In every step of the process they did things in accordance with what would be best for the body, while acknowledging the needs of the individual.
As the Body of Christ, we must keep these things in mind when ever conflict arises. We must keep unity as a high priority. One other point is that the frustration of this conflict served to further focus and intensify the objective of the church. Once the decision had been made, the church became more effective in reaching the world for Christ.
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
Friday, June 22, 2012
6.22.12 "The Rise and Fall of Public Opinion"
"The Rise and Fall of Public Opinion"
2 Kings 3:1-4:17
Acts 14:8-28
Psalm 140:1-13
Proverbs 17:22
In Acts 14 Paul & Barnabas are in Lystra. In verse 10, Paul tells a lame man to "'Stand Up!' He leaped to his feet and started walking!"
What caught my attention in this scripture is how the public receives them in the rest of the chapter. In verse 11-13, the locals begin shouting "'These men are gods in human bodies!' They decided that Barnabas was the Greek god Zeus, and that Paul, because he was the chief speaker, was Hermes! The local priest of the Temple of Jupiter, located on the outskirts of the city, brought them cartloads of flowers and prepared to sacrifice oxen to them at the city gates before the crowds."
Of course, Paul & Barnabas corrected the people in this, "but even so, Paul and Barnabas could scarcely restrain the people from sacrificing to them!"
So how about this? Verse 19 "Yet only a few days later some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and turned the crowds into a murderous mob that stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, apparently dead."
So, how bout that for a days work? Going from being labeled a god to being stoned to death.
What message can you get from this? Verse 20 says: "But as the believers stood around him, he got up and went back into the city!"
The message for today is: Your calling and your purpose is not contingent on public opinion. It is vital that we as a Body corporately, as well as individual parts of the body are sure of our call and our purpose. There will be times we will be flying high because of the praise of men for a job well done, and there will be times they're shooting at us. Either way, we must never allow our understanding of God's call and his purpose on our lives to get out of balance.
Putting it in another light, Paul's response to the praises of the people was not "I must be doing God's will because they LOVE me!" nor was it "This must not be of God because they've stoned me!"
For us, we must know so deeply what God has for our life, and be so devoted to living the Balanced Christian Life, that we do not allow circumstances to change our course. In doing this "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." (Eph 4:14)
God's call on your life is not changed by circumstances. There are times when God will use circumstances to confirm & solidify in your heart what he's created you for, and other times when the circumstances will be used to refine you. But either way, "God's gifts and his call are irrevocable." (Romans 11:29)
No matter what happens today, and no matter what people think of you, live in the confidence that God has a plan 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
2 Kings 3:1-4:17
Acts 14:8-28
Psalm 140:1-13
Proverbs 17:22
In Acts 14 Paul & Barnabas are in Lystra. In verse 10, Paul tells a lame man to "'Stand Up!' He leaped to his feet and started walking!"
What caught my attention in this scripture is how the public receives them in the rest of the chapter. In verse 11-13, the locals begin shouting "'These men are gods in human bodies!' They decided that Barnabas was the Greek god Zeus, and that Paul, because he was the chief speaker, was Hermes! The local priest of the Temple of Jupiter, located on the outskirts of the city, brought them cartloads of flowers and prepared to sacrifice oxen to them at the city gates before the crowds."
Of course, Paul & Barnabas corrected the people in this, "but even so, Paul and Barnabas could scarcely restrain the people from sacrificing to them!"
So how about this? Verse 19 "Yet only a few days later some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and turned the crowds into a murderous mob that stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, apparently dead."
So, how bout that for a days work? Going from being labeled a god to being stoned to death.
What message can you get from this? Verse 20 says: "But as the believers stood around him, he got up and went back into the city!"
The message for today is: Your calling and your purpose is not contingent on public opinion. It is vital that we as a Body corporately, as well as individual parts of the body are sure of our call and our purpose. There will be times we will be flying high because of the praise of men for a job well done, and there will be times they're shooting at us. Either way, we must never allow our understanding of God's call and his purpose on our lives to get out of balance.
Putting it in another light, Paul's response to the praises of the people was not "I must be doing God's will because they LOVE me!" nor was it "This must not be of God because they've stoned me!"
For us, we must know so deeply what God has for our life, and be so devoted to living the Balanced Christian Life, that we do not allow circumstances to change our course. In doing this "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." (Eph 4:14)
God's call on your life is not changed by circumstances. There are times when God will use circumstances to confirm & solidify in your heart what he's created you for, and other times when the circumstances will be used to refine you. But either way, "God's gifts and his call are irrevocable." (Romans 11:29)
No matter what happens today, and no matter what people think of you, live in the confidence that God has a plan 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
Thursday, June 21, 2012
6.21.12 "He knows what He's doing!"
"He knows what He's doing!"
2 Kings 1:1-2:25
Acts 13:42-14:7
Psalm 139:1-24
Proverbs 17:19-21
My encouragement today is: READ PSALM 139!
Do you know that God knew what He was doing when he made you the way He made you?
In Sunday School mode, we all nod our heads, and agree to the first part, but when it gets to "the way he made you" we get hung up a little bit. We think, "Oh, I know God made me, but my personality quirks, my imperfections, my lack of talent..." Somehow we begin to lose sight of this divine plan.
Do you ever get frustrated with yourself? The way you get frustrated with yourself can be all over the map, but I'm thinking more in terms of frustrated with yourself for the way you were made. Do you wish that you were someone else? in looks, in knowledge, even in experience?
Ps 139:13-16 "You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body, and knit them together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! It is amazing to think about. Your workmanship is marvelous -- and how well I know it. You were there while I was being formed in utter seclusion! You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your Book!"
Go beyond the surface reading of this text. REALLY think about it. Do you believe it? Do you REALLY?
So many times the body of Christ is paralyzed because of this very issue. We become trapped by insecurity. We are self-conscious. We make a huge deal of our imperfections. Do you know what this really is? It is questioning God's workmanship.
For some reason we think that's ok. Somehow in our simple minds we equate this critical review of God's workmanship as humility. It's not humility, it's pride. WHAT??? How can thinking bad about myself be PRIDE?? It's pride because you are thinking about yourself instead of the Workman who created you.
When I was in Jr Hi & High school, I really struggled with insecurity (and like everyone else, i still do) the summer before my Senior year, I found myself at an altar repenting for the pride of my insecurity. In my senior year, God used me more than any other year to reach those around me.
To Live the DREAM, we must gain a healthy understanding of this. Balance can only be found when the focus is in the proper place. This is not pride in yourself for who you are, but pride in your Creator who made you so unique. "Your workmanship is marvelous -- and how well I know it."
You are a specialized tool to be used for completing his work! How many times to we want to stay in the "tool box" until we feel our tool looks like someone else's? How many times do we refuse to be used because we're sure that's not what this tool is for?
God desires SO much for you to be who He has created you to be! "How precious it is Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly! I can't even count how many times a day your thoughts turn towards me. And when I waken in the morning, you are still thinking of me!" 139:17-18
Oh that we would get this!!! I was talking with a couple and I just think the world of them. They've got awesome personalities, and great sense of humor. One of them said something that blew me out of the water. "I don't really have friends because what do I have to offer? Who would want to be with me?" I felt such sadness as I looked at one of God's precious creations feeling so isolated because of insecurity.
Imagine what God thinks when we say that? Can you imagine His disappointment when He reaches in to the tool box only to find the tool unavailable because the tool doesn't like the way it's made? Now make it more personal. You're his child. Can you understand how that can feel to a Loving God who thinks about you day and night?
"This is too glorious, too wonderful to believe! I can NEVER be lost to your Spirit! I can never get away from my God!" 139: 6-7 He is constantly with you, and as you let him, constantly working in you, for the purpose of working through you.
How about letting him purify your thoughts today, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test my thoughts. Point out anything you find in me that makes you sad, and lead me along the path of everlasting life." 139:23-24
He made you. The workings of your mind and the personality you have was his workmanship. All the pieces are there for him to use for his glory. Oh, he's not finished with you, so there needs to be some refinement, but all the pieces are there.
Can you pray this today: "Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!" Pray it from your heart.
You will be amazed at how this change in focus begins to bring a new element of godly balance into your 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
2 Kings 1:1-2:25
Acts 13:42-14:7
Psalm 139:1-24
Proverbs 17:19-21
My encouragement today is: READ PSALM 139!
Do you know that God knew what He was doing when he made you the way He made you?
In Sunday School mode, we all nod our heads, and agree to the first part, but when it gets to "the way he made you" we get hung up a little bit. We think, "Oh, I know God made me, but my personality quirks, my imperfections, my lack of talent..." Somehow we begin to lose sight of this divine plan.
Do you ever get frustrated with yourself? The way you get frustrated with yourself can be all over the map, but I'm thinking more in terms of frustrated with yourself for the way you were made. Do you wish that you were someone else? in looks, in knowledge, even in experience?
Ps 139:13-16 "You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body, and knit them together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! It is amazing to think about. Your workmanship is marvelous -- and how well I know it. You were there while I was being formed in utter seclusion! You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your Book!"
Go beyond the surface reading of this text. REALLY think about it. Do you believe it? Do you REALLY?
So many times the body of Christ is paralyzed because of this very issue. We become trapped by insecurity. We are self-conscious. We make a huge deal of our imperfections. Do you know what this really is? It is questioning God's workmanship.
For some reason we think that's ok. Somehow in our simple minds we equate this critical review of God's workmanship as humility. It's not humility, it's pride. WHAT??? How can thinking bad about myself be PRIDE?? It's pride because you are thinking about yourself instead of the Workman who created you.
When I was in Jr Hi & High school, I really struggled with insecurity (and like everyone else, i still do) the summer before my Senior year, I found myself at an altar repenting for the pride of my insecurity. In my senior year, God used me more than any other year to reach those around me.
To Live the DREAM, we must gain a healthy understanding of this. Balance can only be found when the focus is in the proper place. This is not pride in yourself for who you are, but pride in your Creator who made you so unique. "Your workmanship is marvelous -- and how well I know it."
You are a specialized tool to be used for completing his work! How many times to we want to stay in the "tool box" until we feel our tool looks like someone else's? How many times do we refuse to be used because we're sure that's not what this tool is for?
God desires SO much for you to be who He has created you to be! "How precious it is Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly! I can't even count how many times a day your thoughts turn towards me. And when I waken in the morning, you are still thinking of me!" 139:17-18
Oh that we would get this!!! I was talking with a couple and I just think the world of them. They've got awesome personalities, and great sense of humor. One of them said something that blew me out of the water. "I don't really have friends because what do I have to offer? Who would want to be with me?" I felt such sadness as I looked at one of God's precious creations feeling so isolated because of insecurity.
Imagine what God thinks when we say that? Can you imagine His disappointment when He reaches in to the tool box only to find the tool unavailable because the tool doesn't like the way it's made? Now make it more personal. You're his child. Can you understand how that can feel to a Loving God who thinks about you day and night?
"This is too glorious, too wonderful to believe! I can NEVER be lost to your Spirit! I can never get away from my God!" 139: 6-7 He is constantly with you, and as you let him, constantly working in you, for the purpose of working through you.
How about letting him purify your thoughts today, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test my thoughts. Point out anything you find in me that makes you sad, and lead me along the path of everlasting life." 139:23-24
He made you. The workings of your mind and the personality you have was his workmanship. All the pieces are there for him to use for his glory. Oh, he's not finished with you, so there needs to be some refinement, but all the pieces are there.
Can you pray this today: "Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!" Pray it from your heart.
You will be amazed at how this change in focus begins to bring a new element of godly balance into your 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
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
6.20.12 "Got Your DLOW?"
"Got Your DLOW?"
I Kings 22:1-53
Acts 13:16-41
Psalm 138:1-8
Proverbs 17:17-18
Just a quick reminder this morning about the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship: We need to live in the habit of worship. It needs to be a part of our life. It's our oxygen. I was reminded of this again and again through today's one year bible reading.
In I Kings 22:4-5 Jehoshaphat is agreeing to help Ahab. He says, "Of course! You and I are brothers; my people are yours to command,... But," he added, "we should ask the Lord first, to be sure of what he wants us to do."
Sometimes life can become so "routine" because we just react the way we always do. We often say, "sure I can do that...I can do that..." and like the old TV commercial we end up w/ enough stuff to find ourselves saying "how am I gonna do that??" We commit to things in the flesh rather than making sure we are hearing and responding to the voice of God.
How much better life will be the more we get our DLOW (Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship) goin'. In verse 14, the prophet Micaiah says, "This I vow that I will say only what the Lord tells me to!" How much better would my life be if those were my words!
In Acts 13:22 Paul is speaking in the synogogue, and he discribes David as king, "a man about whom God said, 'David (son of Jesse) is a man after my own heart, for he will obey me." I love the line, "for he will obey me."
Remember today, that your worship not about your songs! Its about your obedience. You can be described as one after God's own heart... if you obey.
Today's Psalm 138:3 says "When I pray, you answer me, and encourage me by giving me the strength I need." God is always faithful to give the strength we need. The song, "Let my words be few" has the line, "Jesus, I am so in love with you." Think about what that means: I am in love with Jesus. What does that imply? That means I can't wait to talk to him. Communicating with him is a priority. I look for ways to please him. I want to honor him in word, action, thought, and throughout my whole life. That's what my DLOW should be like.
It doesn't make a difference what you're going through. Psalm 138:7-8 says, "Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will bring me safely through them. You will clench your fist against my angry enemies! Your power will save me. The Lord will work out his plans for my life."
Isn't it Great that God's got your back? When we are walking in obedience the circumstances may not get all rosy all of a sudden. Remember the prophet Micaiah? Yeah, well after he said only what the Lord wanted him to, he ended up in prison on a bread and water diet. So what does that mean? Does that mean he shouldn't have been obedient?
We can't let our circumstances dictate our obedience. Our obedience must guide our lives REGARDLESS of circumstance. THEN this life of Worship gets DYNAMIC!
Well, Get your DLOW going!
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
I Kings 22:1-53
Acts 13:16-41
Psalm 138:1-8
Proverbs 17:17-18
Just a quick reminder this morning about the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship: We need to live in the habit of worship. It needs to be a part of our life. It's our oxygen. I was reminded of this again and again through today's one year bible reading.
In I Kings 22:4-5 Jehoshaphat is agreeing to help Ahab. He says, "Of course! You and I are brothers; my people are yours to command,... But," he added, "we should ask the Lord first, to be sure of what he wants us to do."
Sometimes life can become so "routine" because we just react the way we always do. We often say, "sure I can do that...I can do that..." and like the old TV commercial we end up w/ enough stuff to find ourselves saying "how am I gonna do that??" We commit to things in the flesh rather than making sure we are hearing and responding to the voice of God.
How much better life will be the more we get our DLOW (Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship) goin'. In verse 14, the prophet Micaiah says, "This I vow that I will say only what the Lord tells me to!" How much better would my life be if those were my words!
In Acts 13:22 Paul is speaking in the synogogue, and he discribes David as king, "a man about whom God said, 'David (son of Jesse) is a man after my own heart, for he will obey me." I love the line, "for he will obey me."
Remember today, that your worship not about your songs! Its about your obedience. You can be described as one after God's own heart... if you obey.
Today's Psalm 138:3 says "When I pray, you answer me, and encourage me by giving me the strength I need." God is always faithful to give the strength we need. The song, "Let my words be few" has the line, "Jesus, I am so in love with you." Think about what that means: I am in love with Jesus. What does that imply? That means I can't wait to talk to him. Communicating with him is a priority. I look for ways to please him. I want to honor him in word, action, thought, and throughout my whole life. That's what my DLOW should be like.
It doesn't make a difference what you're going through. Psalm 138:7-8 says, "Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will bring me safely through them. You will clench your fist against my angry enemies! Your power will save me. The Lord will work out his plans for my life."
Isn't it Great that God's got your back? When we are walking in obedience the circumstances may not get all rosy all of a sudden. Remember the prophet Micaiah? Yeah, well after he said only what the Lord wanted him to, he ended up in prison on a bread and water diet. So what does that mean? Does that mean he shouldn't have been obedient?
We can't let our circumstances dictate our obedience. Our obedience must guide our lives REGARDLESS of circumstance. THEN this life of Worship gets DYNAMIC!
Well, Get your DLOW going!
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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