"How Great is Your God?"
Job 37:1-39:30
2 Corinthians 4:13-5:11
Psalm 44:8-26
Proverbs 22:13
Have you ever seen a cartoon where someone's getting yelled at, and they shrink down to a miniature person? I think I saw that when Mr. Slate was chewing out Fred Flintstone. Have you ever been in that situation where you've felt that way? The summer before we moved here I worked construction. It was hard work! My first day of work I ate my lunch before 9:00! I didn't quite get the whole construction thing, so I had to be taught everything. The second day of work I was told to go around an pull all the nails out of the forms of the footings for a house. There was one nail that was sticking out of the cement in a weird place. Oh well, I was told all of the nails... Well I soon learned that there's one nail that is used to sight up the whole house to make sure everything's square. They had to send the whole crew home while they re-measured the whole site. It was one of those lessons I learned as I was shrinking!
That's nothing in comparison to the questions God asks Job. Job & his three buddies have been pontificating on their opinions of why Job is going through all this trouble. The Lord answers Job in a whirlwind: "Now get ready to fight, for I am going to demand some answers from you, and you must reply." (Job 38:3) ... GULP!.... That would make me a little nervous! (even more than hearing from across the job site, "WHO PULLED OUT THIS NAIL?!?"
God's questions aren't the easiest to answer. "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much. Do you know how its dimensions were determined, and who did the surveying? What supports its foundations, and who laid its cornerstone, as the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?" (38:4-7) I picture that it's one of those situations where Job probably didn't even open his mouth to answer. I imagine if he even said, "well I..." the legacy of Job would be just a little grease spot on the ground.
The questions the Lord asks are more rhetorical than anything, but I would STRONGLY encourage you to read these two chapters. The Lord asks everything from the source of light to who gives intuition and instinct, to watching the birth of mountain goats, and the nesting of eagles.
When you really consider how great our God is, not only do we become small, our troubles do, too. One of the reasons we worship is to give God his proper place of Lordship in our life. With him on the throne, everything else seems to take care of itself. This is why scripture tells us to rejoice through suffering. It causes us to get through.
Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, "That is why we never give up. though our bodies are dying, our inner strength in the Lord is growing every day. These troubles and sufferings of ours are, after all, quite small and won't last very long. Yet this short time of distress will result in God's richest blessing upon us forever and ever! So we do not look at what we can see right now, the troubles all around us, but we look forward to the joys in heaven which we have not yet seen. The troubles will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever."
If you don't need to hear this today, someone near you does! This is reality! Our God is awesome! There are incredible things in store for those who trust in Him! Do you realize what keeping this perspective can do for you and those around you? We can actually look at every trouble that comes our way and give it a little smile and say, "Bring it on!" Next to our God EVERY trial is NOTHING! It's time to whoop it up! Get your D-LOW on! (Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship)
You tell me: How big is your trouble? How big is your God? Do the math!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Friday, August 31, 2012
Thursday, August 30, 2012
8.30.12 "Get Over Yourself"
"Get Over Yourself"
Job 34:1-36:33
2 Corinthians 4:1-12
Psalm 44:1-7
Proverbs 22:10-12
Think of that "impossible" thing God has put on your heart. Why haven't you moved ahead? It's probably some of the same reasons many of us are held back: "I'm not good enough", "There's no way I could do that", "The resources aren't there to accomplish this".... the list can go on.
What is it that keeps us from moving ahead in bold obedience? What keeps us from experiencing supernatural victories on a regular basis? I think that many times it's because we don't live in true acknowledgment of where the victory comes from. Of course, we know it as a Sunday School answer: our help comes from the Lord, etc..., but knowing it in our heads and putting it into everyday life can be two different things.
Our responses of our lack of ability, resources and the like reveal something about our belief process. If we respond this way, we must believe deep down that victory comes from us. We must think that what God wants to accomplish is because of our skill, value, etc. (Time to take the daily, "It's not about you." pill) If we truly believed in the truth of where victory was, we would be more faithful in stepping out in faith and obedience.
Psalm 44:1 says, "O God, we have heard of the glorious miracles you did in the days of long ago." Have you been there? Have you heard awesome testimonies, or seen what God has done or is doing and wanted so bad to be a part of that?
verse 3 says of the forefathers, "They did not conquer by their own strength and skill, but by your mighty power and because you smiled upon them and favored them." verse 5: "For it is only by your power and through your name that we tread down our enemies;" We need to remind ourselves of this consistently. We need the power of God. We need to understand and walk in His presence. that is the only source of strength and victory. Yes, it's a Sunday School answer, but why don't we walk in this in reality?
We need to daily acknowledge Psalm 44:6 "I do not trust my weapons. They could never save me." We need to live lives of desperate dependence. If we were to rest only on His strength, we would be quick to respond to his leading and experience victory as never before.
The presence of God is a valuable commodity. 2 Corinthians 4:7 says, "But his precious treasure - this light and power that now shine within us - is held in a perishable container, that is, in our weak bodies. Everyone can see that the glorious power within must be from God and is not our own."
Yes, "i'm not good enough." That's the point. The point is that the Almighty God, Creator of the universe, wants to complete his plan and his purpose in someone as simple and as frail as me. He's just waiting for me to "get over myself" and the insecurities, and move in His power and not my own.
Spend the day trusting in his power to save you. Rest in his strength. See what waters part. See what walls fall down. See what enemies scatter.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Job 34:1-36:33
2 Corinthians 4:1-12
Psalm 44:1-7
Proverbs 22:10-12
Think of that "impossible" thing God has put on your heart. Why haven't you moved ahead? It's probably some of the same reasons many of us are held back: "I'm not good enough", "There's no way I could do that", "The resources aren't there to accomplish this".... the list can go on.
What is it that keeps us from moving ahead in bold obedience? What keeps us from experiencing supernatural victories on a regular basis? I think that many times it's because we don't live in true acknowledgment of where the victory comes from. Of course, we know it as a Sunday School answer: our help comes from the Lord, etc..., but knowing it in our heads and putting it into everyday life can be two different things.
Our responses of our lack of ability, resources and the like reveal something about our belief process. If we respond this way, we must believe deep down that victory comes from us. We must think that what God wants to accomplish is because of our skill, value, etc. (Time to take the daily, "It's not about you." pill) If we truly believed in the truth of where victory was, we would be more faithful in stepping out in faith and obedience.
Psalm 44:1 says, "O God, we have heard of the glorious miracles you did in the days of long ago." Have you been there? Have you heard awesome testimonies, or seen what God has done or is doing and wanted so bad to be a part of that?
verse 3 says of the forefathers, "They did not conquer by their own strength and skill, but by your mighty power and because you smiled upon them and favored them." verse 5: "For it is only by your power and through your name that we tread down our enemies;" We need to remind ourselves of this consistently. We need the power of God. We need to understand and walk in His presence. that is the only source of strength and victory. Yes, it's a Sunday School answer, but why don't we walk in this in reality?
We need to daily acknowledge Psalm 44:6 "I do not trust my weapons. They could never save me." We need to live lives of desperate dependence. If we were to rest only on His strength, we would be quick to respond to his leading and experience victory as never before.
The presence of God is a valuable commodity. 2 Corinthians 4:7 says, "But his precious treasure - this light and power that now shine within us - is held in a perishable container, that is, in our weak bodies. Everyone can see that the glorious power within must be from God and is not our own."
Yes, "i'm not good enough." That's the point. The point is that the Almighty God, Creator of the universe, wants to complete his plan and his purpose in someone as simple and as frail as me. He's just waiting for me to "get over myself" and the insecurities, and move in His power and not my own.
Spend the day trusting in his power to save you. Rest in his strength. See what waters part. See what walls fall down. See what enemies scatter.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
8.29.12 "What's that on Your Face?"
"What's that on Your Face?"
Job 31:1-33:33
2 Corinthians 3:1-18
Psalm 43:1-5
Proverbs 22:8-9
2 Corinthians 3:18 "But we Christians have no veil over our faces; we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him."
Have you ever noticed that as people grow up, they look more and more like their parents? It's really an inevitable process. It's in our DNA.
As we mature in Christ, our spiritual DNA must cause us to look more and more like the image of Christ. This is a process to which we must commit. Philippians 1:6 says, "he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." We want God to complete His work in us, but we need to remind ourselves that it's so OTHERS can see his glory!
Paul is talking in 2 Corinthians 3 about the glory in the new covenant of salvation. verse 12 says, "Since we know that this new glory will never go away, we can preach with great boldness". We forget sometimes that the salvation we have needs to be reflected in our face. Sometimes Christians walk around like they've been sucking on lemons, and then they complain that people don't want to be like them.
When we were new to the neighborhood, we met a family down the street who used to live right next door to a family from our church. As we struck up a conversation, I mentioned his former neighbors. He stopped what he was doing and said, "Just mentioning them brings a smile to my face! They are truly the salt of the earth. They are the kind of people that people are supposed to be." I couldn't have been more proud of my brother & sister in Christ! Their testimony paved the way for this man & I to be friends. Imagine the different response he would have toward me if these Christian neighbors had spent their lives complaining, arguing, and NOT representing Christ.
There is such a power when we let our lives reflect the glory of Christ. Don't forget the last part of the scripture: "... as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him." If you're not allowing the Spirit to work in your life, the reflection shown on your face will not be a pretty one. If you're restraining his work there is no freedom. Verse 17 says, "the Lord is the Spirit who gives them life, and where he is there is freedom." When you allow God to move in you, your face shows freedom.
The world is in bondage, and they are starving for freedom. We need to stop veiling it behind selfishness, complaining, and the overall victim mentality. (victim mentality comes from Christians cowering away from sinners) We need to let the Spirit have freedom within us so his glory shines around us!
This is all necessary to fulfill our Mission to Reach our World for Christ. You can't Live the DREAM without this. Let your face reflect his glory today. There's someone in your world desperate to see it!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Job 31:1-33:33
2 Corinthians 3:1-18
Psalm 43:1-5
Proverbs 22:8-9
2 Corinthians 3:18 "But we Christians have no veil over our faces; we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him."
Have you ever noticed that as people grow up, they look more and more like their parents? It's really an inevitable process. It's in our DNA.
As we mature in Christ, our spiritual DNA must cause us to look more and more like the image of Christ. This is a process to which we must commit. Philippians 1:6 says, "he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." We want God to complete His work in us, but we need to remind ourselves that it's so OTHERS can see his glory!
Paul is talking in 2 Corinthians 3 about the glory in the new covenant of salvation. verse 12 says, "Since we know that this new glory will never go away, we can preach with great boldness". We forget sometimes that the salvation we have needs to be reflected in our face. Sometimes Christians walk around like they've been sucking on lemons, and then they complain that people don't want to be like them.
When we were new to the neighborhood, we met a family down the street who used to live right next door to a family from our church. As we struck up a conversation, I mentioned his former neighbors. He stopped what he was doing and said, "Just mentioning them brings a smile to my face! They are truly the salt of the earth. They are the kind of people that people are supposed to be." I couldn't have been more proud of my brother & sister in Christ! Their testimony paved the way for this man & I to be friends. Imagine the different response he would have toward me if these Christian neighbors had spent their lives complaining, arguing, and NOT representing Christ.
There is such a power when we let our lives reflect the glory of Christ. Don't forget the last part of the scripture: "... as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him." If you're not allowing the Spirit to work in your life, the reflection shown on your face will not be a pretty one. If you're restraining his work there is no freedom. Verse 17 says, "the Lord is the Spirit who gives them life, and where he is there is freedom." When you allow God to move in you, your face shows freedom.
The world is in bondage, and they are starving for freedom. We need to stop veiling it behind selfishness, complaining, and the overall victim mentality. (victim mentality comes from Christians cowering away from sinners) We need to let the Spirit have freedom within us so his glory shines around us!
This is all necessary to fulfill our Mission to Reach our World for Christ. You can't Live the DREAM without this. Let your face reflect his glory today. There's someone in your world desperate to see it!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
8.28.12 "This Road You're On"
"This Road You're On"
Job 28:1-30:31
2 Corinthians 2:12-17
Psalm 42:1-11
Proverbs 22:7
Yeah, I'm kind of a geek when it comes to tech gadgets. I'm one of the many who "have" to have a GPS for the car. I know it's not a "need", but it's been interesting... I know now how far I am away from the places I drive every day. (Work - 2.1 miles, DiCarlo's Pizza - 1.9 miles...) it's pretty important stuff. When looking for a place I haven't been before, I just plug in the destination. It figures the shortest route, and sets you on your way. ("right turn in 400 yards") I picked the voice with the British accent: "Please take the motorway".
It's a good thing that toy doesn't have a personality. It would say things like, "Where do you think you're going? I said, "RIGHT TURN IN 400 YARDS!!! NOW YOU GOTTA TURN AROUND!!!) No, if you get off course, it just reconfigures the route to bring you home.
When you get to where you're headed, it says, "You have Reached your destination". Andy Stanley said, "The Spiritual journey is the only place where people pray that their destination is different than the path they've chosen." People live their life in one direction, and then pray that they end up somewhere else. He said, "Direction, not intention determines destination."
A few years ago I wrote a "poem" when the Lord was pressing heavy on me about the roads we take. Several of the scriptures from today's reading set up the context.
Psalm 42:1 "As the deer pants for water, so I long for you, O God."
2 Corinthians 2:14 "wherever we go he uses us to tell others about the Lord and to spread the Gospel like a sweet perfume."
2 Corinthians 2:13 "But Titus, my dear brother, wasn't there to meet me and I couldn't rest, wondering where he was and what had happened to him. so I said good-bye and went right on to Macedonia to try to find him."
Job 29:2 "Oh, for the years gone by..."
Job 29:7 "Those were the days..."
Job 28:9-12 "Men know how to tear apart flinty rocks and how to overturn the roots of mountains. They drill tunnels in the rocks and lay bare precious stones. They dam up streams of water and pan the gold. But though men can do all these things, they don't know where to find wisdom and understanding."
2 Corinthians 2:9 "I wrote to you as I did so that I could find out how far you would go in obeying me."
Each of these scriptures are excerpts from today's Bible reading. They are at first glance unrelated, but I want to tie them in to what I feel the Lord wants to say.
The Road
My question, dear friend, is of this road you're on.
As I watch you travel and see you toil,
my heart asks of yours what brought you here.
Has this path been laid before you or is it one you've forged?
Were you guided, driven, lured, drawn or seduced down the path
of This Road You're On
When this Journey began and you were Called
the fire in your eye could not be quenched.
You're passion was known to all around.
Your hunger to know the One who called
Caused your course to not be changed.
Like a deer for water your feet were sure
Your Mission was set. There was no question
of This Road You're On.
Now where are you, my friend, I cannot rest.
It's not to judge that I question you.
For I can dig for diamonds, and pan for gold,
but no work of mine can know your heart.
I only know of the One who called and his plan for you.
I pray His path
is This Road You're on.
Will you take the time to take a pause,
to check the course and mark your path?
What's in your heart as you look back?
Does the song of your heart mourn for days gone by
When the path was clear and your step was sure?
When your passion burned bright and your Master was clear?
From that time till now, what has brought you to
This Road You're On
There is a world that is desperate to see
You become who he's created you to be.
For you to go where he's called you to go
The path he has drawn you must surely know.
You may not know where the time has gone
Or how you got to This Road You're On.
Don't hesitate or delay your resolve to stir up the fire
For clearing the road of all it's debris:
The things in the way that have drawn your eyes from the course.
The comfort. The pride. The glory. The shame.
If you feel lost, Just call on the name
Of the One who set you on this path to begin.
He knows YOUR name. He's calling again.
To make sure where you walk is where He's led.
How far will you go as you obey?
Make sure it's HIS..
This Road You're On.
"You have reached your destination".
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Job 28:1-30:31
2 Corinthians 2:12-17
Psalm 42:1-11
Proverbs 22:7
Yeah, I'm kind of a geek when it comes to tech gadgets. I'm one of the many who "have" to have a GPS for the car. I know it's not a "need", but it's been interesting... I know now how far I am away from the places I drive every day. (Work - 2.1 miles, DiCarlo's Pizza - 1.9 miles...) it's pretty important stuff. When looking for a place I haven't been before, I just plug in the destination. It figures the shortest route, and sets you on your way. ("right turn in 400 yards") I picked the voice with the British accent: "Please take the motorway".
It's a good thing that toy doesn't have a personality. It would say things like, "Where do you think you're going? I said, "RIGHT TURN IN 400 YARDS!!! NOW YOU GOTTA TURN AROUND!!!) No, if you get off course, it just reconfigures the route to bring you home.
When you get to where you're headed, it says, "You have Reached your destination". Andy Stanley said, "The Spiritual journey is the only place where people pray that their destination is different than the path they've chosen." People live their life in one direction, and then pray that they end up somewhere else. He said, "Direction, not intention determines destination."
A few years ago I wrote a "poem" when the Lord was pressing heavy on me about the roads we take. Several of the scriptures from today's reading set up the context.
Psalm 42:1 "As the deer pants for water, so I long for you, O God."
2 Corinthians 2:14 "wherever we go he uses us to tell others about the Lord and to spread the Gospel like a sweet perfume."
2 Corinthians 2:13 "But Titus, my dear brother, wasn't there to meet me and I couldn't rest, wondering where he was and what had happened to him. so I said good-bye and went right on to Macedonia to try to find him."
Job 29:2 "Oh, for the years gone by..."
Job 29:7 "Those were the days..."
Job 28:9-12 "Men know how to tear apart flinty rocks and how to overturn the roots of mountains. They drill tunnels in the rocks and lay bare precious stones. They dam up streams of water and pan the gold. But though men can do all these things, they don't know where to find wisdom and understanding."
2 Corinthians 2:9 "I wrote to you as I did so that I could find out how far you would go in obeying me."
Each of these scriptures are excerpts from today's Bible reading. They are at first glance unrelated, but I want to tie them in to what I feel the Lord wants to say.
The Road
My question, dear friend, is of this road you're on.
As I watch you travel and see you toil,
my heart asks of yours what brought you here.
Has this path been laid before you or is it one you've forged?
Were you guided, driven, lured, drawn or seduced down the path
of This Road You're On
When this Journey began and you were Called
the fire in your eye could not be quenched.
You're passion was known to all around.
Your hunger to know the One who called
Caused your course to not be changed.
Like a deer for water your feet were sure
Your Mission was set. There was no question
of This Road You're On.
Now where are you, my friend, I cannot rest.
It's not to judge that I question you.
For I can dig for diamonds, and pan for gold,
but no work of mine can know your heart.
I only know of the One who called and his plan for you.
I pray His path
is This Road You're on.
Will you take the time to take a pause,
to check the course and mark your path?
What's in your heart as you look back?
Does the song of your heart mourn for days gone by
When the path was clear and your step was sure?
When your passion burned bright and your Master was clear?
From that time till now, what has brought you to
This Road You're On
There is a world that is desperate to see
You become who he's created you to be.
For you to go where he's called you to go
The path he has drawn you must surely know.
You may not know where the time has gone
Or how you got to This Road You're On.
Don't hesitate or delay your resolve to stir up the fire
For clearing the road of all it's debris:
The things in the way that have drawn your eyes from the course.
The comfort. The pride. The glory. The shame.
If you feel lost, Just call on the name
Of the One who set you on this path to begin.
He knows YOUR name. He's calling again.
To make sure where you walk is where He's led.
How far will you go as you obey?
Make sure it's HIS..
This Road You're On.
"You have reached your destination".
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Monday, August 27, 2012
8.27.12 "How Much do You Care?"
"How Much do You Care?"
Job 23:1-27:23
2 Corinthians 1:12-2:8
Psalm 41:1-13
Proverbs 22:5-6
2 Corinthians 2:4 "Oh, how I hated to write that letter! It almost broke my heart and I tell you honestly that I cried over it. I didn't want to hurt you, but I had to show you how very much I loved you and cared about what was happening to you."
In this second letter to the Corinthian church, Paul references the first letter. If you remember, there were some harsh words in I Corinthians. In today's verse, Paul models what it really means to be devoted to unity.
Unity is great when everything is going smoothly & everyone is getting along. But when it comes to dealing with sin, and discipling one another, there can be an awkwardness to it. Here are some possible reactions to seeing someone doing/acting/talking inappropriately:
1. I'm uncomfortable. I'm just going to walk away.
2. I didn't just hear what I thought I heard!? I'm shocked that person would do that. They've offended me.
3. Why doesn't Pastor do something about this individual?
4. How dare they do that! They should know by now that that is wrong! I'm going to "share the truth in love" by telling that person off.
5. I'm going to just ignore this & hope it goes away. I know now I should keep my distance.
6. I need to talk to another friend to make sure I'm not off base in thinking what they're doing is wrong.
There are many more responses, but don't these somewhat represent our initial reactions? Do you realize that none of these are what discipleship is all about?
Discipleship is about love. Yes, it is "bringing into alignment" as we've talked about before. But it's not about bringing into alignment to prove we are "right"! It's bringing into alignment because we care enough about the spiritual and physical health and welfare of the individual. Discipleship is friendship.
Proper motivation will give you the appropriate method of encouraging and correcting one another.
There may be times for a strong word like Paul gave, but when it is done in brokenness and humility, for the purpose of restoration, God is glorified.
Allowing someone to continue walking out of alignment with the word is not only dangerous to the individual, it's dangerous to you. It gives you a callous heart, and builds walls of division in the body of Christ. We really need to truly grow in our love for one another.
There used be an old saying. "Care enough to confront" was the mantra. Usually it translated into, "I was offended when you didn't say hi to me last week", then a couple tears and a hug. That's not what this is about. It's about "I notice you guys haven't been to bible study in a while. Is everything ok? Is there anything I can do to help?"
How much do you care? How devoted to unity are you? How comforting it would be to know that the Body of Christ is looking out for one another. Not make sure everyone's "toeing the line", but to know that everyone cares enough to stick it out through tough times and bring each other into the alignment of the Word.
Is it uncomfortable? It can be. But there is nothing more secure than knowing that someone is watching out for you.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Job 23:1-27:23
2 Corinthians 1:12-2:8
Psalm 41:1-13
Proverbs 22:5-6
2 Corinthians 2:4 "Oh, how I hated to write that letter! It almost broke my heart and I tell you honestly that I cried over it. I didn't want to hurt you, but I had to show you how very much I loved you and cared about what was happening to you."
In this second letter to the Corinthian church, Paul references the first letter. If you remember, there were some harsh words in I Corinthians. In today's verse, Paul models what it really means to be devoted to unity.
Unity is great when everything is going smoothly & everyone is getting along. But when it comes to dealing with sin, and discipling one another, there can be an awkwardness to it. Here are some possible reactions to seeing someone doing/acting/talking inappropriately:
1. I'm uncomfortable. I'm just going to walk away.
2. I didn't just hear what I thought I heard!? I'm shocked that person would do that. They've offended me.
3. Why doesn't Pastor do something about this individual?
4. How dare they do that! They should know by now that that is wrong! I'm going to "share the truth in love" by telling that person off.
5. I'm going to just ignore this & hope it goes away. I know now I should keep my distance.
6. I need to talk to another friend to make sure I'm not off base in thinking what they're doing is wrong.
There are many more responses, but don't these somewhat represent our initial reactions? Do you realize that none of these are what discipleship is all about?
Discipleship is about love. Yes, it is "bringing into alignment" as we've talked about before. But it's not about bringing into alignment to prove we are "right"! It's bringing into alignment because we care enough about the spiritual and physical health and welfare of the individual. Discipleship is friendship.
Proper motivation will give you the appropriate method of encouraging and correcting one another.
There may be times for a strong word like Paul gave, but when it is done in brokenness and humility, for the purpose of restoration, God is glorified.
Allowing someone to continue walking out of alignment with the word is not only dangerous to the individual, it's dangerous to you. It gives you a callous heart, and builds walls of division in the body of Christ. We really need to truly grow in our love for one another.
There used be an old saying. "Care enough to confront" was the mantra. Usually it translated into, "I was offended when you didn't say hi to me last week", then a couple tears and a hug. That's not what this is about. It's about "I notice you guys haven't been to bible study in a while. Is everything ok? Is there anything I can do to help?"
How much do you care? How devoted to unity are you? How comforting it would be to know that the Body of Christ is looking out for one another. Not make sure everyone's "toeing the line", but to know that everyone cares enough to stick it out through tough times and bring each other into the alignment of the Word.
Is it uncomfortable? It can be. But there is nothing more secure than knowing that someone is watching out for you.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Sunday, August 26, 2012
8.26.12 "A Purpose in the Problem"
"A Purpose in the Problem"
Job 20:1-22:30
2 Corinthians 1:1-11
Psalm 40:11-17
Proverbs 22:2-4
Do you ever notice that sometimes God is trying to get a point across? The readings today from the One Year Bible share a theme.
Psalm 40:12 says, "... problems far to big for me to solve are piled higher than my head." Have you ever been there? Have you been in a situation where even for a moment you saw no hope? What is the natural reaction? Most of the time it is survival. "Lord, help me survive this." "How am I going to get through this?"
Notice the pronouns in those last two sentences: "me" "I". We tend to be so self focused that when trial comes our self is our only concern. But, is "getting through" and "survival" the proper response to the difficult situation? If the problem is "not about you", then what IS it about?
Proverbs 22:3 says, "A prudent man foresees the difficulties ahead and prepares for them; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences." Is it possible to prepare for every difficulty ahead? It isn't if your definition of preparing for the difficulty is to be able to avoid it.
For example, if I were to tell you that you were going to be going through a difficult time in the next month, what would you do? How would you prepare? You don't know what type of difficulty, you don't know if it's work, family, health or finances. You only know it's going to be a tough time. How can you be a "prudent man" about this and not a simpleton? The prudent man prepares... how can you prepare when you have no idea what's ahead?
The biggest step in preparing for problems is to come to full understanding that EVERY problem serves a purpose. In specific situations each different problem may have it's own unique challenges. Each will have those things that could be working out various character issues in you, or building your faith, or that type of thing, but there is a greater good that goes beyond what the problem is doing in you. Remember: It's not about you.
Let's see what Paul has to say about this in 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 "What a wonderful God we have - he is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of every mercy, and the one who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials. And why does he do this? So that when others are troubled, needing our sympathy and encouragement, we can pass on to them this same help and comfort God has given us. You can be sure that the more we undergo sufferings for Christ, the more he will shower us with his comfort and encouragement." Paul makes this personal: "We are in deep trouble for bringing you God's comfort and salvation. But in our trouble God has comforted us - and this, too, to help you: to show you from our personal experience how God will tenderly comfort you when you undergo these same sufferings."
Are you beginning to see the purpose in the problems? It's far bigger than you realize. It's bigger than survival. It's bigger than the growth of your faith. Oh, yes, don't get me wrong. Growing in faith is a key element in all of this, but that so the larger purpose brings us back to our Mission: Reaching our World for Christ.
We have a mandate to approach each difficulty with an understanding that the problem is a necessary part of our learning process so we can train/teach/sympathize/encourage others. When you read a book, there's a difference between "just reading it" and reading it because you are about to teach it. When you're preparing to teach it, you make sure you understand it. We should take the same approach to the challenges of life. If we face it with courage because we know we will need to comfort others in a like situation, it will give us momentum and purpose in what we're experiencing.
So, the Purpose in your Problem is to place you in a position of helping others. This puts quite a responsibility on you. You're no longer in survival mode. You now have to go through your trial marking the trail for others.
How do you prepare as "the prudent man"? By knowing the Word. Be Empowered through Biblical Training. Knowing God's character and his commands keeps you balanced and centered on principle and not on circumstance. If you say, "I've got this problem, and I'm going to go through it to teach others!" and you go through it in your own strength, without biblical principles guiding you, you can get off course. This is how false doctrine develops. God does a miracle a certain way in a certain circumstance, and an individual makes that their doctrine. They try to implement that in every trial that comes up.
This is what Job is talking about in Job 21:34 when he asks his friend Zophar: "How can you comfort me when your whole premise is so wrong?" His friend was building a case that was not built on principle. It was built on circumstance. Circumstances change. God doesn't. Knowing God can help in any trial.
Like David was saying at the beginning, sometimes these problems are "far too big for me to solve". That's kind of the point. Paul says in 2 Cor. 1:9 "We felt we were doomed to die and saw how powerless we were to help ourselves; but that was good, for then we put everything into the hands of God..."
The purpose of going through problems is not so you can learn how to solve them. It's so you can learn how to put them in the hands of God, and then teach others to do the same.
It's important that we grow in balance as we mature in Christ. Today's DEVO contained every element of the DREAM:
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship - Rejoicing through trial & frustration Ps 40:16 "But may the joy of the Lord be given to everyone who loves him and his salvation. May they constantly exclaim, "How great God is!"
Relationships Devoted to Unity - Our trials have the purpose of encouraging and building one another up.
Empowered through Biblical Training - the preparation mentioned in Proverbs, and Job
Active Ministry Involvement - the Responsibility we have to use the resource God has given us to serve others. - even when that resource is a battle scar!
Mission to Reach our World for Christ - That's what all this is about. Bringing others closer to Christ.
As you go through your day today, don't Live to learn, Live to teach!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Job 20:1-22:30
2 Corinthians 1:1-11
Psalm 40:11-17
Proverbs 22:2-4
Do you ever notice that sometimes God is trying to get a point across? The readings today from the One Year Bible share a theme.
Psalm 40:12 says, "... problems far to big for me to solve are piled higher than my head." Have you ever been there? Have you been in a situation where even for a moment you saw no hope? What is the natural reaction? Most of the time it is survival. "Lord, help me survive this." "How am I going to get through this?"
Notice the pronouns in those last two sentences: "me" "I". We tend to be so self focused that when trial comes our self is our only concern. But, is "getting through" and "survival" the proper response to the difficult situation? If the problem is "not about you", then what IS it about?
Proverbs 22:3 says, "A prudent man foresees the difficulties ahead and prepares for them; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences." Is it possible to prepare for every difficulty ahead? It isn't if your definition of preparing for the difficulty is to be able to avoid it.
For example, if I were to tell you that you were going to be going through a difficult time in the next month, what would you do? How would you prepare? You don't know what type of difficulty, you don't know if it's work, family, health or finances. You only know it's going to be a tough time. How can you be a "prudent man" about this and not a simpleton? The prudent man prepares... how can you prepare when you have no idea what's ahead?
The biggest step in preparing for problems is to come to full understanding that EVERY problem serves a purpose. In specific situations each different problem may have it's own unique challenges. Each will have those things that could be working out various character issues in you, or building your faith, or that type of thing, but there is a greater good that goes beyond what the problem is doing in you. Remember: It's not about you.
Let's see what Paul has to say about this in 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 "What a wonderful God we have - he is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of every mercy, and the one who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials. And why does he do this? So that when others are troubled, needing our sympathy and encouragement, we can pass on to them this same help and comfort God has given us. You can be sure that the more we undergo sufferings for Christ, the more he will shower us with his comfort and encouragement." Paul makes this personal: "We are in deep trouble for bringing you God's comfort and salvation. But in our trouble God has comforted us - and this, too, to help you: to show you from our personal experience how God will tenderly comfort you when you undergo these same sufferings."
Are you beginning to see the purpose in the problems? It's far bigger than you realize. It's bigger than survival. It's bigger than the growth of your faith. Oh, yes, don't get me wrong. Growing in faith is a key element in all of this, but that so the larger purpose brings us back to our Mission: Reaching our World for Christ.
We have a mandate to approach each difficulty with an understanding that the problem is a necessary part of our learning process so we can train/teach/sympathize/encourage others. When you read a book, there's a difference between "just reading it" and reading it because you are about to teach it. When you're preparing to teach it, you make sure you understand it. We should take the same approach to the challenges of life. If we face it with courage because we know we will need to comfort others in a like situation, it will give us momentum and purpose in what we're experiencing.
So, the Purpose in your Problem is to place you in a position of helping others. This puts quite a responsibility on you. You're no longer in survival mode. You now have to go through your trial marking the trail for others.
How do you prepare as "the prudent man"? By knowing the Word. Be Empowered through Biblical Training. Knowing God's character and his commands keeps you balanced and centered on principle and not on circumstance. If you say, "I've got this problem, and I'm going to go through it to teach others!" and you go through it in your own strength, without biblical principles guiding you, you can get off course. This is how false doctrine develops. God does a miracle a certain way in a certain circumstance, and an individual makes that their doctrine. They try to implement that in every trial that comes up.
This is what Job is talking about in Job 21:34 when he asks his friend Zophar: "How can you comfort me when your whole premise is so wrong?" His friend was building a case that was not built on principle. It was built on circumstance. Circumstances change. God doesn't. Knowing God can help in any trial.
Like David was saying at the beginning, sometimes these problems are "far too big for me to solve". That's kind of the point. Paul says in 2 Cor. 1:9 "We felt we were doomed to die and saw how powerless we were to help ourselves; but that was good, for then we put everything into the hands of God..."
The purpose of going through problems is not so you can learn how to solve them. It's so you can learn how to put them in the hands of God, and then teach others to do the same.
It's important that we grow in balance as we mature in Christ. Today's DEVO contained every element of the DREAM:
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship - Rejoicing through trial & frustration Ps 40:16 "But may the joy of the Lord be given to everyone who loves him and his salvation. May they constantly exclaim, "How great God is!"
Relationships Devoted to Unity - Our trials have the purpose of encouraging and building one another up.
Empowered through Biblical Training - the preparation mentioned in Proverbs, and Job
Active Ministry Involvement - the Responsibility we have to use the resource God has given us to serve others. - even when that resource is a battle scar!
Mission to Reach our World for Christ - That's what all this is about. Bringing others closer to Christ.
As you go through your day today, don't Live to learn, Live to teach!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Saturday, August 25, 2012
8.25.12 "Life Portrait"
"Life Portrait"
Job 16:1 - 19:29
I Corinthians 16:1-24
Psalm 40:1-10
Proverbs 22:1
What does it take to make a great painting? Well rarely would it be one of just one or 2 colors. Although in the world of abstract, there's some pretty bizarre stuff that gets a "great" label. To most of us though, the greatest portraits are full of a variety of colors and great contrasts.
Our lives are a portrait. God is the artist. The purpose of this portrait is to bring glory to His name. We'd like our life portrait to be the equivalent to a Yellow Smiley Face - nothing but brightness and joy. The truth of the matter is, that is not great art. Great art can only be shown through the contrast of shadow and joy.
Psalm 40 outlines the portrait of David's life.
"I waited patiently for God to help me; then he listened and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out from the bog and the mire, and set my feet on a hard, firm path and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing of praises to our God. Now many will hear of the glorious things he did for me, and stand in awe before the Lord and put their trust in him." (Ps 40:1-3)
Why are people standing in awe in these verses? Because of the way God delivered from the miry pit. How can God deliver unless there IS a miry pit? There will be difficult times in life. There may be times when it's the result of disobedience, or rebellion, or the fruit of bad decisions, but that's not always the reason. The book of Job is a journey through a difficult season (how's that for an understatement) and how Job and his friends seek to find meaning in the difficult times.
It may not matter WHY the difficult times are there, but the truth is that God will take the colors from the pallet of discouragement, and cause the brilliance of his hope and his will to shine through.... if we allow him to complete his work.
Often our response to the trial is to make promises and sacrifices, and show up to church more often, etc... That's not really what God wants from us. "It isn't sacrifices and offerings which you really want from your people. Burnt animals bring no special joy to your heart. But you have accepted the offer of my life-long service. Then I said, 'See, I have come, just as the prophets foretold. And I delight to do your will, my God, for your law is written upon my heart!'" (Ps. 40:6-8)
Don't get me wrong. When you've offered God your all, you WILL be in his house as much as possible. You will sing songs, etc. But the motivation is no longer "get me out of this trial". The motivation is now "Take my life and paint a portrait that will bring you glory! Use whatever colors you want. If they can only be found in a valley, I will go with you. I will never cease to trust you!"
Let God complete his artistry in you today. Don't 'bemoan' the trial, but relish with pleasure the work he is completing in you. A friend and I were talking about the famous "pure joy" scripture from James 1:2. He said, "yeah, that always sounded so good when I was giving the scripture to someone else, but when I'm going through it... that's another story."
Your portrait is for a purpose and a mission. "I have told everyone the Good News that you forgive people's sins. I have not been timid about it, as you well know, O Lord. I have not kept this Good News hidden in my heart, but have proclaimed your lovingkindness and truth to all the congregation." (Ps. 40:9-10)
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Job 16:1 - 19:29
I Corinthians 16:1-24
Psalm 40:1-10
Proverbs 22:1
What does it take to make a great painting? Well rarely would it be one of just one or 2 colors. Although in the world of abstract, there's some pretty bizarre stuff that gets a "great" label. To most of us though, the greatest portraits are full of a variety of colors and great contrasts.
Our lives are a portrait. God is the artist. The purpose of this portrait is to bring glory to His name. We'd like our life portrait to be the equivalent to a Yellow Smiley Face - nothing but brightness and joy. The truth of the matter is, that is not great art. Great art can only be shown through the contrast of shadow and joy.
Psalm 40 outlines the portrait of David's life.
"I waited patiently for God to help me; then he listened and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out from the bog and the mire, and set my feet on a hard, firm path and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing of praises to our God. Now many will hear of the glorious things he did for me, and stand in awe before the Lord and put their trust in him." (Ps 40:1-3)
Why are people standing in awe in these verses? Because of the way God delivered from the miry pit. How can God deliver unless there IS a miry pit? There will be difficult times in life. There may be times when it's the result of disobedience, or rebellion, or the fruit of bad decisions, but that's not always the reason. The book of Job is a journey through a difficult season (how's that for an understatement) and how Job and his friends seek to find meaning in the difficult times.
It may not matter WHY the difficult times are there, but the truth is that God will take the colors from the pallet of discouragement, and cause the brilliance of his hope and his will to shine through.... if we allow him to complete his work.
Often our response to the trial is to make promises and sacrifices, and show up to church more often, etc... That's not really what God wants from us. "It isn't sacrifices and offerings which you really want from your people. Burnt animals bring no special joy to your heart. But you have accepted the offer of my life-long service. Then I said, 'See, I have come, just as the prophets foretold. And I delight to do your will, my God, for your law is written upon my heart!'" (Ps. 40:6-8)
Don't get me wrong. When you've offered God your all, you WILL be in his house as much as possible. You will sing songs, etc. But the motivation is no longer "get me out of this trial". The motivation is now "Take my life and paint a portrait that will bring you glory! Use whatever colors you want. If they can only be found in a valley, I will go with you. I will never cease to trust you!"
Let God complete his artistry in you today. Don't 'bemoan' the trial, but relish with pleasure the work he is completing in you. A friend and I were talking about the famous "pure joy" scripture from James 1:2. He said, "yeah, that always sounded so good when I was giving the scripture to someone else, but when I'm going through it... that's another story."
Your portrait is for a purpose and a mission. "I have told everyone the Good News that you forgive people's sins. I have not been timid about it, as you well know, O Lord. I have not kept this Good News hidden in my heart, but have proclaimed your lovingkindness and truth to all the congregation." (Ps. 40:9-10)
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Friday, August 24, 2012
8.24.12 "Significance"
"Significance"
Job 12:1-15:35
I Corinthians 15:29-58
Psalm 39:1-13
Proverbs 21:30-31
One of the basic desires of everyone of us is that we live a life of significance. There's something within us that detests the thought of wasting time, going unnoticed, or of falling short. In today's reading in Job, Job is describing the frailty of man in comparison to the wisdom of God. As he's wrapping up in chapter 14 he speaks of those who die: "They never know if their children grow up in honor or sink to insignificance." (Job 14:21)
"Sink to insignificance". What a phrase... Do we want our lives to "sink to insignificance"? I don't think so.
This line of thinking can be somewhat dangerous if we determine to take our own steps to establish "significance". Some will think, "hey, I'm wasting my time at this job, and I'm going to move on..." just because of their own feelings, and not necessarily because that's what God is directing.
In 1 Corinthians 15:58 Paul says, "So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless."
If we want to be significant, we must work with all our might at pleasing the Lord with what is before us. We need to take the opportunity now to work for him. "Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered - how fleeting my life is." (Psalm 39:4)
With this in mind, we should press on realizing that today is Significant. Today makes a difference. Work enthusiastically for the Lord.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Job 12:1-15:35
I Corinthians 15:29-58
Psalm 39:1-13
Proverbs 21:30-31
One of the basic desires of everyone of us is that we live a life of significance. There's something within us that detests the thought of wasting time, going unnoticed, or of falling short. In today's reading in Job, Job is describing the frailty of man in comparison to the wisdom of God. As he's wrapping up in chapter 14 he speaks of those who die: "They never know if their children grow up in honor or sink to insignificance." (Job 14:21)
"Sink to insignificance". What a phrase... Do we want our lives to "sink to insignificance"? I don't think so.
This line of thinking can be somewhat dangerous if we determine to take our own steps to establish "significance". Some will think, "hey, I'm wasting my time at this job, and I'm going to move on..." just because of their own feelings, and not necessarily because that's what God is directing.
In 1 Corinthians 15:58 Paul says, "So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless."
If we want to be significant, we must work with all our might at pleasing the Lord with what is before us. We need to take the opportunity now to work for him. "Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered - how fleeting my life is." (Psalm 39:4)
With this in mind, we should press on realizing that today is Significant. Today makes a difference. Work enthusiastically for the Lord.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Thursday, August 23, 2012
8.23.12 "Living a Life of Vision"
"Living a Life of Vision"
Job 8:1 - 11:20
I Corinthians 15:1-28
Psalm 38:1-22
Proverbs 21:28-29
Psalm 38:17 "How constantly I find myself upon the verge of sin; this source of sorrow always stares me in the face."
Job 10:1 "I am weary of living. Let me complain freely. I will speak in my sorrow and bitterness."
Psalm 38:5-6 "My wounds are festering and full of pus. Because of my sins I am bent and racked with pain. My days are filled with anguish."
I Corinthians 15:19 "And if being a Christian is of value to us only now in this life, we are the most miserable of creatures."
Each of these scriptures were taken from today's reading. Taken at face value, it doesn't leave an encouraging taste in your mouth does it?
What is it that keeps us going? What is it that keeps us from stepping into the sin that stares us in the face? "if being a Christian is of value to us only now in this life, we are the most miserable of creatures."
What Paul is saying is that we must see the big picture! Never lose sight of what this is all about!
I Corinthians 15:1 says, "Now let me remind you, brothers, of what the Gospel really is, for it has not changed...."
15:3 "...Christ died for our sins just as the Scriptures said he would, and that he was buried, and that three days afterwards he arose from the grave just as the prophets foretold."
15:20 "... the fact is that Christ did actually rise from the dead, and has become the first of millions who will come back to life again some day."
15:23-24 "... then when Christ comes back, all his people will become alive again. After that the end will come when he will turn the Kingdom over to God the Father, having put down all enemies of every kind."
We need to be aware that THIS is REALITY!
As frail human creatures, we get so caught up in the "moment", we easily lose sight what is really true. We live our lives as if what the world teaches is true. We think that what's really important is financial gain. We think that if we are "happy" then all is well. The truth is: NONE of that is reality! The reality is that we are not of this world. This is all an "illusion" in comparison to what is really important. Christ is coming back... SOON!
You will probably exchange glances with someone today that you will never see again. They may or may not understand what the "true reality" is. You do. It may be that this "chance" meeting has been set up by God for you to play a part in their discovery of the gospel.
What does that mean to you as a Christian?
If we are living a life merely concerned about ourselves and our comfort, it's not really a big deal. We can live as "each one does what is right in his own mind" like the Israelites did when there was no king. It's every man for himself. "Yes, I'm thankful that I know the truth, but hey, they're sinners... that's their problem."
But if we are living a life of vision, aware of what reality truly is, we see every situation through "God Goggles". We don't miss the opportunity. We see that comfort is only temporary and not reality. We bear the burden to connect individuals to God at every opportunity.
Does this mean we stand on a street corner with a wearing a sandwich board reading "The End is NEAR!" ? No. That's probably out of balance. But keeping the vision of what reality is will constrain us to live a life of purpose.
Look at what David's saying in Psalm 38:17: "How constantly I find myself upon the verge of sin; this source of sorrow always stares me in the face."
What keeps you from sinning when it stares you in the face? If you are living a life without a concept of the true reality, it's probable that there isn't a good reason not to sin. Why not do it?
If you are living a life knowing what's at stake, constantly aware of what the Gospel really is, and that Christ is coming back soon, and it's REAL, sin just isn't worth it.
It takes discipline to keep the vision in front of you. We must remind ourselves of this constantly. When driving, when dealing with our neighbors, when joking at work, when dealing with family members.
We are not of this world (John 17:16). We need to remember this. It's one of those "zoom out" things. Don't get so caught up in the struggles, challenges, stresses, and joys of the moment that we forget what is really important.
You are a key player in God's plan! Keep that in focus! Live a life of vision!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Job 8:1 - 11:20
I Corinthians 15:1-28
Psalm 38:1-22
Proverbs 21:28-29
Psalm 38:17 "How constantly I find myself upon the verge of sin; this source of sorrow always stares me in the face."
Job 10:1 "I am weary of living. Let me complain freely. I will speak in my sorrow and bitterness."
Psalm 38:5-6 "My wounds are festering and full of pus. Because of my sins I am bent and racked with pain. My days are filled with anguish."
I Corinthians 15:19 "And if being a Christian is of value to us only now in this life, we are the most miserable of creatures."
Each of these scriptures were taken from today's reading. Taken at face value, it doesn't leave an encouraging taste in your mouth does it?
What is it that keeps us going? What is it that keeps us from stepping into the sin that stares us in the face? "if being a Christian is of value to us only now in this life, we are the most miserable of creatures."
What Paul is saying is that we must see the big picture! Never lose sight of what this is all about!
I Corinthians 15:1 says, "Now let me remind you, brothers, of what the Gospel really is, for it has not changed...."
15:3 "...Christ died for our sins just as the Scriptures said he would, and that he was buried, and that three days afterwards he arose from the grave just as the prophets foretold."
15:20 "... the fact is that Christ did actually rise from the dead, and has become the first of millions who will come back to life again some day."
15:23-24 "... then when Christ comes back, all his people will become alive again. After that the end will come when he will turn the Kingdom over to God the Father, having put down all enemies of every kind."
We need to be aware that THIS is REALITY!
As frail human creatures, we get so caught up in the "moment", we easily lose sight what is really true. We live our lives as if what the world teaches is true. We think that what's really important is financial gain. We think that if we are "happy" then all is well. The truth is: NONE of that is reality! The reality is that we are not of this world. This is all an "illusion" in comparison to what is really important. Christ is coming back... SOON!
You will probably exchange glances with someone today that you will never see again. They may or may not understand what the "true reality" is. You do. It may be that this "chance" meeting has been set up by God for you to play a part in their discovery of the gospel.
What does that mean to you as a Christian?
If we are living a life merely concerned about ourselves and our comfort, it's not really a big deal. We can live as "each one does what is right in his own mind" like the Israelites did when there was no king. It's every man for himself. "Yes, I'm thankful that I know the truth, but hey, they're sinners... that's their problem."
But if we are living a life of vision, aware of what reality truly is, we see every situation through "God Goggles". We don't miss the opportunity. We see that comfort is only temporary and not reality. We bear the burden to connect individuals to God at every opportunity.
Does this mean we stand on a street corner with a wearing a sandwich board reading "The End is NEAR!" ? No. That's probably out of balance. But keeping the vision of what reality is will constrain us to live a life of purpose.
Look at what David's saying in Psalm 38:17: "How constantly I find myself upon the verge of sin; this source of sorrow always stares me in the face."
What keeps you from sinning when it stares you in the face? If you are living a life without a concept of the true reality, it's probable that there isn't a good reason not to sin. Why not do it?
If you are living a life knowing what's at stake, constantly aware of what the Gospel really is, and that Christ is coming back soon, and it's REAL, sin just isn't worth it.
It takes discipline to keep the vision in front of you. We must remind ourselves of this constantly. When driving, when dealing with our neighbors, when joking at work, when dealing with family members.
We are not of this world (John 17:16). We need to remember this. It's one of those "zoom out" things. Don't get so caught up in the struggles, challenges, stresses, and joys of the moment that we forget what is really important.
You are a key player in God's plan! Keep that in focus! Live a life of vision!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
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