9.30.12 "Jesus for Sale"

"Jesus for Sale"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Live as Children of the Light!


Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

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 

9.29.12 "Moved, yet Unchanged"

"Moved, yet Unchanged"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

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

9.28.12 "Honor Your Father and Mother"

"Honor Your Father and Mother"

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

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

A familiar scripture, and a few short thoughts today.

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

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

It was an adjustment when we hit the stage of life where we are caring for and helping make decisions for my wife's parents before my mother in law passed away.  Thankfully, we have a great family that gets along, but even in the best scenario, we have to consistently remember to not do anything that would dishonor our parents. While down the road there may be some decisions we will just have to make for Lisa's dad, we must honor him by making sure he feels like he's a part of the process. This is the right thing to do.

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

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

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

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




Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

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 

9.27.12 "The Hero and The Treasure"

"The Hero and The Treasure"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Worst case scenario:

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

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

Then the conflict escalates.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

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

9.26.12 "Just Do It"

"Just Do It"

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is that failure?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have an Obedient day!




Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

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 

9.25.12 "No Dream is Free"

"No Dream is Free"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

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

9.24.12 "Think About It"

"Think About It"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

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 

9.23.12 "Think About It"

"Think About It"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

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 

9.22.12 "Get a Little Perspective"

"Get a Little Perspective"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Ephesians, Paul gives us this encouragement:

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

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



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

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 

9.21.12 "No Man Left Behind"

"No Man Left Behind"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do your part. "No Man left behind"


Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

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 

9.20.12 "The Fruit of the Undisciplined Life"

"The Fruit of the Undisciplined Life" Isaiah 33:13-36:22 Galatians 5:13-26 Psalm 64:1-10 Proverbs 23:23 "Read your Bible and pray every day." Is something that we've heard since we were young. Growing up in the church, I've heard it thousands of time. Sometimes my response was an internal "rolling of the eyes". Thoughts range from, "Duh," to "I need something more profound", or "you don't know how busy I am", or "You don't understand my problems." Even, "I tried that and it didn't work". We forget that this is as important as "Make sure you breathe today!" Why is it that important? Remember the principle of Empowered through Biblical Training is Discipline. There is fruit that comes from a disciplined life. We all want that fruit. In fact, I think at times we fool ourselves into thinking that "wanting" the disciplined life earns us some credit points or something.  I do belong to a gym. I make a payment to them each month. It's amazing that I haven't gotten in better shape just "belonging to" the gym. In the same way, we think that because we would LIKE to read the bible every day, that somehow we can still glean the fruit of that empowerment. Guess what. It doesn't work that way. Good intentions are not enough. That doesn't mean your life wont bear fruit however. It's a like math equation. If you are Empowered Through Biblical Training, you will bear certain fruits. At the same time, If you are NOT Empowered Through Biblical Training, you will produce a specific fruit. Period. Here's what it is: "But when you follow your own wrong inclinations your lives will produce these evil results: impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, idolatry, spiritism (that is, encouraging the activity of demons), hatred and fighting, jealousy and anger, constant effort to get the best for yourself, complaints and criticisms, the feeling that everyone else is wrong except those in your own little group - and there will be wrong doctrine, envy, murder, drunkenness, wild parties, and all that sort of thing. Let me tell you again as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God." - Galatians 5:19-21 "Yeah, but you don't understand, I'm a nice person." We hear that from unsaved individuals when witnessing to them, and we know that isn't good enough. But, we also hear that (and say that) from Christians who think their personality or charisma, or good intentions, will give them an exemption from the fruit of the undisciplined life. "I can get by with missing my time in the word. I'll be able stop myself from doing the wrong thing..." The list of the "fruit of the flesh" in today's scripture includes a wide variety of things. Some of them are unconscionable. We couldn't think of doing them. Spiritism is something we could never consider, but what about "constant effort to get the best for yourself"? What about envy? anger? Lust? So many struggle with the thought life. We all do to one measure or another. The last part of Galatians 5:17 says, "These two forces within us are constantly fighting each other to win control over us, and our wishes are never free from their pressures." Some are constantly losing this battle for the thought life, and yet there is not a disciplined devotional life. You don't read the bible every day.... and yet you have trouble with your thought life.... Imagine that! Lack of discipline is not just a matter of what we don't do. It's what we are doing. If you are not reading the word every day, you ARE feeding the flesh. You ARE harvesting a crop of fruit that you HAVE labored on. Sitting on the couch watching something inappropriate is a process of tilling the soil in your spirit and planting thoughts, images and values, that WILL bear fruit. Seeing friends of mine who have healthy eating plans and an exercise routine, I feel bad for them that they don't get to pig out at will like i do. I even think, "yeah, that dieting is not a bad idea..." When it comes down to playing a game of basketball or going for a jog, we know the fruit of that mindset. Why do we think our own lives are different? Why do we think that if we intend to be Empowered through Biblical Training that's enough???  We MUST get this! It's not as important that I tell you about it as it is that I apply it to my life. The fact that I write a morning devotional does not exempt me from the need to get into the word & seek God's face. The fact that you teach a Sunday School class and teach others to be Empowered does not exempt you from being Empowered. Don't forget to breathe today. Don't forget to read the word. Both of these are equally important. One of my favorite scriptures is Hosea 10:12 "Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers righteousness on you." Dig into the word today. Seek God! Through the Power of the Spirit, Live the DREAM! 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