"Deal or No Deal"
Exodus 34:1-35:9
Matthew 27:15-31
Psalm 33:12-22
Proverbs 9:1-6
"Deal, or No Deal?" When we were kids it was a matter of negotiating for everything from candy to toys. The basic rule is that you have to decide if what you want is worth giving something up for. It's also the name of a game show that I saw a few times that would drive me nuts. I'm not sure which is worse: the people guessing which box the money is in, or the millions of people watching someone guess which box the money is in... I think I'm on the tail end of a generation that remembers Monte Hall & "Door number 1..." That was also about determining if it was worth giving up what you had for what you couldn't see. But life is more than game shows... right?
In Exodus 34 there's a great progression of events. It's impossible for us to imagine, but try to picture this. Moses is on the Mountain with the Lord. "Then the Lord came down in a cloud and stood there with him; ... The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out, 'Yaweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin." (Ex 34:5-7)
I think Moses' response is cool. "Moses immediately threw himself to the ground and worshiped." When we see God for who he really is, how can we do anything but worship? If you are having a hard time worshiping, you need to hone in on his nature, and seek his face. Seek his Character. Now here's the Deal:
In Exodus 34:8 Moses says to the Lord, "Please go with us..." in verse 10-11, the Lord says, "All right, this is the contract I am going to make with you. I will do miracles... all the people of Israel shall see the power of the Lord... Your part of the agreement is to obey all of my commandments;"
Deal or No Deal? Our obedience for his presence...
Is it worth it?
Is it worth it to give up the compromises? is it worth it to step out in faith as he directs?
There always seem to be things that can rise up to get in the way of our relationship with the Lord. Many times it's our selfishness. What we too often fail to realize is that selfishness separates us from Him. We remove ourselves from His presence. We break the deal.
We need to be people of obedience to experience the fullness of his glory. Psalm 33:18-22 says, "But the eyes of the Lord are watching over those who fear him, who rely upon his steady love. He will keep them from death even in times of famine! We depend upon the Lord alone to save us. Only he can help us; he protects us like a shield. No wonder we are happy in the Lord! For we are trusting him. We trust his holy name. Yes, Lord, let your constant love surround us, for our hopes are in you alone."
It sounds like a great deal to me!
Trade what we can see for what is to come! Take the DEAL!
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
Showing posts with label Blessing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blessing. Show all posts
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Friday, May 6, 2011
5.6.11 "Reverence"
"Reverence"
Ruth 2:1-4:22
John 4:43-54
Psalm 105:16-36
Proverbs 14:26-27
"Reverence for God gives a man deep strength; his children have a place of refuge and security. Reverence for the Lord is a fountain of life; its waters keep a man from death." (Prov. 14:26-27)
In the dictionary "reverence" means "A feeling of profound awe and respect and often love." Looking at today's verse from Proverbs, I'm challenged to rate myself on the "reverence scale". Do I have "reverence" for God?
We have the privilege and benefit of being New Testament believers. We understand that we can "boldly approach the throne of grace." The danger in stating "I am a friend of God" is that we can turn it in to a very casual thing and lose the sense of reverencing God. That's not supposed to happen. Yes, Jesus died on the cross to bridge the gap between God and man, but in no way did that make God less holy, nor did it negate the fact that we need to reverence him.
As I read these verses today I was looking at the "benefit" of reverence.
"Deep strength". Do I want that? Who doesn't! What I think of is the ability to remain stable in any storm. The Christian life can have storms. I don't think that comes to anyone as a shock. As we mature in Christ, these storms should not have as great effect on us as they did before. We should increase our stability. This comes through reverencing God. Reverencing God is not walking into his kitchen throwing open his fridge, and drinking a miracle from the carton. Reverencing God is trusting him in any situation to equip us with what we need to carry out his will.
"... his children have a place of refuge and security." Do I want that for my daughter? You bet I do! I don't know if you've seen children who do not have this safety and security. They walk through life as if they're carrying a suitcase full of rocks of fear and insecurity. Peace is hard to find. When I have reverence for God, I am not only finding my strength, I am paving the road to peace for those around me.
"... a fountain of life; it's waters keep a man from death." Sound good? count me in! The "fountain of youth" seemed to be the plot of a bunch of different shows when I was a kid. Everyone wants to find the "magical" formula to cheat death. The truth is that the fountain of life is found in Reverence for God. No, it wont necessarily keep you "young", and you may still get wrinkles, but you will experience life more abundantly!
I cannot find a reason why I wouldn't want to reverence God. As I try to think of what holds me back from it, all I can come up with is the issue of "forgetfulness". I think we just "forget" to reverence him. When I don't show him reverence, I do things my own way. I treat his laws casually. I don't walk in obedience, and I don't discipline myself to study the Word. If I want to Live the DREAM, I must reverence the Lord.
Show Him Reverence today!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Ruth 2:1-4:22
John 4:43-54
Psalm 105:16-36
Proverbs 14:26-27
"Reverence for God gives a man deep strength; his children have a place of refuge and security. Reverence for the Lord is a fountain of life; its waters keep a man from death." (Prov. 14:26-27)
In the dictionary "reverence" means "A feeling of profound awe and respect and often love." Looking at today's verse from Proverbs, I'm challenged to rate myself on the "reverence scale". Do I have "reverence" for God?
We have the privilege and benefit of being New Testament believers. We understand that we can "boldly approach the throne of grace." The danger in stating "I am a friend of God" is that we can turn it in to a very casual thing and lose the sense of reverencing God. That's not supposed to happen. Yes, Jesus died on the cross to bridge the gap between God and man, but in no way did that make God less holy, nor did it negate the fact that we need to reverence him.
As I read these verses today I was looking at the "benefit" of reverence.
"Deep strength". Do I want that? Who doesn't! What I think of is the ability to remain stable in any storm. The Christian life can have storms. I don't think that comes to anyone as a shock. As we mature in Christ, these storms should not have as great effect on us as they did before. We should increase our stability. This comes through reverencing God. Reverencing God is not walking into his kitchen throwing open his fridge, and drinking a miracle from the carton. Reverencing God is trusting him in any situation to equip us with what we need to carry out his will.
"... his children have a place of refuge and security." Do I want that for my daughter? You bet I do! I don't know if you've seen children who do not have this safety and security. They walk through life as if they're carrying a suitcase full of rocks of fear and insecurity. Peace is hard to find. When I have reverence for God, I am not only finding my strength, I am paving the road to peace for those around me.
"... a fountain of life; it's waters keep a man from death." Sound good? count me in! The "fountain of youth" seemed to be the plot of a bunch of different shows when I was a kid. Everyone wants to find the "magical" formula to cheat death. The truth is that the fountain of life is found in Reverence for God. No, it wont necessarily keep you "young", and you may still get wrinkles, but you will experience life more abundantly!
I cannot find a reason why I wouldn't want to reverence God. As I try to think of what holds me back from it, all I can come up with is the issue of "forgetfulness". I think we just "forget" to reverence him. When I don't show him reverence, I do things my own way. I treat his laws casually. I don't walk in obedience, and I don't discipline myself to study the Word. If I want to Live the DREAM, I must reverence the Lord.
Show Him Reverence today!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Thursday, April 7, 2011
4.7.11 "Real Life and Real Living"
"Real Life and Real Living"
Deuteronomy 31:1-32:27
Luke 12:8-34
Psalm 78:32-55
Proverbs 12:21-23
"Beware! don't always be wishing for what you don't have. For real life and real living are not related to how rich we are." (Luke 12:15)
Finances, wealth and possessions can be a touchy subject. Whether or not we would like to admit it, it is one of the highest priorities in the life of an American. Consider advertising. Advertisers wouldn't be focusing on things that don't matter to people. They're targeting what they know people want. They focus on looks and possessions. Even Christian talk radio I like to listen to has many ads that say, "Make money from home... have what you've always wanted..."
Understand that money is not evil. Possessions are not bad things. But to Live the DREAM, we need to have a healthy picture and understanding of what our goal is. Our goal is to be good stewards of what we do have. This is what Active Ministry Involvement is all about. As I've explained before, It would be easy to look at the phrase "Active Ministry Involvement" and compartmentalize that into "church life". That's not what living the DREAM is all about. This should be a practical tool to apply to daily living.
So what is "Real Life and Real Living" in terms of Active Ministry Involvement?
Well let's look first at what it's not:
"A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. In fact, his barns were full to overflowing - he couldn't get everything in. He thought about his problem, and finally exclaimed, 'I know - i'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones! Then I'll have room enough. And I'll sit back and say to myself, 'Friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Wine, women, and song for you!' But God said to him, 'Fool! Tonight you die. Then who will get it all?'" (vs. 16-19)
How does this apply to our lives? We have to find balance in the stewardship of the resources God has given us. We must find the balance between wasting money foolishly and hoarding it for selfish gain. Establishing a retirement account is great. Establishing it for the purpose of getting rich and making it all about the possessions is not. At the same time, remember that Jesus told the parable of the prodigal son who squandered all his inheritance. That isn't God's plan either.
The principle of Active Ministry Involvement is "Responsibility". Take what you have and put it to work. Remember, we don't have money for the purpose of "getting" more, we have it for the purpose of "giving" more.
Blessing follows obedience. If you are obeying God, you WILL be successful. I know some of you probably cringed with that statement. It's important to know that it doesn't necessarily mean you will be "Rich". That is not the goal. The goal is to allow God to do as much as he can through all that you have.
We get so bent out of shape about financial things. We worry about having enough. "Then turning to his disciples he said, 'Don't worry about whether you have enough food to eat or clothes to wear. For life consists of far more than food and clothes. Look at the ravens - they don't plant or harvest or have barns to store away their food, and yet they get along all right - for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds!
"'And besides, what's the use of worrying? What good does it do? Will it add a single day to your life? Of course not! And if worry can't even do such little things as that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?'" (22-26)
It is hard to get a healthy perspective on all of this when when we are surrounded by a culture that is so contrary to this. The message we hear is "If you WANT it, you NEED it." I don't even remember what it's about, but there was a commercial that has this huge red line painted on the ground. It says something like, "There's a line we all eventually cross. It's where we move from what we want to what we have." That's the goal of our society. That's the goal of your flesh. It's the goal of my flesh.
That's why it's so important to die to the flesh and live spiritually minded. Jesus said, "Yes, every man is a fool who gets rich on earth but not in heaven." (vs.21)
God WANTS to bless his people! Jesus lays out the mindset we should have. "So don't be afraid, little flock, For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. Sell what you have and give to those in need. This will fatten your purses in heaven! And the purses of heaven have no rips or holes in them. Your treasures there will never disappear; no thief can steal them; no moth can destroy them." (vs.32-34)
Don't you love that line? The purses of heaven have no rips or holes in them! That's awesome! A tag line from a financial radio show says, "aren't your tired of having more month at the end of your money?" When we are struggling in the area of stewardship, it's like there's a hole in the purse. It runs out so fast!
Don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to teach a prosperity doctrine that is out of balance. What I AM saying is that God HAS A PLAN for the way we deal with ALL of our resources, NOT JUST MONEY. These principles apply to time, talent, and everything at our disposal. Do you have a house big enough for entertaining? Why aren't you hosting a home fellowship group? Do you have the gift of baking cookies? Why don't you make sure you welcome new people to your neighborhood with a fresh plate?
What is at your disposal? We all have an income of some sort, and we all have time and talent. What are we doing with it? Are we "squirreling" it away for selfish gain?
"Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be." (vs. 34)
God's Word is challenging us to put what he has given us to work for his glory.
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
Deuteronomy 31:1-32:27
Luke 12:8-34
Psalm 78:32-55
Proverbs 12:21-23
"Beware! don't always be wishing for what you don't have. For real life and real living are not related to how rich we are." (Luke 12:15)
Finances, wealth and possessions can be a touchy subject. Whether or not we would like to admit it, it is one of the highest priorities in the life of an American. Consider advertising. Advertisers wouldn't be focusing on things that don't matter to people. They're targeting what they know people want. They focus on looks and possessions. Even Christian talk radio I like to listen to has many ads that say, "Make money from home... have what you've always wanted..."
Understand that money is not evil. Possessions are not bad things. But to Live the DREAM, we need to have a healthy picture and understanding of what our goal is. Our goal is to be good stewards of what we do have. This is what Active Ministry Involvement is all about. As I've explained before, It would be easy to look at the phrase "Active Ministry Involvement" and compartmentalize that into "church life". That's not what living the DREAM is all about. This should be a practical tool to apply to daily living.
So what is "Real Life and Real Living" in terms of Active Ministry Involvement?
Well let's look first at what it's not:
"A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. In fact, his barns were full to overflowing - he couldn't get everything in. He thought about his problem, and finally exclaimed, 'I know - i'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones! Then I'll have room enough. And I'll sit back and say to myself, 'Friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Wine, women, and song for you!' But God said to him, 'Fool! Tonight you die. Then who will get it all?'" (vs. 16-19)
How does this apply to our lives? We have to find balance in the stewardship of the resources God has given us. We must find the balance between wasting money foolishly and hoarding it for selfish gain. Establishing a retirement account is great. Establishing it for the purpose of getting rich and making it all about the possessions is not. At the same time, remember that Jesus told the parable of the prodigal son who squandered all his inheritance. That isn't God's plan either.
The principle of Active Ministry Involvement is "Responsibility". Take what you have and put it to work. Remember, we don't have money for the purpose of "getting" more, we have it for the purpose of "giving" more.
Blessing follows obedience. If you are obeying God, you WILL be successful. I know some of you probably cringed with that statement. It's important to know that it doesn't necessarily mean you will be "Rich". That is not the goal. The goal is to allow God to do as much as he can through all that you have.
We get so bent out of shape about financial things. We worry about having enough. "Then turning to his disciples he said, 'Don't worry about whether you have enough food to eat or clothes to wear. For life consists of far more than food and clothes. Look at the ravens - they don't plant or harvest or have barns to store away their food, and yet they get along all right - for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds!
"'And besides, what's the use of worrying? What good does it do? Will it add a single day to your life? Of course not! And if worry can't even do such little things as that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?'" (22-26)
It is hard to get a healthy perspective on all of this when when we are surrounded by a culture that is so contrary to this. The message we hear is "If you WANT it, you NEED it." I don't even remember what it's about, but there was a commercial that has this huge red line painted on the ground. It says something like, "There's a line we all eventually cross. It's where we move from what we want to what we have." That's the goal of our society. That's the goal of your flesh. It's the goal of my flesh.
That's why it's so important to die to the flesh and live spiritually minded. Jesus said, "Yes, every man is a fool who gets rich on earth but not in heaven." (vs.21)
God WANTS to bless his people! Jesus lays out the mindset we should have. "So don't be afraid, little flock, For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. Sell what you have and give to those in need. This will fatten your purses in heaven! And the purses of heaven have no rips or holes in them. Your treasures there will never disappear; no thief can steal them; no moth can destroy them." (vs.32-34)
Don't you love that line? The purses of heaven have no rips or holes in them! That's awesome! A tag line from a financial radio show says, "aren't your tired of having more month at the end of your money?" When we are struggling in the area of stewardship, it's like there's a hole in the purse. It runs out so fast!
Don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to teach a prosperity doctrine that is out of balance. What I AM saying is that God HAS A PLAN for the way we deal with ALL of our resources, NOT JUST MONEY. These principles apply to time, talent, and everything at our disposal. Do you have a house big enough for entertaining? Why aren't you hosting a home fellowship group? Do you have the gift of baking cookies? Why don't you make sure you welcome new people to your neighborhood with a fresh plate?
What is at your disposal? We all have an income of some sort, and we all have time and talent. What are we doing with it? Are we "squirreling" it away for selfish gain?
"Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be." (vs. 34)
God's Word is challenging us to put what he has given us to work for his glory.
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, February 25, 2011
2.25.11 "The Generous Spirit"
"The Generous Spirit"
Leviticus 16:29-18:30
Mark 7:24-8:10
Psalm 41:1-13
Proverbs 10:15-16
"The good man's earnings advance the cause of righteousness. The evil man squanders his on sin." Prov. 10:16 (TLB)
We've all heard the phrase "it's not about you." We've probably heard it a couple more times than our flesh would like to hear it! As much as we may not want to hear that, it needs to become a part of who we are. To be who God has created us to be, we need to understand what it REALLY means to live a life that's "not about me".
Think of all your resources right now. Your time, talent, income, all of it. Would you put it in the category of "advancing the cause of righteousness" or "squandered on sin"? Immediately we connect the "sin" as the kind of stuff the prodigal son did. Squandering on partying, etc. Well, we can also get caught in the trap of squandering our resources on comfort and worldly objectives. We must accept the challenge to continually keep an eye on where our resources are going. Are they advancing the cause of righteousness?
I had a big ol' snowblower. I got it for $100 dollars as it is very old, but it worked. Prior to that, when I was shoveling, I would look down the street at my neighbors w/ a snowblower & think, "it would be nice if they'd offer to help with my driveway." So with me being the one with the snowblower, and neighbors who don't have a snow blower, I'm thinking, if this old snowblower wasn't so moody, I'd help the neighbors... Well, now I got a new snowblower... Guess what I need to do... advance the cause of righteousness.
When we take what God has given us and focus it on the needs of others, there is blessing on our lives.
"God blesses those who are kind to the poor. He helps them out of their troubles. He protects them and keeps them alive; he publicly honors them and destroys the power of their enemies. He nurses them when they are sick, and soothes their pains and worries." Psalm 41:1-3
We come across so many people with troubles, each one having varying degrees of how well they "deal" with it. Notice this pattern: Those least affected by circumstance are those with a generous spirit. In other words, those who have a healthy understanding of stewardship and are generous to others are FAR less thrown off course by a crisis.
At the same time, those who are so overwhelmed by the trials of life seem to be individuals who are not giving. They are not concerned with the needs of others. They like to keep the attention on themselves and on their personal crisis.
On which type of individual does the blessing of God rest?
Notice what the scripture says about the ones who are kind to the poor. "helps them out of their troubles... destroys the power of their enemies... nurses them when they are sick... soothes their pains and worries..." Notice how those who are kind to the poor still have troubles, enemies, sickness, pain, and worry. The difference is not that the road has no challenges, the difference is that there is someone along side who helps them through all of this.
The generous spirit needs to be a part of who we are to live the "A" of DREAM. We must apply this to our being. Look for opportunities today to "invest" in your blessing!
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
Leviticus 16:29-18:30
Mark 7:24-8:10
Psalm 41:1-13
Proverbs 10:15-16
"The good man's earnings advance the cause of righteousness. The evil man squanders his on sin." Prov. 10:16 (TLB)
We've all heard the phrase "it's not about you." We've probably heard it a couple more times than our flesh would like to hear it! As much as we may not want to hear that, it needs to become a part of who we are. To be who God has created us to be, we need to understand what it REALLY means to live a life that's "not about me".
Think of all your resources right now. Your time, talent, income, all of it. Would you put it in the category of "advancing the cause of righteousness" or "squandered on sin"? Immediately we connect the "sin" as the kind of stuff the prodigal son did. Squandering on partying, etc. Well, we can also get caught in the trap of squandering our resources on comfort and worldly objectives. We must accept the challenge to continually keep an eye on where our resources are going. Are they advancing the cause of righteousness?
I had a big ol' snowblower. I got it for $100 dollars as it is very old, but it worked. Prior to that, when I was shoveling, I would look down the street at my neighbors w/ a snowblower & think, "it would be nice if they'd offer to help with my driveway." So with me being the one with the snowblower, and neighbors who don't have a snow blower, I'm thinking, if this old snowblower wasn't so moody, I'd help the neighbors... Well, now I got a new snowblower... Guess what I need to do... advance the cause of righteousness.
When we take what God has given us and focus it on the needs of others, there is blessing on our lives.
"God blesses those who are kind to the poor. He helps them out of their troubles. He protects them and keeps them alive; he publicly honors them and destroys the power of their enemies. He nurses them when they are sick, and soothes their pains and worries." Psalm 41:1-3
We come across so many people with troubles, each one having varying degrees of how well they "deal" with it. Notice this pattern: Those least affected by circumstance are those with a generous spirit. In other words, those who have a healthy understanding of stewardship and are generous to others are FAR less thrown off course by a crisis.
At the same time, those who are so overwhelmed by the trials of life seem to be individuals who are not giving. They are not concerned with the needs of others. They like to keep the attention on themselves and on their personal crisis.
On which type of individual does the blessing of God rest?
Notice what the scripture says about the ones who are kind to the poor. "helps them out of their troubles... destroys the power of their enemies... nurses them when they are sick... soothes their pains and worries..." Notice how those who are kind to the poor still have troubles, enemies, sickness, pain, and worry. The difference is not that the road has no challenges, the difference is that there is someone along side who helps them through all of this.
The generous spirit needs to be a part of who we are to live the "A" of DREAM. We must apply this to our being. Look for opportunities today to "invest" in your blessing!
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, February 12, 2011
2.12.11 "Deal or No Deal"
"Deal or No Deal"
Exodus 34:1-35:9
Matthew 27:15-31
Psalm 33:12-22
Proverbs 9:1-6
"Deal, or No Deal?" When we were kids it was a matter of negotiating for everything from candy to toys. The basic rule is that you have to decide if what you want is worth giving something up for. It's also the name of a game show that drives me nuts. I'm not sure which is worse: the people guessing which box the money is in, or the millions of people watching someone guess which box the money is in... I think I'm on the tail end of a generation that remembers Monte Hall & "Door number 1..." That was also about determining if it was worth giving up what you had for what you couldn't see. But life is more than game shows... right?
In Exodus 34 there's a great progression of events. It's impossible for us to imagine, but try to picture this. Moses is on the Mountain with the Lord. "Then the Lord came down in a cloud and stood there with him; ... The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out, 'Yaweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin." (Ex 34:5-7)
I think Moses' response is cool. "Moses immediately threw himself to the ground and worshiped." When we see God for who he really is, how can we do anything but worship? If you are having a hard time worshiping, you need to hone in on his nature, and seek his face. Seek his Character. Now here's the Deal:
In Exodus 34:8 Moses says to the Lord, "Please go with us..." in verse 10-11, the Lord says, "All right, this is the contract I am going to make with you. I will do miracles... all the people of Israel shall see the power of the Lord... Your part of the agreement is to obey all of my commandments;"
Deal or No Deal? Our obedience for his presence...
Is it worth it?
Is it worth it to give up the compromises? is it worth it to step out in faith as he directs?
There always seem to be things that can rise up to get in the way of our relationship with the Lord. Many times it's our selfishness. What we too often fail to realize is that selfishness separates us from Him. We remove ourselves from His presence. We break the deal.
We need to be people of obedience to experience the fullness of his glory. Psalm 33:18-22 says, "But the eyes of the Lord are watching over those who fear him, who rely upon his steady love. He will keep them from death even in times of famine! We depend upon the Lord alone to save us. Only he can help us; he protects us like a shield. No wonder we are happy in the Lord! For we are trusting him. We trust his holy name. Yes, Lord, let your constant love surround us, for our hopes are in you alone."
It sounds like a great deal to me!
Trade what we can see for what is to come! Take the DEAL!
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
Exodus 34:1-35:9
Matthew 27:15-31
Psalm 33:12-22
Proverbs 9:1-6
"Deal, or No Deal?" When we were kids it was a matter of negotiating for everything from candy to toys. The basic rule is that you have to decide if what you want is worth giving something up for. It's also the name of a game show that drives me nuts. I'm not sure which is worse: the people guessing which box the money is in, or the millions of people watching someone guess which box the money is in... I think I'm on the tail end of a generation that remembers Monte Hall & "Door number 1..." That was also about determining if it was worth giving up what you had for what you couldn't see. But life is more than game shows... right?
In Exodus 34 there's a great progression of events. It's impossible for us to imagine, but try to picture this. Moses is on the Mountain with the Lord. "Then the Lord came down in a cloud and stood there with him; ... The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out, 'Yaweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin." (Ex 34:5-7)
I think Moses' response is cool. "Moses immediately threw himself to the ground and worshiped." When we see God for who he really is, how can we do anything but worship? If you are having a hard time worshiping, you need to hone in on his nature, and seek his face. Seek his Character. Now here's the Deal:
In Exodus 34:8 Moses says to the Lord, "Please go with us..." in verse 10-11, the Lord says, "All right, this is the contract I am going to make with you. I will do miracles... all the people of Israel shall see the power of the Lord... Your part of the agreement is to obey all of my commandments;"
Deal or No Deal? Our obedience for his presence...
Is it worth it?
Is it worth it to give up the compromises? is it worth it to step out in faith as he directs?
There always seem to be things that can rise up to get in the way of our relationship with the Lord. Many times it's our selfishness. What we too often fail to realize is that selfishness separates us from Him. We remove ourselves from His presence. We break the deal.
We need to be people of obedience to experience the fullness of his glory. Psalm 33:18-22 says, "But the eyes of the Lord are watching over those who fear him, who rely upon his steady love. He will keep them from death even in times of famine! We depend upon the Lord alone to save us. Only he can help us; he protects us like a shield. No wonder we are happy in the Lord! For we are trusting him. We trust his holy name. Yes, Lord, let your constant love surround us, for our hopes are in you alone."
It sounds like a great deal to me!
Trade what we can see for what is to come! Take the DEAL!
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, January 12, 2011
1.12.11 "The First of All I Have"
"The First of All I Have"
Genesis 26:17-27:46
Matthew 9:1-17
Psalm 10:16-18
Proverbs 3:9-10
One of the interesting dynamics of parenting is that moment in McDonald's when you've just purchased dinner for your family, and you reach for one of your child's fries. Any parent out there can tell what they hear next: "Hey, those are... " what's that next word? yup, "mine!" How easily the child forgets where the provision came from. That never happens to adults, right?
"Honor the Lord by giving him the first part of all your income, and he will fill your barns with wheat and barley and overflow your wine vats with the finest wines." -Prov. 3:9-10
Is tithing important to you? Is it a part of your life? What's the big deal about the tithe? I've grown up learning the importance of giving to God right away, but for some, it may not make sense. In fact, someone told me that they believe "it's just the church's strategy to make more money."
To have that kind of perception shows a lack of understanding of the nature of God as well as missing a scriptural principle.
The first commandment is Thou shall have no other God's before me. What does that mean? God is first. Too often we push this to the 'left over' commandment. We don't give to God from our "first", we give to him from what is "left".
This doesn't just apply to the tithe. It applies to all our resources. What about our time? "I just didn't have time to wait on God today." "I'm too busy to use my gifts for the kingdom."
Notice the pattern in the lack of understanding? "it's all about me & MY stuff". When we give to God first, it sets in motion a chain effect. The first thing is that we are walking in obedience. Scripture commands it. The next benefit is that we are training our flesh to understand that "all of this is God's anyway." Another benefit is that he pours out his blessing. Why is that? It's because we've shown we can be trusted. When we give to God first, we know how to handle blessing appropriately. God doesn't want to see his people "hoard" blessing.
So many times we try to separate the financial portion of our life from other areas. We compartmentalize this area as if it effects nothing else. The truth is that it is very related to the core of our being. "Where your treasure is, your heart is there also."
The act of tithe is in an act of obedience: Worship. The principle of stewardship is found in Active Ministry Involvement. It is showing Responsibility in using what he has given us for his glory. So, can you live the DREAM without tithing being a part of your being? Not really. Can you Live the DREAM by only giving God what is "left" of our time and resources? Not really. We must understand that this is a vital part of the maturing process. As we grow to know him more, we see how this is a necessary portion of the Balanced Christian Life. Give Him your "First" today!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Genesis 26:17-27:46
Matthew 9:1-17
Psalm 10:16-18
Proverbs 3:9-10
One of the interesting dynamics of parenting is that moment in McDonald's when you've just purchased dinner for your family, and you reach for one of your child's fries. Any parent out there can tell what they hear next: "Hey, those are... " what's that next word? yup, "mine!" How easily the child forgets where the provision came from. That never happens to adults, right?
"Honor the Lord by giving him the first part of all your income, and he will fill your barns with wheat and barley and overflow your wine vats with the finest wines." -Prov. 3:9-10
Is tithing important to you? Is it a part of your life? What's the big deal about the tithe? I've grown up learning the importance of giving to God right away, but for some, it may not make sense. In fact, someone told me that they believe "it's just the church's strategy to make more money."
To have that kind of perception shows a lack of understanding of the nature of God as well as missing a scriptural principle.
The first commandment is Thou shall have no other God's before me. What does that mean? God is first. Too often we push this to the 'left over' commandment. We don't give to God from our "first", we give to him from what is "left".
This doesn't just apply to the tithe. It applies to all our resources. What about our time? "I just didn't have time to wait on God today." "I'm too busy to use my gifts for the kingdom."
Notice the pattern in the lack of understanding? "it's all about me & MY stuff". When we give to God first, it sets in motion a chain effect. The first thing is that we are walking in obedience. Scripture commands it. The next benefit is that we are training our flesh to understand that "all of this is God's anyway." Another benefit is that he pours out his blessing. Why is that? It's because we've shown we can be trusted. When we give to God first, we know how to handle blessing appropriately. God doesn't want to see his people "hoard" blessing.
So many times we try to separate the financial portion of our life from other areas. We compartmentalize this area as if it effects nothing else. The truth is that it is very related to the core of our being. "Where your treasure is, your heart is there also."
The act of tithe is in an act of obedience: Worship. The principle of stewardship is found in Active Ministry Involvement. It is showing Responsibility in using what he has given us for his glory. So, can you live the DREAM without tithing being a part of your being? Not really. Can you Live the DREAM by only giving God what is "left" of our time and resources? Not really. We must understand that this is a vital part of the maturing process. As we grow to know him more, we see how this is a necessary portion of the Balanced Christian Life. Give Him your "First" today!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Thursday, April 8, 2010
4.8.10 "Brought to the Border of Blessing"
"Brought to the Border of Blessing"
Deuteronomy 32:28-52
Luke 12:35-59
Psalm 78:56-64
Proverbs 12:24
Have you ever been in the place where you really wanted to complain? Have you ever wanted to say, "ugh this is just not worth it..." What's hard to realize is that in that moment, we could be standing on the edge of incredible blessing and promise.
"But he led forth his own people like a flock, guiding them safely through the wilderness. He kept them safe, so they were not afraid. But the Sea closed in upon their enemies and overwhelmed them. He brought them to the border of his land of blessing, to this land of hills he made for them." (Ps. 78:52-54)
God did great things for the people of Israel. He set them free. He gave them provision in the wilderness. He brought them to the border of the land of blessing.
"Yet though he did all this for them, they still rebelled against the God above all gods, and refused to follow his commands. They turned back... and disobeyed... Like a crooked arrow, they missed the target of God's will." (vs. 56-57)
What a sad statement. "They missed the target of God's will." Do you think that is true of believers today? I can look back at times in my own life when I've been disobedient. I've turned to sin instead of hitting the target of God's will for me. I didn't even realize in those times that I was at the Border of God's Blessing.
Listen to the powerful words of Deuteronomy 32:47. "These laws are not mere words - they are your life!"
To live the DREAM, we must have an understanding of what it means to live by Godly principles. We need to be genuinely Empowered Through Biblical Training. That takes discipline.
I think often we brush off the fact that we struggle in the area of "discipline". "Yeah, I'm pretty undisciplined... My bible reading is 'hit & miss'... Yeah, I know God wants me to do this, but I'm not ready to go there." Because of that lack of discipline, we fail in the area of Obedience which is our primary form of worship. Then we need to understand that if we're not living the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship, we have a PROBLEM!
There is always more at stake than we realize when we are tempted. So many times we think it's an issue of self-control, or just a "minor" offense, or a "struggle". God's commands are not mere words, they are LIFE. That means to disobey them means DEATH.
Too often I believe we are turned back at the Border of Blessing because we wont follow through in complete obedience. I picture the "Border of Blessing Checkpoint". "Passport please..." Our passports have only one page. It must be stamped "Obedient". If it isn't.... "I'm sorry, you're going to have to take a detour." And like a broken arrow, we miss the target of God's will.
I want life. I want blessing. I must be obedient. When temptation comes, when trials come, I must make sure that I don't sacrifice what God has for me. I don't want to miss the "obedient" stamp in my passport. I must discipline myself to be in the Word. I must discipline myself to obey. This discipline must happen in daily life. If we wait until the climax of the testing, we can't say "Ok, NOW I want to be disciplined!! No, it must happen on a daily basis. Then, what has been done will be revealed in the testing.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Deuteronomy 32:28-52
Luke 12:35-59
Psalm 78:56-64
Proverbs 12:24
Have you ever been in the place where you really wanted to complain? Have you ever wanted to say, "ugh this is just not worth it..." What's hard to realize is that in that moment, we could be standing on the edge of incredible blessing and promise.
"But he led forth his own people like a flock, guiding them safely through the wilderness. He kept them safe, so they were not afraid. But the Sea closed in upon their enemies and overwhelmed them. He brought them to the border of his land of blessing, to this land of hills he made for them." (Ps. 78:52-54)
God did great things for the people of Israel. He set them free. He gave them provision in the wilderness. He brought them to the border of the land of blessing.
"Yet though he did all this for them, they still rebelled against the God above all gods, and refused to follow his commands. They turned back... and disobeyed... Like a crooked arrow, they missed the target of God's will." (vs. 56-57)
What a sad statement. "They missed the target of God's will." Do you think that is true of believers today? I can look back at times in my own life when I've been disobedient. I've turned to sin instead of hitting the target of God's will for me. I didn't even realize in those times that I was at the Border of God's Blessing.
Listen to the powerful words of Deuteronomy 32:47. "These laws are not mere words - they are your life!"
To live the DREAM, we must have an understanding of what it means to live by Godly principles. We need to be genuinely Empowered Through Biblical Training. That takes discipline.
I think often we brush off the fact that we struggle in the area of "discipline". "Yeah, I'm pretty undisciplined... My bible reading is 'hit & miss'... Yeah, I know God wants me to do this, but I'm not ready to go there." Because of that lack of discipline, we fail in the area of Obedience which is our primary form of worship. Then we need to understand that if we're not living the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship, we have a PROBLEM!
There is always more at stake than we realize when we are tempted. So many times we think it's an issue of self-control, or just a "minor" offense, or a "struggle". God's commands are not mere words, they are LIFE. That means to disobey them means DEATH.
Too often I believe we are turned back at the Border of Blessing because we wont follow through in complete obedience. I picture the "Border of Blessing Checkpoint". "Passport please..." Our passports have only one page. It must be stamped "Obedient". If it isn't.... "I'm sorry, you're going to have to take a detour." And like a broken arrow, we miss the target of God's will.
I want life. I want blessing. I must be obedient. When temptation comes, when trials come, I must make sure that I don't sacrifice what God has for me. I don't want to miss the "obedient" stamp in my passport. I must discipline myself to be in the Word. I must discipline myself to obey. This discipline must happen in daily life. If we wait until the climax of the testing, we can't say "Ok, NOW I want to be disciplined!! No, it must happen on a daily basis. Then, what has been done will be revealed in the testing.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Monday, March 29, 2010
3.29.10 "Let's Make a Deal!"
"Let's Make a Deal!"
Deuteronomy 11:1-12:32
Luke 8:22-39
Psalm 70:1-5
Proverbs 12:4
Does that title bring back memories? If so, it definitely dates you! Monte Hall used to give you the choice: Door number 1, Door number 2 or Door number 3! What amazing television that was! Now it's "Deal or No Deal!" That's another one of those shows that's the opposite of a microwave. Instead of making things go faster, it stretches 8 minutes of entertainment into an hour. Instead of 3 doors you have 25 suitcases. In that one, you're hoping that the choice you made was the one with the most cash. But you're not sure....
Well, God makes it a bit easier. There's just 2 doors: " I am giving you the choice today between God's blessing or God's curse!" (Deut. 11:26)
Um.... boy... I don't know.... I ah... blessing or curse... "we'll find out... right after this commercial break!"
"There will be blessing if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God which I am giving you today, and a curse if you refuse them and worship the gods of these other nations." (v.27-28)
In this chapter Moses speaks of the family in verses 1-6. "You must love the Lord your God and obey every one of his commands. Listen! I am not talking now to your children who have never experienced the Lord's punishments or seen his greatness and his awesome power. They weren't there to see the miracles he did in Egypt..." he goes on to list the many great things God has done.
"But you have seen these mighty miracles! how carefully, then, you should obey these commandments... so that you may have the strength to go in and possess the land you are about to enter." (v.7-8)
My daughter has not had the path to Christ I have. She doesn't know about the godly home I grew up in. She doesn't know that I would find my dad praying in his office or my mom praying in her bedroom. She doesn't know that I had incredible altar experiences at camp. She doesn't know about the HUGE rapture scare I had when my parents went to dinner with the church board & I didn't know & when I called them all no one was home! (still makes me sweat to think about it!)
All she knows is what she sees in me.
I have found freedom in Christ. I have found blessing. "But beware that your hearts do not turn from God... So keep these commandments carefully in mind... Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are sitting at home, when you are out walking, at bedtime, and before breakfast! Write them upon the doors of your houses and upon your gates, so that as long as there is sky above the earth, you and your children will enjoy the good life awaiting you in the land the Lord has promised you." (vs. 16-21)
It's up to me to put the option in front of my daughter. "Blessing, or curse". She wont choose just because I say it, she will choose based on what I live. She will be influenced and impacted by the world around her, but the power for her to live life will come as we sit around the breakfast table each morning.
Well Monte (or Howie) .... I'll take the blessing!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Deuteronomy 11:1-12:32
Luke 8:22-39
Psalm 70:1-5
Proverbs 12:4
Does that title bring back memories? If so, it definitely dates you! Monte Hall used to give you the choice: Door number 1, Door number 2 or Door number 3! What amazing television that was! Now it's "Deal or No Deal!" That's another one of those shows that's the opposite of a microwave. Instead of making things go faster, it stretches 8 minutes of entertainment into an hour. Instead of 3 doors you have 25 suitcases. In that one, you're hoping that the choice you made was the one with the most cash. But you're not sure....
Well, God makes it a bit easier. There's just 2 doors: " I am giving you the choice today between God's blessing or God's curse!" (Deut. 11:26)
Um.... boy... I don't know.... I ah... blessing or curse... "we'll find out... right after this commercial break!"
"There will be blessing if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God which I am giving you today, and a curse if you refuse them and worship the gods of these other nations." (v.27-28)
In this chapter Moses speaks of the family in verses 1-6. "You must love the Lord your God and obey every one of his commands. Listen! I am not talking now to your children who have never experienced the Lord's punishments or seen his greatness and his awesome power. They weren't there to see the miracles he did in Egypt..." he goes on to list the many great things God has done.
"But you have seen these mighty miracles! how carefully, then, you should obey these commandments... so that you may have the strength to go in and possess the land you are about to enter." (v.7-8)
My daughter has not had the path to Christ I have. She doesn't know about the godly home I grew up in. She doesn't know that I would find my dad praying in his office or my mom praying in her bedroom. She doesn't know that I had incredible altar experiences at camp. She doesn't know about the HUGE rapture scare I had when my parents went to dinner with the church board & I didn't know & when I called them all no one was home! (still makes me sweat to think about it!)
All she knows is what she sees in me.
I have found freedom in Christ. I have found blessing. "But beware that your hearts do not turn from God... So keep these commandments carefully in mind... Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are sitting at home, when you are out walking, at bedtime, and before breakfast! Write them upon the doors of your houses and upon your gates, so that as long as there is sky above the earth, you and your children will enjoy the good life awaiting you in the land the Lord has promised you." (vs. 16-21)
It's up to me to put the option in front of my daughter. "Blessing, or curse". She wont choose just because I say it, she will choose based on what I live. She will be influenced and impacted by the world around her, but the power for her to live life will come as we sit around the breakfast table each morning.
Well Monte (or Howie) .... I'll take the blessing!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
3.24.10 "Recipe for Success"
"Recipe for Success"
Deuteronomy 2:1-3:29
Luke 6:12-38
Psalm 67:1-7
Proverbs 11:27
This portion of scripture in Luke is one that We've all heard since we were kids, and we probably understand what it means, but it isn't very easy to put into practice.
"Listen, all of you. Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Pray for the happiness of those who curse you; implore God's blessing on those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, let him slap the other too! If someone demands your coat, give him your shirt besides. Give what you have to anyone who asks you for it; and when things are taken away from you, don't worry about getting them back." (Luke 6:27-30)
What is the purpose of all that? Why are we to be that kind of people? Is it God's goal for Christians to be doormats? Are we to be a weak people? Fear of weakness and injustice is what our flesh sees when we read this type of scripture. Even most Christians in this day would want to re-write the verses to say, "Tolerate your enemies. Ignore those who hate you. Pray that those who curse you and hurt you would leave you alone...."
What does it take to live like these verses in Luke? It takes true Godly submission. It takes an understanding of what "Relationships Devoted to Unity" is all about. Moreover, it takes death to flesh.
"Treat others as you want them to treat you.... Love your enemies! Do good to them! Lend to them! And don't be concerned about the fact that they won't repay..." (Luke 6:31, 35a)
That's tough! We fear the "doormat" syndrome so much that we don't even come close to it. Our thought process is many times caught up in the fact that "If I'm going to live this life of submission, I better see results!" Too often we are overly concerned with the "result" of our actions. We'll be submissive a couple times, and if that doesn't work, I'm back to doing it my way!
While it's true that God's promises are conditional based on our obedience, we can't turn that around and give him "conditional obedience". His word says to love our enemies. That doesn't have any stipulation of the outcome. It just says do it!
The good news is there is a blessing! "... Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as sons of God: for he is kind to the unthankful and to those who are very wicked. Try to show as much compassion as your father does. Never criticize or condemn - or it will all come back on you. Go easy on others; then they will do the same for you. For if you give, you will get! Your gift will return to you in full and overflowing measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use to give - large or small - will be used to measure what is given back to you." (35b-38)
That sounds like a recipe for success! We may see the fruit of that blessing immediately, or in years to come, or it may even be the heavenly reward. But either way, it is the way we are to live as sons of God!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Deuteronomy 2:1-3:29
Luke 6:12-38
Psalm 67:1-7
Proverbs 11:27
This portion of scripture in Luke is one that We've all heard since we were kids, and we probably understand what it means, but it isn't very easy to put into practice.
"Listen, all of you. Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Pray for the happiness of those who curse you; implore God's blessing on those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, let him slap the other too! If someone demands your coat, give him your shirt besides. Give what you have to anyone who asks you for it; and when things are taken away from you, don't worry about getting them back." (Luke 6:27-30)
What is the purpose of all that? Why are we to be that kind of people? Is it God's goal for Christians to be doormats? Are we to be a weak people? Fear of weakness and injustice is what our flesh sees when we read this type of scripture. Even most Christians in this day would want to re-write the verses to say, "Tolerate your enemies. Ignore those who hate you. Pray that those who curse you and hurt you would leave you alone...."
What does it take to live like these verses in Luke? It takes true Godly submission. It takes an understanding of what "Relationships Devoted to Unity" is all about. Moreover, it takes death to flesh.
"Treat others as you want them to treat you.... Love your enemies! Do good to them! Lend to them! And don't be concerned about the fact that they won't repay..." (Luke 6:31, 35a)
That's tough! We fear the "doormat" syndrome so much that we don't even come close to it. Our thought process is many times caught up in the fact that "If I'm going to live this life of submission, I better see results!" Too often we are overly concerned with the "result" of our actions. We'll be submissive a couple times, and if that doesn't work, I'm back to doing it my way!
While it's true that God's promises are conditional based on our obedience, we can't turn that around and give him "conditional obedience". His word says to love our enemies. That doesn't have any stipulation of the outcome. It just says do it!
The good news is there is a blessing! "... Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as sons of God: for he is kind to the unthankful and to those who are very wicked. Try to show as much compassion as your father does. Never criticize or condemn - or it will all come back on you. Go easy on others; then they will do the same for you. For if you give, you will get! Your gift will return to you in full and overflowing measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use to give - large or small - will be used to measure what is given back to you." (35b-38)
That sounds like a recipe for success! We may see the fruit of that blessing immediately, or in years to come, or it may even be the heavenly reward. But either way, it is the way we are to live as sons of God!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Thursday, February 11, 2010
2.11.10 "Don't Take Another Step"
"Don't Take Another Step"
Exodus 32:1-33:23
Matthew 26:69-27:14
Psalm 33:1-11
Proverbs 8:33-36
Moses has been up on Mount Saini receiving the 10 commandments. It was taking a while, so the people got impatient, and decided to create their own god in the form of an idol. Needless to say, that didn't go over to well with God. In Exodus 33:3, the Lord tells Moses, "Go up to this land that flows with milk and honey. But I will not travel among you, for you are a stubborn and rebellious people. If i did, I would surely destroy you along the way."
In Verse 15 it says, "For Moses had said, 'If you aren't going with us, don't let us move a step from this place. If you don't go with us, who will ever know that I and my people have found favor with you, and that we are different from any other people upon the face of the earth?'"
I love to tell the story about when my daughter was little. We would stand at the edge of the driveway and "practice" not going into the street. If she would step over the line, she would get in trouble. I wanted to train her that it was not safe to step into the street without holding my hand. She was very good at this. I'll never forget that first time on a Wednesday night she ran across the church driveway without thinking. Thankfully there were no cars coming, but I'll never forget the awful feeling I had as I watched her run out on her own into danger.
I imagine that's the way the Lord feels when we "run out" in our own strength. I'm sure his heart breaks to see our ignorance about the danger that we put ourselves in. Sure, there may not be a car coming at the moment, but that almost makes it worse. We start to think, "Hey, I can do this on my own." Our hearts become more independent, and we walk outside of the covering of God. We don't hold his hand.
Just as Moses prayed, I need to depend on the Lord. In this age of grace and blessing, it can be easy to begin to move in my own strength. The world around me needs to see me living in the favor of the Lord. They need to see that we're different.
The Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship is a life moving with the Lord. Staying in his Word trains me to hear his voice. Walking with him equips us to fulfill our Mission to Reach Our World for Christ. Each day we need to cry out to God to walk with us, to hold our hand.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Exodus 32:1-33:23
Matthew 26:69-27:14
Psalm 33:1-11
Proverbs 8:33-36
Moses has been up on Mount Saini receiving the 10 commandments. It was taking a while, so the people got impatient, and decided to create their own god in the form of an idol. Needless to say, that didn't go over to well with God. In Exodus 33:3, the Lord tells Moses, "Go up to this land that flows with milk and honey. But I will not travel among you, for you are a stubborn and rebellious people. If i did, I would surely destroy you along the way."
In Verse 15 it says, "For Moses had said, 'If you aren't going with us, don't let us move a step from this place. If you don't go with us, who will ever know that I and my people have found favor with you, and that we are different from any other people upon the face of the earth?'"
I love to tell the story about when my daughter was little. We would stand at the edge of the driveway and "practice" not going into the street. If she would step over the line, she would get in trouble. I wanted to train her that it was not safe to step into the street without holding my hand. She was very good at this. I'll never forget that first time on a Wednesday night she ran across the church driveway without thinking. Thankfully there were no cars coming, but I'll never forget the awful feeling I had as I watched her run out on her own into danger.
I imagine that's the way the Lord feels when we "run out" in our own strength. I'm sure his heart breaks to see our ignorance about the danger that we put ourselves in. Sure, there may not be a car coming at the moment, but that almost makes it worse. We start to think, "Hey, I can do this on my own." Our hearts become more independent, and we walk outside of the covering of God. We don't hold his hand.
Just as Moses prayed, I need to depend on the Lord. In this age of grace and blessing, it can be easy to begin to move in my own strength. The world around me needs to see me living in the favor of the Lord. They need to see that we're different.
The Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship is a life moving with the Lord. Staying in his Word trains me to hear his voice. Walking with him equips us to fulfill our Mission to Reach Our World for Christ. Each day we need to cry out to God to walk with us, to hold our hand.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Sunday, December 20, 2009
12.20.9 "For the Glory of God"
"For the Glory of God"
Haggai 1:1-2:23
Revelation 11:1-19
Psalm 139:1-24
Proverbs 30:15-16
"Active Ministry Involvement". It's the "A" in our DREAM acronym. Beyond that, what does that mean to you? How do you view it?
At the surface it seems that Active Ministry Involvement (AM I) is just a matter of joining a ministry group. Choir, nursery, usher, etc. So then Living the "A" is a yes or no question. If you're a Sunday School teacher, you're living the "A". While that's a great start, that's not the whole picture.
The book of Haggai sheds some great light on the principles of AM I. The specific references in this book are in regards to rebuilding the temple. However, we miss out on another view of the character of God if we don't realize that there are "life" principles involved here. Let's look at some of the verses and then bring life application.
"'Why is everyone saying it is not the right time for rebuilding my Temple?' asks the Lord. His reply to them is this: 'Is it then the right time for you to live in luxurious homes, when the Temple lies in ruins? Look at the result: You plant much but harvest little. You have scarcely enough to eat or drink, and not enough clothes to keep you warm. Your income disappears, as though you were putting it into pockets filled with holes! Think it over,' says the Lord Almighty. 'Consider how you have acted, and what has happened as a result! Then go up into the mountains and bring down timber, and rebuild my Temple, and I will be pleased with it and appear there in my glory,' says the Lord." Hag. 1:2-8
As you read through these scriptures, do you see the incredible picture? God has created us with the purpose of using the gifts and resources he has given us for HIS glory. When we use them for our own, it amounts to nothing. Do you remember when David asked to build a temple? The Lord said, "I don't need a temple." Yet in Haggai, the people are chastised for not working on the temple. Why is that? It's because they are not working for the glory of the Lord. They are working toward their own comfort and success.
Look at the world around us. Doesn't it look like verse 5-6? "plant much but harvest little", never have enough... I ran into a guy in a restaurant who said, "Yeah, we really need income, so I'm taking an extra job. You probably wont be seeing much of me around church." I felt bad for the guy. Whether or not the income comes in as he hopes for, soon he'll be wondering why there isn't enough time, etc.
It's not just about joining a group or "serving our time" in a ministry. It's about applying the principle of blessing and giving to our life.
verse 12-15 say, "Then Zerubbabel... and the few people remaining in the land obeyed Haggai's message from the Lord their God; they began to worship him in earnest. Then the Lord told them... 'I am with you; I will bless you.' And the Lord gave them a desire to rebuild his Temple; so they all gathered... and volunteered their help."
Notice what happens when the people gather to work for the glory of God: He is there!
Do we wanna see revival? We need to begin to be generous with our time, talents and resources for the glory of God. This is not just for inside the walls of the church. This is for every part of life. We need to be "investors" of everything we have.
Too often the answer is "it's not the right time". I love the Lord's answer, "Is it then the right time for you to live in luxurious homes?" In the same way people don't have to be "good enough" to begin to live the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship, people don't need to "have enough" to begin to live the principles of AM I.
What do you have right now? Give to the glory of God. It's not just about money. It's about your passion. Your experience. Your time. This is a BIG deal!
"You people were contaminating your sacrifices by living with selfish attitudes and evil hearts - and not only your sacrifices, but everything else that you did as a 'service' to me. And so everything you did went wrong. But all is different now, because you have begun to build the Temple. Before, when you expected a twenty-bushel crop, there were only ten. When you came to draw fifty gallons form the olive press, there were only twenty. I rewarded all your labor with rust and mildew and hail. Yet, even so you refused to return to me," says the Lord.
"But now note this: From today, this 24th day of the month, as the foundation of the Lord's Temple is finished, and from this day onward, i will bless you. Notice, I am giving you this promise now before you have even begun to rebuild the Temple structure, and before you have harvested your grain, and before the grapes and figs and pomegranates and olives have produced their next crops: From this day I will bless you." Hag. 2:14-19
This scripture stirs up excitement in me! Oh, if we could only get this. It's not about the harvest or the fruit! It's about the application of this principle to our life! We don't shovel our neighbor's snow because they need it, we shovel it because it's a part of who we are! For the Glory of God. As we do that, we are building the Temple! That's why we change diapers in the nursery! Yes, they need to be changed, but more importantly, we are applying the AM I principle of responsibility to our life.
Can you see it? Can you see what happens when the church awakens and REALLY applies this to their life? Instead of looking at ministry as "community service" like the world does, and begins to work each and every day as unto the Lord, we will experience the blessing and presence of the Lord as never before! And the world will see his Glory!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Haggai 1:1-2:23
Revelation 11:1-19
Psalm 139:1-24
Proverbs 30:15-16
"Active Ministry Involvement". It's the "A" in our DREAM acronym. Beyond that, what does that mean to you? How do you view it?
At the surface it seems that Active Ministry Involvement (AM I) is just a matter of joining a ministry group. Choir, nursery, usher, etc. So then Living the "A" is a yes or no question. If you're a Sunday School teacher, you're living the "A". While that's a great start, that's not the whole picture.
The book of Haggai sheds some great light on the principles of AM I. The specific references in this book are in regards to rebuilding the temple. However, we miss out on another view of the character of God if we don't realize that there are "life" principles involved here. Let's look at some of the verses and then bring life application.
"'Why is everyone saying it is not the right time for rebuilding my Temple?' asks the Lord. His reply to them is this: 'Is it then the right time for you to live in luxurious homes, when the Temple lies in ruins? Look at the result: You plant much but harvest little. You have scarcely enough to eat or drink, and not enough clothes to keep you warm. Your income disappears, as though you were putting it into pockets filled with holes! Think it over,' says the Lord Almighty. 'Consider how you have acted, and what has happened as a result! Then go up into the mountains and bring down timber, and rebuild my Temple, and I will be pleased with it and appear there in my glory,' says the Lord." Hag. 1:2-8
As you read through these scriptures, do you see the incredible picture? God has created us with the purpose of using the gifts and resources he has given us for HIS glory. When we use them for our own, it amounts to nothing. Do you remember when David asked to build a temple? The Lord said, "I don't need a temple." Yet in Haggai, the people are chastised for not working on the temple. Why is that? It's because they are not working for the glory of the Lord. They are working toward their own comfort and success.
Look at the world around us. Doesn't it look like verse 5-6? "plant much but harvest little", never have enough... I ran into a guy in a restaurant who said, "Yeah, we really need income, so I'm taking an extra job. You probably wont be seeing much of me around church." I felt bad for the guy. Whether or not the income comes in as he hopes for, soon he'll be wondering why there isn't enough time, etc.
It's not just about joining a group or "serving our time" in a ministry. It's about applying the principle of blessing and giving to our life.
verse 12-15 say, "Then Zerubbabel... and the few people remaining in the land obeyed Haggai's message from the Lord their God; they began to worship him in earnest. Then the Lord told them... 'I am with you; I will bless you.' And the Lord gave them a desire to rebuild his Temple; so they all gathered... and volunteered their help."
Notice what happens when the people gather to work for the glory of God: He is there!
Do we wanna see revival? We need to begin to be generous with our time, talents and resources for the glory of God. This is not just for inside the walls of the church. This is for every part of life. We need to be "investors" of everything we have.
Too often the answer is "it's not the right time". I love the Lord's answer, "Is it then the right time for you to live in luxurious homes?" In the same way people don't have to be "good enough" to begin to live the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship, people don't need to "have enough" to begin to live the principles of AM I.
What do you have right now? Give to the glory of God. It's not just about money. It's about your passion. Your experience. Your time. This is a BIG deal!
"You people were contaminating your sacrifices by living with selfish attitudes and evil hearts - and not only your sacrifices, but everything else that you did as a 'service' to me. And so everything you did went wrong. But all is different now, because you have begun to build the Temple. Before, when you expected a twenty-bushel crop, there were only ten. When you came to draw fifty gallons form the olive press, there were only twenty. I rewarded all your labor with rust and mildew and hail. Yet, even so you refused to return to me," says the Lord.
"But now note this: From today, this 24th day of the month, as the foundation of the Lord's Temple is finished, and from this day onward, i will bless you. Notice, I am giving you this promise now before you have even begun to rebuild the Temple structure, and before you have harvested your grain, and before the grapes and figs and pomegranates and olives have produced their next crops: From this day I will bless you." Hag. 2:14-19
This scripture stirs up excitement in me! Oh, if we could only get this. It's not about the harvest or the fruit! It's about the application of this principle to our life! We don't shovel our neighbor's snow because they need it, we shovel it because it's a part of who we are! For the Glory of God. As we do that, we are building the Temple! That's why we change diapers in the nursery! Yes, they need to be changed, but more importantly, we are applying the AM I principle of responsibility to our life.
Can you see it? Can you see what happens when the church awakens and REALLY applies this to their life? Instead of looking at ministry as "community service" like the world does, and begins to work each and every day as unto the Lord, we will experience the blessing and presence of the Lord as never before! And the world will see his Glory!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Friday, August 21, 2009
8.21.9 "What Right Do You Have?"
"What Right Do You Have?"
Job 1:1-3:26
I Corinthians 14:1-17
Psalm 37:12-28
Proverbs 21:25-26
Another familiar portion of scripture today. We know the story of Job: A Godly man who does not turn against God in times of hardship. His response to the calamity that falls on his life is in verse 21: "'I came naked from my mother's womb,' he said, 'and I shall have nothing when I die. The Lord gave me everything I had, and they were his to take away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.'"
Looking at this portion of scripture gives us a good opportunity to evaluate where we are at in our Christian maturity. Would my response resemble Job's? My first reaction is probably not. Why is that?
It really comes down to the fact that we feel we have a "right" to things. When God blesses us, somehow we attach ourselves to that blessing and we make it "ours". If you've ever seen "Finding Nemo", we're like the seagulls that always go around saying "mine! mine! mine!"
Often it takes a significant event in our lives to bring to light how connected we really are. Our youth pastor & his family lost everything in a house fire on a Saturday night. They were in church that next night & I spoke briefly with Heather, and she said, "We're fine, it's just 'stuff'." Sure, there were tears for heirlooms and other memories that were gone, but there was no despair.
How connected to your "stuff" are you? Whether you live in a place of great financial blessing, or adequate provision, you are blessed with your "stuff". You know what? You have no right to any of it. It is only by the grace of God you have what you have. You have no "right" to good health. No "right" to financial gain. It's purely by the grace of God.
Living with that attitude can make quite a difference. It's much easier to live the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship when we are not hung up on our "rights". When we realize what little we really deserve, we are already postured for worship. This denial of our fleshly desire for rights opens our eyes to the greatness of God, his awesome power, and his love for us.
You may have heard the phrase, "I know God wont give me more than I can handle, but I wish he wouldn't trust me so much." there are times when our "connectivity" to the blessings will be tested. Realizing that everything is God's sure takes away some of the worry and fret over these issues.
Don't get out of balance in this, however. We are still Responsible to be good stewards of the blessings he has given us. We are to put the blessings of time, talent and resource to work to bring an increase for the kingdom, but they are not "ours". They are his. What I'm saying is that to be blessed with a thousand dollars and say "oh it's not mine, it's God's" and set the pile of money on the front step and let it blow away is not God's plan either. To live the DREAM, we must understand the principle of Active Ministry involvement is Responsibility. We must be good stewards of all that God has given us. But never get out of balance to the point that we think what is given to us is ours.
Psalm 37:23-26 says, "The steps of good men are directed by the Lord. He delights in each step they take. If they fall it isn't fatal, for the Lord holds them with his hand. I have been young and now I am old. And in all my years I have never seen the Lord forsake a man who loves him; nor have I seen the children of the godly go hungry. Instead, the godly are able to be generous with their gifts and loans to others, and their children are a blessing."
Our life may be filled with abundance, or it may be scarred by disease, but the circumstances don't change the fact that we have not been forsaken. All we have is the Lord's. We are in the palm of his hand.
We don't have any right to any of the blessing we have, but in his infinite wisdom, graciousness, love and mercy, God has poured out these blessings upon us. Take time today to say, "Blessed be the Name of the Lord!"
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Job 1:1-3:26
I Corinthians 14:1-17
Psalm 37:12-28
Proverbs 21:25-26
Another familiar portion of scripture today. We know the story of Job: A Godly man who does not turn against God in times of hardship. His response to the calamity that falls on his life is in verse 21: "'I came naked from my mother's womb,' he said, 'and I shall have nothing when I die. The Lord gave me everything I had, and they were his to take away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.'"
Looking at this portion of scripture gives us a good opportunity to evaluate where we are at in our Christian maturity. Would my response resemble Job's? My first reaction is probably not. Why is that?
It really comes down to the fact that we feel we have a "right" to things. When God blesses us, somehow we attach ourselves to that blessing and we make it "ours". If you've ever seen "Finding Nemo", we're like the seagulls that always go around saying "mine! mine! mine!"
Often it takes a significant event in our lives to bring to light how connected we really are. Our youth pastor & his family lost everything in a house fire on a Saturday night. They were in church that next night & I spoke briefly with Heather, and she said, "We're fine, it's just 'stuff'." Sure, there were tears for heirlooms and other memories that were gone, but there was no despair.
How connected to your "stuff" are you? Whether you live in a place of great financial blessing, or adequate provision, you are blessed with your "stuff". You know what? You have no right to any of it. It is only by the grace of God you have what you have. You have no "right" to good health. No "right" to financial gain. It's purely by the grace of God.
Living with that attitude can make quite a difference. It's much easier to live the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship when we are not hung up on our "rights". When we realize what little we really deserve, we are already postured for worship. This denial of our fleshly desire for rights opens our eyes to the greatness of God, his awesome power, and his love for us.
You may have heard the phrase, "I know God wont give me more than I can handle, but I wish he wouldn't trust me so much." there are times when our "connectivity" to the blessings will be tested. Realizing that everything is God's sure takes away some of the worry and fret over these issues.
Don't get out of balance in this, however. We are still Responsible to be good stewards of the blessings he has given us. We are to put the blessings of time, talent and resource to work to bring an increase for the kingdom, but they are not "ours". They are his. What I'm saying is that to be blessed with a thousand dollars and say "oh it's not mine, it's God's" and set the pile of money on the front step and let it blow away is not God's plan either. To live the DREAM, we must understand the principle of Active Ministry involvement is Responsibility. We must be good stewards of all that God has given us. But never get out of balance to the point that we think what is given to us is ours.
Psalm 37:23-26 says, "The steps of good men are directed by the Lord. He delights in each step they take. If they fall it isn't fatal, for the Lord holds them with his hand. I have been young and now I am old. And in all my years I have never seen the Lord forsake a man who loves him; nor have I seen the children of the godly go hungry. Instead, the godly are able to be generous with their gifts and loans to others, and their children are a blessing."
Our life may be filled with abundance, or it may be scarred by disease, but the circumstances don't change the fact that we have not been forsaken. All we have is the Lord's. We are in the palm of his hand.
We don't have any right to any of the blessing we have, but in his infinite wisdom, graciousness, love and mercy, God has poured out these blessings upon us. Take time today to say, "Blessed be the Name of the Lord!"
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
4.8.9 "Brought to the Border of Blessing"
"Brought to the Border of Blessing"
Deuteronomy 32:28-52
Luke 12:35-59
Psalm 78:56-64
Proverbs 12:24
Have you ever been in the place where you really wanted to complain? Have you ever wanted to say, "ugh this is just not worth it..." What's hard to realize is that in that moment, we could be standing on the edge of incredible blessing and promise.
"But he led forth his own people like a flock, guiding them safely through the wilderness. He kept them safe, so they were not afraid. But the Sea closed in upon their enemies and overwhelmed them. He brought them to the border of his land of blessing, to this land of hills he made for them." (Ps. 78:52-54)
God did great things for the people of Israel. He set them free. He gave them provision in the wilderness. He brought them to the border of the land of blessing.
"Yet though he did all this for them, they still rebelled against the God above all gods, and refused to follow his commands. They turned back... and disobeyed... Like a crooked arrow, they missed the target of God's will." (vs. 56-57)
What a sad statement. "They missed the target of God's will." Do you think that is true of believers today? I can look back at times in my own life when I've been disobedient. I've turned to sin instead of hitting the target of God's will for me. I didn't even realize in those times that I was at the Border of God's Blessing.
Listen to the powerful words of Deuteronomy 32:47. "These laws are not mere words - they are your life!"
To live the DREAM, we must have an understanding of what it means to live by Godly principles. We need to be genuinely Empowered Through Biblical Training. That takes discipline.
I think often we brush off the fact that we struggle in the area of "discipline". "Yeah, I'm pretty undisciplined... My bible reading is 'hit & miss'... Yeah, I know God wants me to do this, but I'm not ready to go there." Because of that lack of discipline, we fail in the area of Obedience which is our primary form of worship. Then we need to understand that if we're not living the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship, we have a PROBLEM!
There is always more at stake than we realize when we are tempted. So many times we think it's an issue of self-control, or just a "minor" offense, or a "struggle". God's commands are not mere words, they are LIFE. That means to disobey them means DEATH.
Too often I believe we are turned back at the Border of Blessing because we wont follow through in complete obedience. I picture the "Border of Blessing Checkpoint". "Passport please..." Our passports have only one page. It must be stamped "Obedient". If it isn't.... "I'm sorry, you're going to have to take a detour." And like a broken arrow, we miss the target of God's will.
I want life. I want blessing. I must be obedient. When temptation comes, when trials come, I must make sure that I don't sacrifice what God has for me. I don't want to miss the "obedient" stamp in my passport. I must discipline myself to be in the Word. I must discipline myself to obey. This discipline must happen in daily life. If we wait until the climax of the testing, we can't say "Ok, NOW I want to be disciplined!! No, it must happen on a daily basis. Then, what has been done will be revealed in the testing.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Deuteronomy 32:28-52
Luke 12:35-59
Psalm 78:56-64
Proverbs 12:24
Have you ever been in the place where you really wanted to complain? Have you ever wanted to say, "ugh this is just not worth it..." What's hard to realize is that in that moment, we could be standing on the edge of incredible blessing and promise.
"But he led forth his own people like a flock, guiding them safely through the wilderness. He kept them safe, so they were not afraid. But the Sea closed in upon their enemies and overwhelmed them. He brought them to the border of his land of blessing, to this land of hills he made for them." (Ps. 78:52-54)
God did great things for the people of Israel. He set them free. He gave them provision in the wilderness. He brought them to the border of the land of blessing.
"Yet though he did all this for them, they still rebelled against the God above all gods, and refused to follow his commands. They turned back... and disobeyed... Like a crooked arrow, they missed the target of God's will." (vs. 56-57)
What a sad statement. "They missed the target of God's will." Do you think that is true of believers today? I can look back at times in my own life when I've been disobedient. I've turned to sin instead of hitting the target of God's will for me. I didn't even realize in those times that I was at the Border of God's Blessing.
Listen to the powerful words of Deuteronomy 32:47. "These laws are not mere words - they are your life!"
To live the DREAM, we must have an understanding of what it means to live by Godly principles. We need to be genuinely Empowered Through Biblical Training. That takes discipline.
I think often we brush off the fact that we struggle in the area of "discipline". "Yeah, I'm pretty undisciplined... My bible reading is 'hit & miss'... Yeah, I know God wants me to do this, but I'm not ready to go there." Because of that lack of discipline, we fail in the area of Obedience which is our primary form of worship. Then we need to understand that if we're not living the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship, we have a PROBLEM!
There is always more at stake than we realize when we are tempted. So many times we think it's an issue of self-control, or just a "minor" offense, or a "struggle". God's commands are not mere words, they are LIFE. That means to disobey them means DEATH.
Too often I believe we are turned back at the Border of Blessing because we wont follow through in complete obedience. I picture the "Border of Blessing Checkpoint". "Passport please..." Our passports have only one page. It must be stamped "Obedient". If it isn't.... "I'm sorry, you're going to have to take a detour." And like a broken arrow, we miss the target of God's will.
I want life. I want blessing. I must be obedient. When temptation comes, when trials come, I must make sure that I don't sacrifice what God has for me. I don't want to miss the "obedient" stamp in my passport. I must discipline myself to be in the Word. I must discipline myself to obey. This discipline must happen in daily life. If we wait until the climax of the testing, we can't say "Ok, NOW I want to be disciplined!! No, it must happen on a daily basis. Then, what has been done will be revealed in the testing.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Sunday, March 29, 2009
3.29.9 "Let's Make a Deal!"
"Let's Make a Deal!"
Deuteronomy 11:1-12:32
Luke 8:22-39
Psalm 70:1-5
Proverbs 12:4
Does that title bring back memories? If so, it definitely dates you! Monte Hall used to give you the choice: Door number 1, Door number 2 or Door number 3! What amazing television that was! Now it's "Deal or No Deal!" That's another one of those shows that's the opposite of a microwave. Instead of making things go faster, it stretches 8 minutes of entertainment into an hour. Instead of 3 doors you have 25 suitcases. In that one, you're hoping that the choice you made was the one with the most cash. But you're not sure....
Well, God makes it a bit easier. There's just 2 doors: " I am giving you the choice today between God's blessing or God's curse!" (Deut. 11:26)
Um.... boy... I don't know.... I ah... blessing or curse... "we'll find out... right after this commercial break!"
"There will be blessing if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God which I am giving you today, and a curse if you refuse them and worship the gods of these other nations." (v.27-28)
In this chapter Moses speaks of the family in verses 1-6. "You must love the Lord your God and obey every one of his commands. Listen! I am not talking now to your children who have never experienced the Lord's punishments or seen his greatness and his awesome power. They weren't there to see the miracles he did in Egypt..." he goes on to list the many great things God has done.
"But you have seen these mighty miracles! how carefully, then, you should obey these commandments... so that you may have the strength to go in and possess the land you are about to enter." (v.7-8)
My daughter has not had the path to Christ I have. She doesn't know about the godly home I grew up in. She doesn't know that I would find my dad praying in his office or my mom praying in her bedroom. She doesn't know that I had incredible altar experiences at camp. She doesn't know about the HUGE rapture scare I had when my parents went to dinner with the church board & I didn't know & when I called them all no one was home! (still makes me sweat to think about it!)
All she knows is what she sees in me.
I have found freedom in Christ. I have found blessing. "But beware that your hearts do not turn from God... So keep these commandments carefully in mind... Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are sitting at home, when you are out walking, at bedtime, and before breakfast! Write them upon the doors of your houses and upon your gates, so that as long as there is sky above the earth, you and your children will enjoy the good life awaiting you in the land the Lord has promised you." (vs. 16-21)
It's up to me to put the option in front of my daughter. "Blessing, or curse". She wont choose just because I say it, she will choose based on what I live. She will be influenced and impacted by the world around her, but the power for her to live life will come as we sit around the breakfast table each morning.
Well Monte (or Howie) .... I'll take the blessing!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Deuteronomy 11:1-12:32
Luke 8:22-39
Psalm 70:1-5
Proverbs 12:4
Does that title bring back memories? If so, it definitely dates you! Monte Hall used to give you the choice: Door number 1, Door number 2 or Door number 3! What amazing television that was! Now it's "Deal or No Deal!" That's another one of those shows that's the opposite of a microwave. Instead of making things go faster, it stretches 8 minutes of entertainment into an hour. Instead of 3 doors you have 25 suitcases. In that one, you're hoping that the choice you made was the one with the most cash. But you're not sure....
Well, God makes it a bit easier. There's just 2 doors: " I am giving you the choice today between God's blessing or God's curse!" (Deut. 11:26)
Um.... boy... I don't know.... I ah... blessing or curse... "we'll find out... right after this commercial break!"
"There will be blessing if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God which I am giving you today, and a curse if you refuse them and worship the gods of these other nations." (v.27-28)
In this chapter Moses speaks of the family in verses 1-6. "You must love the Lord your God and obey every one of his commands. Listen! I am not talking now to your children who have never experienced the Lord's punishments or seen his greatness and his awesome power. They weren't there to see the miracles he did in Egypt..." he goes on to list the many great things God has done.
"But you have seen these mighty miracles! how carefully, then, you should obey these commandments... so that you may have the strength to go in and possess the land you are about to enter." (v.7-8)
My daughter has not had the path to Christ I have. She doesn't know about the godly home I grew up in. She doesn't know that I would find my dad praying in his office or my mom praying in her bedroom. She doesn't know that I had incredible altar experiences at camp. She doesn't know about the HUGE rapture scare I had when my parents went to dinner with the church board & I didn't know & when I called them all no one was home! (still makes me sweat to think about it!)
All she knows is what she sees in me.
I have found freedom in Christ. I have found blessing. "But beware that your hearts do not turn from God... So keep these commandments carefully in mind... Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are sitting at home, when you are out walking, at bedtime, and before breakfast! Write them upon the doors of your houses and upon your gates, so that as long as there is sky above the earth, you and your children will enjoy the good life awaiting you in the land the Lord has promised you." (vs. 16-21)
It's up to me to put the option in front of my daughter. "Blessing, or curse". She wont choose just because I say it, she will choose based on what I live. She will be influenced and impacted by the world around her, but the power for her to live life will come as we sit around the breakfast table each morning.
Well Monte (or Howie) .... I'll take the blessing!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Thursday, March 26, 2009
3.26.9 "Hear, Learn, and Obey!"
"Hear, Learn, and Obey!"
Deuteronomy 5:1-6:25
Luke 7:11-35
Psalm 68:19-35
Proverbs 11:29-31
"Moses called all the people of Israel together and said, 'Listen carefully, Israel. Hear the decrees and regulations I am giving you today, so you may learn them and obey them!'" (Deut. 5:1)
Can you recite the 10 commandments? on your mark, get set, go....
How did you you do?
Often we hear of court cases where "freedom from religion" groups are trying to get the 10 commandments removed from places of public display. It's so sad that not only people have neglected God, but they are proud that they've neglected him. I'm curious though, as to how many there would be who would fight to keep the commands on display and yet not be able to recite them.
Deut. 6:6-9 says, "And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am givin gyou today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your foreheads as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."
There is an intensity to the command to hear, learn and obey the commandments.
I will list them as they appear in Deut. 5 (NLT)
1. You must not have any other god but me.
2. You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind.
3. You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
4. Observe the Sabbath Day by keeping it holy
5. Honor your father and mother
6. You must not murder.
7. You must not commit adultery
8. You must not steal
9. You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.
10. You must not covet your neighbor's wife,... house or land... or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.
Deut. 5 elaborates on a few of these, and i would encourage you to read through them again.
5:29 says, "Oh, that they would always have hearts like this, that they might fear me and obey all my commands! If they did, they and their descendants would prosper forever."
We need to devote ourselves to God's commands. We need to live lives of obedience. We need to teach this to our children.
When I've been thinking/talking about "you must not commit adultery", what's my reaction when I see adultery on TV? If the command is ready on my mind, The light of truth shines on evil, and I don't want to take part in it. The same is true for murder, and all the rest.
When i hear someone gossiping, does "number 9" jump into my head? What about your neighbor's stuff? are you keeping it in context w/ number 10?
I'm challenged to bring the commands of the Lord to the forefront of what we do as a family. I'm challenged to know them as if they are tied to the back of my hand.
This is what it means to be Empowered through Biblical Training.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Deuteronomy 5:1-6:25
Luke 7:11-35
Psalm 68:19-35
Proverbs 11:29-31
"Moses called all the people of Israel together and said, 'Listen carefully, Israel. Hear the decrees and regulations I am giving you today, so you may learn them and obey them!'" (Deut. 5:1)
Can you recite the 10 commandments? on your mark, get set, go....
How did you you do?
Often we hear of court cases where "freedom from religion" groups are trying to get the 10 commandments removed from places of public display. It's so sad that not only people have neglected God, but they are proud that they've neglected him. I'm curious though, as to how many there would be who would fight to keep the commands on display and yet not be able to recite them.
Deut. 6:6-9 says, "And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am givin gyou today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your foreheads as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."
There is an intensity to the command to hear, learn and obey the commandments.
I will list them as they appear in Deut. 5 (NLT)
1. You must not have any other god but me.
2. You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind.
3. You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
4. Observe the Sabbath Day by keeping it holy
5. Honor your father and mother
6. You must not murder.
7. You must not commit adultery
8. You must not steal
9. You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.
10. You must not covet your neighbor's wife,... house or land... or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.
Deut. 5 elaborates on a few of these, and i would encourage you to read through them again.
5:29 says, "Oh, that they would always have hearts like this, that they might fear me and obey all my commands! If they did, they and their descendants would prosper forever."
We need to devote ourselves to God's commands. We need to live lives of obedience. We need to teach this to our children.
When I've been thinking/talking about "you must not commit adultery", what's my reaction when I see adultery on TV? If the command is ready on my mind, The light of truth shines on evil, and I don't want to take part in it. The same is true for murder, and all the rest.
When i hear someone gossiping, does "number 9" jump into my head? What about your neighbor's stuff? are you keeping it in context w/ number 10?
I'm challenged to bring the commands of the Lord to the forefront of what we do as a family. I'm challenged to know them as if they are tied to the back of my hand.
This is what it means to be Empowered through Biblical Training.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
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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