"Look out!"
Ezekiel 31:1-32:32
Hebrews 12:14-29
Psalm 113:1-114:8
Proverbs 27:18-20
If you've ever been to Niagara Falls, you know it is truly an amazing sight. The volume of water that goes over the falls is incredible. It almost makes you dizzy to watch it. When we were there in the summer of '07, we walked through tunnels behind the falls, and the roar of the water was incredible. I had slippery shoes on, and there were a couple of times i hit a slick spot on the tunnel floor, and wiped out. For how many tourists are there I'm surprised it isn't more guarded with safety rails. It seemed to me like it would be very easy for a child or a crazy teenager to walk out on a ledge, and fall over the cliff or into the falls.
As I read the scriptures this morning, I was imagining seeing someone walk out there with slippery shoes. What would I do if I saw that? Would I say anything? Would I do anything to prevent?
When discussing confrontation a friend said, "It's hardest to confront those closest to you. We're great friends, but when it comes to spiritual things..."
Hebrews 12:15 shows us the priority: "Look after each other so that not one of you will fail to find God's best blessings. Watch out that no bitterness takes root among you, for as it springs up it causes deep trouble, hurting many in their spiritual lives."
This is what it is all about. In pastoral ministries there are some sad stories. I'll sit in my office as the person across my desk has a broken life in their hand. Often it's something that has gone on for years. What makes it so sad, is that many times individuals in this condition have "close" relationships with Christian friends. But, for some reason or another, the struggle never came up in conversation. There may have been comments on the side about a marriage frustration, or even a snide comment about another believer, but for one reason another, it was never discussed. Never confronted.
Enter the bitter root. An individual misses church for a few weeks, and no one "notices". Sure, there's a call from a pastor, or church leader, but what about my friends? The bitterness grows to the point that when a call is made, it seems "too late". The bitter root takes hold, and it causes deep trouble. Not only for the individual, but "hurting many in their spiritual lives."
It's uncomfortable many times to say, "hey man, I notice you're not getting along with your wife very well." Or, "I haven't seen you in bible study for a while. Is everything ok?" We don't want to risk offending the individual. But SO OFTEN, the one who's hurting inside is BEGGING for someone to notice. Someone to ask.
It's like seeing the child on the ledge. "I'd say something, but I don't want the parent to think I'm judging them." "I haven't met them yet. Who am I to say something?"
In a scenario like that the only way you would keep silent is either you don't value the life, or you don't recognize the danger.
Look again at the purpose for this. "Look after each other so that not one of you will fail to find God's best blessings." If you see me heading down a path that could cause me to miss God's best blessings, why wouldn't you talk to me about it? Why wouldn't you say, "Look out!" Don't you care enough?
The difficulty is that too often people are "judged" instead of talked to. Benny misses two bible studies & he must be in sin. We build a case against him in our mind, build it up to be a huge deal, and we actually become insecure in how to deal with the issue, and afraid to do anything. So, we shake our head, and wonder what went wrong rather than finding out that Benny is discouraged because of a job situation, and could really use a call. We don't value Benny's life enough to pick up the phone.
Relationships Devoted to Unity are "discipling" relationships. It's caring enough to help one another keep conversation and conduct aligned with the word. Look at the people in your world differently. View yourself as God's agent to bring another closer to Christ. Not just unbelievers, but those in your family & the family of God.
There's a pretty good chance that someone reading this email is the one who "needs someone to notice". The enemy wants to keep you isolated and alone. He wants to separate you from the Body so he can destroy you. Don't use the lie that "no one cares" feed into the ploy to drive you to despair. Get connected! Pursue relationships with godly people. EVERY ONE of us have this responsibility!
One thing that I'm discovering more and more is that as the Lord is purifying his Church for his soon return, there are some interesting things happening. In the lives of so many individuals there are things that are coming to the surface. For example, people who have been Christians for a long time are "all of the sudden" struggling with issues and it's being revealed.
As the Lord purifies us, things come to the surface so we can allow God to take them away. What tends to happen, though is that we want to cover them up. We feel we should be perfect because it's time to be mature. But the bible says that we should "confess our sins one to another so that we may be healed." We need to be vulnerable one to another. We need to offer grace one to another. We need to show one another the way out.
We need to Look Out! for one another! If we don't we either don't value the life, or recognize the danger.
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 Body of Christ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Body of Christ. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Friday, August 19, 2011
8.19.11 "I'm glad you're odd!"
"I'm glad you're odd!"
Esther 4:1-7:10
I Corinthians 12:1-26
Psalm 36:1-12
Proverbs 21:21-22
Michael Phelps... a few years ago, I wouldn't have recognized that name. I had no idea who he was. Now, because of winning 8 gold medals in the 2008 olympics, he's become world renown. I'll never forget watching him come from behind to win by one one hundredth of a second. That was thrilling and amazing. While that particular race was Phelps alone, his final record setting 8th medal was won by his relay team: 4 men each with an area of specialization, each competing to win for the team. I don't believe I could name any one of the other guys, but without their help, Michael Phelps would not hold the record for the most medals. Phelps himself told them, "I couldn't have done it without you."
"Our bodies have many parts, but the many parts make up only one body when they are all put together. So it is with the 'body' of Christ." I Cor. 12:12
In a sense, the Body of Christ is like a great relay team. We all work together in our given are a of responsibility and giftings. While we may not be the "recognizable name" in this relay, it doesn't mean that we aren't important.
The Living Bible brings some renewed perspectives to this familiar scripture. Here's my favorite of the day: "And some of the parts that seem weakest and least important are really the most necessary. Yes, we are especially glad to have some parts that seem rather odd!" (I Cor. 12:22-23) Do you know any odd parts?
As we mature in Christ, we need to strengthen each element of DREAM. If you haven't learned already, one of the truths of growing in Christ is that we are never done. Even if we understand each of the principles of DREAM, and have read the Bible through, we can't just check it off our to-do list and then coast through life. We have to be continually strengthened in all areas.
Today's reading is to strengthen our resolve to live in "Relationships Devoted to Unity". Do you find there are individuals in your life who rub you the wrong way? Their personality grates on you, or it seems like you disagree with everything they say? Do you know that God put them in your life to complete his work in you? Do you know that He has a plan for that individual just like he has a plan for you?
Sometimes I struggle with my own concerns so much that it's easy to forget about God's plan for the people around me. I forget that the body would be incomplete without those "odd" parts. (The truth is, I'm probably the odd one!) Sometimes we may get frustrated with individuals who seem to distract from what we're trying to do. We forget that God is using that individual to make us better. We forget that we cannot function properly without their opposing view, or complementary giftings, or putting it more bluntly, the body can't function without that person that drives you nuts!
It's easy for us to read this chapter and say we "get it". Putting it into practice is a whole other issue. What did you see the last time you were walking through the hall at church? Did what you see describe I Corinthians 12:25? "This makes for happiness among the parts, so that the parts have the same care for each other that they do for themselves."
You may have passed by someone that made you uncomfortable. They seemed "odd". The tendency is to want to go to those who make you feel good about yourself when you talk to them. You may have been on a mission to get something done. The question is, did you walk through the hall with "the same care for others" that you have for yourself?
Put yourself in the shoes of the "outsider". The one who may feel a little "odd". What kind of impact would it make for you to take the time to speak with them, Listen to their story, Let them know that the Body welcomes them? If someone did that for you, don't you think that would make quite an impact?
Chuck Swindoll said once, "Christians are like porcupines on a cold winter night. They get cold, so they huddle together for warmth, until one pokes another, then they scatter for a while until they get cold again." So many times offenses in the body of Christ occur, and one porcupine is complaining about the quills of another, completely ignorant of their own quills.
We're all odd. We all have a different function in the body. Everyone is necessary. We have to "get over ourselves" and realize that God is working his plan in all of us. I Cor. 12:6 says, "There are many ways in which God works in our lives, but it is the same God who does the work in and through all of us who are his. The Holy Spirit displays God's power through each of us as a means of helping the entire church."
Remember you are no more important than anyone else. Some need to hear that. Others need to hear this: You are NO LESS important than anyone else. To live the Balanced Christian Life, we need to understand this! We need to find that balance point.
"if one part suffers, all parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored all the parts are glad." I Cor. 12:26.
Live today "especially glad to have some parts that seem rather odd!"
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
Esther 4:1-7:10
I Corinthians 12:1-26
Psalm 36:1-12
Proverbs 21:21-22
Michael Phelps... a few years ago, I wouldn't have recognized that name. I had no idea who he was. Now, because of winning 8 gold medals in the 2008 olympics, he's become world renown. I'll never forget watching him come from behind to win by one one hundredth of a second. That was thrilling and amazing. While that particular race was Phelps alone, his final record setting 8th medal was won by his relay team: 4 men each with an area of specialization, each competing to win for the team. I don't believe I could name any one of the other guys, but without their help, Michael Phelps would not hold the record for the most medals. Phelps himself told them, "I couldn't have done it without you."
"Our bodies have many parts, but the many parts make up only one body when they are all put together. So it is with the 'body' of Christ." I Cor. 12:12
In a sense, the Body of Christ is like a great relay team. We all work together in our given are a of responsibility and giftings. While we may not be the "recognizable name" in this relay, it doesn't mean that we aren't important.
The Living Bible brings some renewed perspectives to this familiar scripture. Here's my favorite of the day: "And some of the parts that seem weakest and least important are really the most necessary. Yes, we are especially glad to have some parts that seem rather odd!" (I Cor. 12:22-23) Do you know any odd parts?
As we mature in Christ, we need to strengthen each element of DREAM. If you haven't learned already, one of the truths of growing in Christ is that we are never done. Even if we understand each of the principles of DREAM, and have read the Bible through, we can't just check it off our to-do list and then coast through life. We have to be continually strengthened in all areas.
Today's reading is to strengthen our resolve to live in "Relationships Devoted to Unity". Do you find there are individuals in your life who rub you the wrong way? Their personality grates on you, or it seems like you disagree with everything they say? Do you know that God put them in your life to complete his work in you? Do you know that He has a plan for that individual just like he has a plan for you?
Sometimes I struggle with my own concerns so much that it's easy to forget about God's plan for the people around me. I forget that the body would be incomplete without those "odd" parts. (The truth is, I'm probably the odd one!) Sometimes we may get frustrated with individuals who seem to distract from what we're trying to do. We forget that God is using that individual to make us better. We forget that we cannot function properly without their opposing view, or complementary giftings, or putting it more bluntly, the body can't function without that person that drives you nuts!
It's easy for us to read this chapter and say we "get it". Putting it into practice is a whole other issue. What did you see the last time you were walking through the hall at church? Did what you see describe I Corinthians 12:25? "This makes for happiness among the parts, so that the parts have the same care for each other that they do for themselves."
You may have passed by someone that made you uncomfortable. They seemed "odd". The tendency is to want to go to those who make you feel good about yourself when you talk to them. You may have been on a mission to get something done. The question is, did you walk through the hall with "the same care for others" that you have for yourself?
Put yourself in the shoes of the "outsider". The one who may feel a little "odd". What kind of impact would it make for you to take the time to speak with them, Listen to their story, Let them know that the Body welcomes them? If someone did that for you, don't you think that would make quite an impact?
Chuck Swindoll said once, "Christians are like porcupines on a cold winter night. They get cold, so they huddle together for warmth, until one pokes another, then they scatter for a while until they get cold again." So many times offenses in the body of Christ occur, and one porcupine is complaining about the quills of another, completely ignorant of their own quills.
We're all odd. We all have a different function in the body. Everyone is necessary. We have to "get over ourselves" and realize that God is working his plan in all of us. I Cor. 12:6 says, "There are many ways in which God works in our lives, but it is the same God who does the work in and through all of us who are his. The Holy Spirit displays God's power through each of us as a means of helping the entire church."
Remember you are no more important than anyone else. Some need to hear that. Others need to hear this: You are NO LESS important than anyone else. To live the Balanced Christian Life, we need to understand this! We need to find that balance point.
"if one part suffers, all parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored all the parts are glad." I Cor. 12:26.
Live today "especially glad to have some parts that seem rather odd!"
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Thursday, August 19, 2010
8.19.10 "I'm glad you're odd!"
"I'm glad you're odd!"
Esther 4:1-7:10
I Corinthians 12:1-26
Psalm 36:1-12
Proverbs 21:21-22
Brett Favre.
Yeah, it's a great risk to even mention his name. I know many on this list are Packer fans, so to bring him up can be pretty emotional. But as you probably know I"m a Minnesota boy, so I've been watching the drama with interest. Minnesota is trying to build a team that could win a Super Bowl (actually I feel like they should have had it last year, but that's another Devo...) The "tractor watch" of whether or not Brett was coming back culminated in 3 members of the team flying down to Mississippi to get Brett this week. I'm sure there are many on the team that are sick of the drama, but it takes many kinds of personalities and skills to make a championship team. This loosely connects with today's scripture.
"Our bodies have many parts, but the many parts make up only one body when they are all put together. So it is with the 'body' of Christ." I Cor. 12:12
In a sense, the Body of Christ is like a great relay team. We all work together in our given are a of responsibility and giftings. While we may not be the "recognizable name" in this relay, it doesn't mean that we aren't important.
The Living Bible brings some renewed perspectives to this familiar scripture. Here's my favorite of the day: "And some of the parts that seem weakest and least important are really the most necessary. Yes, we are especially glad to have some parts that seem rather odd!" (I Cor. 12:22-23) Do you know any odd parts?
As we mature in Christ, we need to strengthen each element of DREAM. If you haven't learned already, one of the truths of growing in Christ is that we are never done. Even if we understand each of the principles of DREAM, and have read the Bible through, we can't just check it off our to-do list and then coast through life. We have to be continually strengthened in all areas.
Today's reading is to strengthen our resolve to live in "Relationships Devoted to Unity". Do you find there are individuals in your life who rub you the wrong way? Their personality grates on you, or it seems like you disagree with everything they say? Do you know that God put them in your life to complete his work in you? Do you know that He has a plan for that individual just like he has a plan for you?
Sometimes I struggle with my own concerns so much that it's easy to forget about God's plan for the people around me. I forget that the body would be incomplete without those "odd" parts. (The truth is, I'm probably the odd one!) Sometimes we may get frustrated with individuals who seem to distract from what we're trying to do. We forget that God is using that individual to make us better. We forget that we cannot function properly without their opposing view, or complementary giftings, or putting it more bluntly, the body can't function without that person that drives you nuts!
It's easy for us to read this chapter and say we "get it". Putting it into practice is a whole other issue. What did you see the last time you were walking through the hall at church? Did what you see describe I Corinthians 12:25? "This makes for happiness among the parts, so that the parts have the same care for each other that they do for themselves."
You may have passed by someone that made you uncomfortable. They seemed "odd". The tendency is to want to go to those who make you feel good about yourself when you talk to them. You may have been on a mission to get something done. The question is, did you walk through the hall with "the same care for others" that you have for yourself?
Put yourself in the shoes of the "outsider". The one who may feel a little "odd". What kind of impact would it make for you to take the time to speak with them, Listen to their story, Let them know that the Body welcomes them? If someone did that for you, don't you think that would make quite an impact?
Chuck Swindoll said once, "Christians are like porcupines on a cold winter night. They get cold, so they huddle together for warmth, until one pokes another, then they scatter for a while until they get cold again." So many times offenses in the body of Christ occur, and one porcupine is complaining about the quills of another, completely ignorant of their own quills.
We're all odd. We all have a different function in the body. Everyone is necessary. We have to "get over ourselves" and realize that God is working his plan in all of us. I Cor. 12:6 says, "There are many ways in which God works in our lives, but it is the same God who does the work in and through all of us who are his. The Holy Spirit displays God's power through each of us as a means of helping the entire church."
Remember you are no more important than anyone else. Some need to hear that. Others need to hear this: You are NO LESS important than anyone else. To live the Balanced Christian Life, we need to understand this! We need to find that balance point.
"if one part suffers, all parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored all the parts are glad." I Cor. 12:26.
Live today "especially glad to have some parts that seem rather odd!"
... and "Go Vikings!"
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
Esther 4:1-7:10
I Corinthians 12:1-26
Psalm 36:1-12
Proverbs 21:21-22
Brett Favre.
Yeah, it's a great risk to even mention his name. I know many on this list are Packer fans, so to bring him up can be pretty emotional. But as you probably know I"m a Minnesota boy, so I've been watching the drama with interest. Minnesota is trying to build a team that could win a Super Bowl (actually I feel like they should have had it last year, but that's another Devo...) The "tractor watch" of whether or not Brett was coming back culminated in 3 members of the team flying down to Mississippi to get Brett this week. I'm sure there are many on the team that are sick of the drama, but it takes many kinds of personalities and skills to make a championship team. This loosely connects with today's scripture.
"Our bodies have many parts, but the many parts make up only one body when they are all put together. So it is with the 'body' of Christ." I Cor. 12:12
In a sense, the Body of Christ is like a great relay team. We all work together in our given are a of responsibility and giftings. While we may not be the "recognizable name" in this relay, it doesn't mean that we aren't important.
The Living Bible brings some renewed perspectives to this familiar scripture. Here's my favorite of the day: "And some of the parts that seem weakest and least important are really the most necessary. Yes, we are especially glad to have some parts that seem rather odd!" (I Cor. 12:22-23) Do you know any odd parts?
As we mature in Christ, we need to strengthen each element of DREAM. If you haven't learned already, one of the truths of growing in Christ is that we are never done. Even if we understand each of the principles of DREAM, and have read the Bible through, we can't just check it off our to-do list and then coast through life. We have to be continually strengthened in all areas.
Today's reading is to strengthen our resolve to live in "Relationships Devoted to Unity". Do you find there are individuals in your life who rub you the wrong way? Their personality grates on you, or it seems like you disagree with everything they say? Do you know that God put them in your life to complete his work in you? Do you know that He has a plan for that individual just like he has a plan for you?
Sometimes I struggle with my own concerns so much that it's easy to forget about God's plan for the people around me. I forget that the body would be incomplete without those "odd" parts. (The truth is, I'm probably the odd one!) Sometimes we may get frustrated with individuals who seem to distract from what we're trying to do. We forget that God is using that individual to make us better. We forget that we cannot function properly without their opposing view, or complementary giftings, or putting it more bluntly, the body can't function without that person that drives you nuts!
It's easy for us to read this chapter and say we "get it". Putting it into practice is a whole other issue. What did you see the last time you were walking through the hall at church? Did what you see describe I Corinthians 12:25? "This makes for happiness among the parts, so that the parts have the same care for each other that they do for themselves."
You may have passed by someone that made you uncomfortable. They seemed "odd". The tendency is to want to go to those who make you feel good about yourself when you talk to them. You may have been on a mission to get something done. The question is, did you walk through the hall with "the same care for others" that you have for yourself?
Put yourself in the shoes of the "outsider". The one who may feel a little "odd". What kind of impact would it make for you to take the time to speak with them, Listen to their story, Let them know that the Body welcomes them? If someone did that for you, don't you think that would make quite an impact?
Chuck Swindoll said once, "Christians are like porcupines on a cold winter night. They get cold, so they huddle together for warmth, until one pokes another, then they scatter for a while until they get cold again." So many times offenses in the body of Christ occur, and one porcupine is complaining about the quills of another, completely ignorant of their own quills.
We're all odd. We all have a different function in the body. Everyone is necessary. We have to "get over ourselves" and realize that God is working his plan in all of us. I Cor. 12:6 says, "There are many ways in which God works in our lives, but it is the same God who does the work in and through all of us who are his. The Holy Spirit displays God's power through each of us as a means of helping the entire church."
Remember you are no more important than anyone else. Some need to hear that. Others need to hear this: You are NO LESS important than anyone else. To live the Balanced Christian Life, we need to understand this! We need to find that balance point.
"if one part suffers, all parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored all the parts are glad." I Cor. 12:26.
Live today "especially glad to have some parts that seem rather odd!"
... and "Go Vikings!"
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, July 29, 2010
7.29.10 "When the Body Wakes Up"
"When the Body Wakes Up"
2 Chronicles 24:1-25:28
Romans 12:1-21
Psalm 22:19-31
Proverbs 20:8-10
Do you ever wonder where we are in the scope of the history of God's people? As we look in the word and go through the hundreds of years of the kings we see there are ages of blessing and ages of bondage. Where are we now? What is written in the books of heaven about this generation? Do they serve the Lord?
We are in the age where the Body is about to wake up. I think over the past hundred years, there has been a consistent pouring out of God's spirit in millions coming to Christ around the world. Hearts are being made right with God. When we add Romans 12 to the equation, the anticipation increases. There is something big about to happen.
Romans 12: 1 says "...I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living sacrifice, holy -- the kind he can accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask?" We've heard that a hundred times, but meditate on it.
verse 2, " Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think. Then you will learn from your own experience how his ways will really satisfy you." The behavior and customs of this world teach "it's all about me." Think the fresh thought of "It's NOT about me." Why? Because THEN from YOUR OWN experience you will learn how his ways will SATISFY you!
Romans 12:4,5 "Just as there are many parts to our bodies, so it is with Christ's body. We are all parts of it, and it takes every one of us to make it complete, for we each have different work to do. So we belong to each other, and each needs all the others."
Big deal I've heard that a hundred times, too.
You're right. it's been heard a hundred times for hundreds of years. It's time to live it. You may have heard about the 80-20 rule. It's the principle that 20% of the people do 80% of the work. It's true in almost any organization. It's been true in the body of Christ.
How would you feel if your body only had 20% of it functioning? How do you think Christ feels? Most people don't have the mindset that we ARE the Body of Christ, and we need to be healthy and active. Many just come in, sit in a pew and leave having no idea "how his ways will really satisfy you."
Look at the rest of Romans 12. Verse 6-9 Instruct us that whatever it is, we do it WELL! Too often we do a good enough job to get by, or we just do enough to please our conscience. That's NOT what it's about! We will not experience true satisfaction unless we obey these commands.
Read the rest of the chapter. Read it with urgency. When the Body of Christ gets this, we are going to experience something like never before.
To live the DREAM, we must be urgent about each of these elements. Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship is your relationship with the Lord. If you you're going to love the Lord with all your heart, you must follow through with R-E-A-M. It's not optional. It's the fulfillment of his plan for our lives. As I've said before, "Your world is desperate for you to be who God created you to be." You must be solidly connected to the Body of Christ in developing your "Relationships Devoted to Unity", You must be in the Word "Empowered through Biblical Training", You MUST get serious about living up to your potential in "Active Ministry Involvement", and it's not about you. It's about our "Mission to Reach our World for Christ."
One verse that I find particularly important for all of us: Romans 12:9 - "Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them."
It's time for the Body of Christ to stop hitting the snooze alarm. It's time to wake up!
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
2 Chronicles 24:1-25:28
Romans 12:1-21
Psalm 22:19-31
Proverbs 20:8-10
Do you ever wonder where we are in the scope of the history of God's people? As we look in the word and go through the hundreds of years of the kings we see there are ages of blessing and ages of bondage. Where are we now? What is written in the books of heaven about this generation? Do they serve the Lord?
We are in the age where the Body is about to wake up. I think over the past hundred years, there has been a consistent pouring out of God's spirit in millions coming to Christ around the world. Hearts are being made right with God. When we add Romans 12 to the equation, the anticipation increases. There is something big about to happen.
Romans 12: 1 says "...I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living sacrifice, holy -- the kind he can accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask?" We've heard that a hundred times, but meditate on it.
verse 2, " Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think. Then you will learn from your own experience how his ways will really satisfy you." The behavior and customs of this world teach "it's all about me." Think the fresh thought of "It's NOT about me." Why? Because THEN from YOUR OWN experience you will learn how his ways will SATISFY you!
Romans 12:4,5 "Just as there are many parts to our bodies, so it is with Christ's body. We are all parts of it, and it takes every one of us to make it complete, for we each have different work to do. So we belong to each other, and each needs all the others."
Big deal I've heard that a hundred times, too.
You're right. it's been heard a hundred times for hundreds of years. It's time to live it. You may have heard about the 80-20 rule. It's the principle that 20% of the people do 80% of the work. It's true in almost any organization. It's been true in the body of Christ.
How would you feel if your body only had 20% of it functioning? How do you think Christ feels? Most people don't have the mindset that we ARE the Body of Christ, and we need to be healthy and active. Many just come in, sit in a pew and leave having no idea "how his ways will really satisfy you."
Look at the rest of Romans 12. Verse 6-9 Instruct us that whatever it is, we do it WELL! Too often we do a good enough job to get by, or we just do enough to please our conscience. That's NOT what it's about! We will not experience true satisfaction unless we obey these commands.
Read the rest of the chapter. Read it with urgency. When the Body of Christ gets this, we are going to experience something like never before.
To live the DREAM, we must be urgent about each of these elements. Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship is your relationship with the Lord. If you you're going to love the Lord with all your heart, you must follow through with R-E-A-M. It's not optional. It's the fulfillment of his plan for our lives. As I've said before, "Your world is desperate for you to be who God created you to be." You must be solidly connected to the Body of Christ in developing your "Relationships Devoted to Unity", You must be in the Word "Empowered through Biblical Training", You MUST get serious about living up to your potential in "Active Ministry Involvement", and it's not about you. It's about our "Mission to Reach our World for Christ."
One verse that I find particularly important for all of us: Romans 12:9 - "Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them."
It's time for the Body of Christ to stop hitting the snooze alarm. It's time to wake up!
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, August 19, 2009
8.19.9 "I'm glad you're odd!"
"I'm glad you're odd!"
Esther 4:1-7:10
I Corinthians 12:1-26
Psalm 36:1-12
Proverbs 21:21-22
Before the summer of 2008, I wouldn't have known the name Michael Phelps. I had no idea who he was. Now, because of winning 8 gold medals, he's become world renown. I'll never forget watching him come from behind to win by one one hundredth of a second. That was thrilling and amazing. While that particular race was Phelps alone, his final record setting 8th medal was won by his relay team: 4 men each with an area of specialization, each competing to win for the team. I don't believe I could name any one of the other guys, but without their help, Michael Phelps would not hold the record for the most medals. Phelps himself told them, "I couldn't have done it without you."
"Our bodies have many parts, but the many parts make up only one body when they are all put together. So it is with the 'body' of Christ." I Cor. 12:12
In a sense, the Body of Christ is like a great relay team. We all work together in our given are a of responsibility and giftings. While we may not be the "recognizable name" in this relay, it doesn't mean that we aren't important.
The Living Bible brings some renewed perspectives to this familiar scripture. Here's my favorite of the day: "And some of the parts that seem weakest and least important are really the most necessary. Yes, we are especially glad to have some parts that seem rather odd!" (I Cor. 12:22-23) Do you know any odd parts?
As we mature in Christ, we need to strengthen each element of DREAM. If you haven't learned already, one of the truths of growing in Christ is that we are never done. Even if we understand each of the principles of DREAM, and have read the Bible through, we can't just check it off our to-do list and then coast through life. We have to be continually strengthened in all areas.
Today's reading is to strengthen our resolve to live in "Relationships Devoted to Unity". Do you find there are individuals in your life who rub you the wrong way? Their personality grates on you, or it seems like you disagree with everything they say? Do you know that God put them in your life to complete his work in you? Do you know that He has a plan for that individual just like he has a plan for you?
Sometimes I struggle with my own concerns so much that it's easy to forget about God's plan for the people around me. I forget that the body would be incomplete without those "odd" parts. (The truth is, I'm probably the odd one!) Sometimes we may get frustrated with individuals who seem to distract from what we're trying to do. We forget that God is using that individual to make us better. We forget that we cannot function properly without their opposing view, or complementary giftings, or putting it more bluntly, the body can't function without that person that drives you nuts!
It's easy for us to read this chapter and say we "get it". Putting it into practice is a whole other issue. What did you see the last time you were walking through the hall at church? Did what you saw describe I Corinthians 12:25? "This makes for happiness among the parts, so that the parts have the same care for each other that they do for themselves."
You may have passed by someone that made you uncomfortable. They seemed "odd". The tendency is to want to go to those who make you feel good about yourself when you talk to them. You may have been on a mission to get something done. The question is, did you walk through the hall with "the same care for others" that you have for yourself?
Put yourself in the shoes of the "outsider". The one who may feel a little "odd". What kind of impact would it make for you to take the time to speak with them, Listen to their story, Let them know that the Body welcomes them? If someone did that for you, don't you think that would make quite an impact?
Chuck Swindoll said once, "Christians are like porcupines on a cold winter night. They get cold, so they huddle together for warmth, until one pokes another, then they scatter for a while until they get cold again." So many times offenses in the body of Christ occur, and one porcupine is complaining about the quills of another, completely ignorant of their own quills.
We're all odd. We all have a different function in the body. Everyone is necessary. We have to "get over ourselves" and realize that God is working his plan in all of us. I Cor. 12:6 says, "There are many ways in which God works in our lives, but it is the same God who does the work in and through all of us who are his. The Holy Spirit displays God's power through each of us as a means of helping the entire church."
Remember you are no more important than anyone else. Some need to hear that. Others need to hear this: You are NO LESS important than anyone else. To live the Balanced Christian Life, we need to understand this! We need to find that balance point.
"if one part suffers, all parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored all the parts are glad." I Cor. 12:26.
Live today "especially glad to have some parts that seem rather odd!"
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
Esther 4:1-7:10
I Corinthians 12:1-26
Psalm 36:1-12
Proverbs 21:21-22
Before the summer of 2008, I wouldn't have known the name Michael Phelps. I had no idea who he was. Now, because of winning 8 gold medals, he's become world renown. I'll never forget watching him come from behind to win by one one hundredth of a second. That was thrilling and amazing. While that particular race was Phelps alone, his final record setting 8th medal was won by his relay team: 4 men each with an area of specialization, each competing to win for the team. I don't believe I could name any one of the other guys, but without their help, Michael Phelps would not hold the record for the most medals. Phelps himself told them, "I couldn't have done it without you."
"Our bodies have many parts, but the many parts make up only one body when they are all put together. So it is with the 'body' of Christ." I Cor. 12:12
In a sense, the Body of Christ is like a great relay team. We all work together in our given are a of responsibility and giftings. While we may not be the "recognizable name" in this relay, it doesn't mean that we aren't important.
The Living Bible brings some renewed perspectives to this familiar scripture. Here's my favorite of the day: "And some of the parts that seem weakest and least important are really the most necessary. Yes, we are especially glad to have some parts that seem rather odd!" (I Cor. 12:22-23) Do you know any odd parts?
As we mature in Christ, we need to strengthen each element of DREAM. If you haven't learned already, one of the truths of growing in Christ is that we are never done. Even if we understand each of the principles of DREAM, and have read the Bible through, we can't just check it off our to-do list and then coast through life. We have to be continually strengthened in all areas.
Today's reading is to strengthen our resolve to live in "Relationships Devoted to Unity". Do you find there are individuals in your life who rub you the wrong way? Their personality grates on you, or it seems like you disagree with everything they say? Do you know that God put them in your life to complete his work in you? Do you know that He has a plan for that individual just like he has a plan for you?
Sometimes I struggle with my own concerns so much that it's easy to forget about God's plan for the people around me. I forget that the body would be incomplete without those "odd" parts. (The truth is, I'm probably the odd one!) Sometimes we may get frustrated with individuals who seem to distract from what we're trying to do. We forget that God is using that individual to make us better. We forget that we cannot function properly without their opposing view, or complementary giftings, or putting it more bluntly, the body can't function without that person that drives you nuts!
It's easy for us to read this chapter and say we "get it". Putting it into practice is a whole other issue. What did you see the last time you were walking through the hall at church? Did what you saw describe I Corinthians 12:25? "This makes for happiness among the parts, so that the parts have the same care for each other that they do for themselves."
You may have passed by someone that made you uncomfortable. They seemed "odd". The tendency is to want to go to those who make you feel good about yourself when you talk to them. You may have been on a mission to get something done. The question is, did you walk through the hall with "the same care for others" that you have for yourself?
Put yourself in the shoes of the "outsider". The one who may feel a little "odd". What kind of impact would it make for you to take the time to speak with them, Listen to their story, Let them know that the Body welcomes them? If someone did that for you, don't you think that would make quite an impact?
Chuck Swindoll said once, "Christians are like porcupines on a cold winter night. They get cold, so they huddle together for warmth, until one pokes another, then they scatter for a while until they get cold again." So many times offenses in the body of Christ occur, and one porcupine is complaining about the quills of another, completely ignorant of their own quills.
We're all odd. We all have a different function in the body. Everyone is necessary. We have to "get over ourselves" and realize that God is working his plan in all of us. I Cor. 12:6 says, "There are many ways in which God works in our lives, but it is the same God who does the work in and through all of us who are his. The Holy Spirit displays God's power through each of us as a means of helping the entire church."
Remember you are no more important than anyone else. Some need to hear that. Others need to hear this: You are NO LESS important than anyone else. To live the Balanced Christian Life, we need to understand this! We need to find that balance point.
"if one part suffers, all parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored all the parts are glad." I Cor. 12:26.
Live today "especially glad to have some parts that seem rather odd!"
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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