Showing posts with label Conflict. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Conflict. Show all posts
Saturday, March 24, 2012
3.24.12 "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!
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, January 6, 2012
1.6.12 "The Bitter Fruit of 'My Way'"
"The Bitter Fruit of 'My Way'"
Genesis 13:5-15:21
Matthew 5:27-48
Psalm 6:1-10
Proverbs 1:29-33
Remember the jingle, "Have it your way..." And then there's the song, "I did it My Way". (The objective of today's devo is to get an irritating song in your head... you know, like "Flintstones, meet the Flintstones...")
What is it about these themes? They appeal to that side of us that wants to get our way. (Not the flintstones...) Our flesh is wired for self-advancement and self preservation. This, however is not God's way.
In Proverbs, wisdom is calling out, "For you closed your eyes to the facts and did not choose to reverence and trust the Lord, and you turned your back on me, spurning my advice. That is why you must eat the bitter fruit of having your own way, and experience the full terrors of the pathway you have chosen. For you turned away from me - to death; your own complacency will kill you. Fools! But all who listen to me shall live in peace and safety, unafraid."
I was captivated by the phrases "you must eat the bitter fruit of having your own way," and "experience the full terrors of the pathway you have chosen." Wow. That sounds foreboding, doesn't it?
What is the fruit of having your own way? Lets look to the example in Genesis. It's a story we've heard before. "Lot too was very wealthy, with sheep and cattle and many servants. But the land could not support both Abram and Lot with all their flocks and herds. There were too many animals for the available pasture. So fights broke out between the herdsmen..."
This is actually a lesson in "Relationships Devoted to Unity". There are a few principles in the study on unity that apply here. 1. All conflict is the result of an unmet need. (land cannot support all the herds) 2. A need can only be met through the principle of Submission. 3. Many times the submission comes from the one who "shouldn't have to".
Here's what happens. "Then Abram talked it over with Lot. 'This fighting between our men has got to stop,' he said. 'We can't afford to let a rift develop between our clans. Close relatives such as we are must present a united front!" Notice the value Abram places on unity.
Here's where submission steps in. "'I'll tell you what we'll do. Take your choice of any section of the land you want, and we will separate. If you want that part over there to the east, then I'll stay here in the western section. Or, if you want the west, then I'll go over there to the east'. Lot took a long look at the fertile plains of the Jordan River, well watered everywhere... the whole section was like the Garden of Eden... So this is what Lot chose."
Wait a minute... why should Abram have to do that?? He's the elder, the one who should be honored. The reason is that Abram understood Godliness. He knew that the value of unity highly outweighed "being right".
So what about the "bitter fruit of having your own way"? Well Lot got his own way. He settled near Sodom. Gen. 13:13 says, "The men of this area were unusually wicked, and sinned greatly against Jehovah." We all well know the future of Sodom & Gomorrah, but even before that happens there's a war that breaks out amongst about a half dozen kings. At the end of this war, Lot is captured, and his city & possessions taken into captivity. If you ask me, that's reaping the "bitter fruit".
If I were Abram, it probably would be in my nature to say "Well, you asked for it, you got it..." (is my life too motivated by jingles??) That's not the way Abram took. He pursued those who took Lot captive & returned everything that had been taken. Gen. 15:1 says, "Afterwards Jehovah spoke to Abram in a vision, and this is what he told him: 'Don't be fearful, Abram, for I will defend you. And I will give you great blessings." Notice the differing "fruits" of Lot & Abram.
In Matthew 5, Jesus is teaching these same principles in a different light. "... If you are slapped on one cheek, turn the other too. If you are ordered to court, and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat too. If the military demand that you carry their gear for a mile, carry it two. Give to those who ask, and don't turn away from those who want to borrow. There is a saying, 'Love your friends and hate your enemies,' But I say: Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way you will be acting as true sons of your Father in heaven." Matt. 5:39-45
Godly wisdom and maturity is found in listening to his commands and denying our flesh. We so badly want to be "right" when it comes to relationships and to what we "deserve". I'm sure there's so many times that we even contend with God regarding an issue until the point he says, "Alright, have it your way..." And sure enough in one way or another we end up having to "experience the full terrors of the pathway [we] have chosen".
When we get "our way", we become complacent, and as Proverbs says, "your own complacency will kill you."
You wanna live life on the edge? Live the principle of submission. That will perk things up. There's no complacency here. When we will really see the difference is when this becomes a part of who we are. When it becomes our natural response to act in Godly submission to the needs of others, we are truly living the "R" of DREAM.
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 13:5-15:21
Matthew 5:27-48
Psalm 6:1-10
Proverbs 1:29-33
Remember the jingle, "Have it your way..." And then there's the song, "I did it My Way". (The objective of today's devo is to get an irritating song in your head... you know, like "Flintstones, meet the Flintstones...")
What is it about these themes? They appeal to that side of us that wants to get our way. (Not the flintstones...) Our flesh is wired for self-advancement and self preservation. This, however is not God's way.
In Proverbs, wisdom is calling out, "For you closed your eyes to the facts and did not choose to reverence and trust the Lord, and you turned your back on me, spurning my advice. That is why you must eat the bitter fruit of having your own way, and experience the full terrors of the pathway you have chosen. For you turned away from me - to death; your own complacency will kill you. Fools! But all who listen to me shall live in peace and safety, unafraid."
I was captivated by the phrases "you must eat the bitter fruit of having your own way," and "experience the full terrors of the pathway you have chosen." Wow. That sounds foreboding, doesn't it?
What is the fruit of having your own way? Lets look to the example in Genesis. It's a story we've heard before. "Lot too was very wealthy, with sheep and cattle and many servants. But the land could not support both Abram and Lot with all their flocks and herds. There were too many animals for the available pasture. So fights broke out between the herdsmen..."
This is actually a lesson in "Relationships Devoted to Unity". There are a few principles in the study on unity that apply here. 1. All conflict is the result of an unmet need. (land cannot support all the herds) 2. A need can only be met through the principle of Submission. 3. Many times the submission comes from the one who "shouldn't have to".
Here's what happens. "Then Abram talked it over with Lot. 'This fighting between our men has got to stop,' he said. 'We can't afford to let a rift develop between our clans. Close relatives such as we are must present a united front!" Notice the value Abram places on unity.
Here's where submission steps in. "'I'll tell you what we'll do. Take your choice of any section of the land you want, and we will separate. If you want that part over there to the east, then I'll stay here in the western section. Or, if you want the west, then I'll go over there to the east'. Lot took a long look at the fertile plains of the Jordan River, well watered everywhere... the whole section was like the Garden of Eden... So this is what Lot chose."
Wait a minute... why should Abram have to do that?? He's the elder, the one who should be honored. The reason is that Abram understood Godliness. He knew that the value of unity highly outweighed "being right".
So what about the "bitter fruit of having your own way"? Well Lot got his own way. He settled near Sodom. Gen. 13:13 says, "The men of this area were unusually wicked, and sinned greatly against Jehovah." We all well know the future of Sodom & Gomorrah, but even before that happens there's a war that breaks out amongst about a half dozen kings. At the end of this war, Lot is captured, and his city & possessions taken into captivity. If you ask me, that's reaping the "bitter fruit".
If I were Abram, it probably would be in my nature to say "Well, you asked for it, you got it..." (is my life too motivated by jingles??) That's not the way Abram took. He pursued those who took Lot captive & returned everything that had been taken. Gen. 15:1 says, "Afterwards Jehovah spoke to Abram in a vision, and this is what he told him: 'Don't be fearful, Abram, for I will defend you. And I will give you great blessings." Notice the differing "fruits" of Lot & Abram.
In Matthew 5, Jesus is teaching these same principles in a different light. "... If you are slapped on one cheek, turn the other too. If you are ordered to court, and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat too. If the military demand that you carry their gear for a mile, carry it two. Give to those who ask, and don't turn away from those who want to borrow. There is a saying, 'Love your friends and hate your enemies,' But I say: Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way you will be acting as true sons of your Father in heaven." Matt. 5:39-45
Godly wisdom and maturity is found in listening to his commands and denying our flesh. We so badly want to be "right" when it comes to relationships and to what we "deserve". I'm sure there's so many times that we even contend with God regarding an issue until the point he says, "Alright, have it your way..." And sure enough in one way or another we end up having to "experience the full terrors of the pathway [we] have chosen".
When we get "our way", we become complacent, and as Proverbs says, "your own complacency will kill you."
You wanna live life on the edge? Live the principle of submission. That will perk things up. There's no complacency here. When we will really see the difference is when this becomes a part of who we are. When it becomes our natural response to act in Godly submission to the needs of others, we are truly living the "R" of DREAM.
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, December 7, 2011
12.7.11 "Not in the Church!?"
"Not in the Church!?"
Hosea 6:1-9:17
3 John 1:1-15
Psalm 126:1-6
Proverbs 29:12-14
Why do you think so much of the New Testament spends so much time talking about loving one another & our relationships with one another? Shouldn't it be that because we all know God we walk in harmony & peace?
Oh if it were only that easy. In John's 3rd letter, he's commending his friend Gaius for his life of integrity, and also for the way he takes care of the traveling teachers & missionaries. He has some words for another fellow, however.
"I sent a brief letter to the church about this, but proud Diotrephes, who loves to push himself forward as the leader of the Christians there, does not admit my authority over him and refuses to listen to me. When I come I will tell you some of the things he is doing and what wicked things he is saying about me and what insulting language he is using. He not only refuses to welcome the missionary travelers himself, but tells others not to, and when they do he tries to put them out of the church. Dear friend, don't let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do what is right prove that they are God's children; and those who continue in evil prove that they are far from God."
This doesn't sound like a very good scripture to take a devotional from does it? Think about how John was someone who had SEEN JESUS! Most of the people in the early church had not. John's authority was clearly established, and yet there was this lack of unity.
What causes this? It's when opinions become out of control. Now, I don't know Diotrephes. I only know what was said about him here. All I can tell is this: He had an agenda, and he didn't want anyone to mess with it, and didn't want others to mess with it.
This couldn't happen in the church could it?? It can if we are not careful to keep opinions in check, and in line with God appointed authority. This can be harder than it seems. God has placed so many different personalities in the Body of Christ, that we are bound to want to do things different. Two Sunday School teachers teaching the same lesson can want to approach it from different angles, and it can potentially be a really divisive issue. Why? Because we think that our idea is the only way.
This is why the principle of Relationships Devoted to Unity is Submission. We must "submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." My opinion is not greater than yours, yours is not greater than mine. When there are disagreements, they must fall under the authority structure God has put in place. This is very hard to do in a "vote them off the island" culture.
This is extremely hard to do. My friend said to me, "If the Church can't get it's act together internally, how can we shine outside properly?" the heart of "preferring one another" at all times is crucial. Honoring our leaders is essential.
We should guard our hearts from the power of uncontrolled opinion. We should guard one another from opinions getting out of control. This is how we live a righteous life devoted to unity.
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
Hosea 6:1-9:17
3 John 1:1-15
Psalm 126:1-6
Proverbs 29:12-14
Why do you think so much of the New Testament spends so much time talking about loving one another & our relationships with one another? Shouldn't it be that because we all know God we walk in harmony & peace?
Oh if it were only that easy. In John's 3rd letter, he's commending his friend Gaius for his life of integrity, and also for the way he takes care of the traveling teachers & missionaries. He has some words for another fellow, however.
"I sent a brief letter to the church about this, but proud Diotrephes, who loves to push himself forward as the leader of the Christians there, does not admit my authority over him and refuses to listen to me. When I come I will tell you some of the things he is doing and what wicked things he is saying about me and what insulting language he is using. He not only refuses to welcome the missionary travelers himself, but tells others not to, and when they do he tries to put them out of the church. Dear friend, don't let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do what is right prove that they are God's children; and those who continue in evil prove that they are far from God."
This doesn't sound like a very good scripture to take a devotional from does it? Think about how John was someone who had SEEN JESUS! Most of the people in the early church had not. John's authority was clearly established, and yet there was this lack of unity.
What causes this? It's when opinions become out of control. Now, I don't know Diotrephes. I only know what was said about him here. All I can tell is this: He had an agenda, and he didn't want anyone to mess with it, and didn't want others to mess with it.
This couldn't happen in the church could it?? It can if we are not careful to keep opinions in check, and in line with God appointed authority. This can be harder than it seems. God has placed so many different personalities in the Body of Christ, that we are bound to want to do things different. Two Sunday School teachers teaching the same lesson can want to approach it from different angles, and it can potentially be a really divisive issue. Why? Because we think that our idea is the only way.
This is why the principle of Relationships Devoted to Unity is Submission. We must "submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." My opinion is not greater than yours, yours is not greater than mine. When there are disagreements, they must fall under the authority structure God has put in place. This is very hard to do in a "vote them off the island" culture.
This is extremely hard to do. My friend said to me, "If the Church can't get it's act together internally, how can we shine outside properly?" the heart of "preferring one another" at all times is crucial. Honoring our leaders is essential.
We should guard our hearts from the power of uncontrolled opinion. We should guard one another from opinions getting out of control. This is how we live a righteous life devoted to unity.
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, October 12, 2011
10.12.11 "We're All In This Together"
"We're All In This Together"
Jeremiah 19:1-21:14
1 Thessalonians 5:2-28
Psalm 82:1-8
Proverbs 25:8-10
Leadership can be challenging sometimes. There are times when you'd love to make the "easy" decision, but you know you can't. Following God is not an exercise in popularity. Jeremiah realized this, and took an opportunity to vent about it a bit. "O Lord, you deceived me when you promised me your help. I have to give them your messages because you are stronger than I am, but now I am the laughing stock of the city, mocked by all. You have never once let me speak a word of kindness to them; always it is disaster and horror and destruction. No wonder they scoff and mock and make my name a household joke. And I can't quit! For if I say I'll never again mention the Lord - never more speak in his name - then his word in my heart is like fire that burns in my bones, and I can't hold it in any longer." (Jer. 20:7-9)
Godly leaders lead because of the fire of God in them. I'm so thankful for the leadership team God has placed around me here at Oak Creek. No one is in this for themselves. These are people who are called by God, and are walking in obedience. I have the privilege of working with leaders of many different ministries in preparation for illustrated sermons, musicals, young married activities, and so many other events. I am so blessed by the individuals that are giving so much of their life to lead others to Christ.
Many of you on this list are not a part of Oak Creek Assembly of God, but no matter where you're at, the leaders that serve over you or with you have given so much as well.
Think of these individuals in today's scripture.
"Dear brothers, honor the officers of your church who work hard among you and warn you against all that is wrong. Think highly of them and give them your wholehearted love because they are straining to help you. And remember, no quarreling among yourselves." I Thess. 5:12-13
Having grown up in church ministry and been a part of it all my life, I can so greatly appreciate Paul's context of honoring your leaders: no quarreling among yourselves. I guess leadership is kind of like having kids. Parents are so pleased when the kids are getting along.
If you are involved in ministry, you know that there will always be times of struggle, miscommunication, and even hurt. There are times when someone will disagree with methods or decisions, and because each of us are different, some of those decisions and practices will really upset someone. Depending on the circumstance, this can be a minor thing, or it can really turn into a barn-burner.
I've been on both sides of these situations. The perspective given in today's scripture is so valuable no matter where you are at. WE'RE ALL ON THE SAME TEAM! I've seen it on the Packer's sidelines just like i've seen it on the Vikings sideline: Two players walking off the field hollering at each other. Usually it's a receiver and a quarterback. They're often fighting about not getting the ball enough, or a blown route, or for fumbling the ball. Sometimes these are minor skirmishes, but none the less they happen.
Players on the same team will make mistakes. That's not what's important. What's important is that we never forget that we're on the same team! I've not yet met anyone who's out for evil intent in ministry. There have been times I've been close to wondering, but when the dust settles, it was usually a matter of miscommunication... a blown route... a fumbled ball. But you know what? That's WHY we're in this together: to help each other along. to strengthen. to encourage.
In the very next verse Paul continues: "Dear brothers, warn those who are lazy; comfort those who are frightened; take tender care of those who are weak; and be patient with everyone. See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to everyone else." I Thes. 5:14-15
If we live this way, the Body becomes so healthy. The perspective is not lost. There may be hurts, there may still be fumbles & interceptions, but the important thing is that we are a team. This is what unity is about. We're all in this together!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
8.10.11 "Conflict with Purpose"
"Conflict with Purpose"
Ezra 10:1-44
I Corinthians 6:1-20
Psalm 31:9-18
Proverbs 21:3
In today's scripture in Corinthians 6, Paul chastises Christians for going to court and suing one another any time they have a dispute. The last part of verse 5 through 7 say, "Isn't there anyone in all the church who is wise enough to decide these arguments? But, instead, one Christian sues another and accuses his Christian brother in front of unbelievers. To have such lawsuits at all is a real defeat for you as Christians. Why not just accept mistreatment and leave it at that? it would be far more honoring to the Lord to let yourselves be cheated."
How's that for a today's memory verse? "It would be far more honoring to the Lord to let yourselves be cheated." What's that supposed to mean?
Think about unity today. It's important to understand that unity is not absence of conflict. The truth is that Unity is only achieved when there is Conflict with purpose. The New Testament shows clearly that we WILL have disagreements within the church. Why?
It's in our human nature to approach conflict with the intent of being proven "Right". With this perspective, we can go to great lengths to prove this. We can even go to court. Think of times you've fought with a spouse or family member over something very small, but it blew up into something big. Most of the time the argument is not about an issue, it's about who's right in the situation. My brother and I were in college, and were home on break when we had the biggest fight ever. It was fists and all... It was about drinking out of a coke bottle: which produces less backwash, lips around the spout, or lips in the spout? (even thinking about it right now, I know i'm still right!)
What if we were to approach conflict with the intent of being made "better" instead of "right"? What if, in times of relational conflict, we took our mind off ourselves and our pride, and looked at each situation as an opportunity to become more like Christ. What if that person who "rubs you the wrong way" is actually God's agent to mold you into the shape he needs you to be to use you?
"It would be far more honoring to the Lord to let yourselves be cheated." Am I saying we should be a doormat? No, we should be like Christ. I wouldn't call him a doormat. There will be times when you are 100% right, but the Lord is trying to teach you patience. He's trying to teach you to understand the importance of waiting on his Spirit.
The Lord really wants us to get past this need to be "right". If we seem to have a hard time learning the lesson, he loves us enough to let us repeat the test. If we don't aggressively pursue his heart in all situations, we can fail this test so many times we become hardened, and lose the ability to hear his voice.
One thing I'm needing to do is, rather than giving in to the urge to be "right", I need to focus my energy on "what does this person need". That posture is SO hard for the human nature, but it is so healthy for the spirit. It's not an easy path, but it brings about the refining. It's gives a different perspective on conflict. In any situation, don't try to be right, try to become better. See what kind of work God completes in your life.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Ezra 10:1-44
I Corinthians 6:1-20
Psalm 31:9-18
Proverbs 21:3
In today's scripture in Corinthians 6, Paul chastises Christians for going to court and suing one another any time they have a dispute. The last part of verse 5 through 7 say, "Isn't there anyone in all the church who is wise enough to decide these arguments? But, instead, one Christian sues another and accuses his Christian brother in front of unbelievers. To have such lawsuits at all is a real defeat for you as Christians. Why not just accept mistreatment and leave it at that? it would be far more honoring to the Lord to let yourselves be cheated."
How's that for a today's memory verse? "It would be far more honoring to the Lord to let yourselves be cheated." What's that supposed to mean?
Think about unity today. It's important to understand that unity is not absence of conflict. The truth is that Unity is only achieved when there is Conflict with purpose. The New Testament shows clearly that we WILL have disagreements within the church. Why?
It's in our human nature to approach conflict with the intent of being proven "Right". With this perspective, we can go to great lengths to prove this. We can even go to court. Think of times you've fought with a spouse or family member over something very small, but it blew up into something big. Most of the time the argument is not about an issue, it's about who's right in the situation. My brother and I were in college, and were home on break when we had the biggest fight ever. It was fists and all... It was about drinking out of a coke bottle: which produces less backwash, lips around the spout, or lips in the spout? (even thinking about it right now, I know i'm still right!)
What if we were to approach conflict with the intent of being made "better" instead of "right"? What if, in times of relational conflict, we took our mind off ourselves and our pride, and looked at each situation as an opportunity to become more like Christ. What if that person who "rubs you the wrong way" is actually God's agent to mold you into the shape he needs you to be to use you?
"It would be far more honoring to the Lord to let yourselves be cheated." Am I saying we should be a doormat? No, we should be like Christ. I wouldn't call him a doormat. There will be times when you are 100% right, but the Lord is trying to teach you patience. He's trying to teach you to understand the importance of waiting on his Spirit.
The Lord really wants us to get past this need to be "right". If we seem to have a hard time learning the lesson, he loves us enough to let us repeat the test. If we don't aggressively pursue his heart in all situations, we can fail this test so many times we become hardened, and lose the ability to hear his voice.
One thing I'm needing to do is, rather than giving in to the urge to be "right", I need to focus my energy on "what does this person need". That posture is SO hard for the human nature, but it is so healthy for the spirit. It's not an easy path, but it brings about the refining. It's gives a different perspective on conflict. In any situation, don't try to be right, try to become better. See what kind of work God completes in your life.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
8.10.11 "Conflict with Purpose"
"Conflict with Purpose"
Ezra 10:1-44
I Corinthians 6:1-20
Psalm 31:9-18
Proverbs 21:3
In today's scripture in Corinthians 6, Paul chastises Christians for going to court and suing one another any time they have a dispute. The last part of verse 5 through 7 say, "Isn't there anyone in all the church who is wise enough to decide these arguments? But, instead, one Christian sues another and accuses his Christian brother in front of unbelievers. To have such lawsuits at all is a real defeat for you as Christians. Why not just accept mistreatment and leave it at that? it would be far more honoring to the Lord to let yourselves be cheated."
How's that for a today's memory verse? "It would be far more honoring to the Lord to let yourselves be cheated." What's that supposed to mean?
Think about unity today. It's important to understand that unity is not absence of conflict. The truth is that Unity is only achieved when there is Conflict with purpose. The New Testament shows clearly that we WILL have disagreements within the church. Why?
It's in our human nature to approach conflict with the intent of being proven "Right". With this perspective, we can go to great lengths to prove this. We can even go to court. Think of times you've fought with a spouse or family member over something very small, but it blew up into something big. Most of the time the argument is not about an issue, it's about who's right in the situation. My brother and I were in college, and were home on break when we had the biggest fight ever. It was fists and all... It was about drinking out of a coke bottle: which produces less backwash, lips around the spout, or lips in the spout? (even thinking about it right now, I know i'm still right!)
What if we were to approach conflict with the intent of being made "better" instead of "right"? What if, in times of relational conflict, we took our mind off ourselves and our pride, and looked at each situation as an opportunity to become more like Christ. What if that person who "rubs you the wrong way" is actually God's agent to mold you into the shape he needs you to be to use you?
"It would be far more honoring to the Lord to let yourselves be cheated." Am I saying we should be a doormat? No, we should be like Christ. I wouldn't call him a doormat. There will be times when you are 100% right, but the Lord is trying to teach you patience. He's trying to teach you to understand the importance of waiting on his Spirit.
The Lord really wants us to get past this need to be "right". If we seem to have a hard time learning the lesson, he loves us enough to let us repeat the test. If we don't aggressively pursue his heart in all situations, we can fail this test so many times we become hardened, and lose the ability to hear his voice.
One thing I'm needing to do is, rather than giving in to the urge to be "right", I need to focus my energy on "what does this person need". That posture is SO hard for the human nature, but it is so healthy for the spirit. It's not an easy path, but it brings about the refining. It's gives a different perspective on conflict. In any situation, don't try to be right, try to become better. See what kind of work God completes in your life.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Ezra 10:1-44
I Corinthians 6:1-20
Psalm 31:9-18
Proverbs 21:3
In today's scripture in Corinthians 6, Paul chastises Christians for going to court and suing one another any time they have a dispute. The last part of verse 5 through 7 say, "Isn't there anyone in all the church who is wise enough to decide these arguments? But, instead, one Christian sues another and accuses his Christian brother in front of unbelievers. To have such lawsuits at all is a real defeat for you as Christians. Why not just accept mistreatment and leave it at that? it would be far more honoring to the Lord to let yourselves be cheated."
How's that for a today's memory verse? "It would be far more honoring to the Lord to let yourselves be cheated." What's that supposed to mean?
Think about unity today. It's important to understand that unity is not absence of conflict. The truth is that Unity is only achieved when there is Conflict with purpose. The New Testament shows clearly that we WILL have disagreements within the church. Why?
It's in our human nature to approach conflict with the intent of being proven "Right". With this perspective, we can go to great lengths to prove this. We can even go to court. Think of times you've fought with a spouse or family member over something very small, but it blew up into something big. Most of the time the argument is not about an issue, it's about who's right in the situation. My brother and I were in college, and were home on break when we had the biggest fight ever. It was fists and all... It was about drinking out of a coke bottle: which produces less backwash, lips around the spout, or lips in the spout? (even thinking about it right now, I know i'm still right!)
What if we were to approach conflict with the intent of being made "better" instead of "right"? What if, in times of relational conflict, we took our mind off ourselves and our pride, and looked at each situation as an opportunity to become more like Christ. What if that person who "rubs you the wrong way" is actually God's agent to mold you into the shape he needs you to be to use you?
"It would be far more honoring to the Lord to let yourselves be cheated." Am I saying we should be a doormat? No, we should be like Christ. I wouldn't call him a doormat. There will be times when you are 100% right, but the Lord is trying to teach you patience. He's trying to teach you to understand the importance of waiting on his Spirit.
The Lord really wants us to get past this need to be "right". If we seem to have a hard time learning the lesson, he loves us enough to let us repeat the test. If we don't aggressively pursue his heart in all situations, we can fail this test so many times we become hardened, and lose the ability to hear his voice.
One thing I'm needing to do is, rather than giving in to the urge to be "right", I need to focus my energy on "what does this person need". That posture is SO hard for the human nature, but it is so healthy for the spirit. It's not an easy path, but it brings about the refining. It's gives a different perspective on conflict. In any situation, don't try to be right, try to become better. See what kind of work God completes in your life.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Thursday, August 4, 2011
8.4.11 "The Priority of Unity"
"The Priority of Unity"
2 Chronicles 35:1-36:23
I Corinthians 1:1-17
Psalm 27:1-6
Proverbs 20:20-21
Have you noticed the priority of unity in scriptures? This should be a constant priority in everything we do. In today's reading Paul speaks of his joy that the church is growing. In I Corinthians 1:7 he says, "Now you have every grace and blessing; every spiritual gift and power for doing his will are yours..." Think about that! What a joy!
So many times we inflict the self paralysis of feeling unequipped to do what God has called us to do. We need to get it into our head: God has given us everything we need to walk in obedience to his direction. We need to live with this confidence!
In the next breath Paul says, "But, dear brothers, I beg you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to stop arguing among yourselves. Let there be real harmony so that there won't be splits in the church. I plead with you to be of one mind, united in thought and purpose." I Cor.1:10.
Imagine if the Body of Christ gets this. Unity PRECEDES revival. You see it in Acts chapter 2. They were in one accord when the Holy Spirit came. The irony is that sometimes even the desire for the Holy Spirit can be divisive in the church. Everyone wants it their way. How should it be? We should "be of one mind, united in thought and purpose."
The Mission of Oak Creek Assembly of God is "Reaching our world for Christ as we lead individuals to Discover and Become who God has created them to be." Who has God created them to be? Individuals who, through the Power of the Spirit, Live the DREAM. A vital element of DREAM is the "R" - Relationships Devoted to Unity.
When the Body of Christ functions healthily, injury and offenses are "absorbed". In effect, one member comes to the aid of another for the purpose of building the body. Unfortunately, what can often happen is, "I agree that Pastor Greg treated you poorly. You have a right to be angry. We should go to another church." How's that for devotion to unity? We can mistakenly think, "well that's submission to the need of the individual... " Not at all. When dealing with one another we need to constantly acknowledge our purpose as a body and look past the superficial and into what the true need is. We are in the ministry of Reconciliation.
So many times someone will say something that sounds a little wrong, even divisive, but we don't want to correct it because, "well, that takes too much work." "I don't want to cause an argument..." There's a misconception that Unity is absence of conflict. That's not true at all. Unity is conflict with Purpose! Discipleship is conflict with purpose. Maturing in Christ is conflict with purpose. It's a battle with the flesh. It's a battle against human nature.
"Now wait a minute! Paul just told us to stop arguing, and you're telling us that conflict is good!"
Arguing about issues of opinion and selfish ambition are divisive (see Romans 15). But if you are about to walk off the edge of a cliff, my devotion to unity is going to keep you from doing it, even if I have to throw you to the ground to save you. (I sound tough don't I!)
Don't forget about balance. We need to make unity a high priority, but not at the expense of obedience (worship), biblical training(discipleship), ministry involvement, and the great commission. We need to increase our intensity in all of these areas.
Look through "unity goggles" today. What opportunities do you have to build the body of Christ? See what happens.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
2 Chronicles 35:1-36:23
I Corinthians 1:1-17
Psalm 27:1-6
Proverbs 20:20-21
Have you noticed the priority of unity in scriptures? This should be a constant priority in everything we do. In today's reading Paul speaks of his joy that the church is growing. In I Corinthians 1:7 he says, "Now you have every grace and blessing; every spiritual gift and power for doing his will are yours..." Think about that! What a joy!
So many times we inflict the self paralysis of feeling unequipped to do what God has called us to do. We need to get it into our head: God has given us everything we need to walk in obedience to his direction. We need to live with this confidence!
In the next breath Paul says, "But, dear brothers, I beg you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to stop arguing among yourselves. Let there be real harmony so that there won't be splits in the church. I plead with you to be of one mind, united in thought and purpose." I Cor.1:10.
Imagine if the Body of Christ gets this. Unity PRECEDES revival. You see it in Acts chapter 2. They were in one accord when the Holy Spirit came. The irony is that sometimes even the desire for the Holy Spirit can be divisive in the church. Everyone wants it their way. How should it be? We should "be of one mind, united in thought and purpose."
The Mission of Oak Creek Assembly of God is "Reaching our world for Christ as we lead individuals to Discover and Become who God has created them to be." Who has God created them to be? Individuals who, through the Power of the Spirit, Live the DREAM. A vital element of DREAM is the "R" - Relationships Devoted to Unity.
When the Body of Christ functions healthily, injury and offenses are "absorbed". In effect, one member comes to the aid of another for the purpose of building the body. Unfortunately, what can often happen is, "I agree that Pastor Greg treated you poorly. You have a right to be angry. We should go to another church." How's that for devotion to unity? We can mistakenly think, "well that's submission to the need of the individual... " Not at all. When dealing with one another we need to constantly acknowledge our purpose as a body and look past the superficial and into what the true need is. We are in the ministry of Reconciliation.
So many times someone will say something that sounds a little wrong, even divisive, but we don't want to correct it because, "well, that takes too much work." "I don't want to cause an argument..." There's a misconception that Unity is absence of conflict. That's not true at all. Unity is conflict with Purpose! Discipleship is conflict with purpose. Maturing in Christ is conflict with purpose. It's a battle with the flesh. It's a battle against human nature.
"Now wait a minute! Paul just told us to stop arguing, and you're telling us that conflict is good!"
Arguing about issues of opinion and selfish ambition are divisive (see Romans 15). But if you are about to walk off the edge of a cliff, my devotion to unity is going to keep you from doing it, even if I have to throw you to the ground to save you. (I sound tough don't I!)
Don't forget about balance. We need to make unity a high priority, but not at the expense of obedience (worship), biblical training(discipleship), ministry involvement, and the great commission. We need to increase our intensity in all of these areas.
Look through "unity goggles" today. What opportunities do you have to build the body of Christ? See what happens.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Monday, August 1, 2011
8.1.11 "The Burden We Bear"
"The Burden We Bear"
2 Chronicles 30:1-31:21
Romans 15:1-22
Psalm 25:1-15
Proverbs 20:13-15
Reading through Romans, you may have noticed that Paul is putting a GREAT deal of emphasis on unity. I'm deeply challenged again to realize the vital necessity of "Relationships Devoted to Unity." It's not just a slogan. It's a part of serving Christ that we cannot ignore, neglect, or pass off.
Romans 15:1 says, "for we must bear the 'burden' of being considerate of the doubts and fears of others"(TLB). This needs to be our calling. Our mandate. We must place the needs of those around us before ours at all times. It's not about you. verse 2 says, "Let's please the other fellow, not ourselves and do what is for his good and thus build him up in the Lord."
The principle behind unity is Submission. We don't like to hear it, because we don't really understand it. Submission is not about blind obedience. It's so unpopular in this culture because of our individual "rights". I like to define submission as "the active setting aside of pride, will, opinion and convenience to meet the need of another." This is what this is all about: Meeting the need.
We lose the focus of submission when it becomes a matter of who 'wins' and who 'loses'. That's not what it's about at all. It's about meeting the need. I don't care what relationships we're talking about. It could be your spouse, your coworker, your neighbor, or a church friend. Every single one of these individuals have needs. All conflict is the result of unmet need. To grow in the area of unity, we must grow in the ability to submit to the needs of others.
I experienced incredible things on a missions trip to Brazil. While on this trip I prayed that the Lord would help me see people the way he does. What was amazing for me is that to do that I needed healing in my own heart. My own insecurities had taken root so deep that when I looked at others, it was through my own filter of falling short. There's not enough time to fully develop that thought, but what is happening now is this process of seeing people from the prospective of their need that God sees, not the need I see, or the "deficiency" that I see. It becomes less of me.
This is so important to maturing in Christ. This develops OUR character to get into the habit of subjecting pride, will and opinion on a regular basis. You're thinking, "that's not fair!" You're right. That's the point. The irony of it all is this: It's the only way to "win". What's our example in this?
Romans 15:3 "Christ didn't please himself. As the Psalmist said, 'He came for the very purpose of suffering under the insults of those who were against the Lord.'" He came to submit! What was the greatest 'need' in the history of the universe? Man needed to get right with God. How did this happen? Christ submitted himself. This is the only path of conflict resolution. Our nature causes us to resolve conflict by proving ourself "right." This is not the nature of God. He was right. But regardless of that fact, He did not come to further prove that fact, he came to suffer... to meet the need.
Don't worry, we cannot do this on our own. verse 5 says, "May God who gives patience, steadiness, and encouragement help you to live in complete harmony with each other - each with the attitude of Christ toward the other." What's the attitude of Christ? Prepare to receive insults. As we become more dependent on Christ, we can begin to walk in this life of Submission and unity.
We tend to think in terms of "Priority". We believe our first priority is our relationship with the Lord. And I don't think that I could say you are wrong about that, but that top priority cannot exist apart from its application: According to verse 6, the path to right relationship with God is through harmony with one another. "And THEN all of us can praise the Lord together with one voice, giving glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
See if you can apply the principle of Unity today. Seek the unmet need in someone else, and see what happens as you subject yourself to meet that need.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
2 Chronicles 30:1-31:21
Romans 15:1-22
Psalm 25:1-15
Proverbs 20:13-15
Reading through Romans, you may have noticed that Paul is putting a GREAT deal of emphasis on unity. I'm deeply challenged again to realize the vital necessity of "Relationships Devoted to Unity." It's not just a slogan. It's a part of serving Christ that we cannot ignore, neglect, or pass off.
Romans 15:1 says, "for we must bear the 'burden' of being considerate of the doubts and fears of others"(TLB). This needs to be our calling. Our mandate. We must place the needs of those around us before ours at all times. It's not about you. verse 2 says, "Let's please the other fellow, not ourselves and do what is for his good and thus build him up in the Lord."
The principle behind unity is Submission. We don't like to hear it, because we don't really understand it. Submission is not about blind obedience. It's so unpopular in this culture because of our individual "rights". I like to define submission as "the active setting aside of pride, will, opinion and convenience to meet the need of another." This is what this is all about: Meeting the need.
We lose the focus of submission when it becomes a matter of who 'wins' and who 'loses'. That's not what it's about at all. It's about meeting the need. I don't care what relationships we're talking about. It could be your spouse, your coworker, your neighbor, or a church friend. Every single one of these individuals have needs. All conflict is the result of unmet need. To grow in the area of unity, we must grow in the ability to submit to the needs of others.
I experienced incredible things on a missions trip to Brazil. While on this trip I prayed that the Lord would help me see people the way he does. What was amazing for me is that to do that I needed healing in my own heart. My own insecurities had taken root so deep that when I looked at others, it was through my own filter of falling short. There's not enough time to fully develop that thought, but what is happening now is this process of seeing people from the prospective of their need that God sees, not the need I see, or the "deficiency" that I see. It becomes less of me.
This is so important to maturing in Christ. This develops OUR character to get into the habit of subjecting pride, will and opinion on a regular basis. You're thinking, "that's not fair!" You're right. That's the point. The irony of it all is this: It's the only way to "win". What's our example in this?
Romans 15:3 "Christ didn't please himself. As the Psalmist said, 'He came for the very purpose of suffering under the insults of those who were against the Lord.'" He came to submit! What was the greatest 'need' in the history of the universe? Man needed to get right with God. How did this happen? Christ submitted himself. This is the only path of conflict resolution. Our nature causes us to resolve conflict by proving ourself "right." This is not the nature of God. He was right. But regardless of that fact, He did not come to further prove that fact, he came to suffer... to meet the need.
Don't worry, we cannot do this on our own. verse 5 says, "May God who gives patience, steadiness, and encouragement help you to live in complete harmony with each other - each with the attitude of Christ toward the other." What's the attitude of Christ? Prepare to receive insults. As we become more dependent on Christ, we can begin to walk in this life of Submission and unity.
We tend to think in terms of "Priority". We believe our first priority is our relationship with the Lord. And I don't think that I could say you are wrong about that, but that top priority cannot exist apart from its application: According to verse 6, the path to right relationship with God is through harmony with one another. "And THEN all of us can praise the Lord together with one voice, giving glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
See if you can apply the principle of Unity today. Seek the unmet need in someone else, and see what happens as you subject yourself to meet that need.
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, May 19, 2011
5.19.11 "Unity in Action"
"Unity in Action"
1 Samuel 24:1-25:44
John 10:22-42
Psalm 116:1-19
Proverbs 15:20-21
God's word is full of life principles that we need not only to learn from, but we need to apply it to our lives. From this morning's reading in the One Year Bible in I Samuel 25, we see the principles of unity in action. Before looking at the story, let's look at the anatomy of conflict resolution:
1. All Conflict is the result of an unmet need. (Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, or Spiritual)
2. A need can only be met through the principle of Submission.
-the Definition of Submission is - The setting aside of pride, will, opinion, and convenience to meet the need of another.
3. The submission often comes from one who "shouldn't" have to.
Today's reading is the story of David & his 400 men in their journey in the wilderness. They are low on provisions, and they come upon Nabal. There is a history here. David's men have been protectors for Nabal's herds in the past.
Now, David is put in the place of needing to ask for resources. This is a vulnerable place to be. It takes humility. At the same time, he knows what he's called to do. Nabal is, for lack of a more tactful description, a jerk. He says no. This angers David to the point of rallying his 400 men to make his point. "All conflict is the result of an unmet need." David's need has not been met, so they are about to get busy in conflict.
Enter the Intercessors. The first is one of Nabal's men. He goes to Abigail & lets her know there's going to be trouble. She then, knowing the need, first makes provision to meet the need. (loads donkeys with food).
It's kind of funny to read how as Abigail approaches, David has been muttering to himself, "All that I get for my trouble is insults..." He's been feeling sorry for himself, and has resolved to have vengeance on Nabal. We do see later that this would not have been of God, but the intensity of frustration has motivated the action which brings about God's plan.
Abigail says something that I think is huge. She bows before David and says, "I accept all blame in this matter." In an act of submission, she takes responsibility for the actions of her household. She is aggressively submissive in standing in the gap for the one in authority over her. She intercedes for his very life.
She also knows she is saving David from doing wrong. "When the Lord has done all the good things he promised you and has made you king of Israel, you won't want the conscience of a murderer who took the law into his own hands!" This is speaking the truth in love.
David's response is "Bless you for keeping me from murdering the man and carrying out vengeance with my own hands." Don't forget, he just came out of the cave where he could have killed Saul. He passed a MAJOR test, and was just about to fail a minor one! Abigail's RD2U (Relationship Devoted to Unity) helped him stay the course.
God did complete his vengeance on Nabal. He died. David, having seen the character of Abigail, "wasted no time in sending messengers to Abigail to ask her to become his wife....she readily agreed."
What if the story were different? What if Abigail still brought the food (met the need), but told David where Nabal was hiding so he could go kill him? I don't think David would have thought, "Now THAT'S a woman for me!!!"
All things work together for good for them who love God and are called according to his purpose.
God used this circumstance to further the refining process in David, and it was through the submission of a woman named Abigail. Submission is such an ugly word when we are people so bent on pride, will and opinion. But when we see it in action, we realize it can change the world.
Let's remember in this "comprehensive test of life" that the little things make a difference. In any given day, you could be David, Abigail, the servant, or Nabal. It all makes a difference. Apply the principles of unity 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
1 Samuel 24:1-25:44
John 10:22-42
Psalm 116:1-19
Proverbs 15:20-21
God's word is full of life principles that we need not only to learn from, but we need to apply it to our lives. From this morning's reading in the One Year Bible in I Samuel 25, we see the principles of unity in action. Before looking at the story, let's look at the anatomy of conflict resolution:
1. All Conflict is the result of an unmet need. (Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, or Spiritual)
2. A need can only be met through the principle of Submission.
-the Definition of Submission is - The setting aside of pride, will, opinion, and convenience to meet the need of another.
3. The submission often comes from one who "shouldn't" have to.
Today's reading is the story of David & his 400 men in their journey in the wilderness. They are low on provisions, and they come upon Nabal. There is a history here. David's men have been protectors for Nabal's herds in the past.
Now, David is put in the place of needing to ask for resources. This is a vulnerable place to be. It takes humility. At the same time, he knows what he's called to do. Nabal is, for lack of a more tactful description, a jerk. He says no. This angers David to the point of rallying his 400 men to make his point. "All conflict is the result of an unmet need." David's need has not been met, so they are about to get busy in conflict.
Enter the Intercessors. The first is one of Nabal's men. He goes to Abigail & lets her know there's going to be trouble. She then, knowing the need, first makes provision to meet the need. (loads donkeys with food).
It's kind of funny to read how as Abigail approaches, David has been muttering to himself, "All that I get for my trouble is insults..." He's been feeling sorry for himself, and has resolved to have vengeance on Nabal. We do see later that this would not have been of God, but the intensity of frustration has motivated the action which brings about God's plan.
Abigail says something that I think is huge. She bows before David and says, "I accept all blame in this matter." In an act of submission, she takes responsibility for the actions of her household. She is aggressively submissive in standing in the gap for the one in authority over her. She intercedes for his very life.
She also knows she is saving David from doing wrong. "When the Lord has done all the good things he promised you and has made you king of Israel, you won't want the conscience of a murderer who took the law into his own hands!" This is speaking the truth in love.
David's response is "Bless you for keeping me from murdering the man and carrying out vengeance with my own hands." Don't forget, he just came out of the cave where he could have killed Saul. He passed a MAJOR test, and was just about to fail a minor one! Abigail's RD2U (Relationship Devoted to Unity) helped him stay the course.
God did complete his vengeance on Nabal. He died. David, having seen the character of Abigail, "wasted no time in sending messengers to Abigail to ask her to become his wife....she readily agreed."
What if the story were different? What if Abigail still brought the food (met the need), but told David where Nabal was hiding so he could go kill him? I don't think David would have thought, "Now THAT'S a woman for me!!!"
All things work together for good for them who love God and are called according to his purpose.
God used this circumstance to further the refining process in David, and it was through the submission of a woman named Abigail. Submission is such an ugly word when we are people so bent on pride, will and opinion. But when we see it in action, we realize it can change the world.
Let's remember in this "comprehensive test of life" that the little things make a difference. In any given day, you could be David, Abigail, the servant, or Nabal. It all makes a difference. Apply the principles of unity 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, August 12, 2010
8.12.10 "Don't Be Afraid! Remember the Lord! Fight!"
"Don't Be Afraid! Remember the Lord! Fight!"
Nehemiah 3:15-5:13
I Corinthians 7:20-40
Psalm 32:1-11
Proverbs 21:5-7
What do you do when it just seems like everything is going wrong? The opposition is too great. Is it worth it?
Nehemiah chapter 4 describes some of the most intense opposition his people experience in the building of the wall. Nehemiah is being obedient to what God has called him to do. He's cast the vision. He has all of the workers organized, and there is progress. And here comes Sanballat & Tobiah, mocking them as they work. Nehemiah cries out to God about this, and keeps on going.
Then things get better, right? No, when the workers visit home, the enemy has planted people to try to discourage the workers. If that isn't enough, then there's an army organized against them, planning to attack.
You know what, Nehemiah? It just ain't worth it. You tried. This must not be of God. It's too tough. Maybe you are out of God's will. Maybe your motives were wrong in doing this. I don't think anyone would blame you if you quit working. Nice try.
Is that how it played out? No. In Nehemiah 4:14 it says, "Then as I looked over the situation I called together the leaders and the people and said to them, 'Don't be afraid! Remember the Lord who is great and glorious; fight for your friends, your families, and your homes!'" verse 15-18 "... Now we all returned to our work on the wall; but from then on, only half worked while the other half stood guard behind them. And the masons and laborers worked with weapons within easy reach beside them, or with swords belted to their sides. The trumpeter stayed with me to sound the alarm." verse 20-21, " We worked early and late, from sunrise to sunset; and half the men were always on guard."
As modern day believers we are facing tremendous opposition. If we really looked at the state of morality, the lack of fear of God, and other situations in the world, we could very easily feel like quitting. "It's just not worth it."
Marriages are under attack. Not only nationally, but individually. The enemy is doing whatever he can to destroy Godly foundations. What should we do? Should we quit? Give in?
I Corinthians 7:28-30 says, "... marriage will bring extra problems that I wish you didn't have to face right now. The important thing to remember is that our remaining time is very short, [and so are our opportunities for doing the Lord's work]. For that reason those who have wives should stay as free as possible for the Lord; happiness or sadness or wealth should not keep you from doing God's work."
You may read that & think, "What did Paul say?? Marriage brings problems?? We shouldn't face them???" The point is that so many people are shocked when trouble comes in marriage. They think that it must be doomed. NOT AT ALL! That's the point! Your marriage is a weapon the Lord wants to use against the enemy. When you get married, you are a target.
Just like Nehemiah on the wall, when you are doing work for the Lord, don't be surprised when opposition comes. Whether it's in your marriage or your job, or in your ministry, you need to follow the advice of Nehemiah. "Don't be afraid! Remember the Lord. Fight for your friends, your families, and your homes!"
Proverbs 21:5 says, "Steady plodding brings prosperity; hasty speculation brings poverty." So many of us want the "get rich quick" plan. Not just in our finances, but in our marriage, and in our dreams. We want to know the secret so it will just "happen". That's not the way it works. God wants us to prosper in ALL things. He wants our character to prosper. That can only happen through the refining furnace of affliction and the crucible of conflict.
Do not grow weary! Don't Be Afraid! Remember the Lord! Fight!
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
Nehemiah 3:15-5:13
I Corinthians 7:20-40
Psalm 32:1-11
Proverbs 21:5-7
What do you do when it just seems like everything is going wrong? The opposition is too great. Is it worth it?
Nehemiah chapter 4 describes some of the most intense opposition his people experience in the building of the wall. Nehemiah is being obedient to what God has called him to do. He's cast the vision. He has all of the workers organized, and there is progress. And here comes Sanballat & Tobiah, mocking them as they work. Nehemiah cries out to God about this, and keeps on going.
Then things get better, right? No, when the workers visit home, the enemy has planted people to try to discourage the workers. If that isn't enough, then there's an army organized against them, planning to attack.
You know what, Nehemiah? It just ain't worth it. You tried. This must not be of God. It's too tough. Maybe you are out of God's will. Maybe your motives were wrong in doing this. I don't think anyone would blame you if you quit working. Nice try.
Is that how it played out? No. In Nehemiah 4:14 it says, "Then as I looked over the situation I called together the leaders and the people and said to them, 'Don't be afraid! Remember the Lord who is great and glorious; fight for your friends, your families, and your homes!'" verse 15-18 "... Now we all returned to our work on the wall; but from then on, only half worked while the other half stood guard behind them. And the masons and laborers worked with weapons within easy reach beside them, or with swords belted to their sides. The trumpeter stayed with me to sound the alarm." verse 20-21, " We worked early and late, from sunrise to sunset; and half the men were always on guard."
As modern day believers we are facing tremendous opposition. If we really looked at the state of morality, the lack of fear of God, and other situations in the world, we could very easily feel like quitting. "It's just not worth it."
Marriages are under attack. Not only nationally, but individually. The enemy is doing whatever he can to destroy Godly foundations. What should we do? Should we quit? Give in?
I Corinthians 7:28-30 says, "... marriage will bring extra problems that I wish you didn't have to face right now. The important thing to remember is that our remaining time is very short, [and so are our opportunities for doing the Lord's work]. For that reason those who have wives should stay as free as possible for the Lord; happiness or sadness or wealth should not keep you from doing God's work."
You may read that & think, "What did Paul say?? Marriage brings problems?? We shouldn't face them???" The point is that so many people are shocked when trouble comes in marriage. They think that it must be doomed. NOT AT ALL! That's the point! Your marriage is a weapon the Lord wants to use against the enemy. When you get married, you are a target.
Just like Nehemiah on the wall, when you are doing work for the Lord, don't be surprised when opposition comes. Whether it's in your marriage or your job, or in your ministry, you need to follow the advice of Nehemiah. "Don't be afraid! Remember the Lord. Fight for your friends, your families, and your homes!"
Proverbs 21:5 says, "Steady plodding brings prosperity; hasty speculation brings poverty." So many of us want the "get rich quick" plan. Not just in our finances, but in our marriage, and in our dreams. We want to know the secret so it will just "happen". That's not the way it works. God wants us to prosper in ALL things. He wants our character to prosper. That can only happen through the refining furnace of affliction and the crucible of conflict.
Do not grow weary! Don't Be Afraid! Remember the Lord! Fight!
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
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
8.10.10 "Conflict with Purpose"
"Conflict with Purpose"
Ezra 10:1-44
I Corinthians 6:1-20
Psalm 31:9-18
Proverbs 21:3
In today's scripture in Corinthians 6, Paul chastises Christians for going to court and suing one another any time they have a dispute. The last part of verse 5 through 7 say, "Isn't there anyone in all the church who is wise enough to decide these arguments? But, instead, one Christian sues another and accuses his Christian brother in front of unbelievers. To have such lawsuits at all is a real defeat for you as Christians. Why not just accept mistreatment and leave it at that? it would be far more honoring to the Lord to let yourselves be cheated."
How's that for a today's memory verse? "It would be far more honoring to the Lord to let yourselves be cheated." What's that supposed to mean?
Think about unity today. It's important to understand that unity is not absence of conflict. The truth is that Unity is only achieved when there is Conflict with purpose. The New Testament shows clearly that we WILL have disagreements within the church. Why?
It's in our human nature to approach conflict with the intent of being proven "Right". With this perspective, we can go to great lengths to prove this. We can even go to court. Think of times you've fought with a spouse or family member over something very small, but it blew up into something big. Most of the time the argument is not about an issue, it's about who's right in the situation. My brother and I were in college, and were home on break when we had the biggest fight ever. It was fists and all... It was about drinking out of a coke bottle: which produces less backwash, lips around the spout, or lips in the spout? (even thinking about it right now, I know i'm still right!)
What if we were to approach conflict with the intent of being made "better" instead of "right"? What if, in times of relational conflict, we took our mind off ourselves and our pride, and looked at each situation as an opportunity to become more like Christ. What if that person who "rubs you the wrong way" is actually God's agent to mold you into the shape he needs you to be to use you?
"It would be far more honoring to the Lord to let yourselves be cheated." Am I saying we should be a doormat? No, we should be like Christ. I wouldn't call him a doormat. There will be times when you are 100% right, but the Lord is trying to teach you patience. He's trying to teach you to understand the importance of waiting on his Spirit.
The Lord really wants us to get past this need to be "right". If we seem to have a hard time learning the lesson, he loves us enough to let us repeat the test. If we don't aggressively pursue his heart in all situations, we can fail this test so many times we become hardened, and lose the ability to hear his voice.
One thing I'm needing to do is, rather than giving in to the urge to be "right", I need to focus my energy on "what does this person need". That posture is SO hard for the human nature, but it is so healthy for the spirit. It's not an easy path, but it brings about the refining. It's gives a different perspective on conflict. In any situation, don't try to be right, try to become better. See what kind of work God completes in your life.
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
Ezra 10:1-44
I Corinthians 6:1-20
Psalm 31:9-18
Proverbs 21:3
In today's scripture in Corinthians 6, Paul chastises Christians for going to court and suing one another any time they have a dispute. The last part of verse 5 through 7 say, "Isn't there anyone in all the church who is wise enough to decide these arguments? But, instead, one Christian sues another and accuses his Christian brother in front of unbelievers. To have such lawsuits at all is a real defeat for you as Christians. Why not just accept mistreatment and leave it at that? it would be far more honoring to the Lord to let yourselves be cheated."
How's that for a today's memory verse? "It would be far more honoring to the Lord to let yourselves be cheated." What's that supposed to mean?
Think about unity today. It's important to understand that unity is not absence of conflict. The truth is that Unity is only achieved when there is Conflict with purpose. The New Testament shows clearly that we WILL have disagreements within the church. Why?
It's in our human nature to approach conflict with the intent of being proven "Right". With this perspective, we can go to great lengths to prove this. We can even go to court. Think of times you've fought with a spouse or family member over something very small, but it blew up into something big. Most of the time the argument is not about an issue, it's about who's right in the situation. My brother and I were in college, and were home on break when we had the biggest fight ever. It was fists and all... It was about drinking out of a coke bottle: which produces less backwash, lips around the spout, or lips in the spout? (even thinking about it right now, I know i'm still right!)
What if we were to approach conflict with the intent of being made "better" instead of "right"? What if, in times of relational conflict, we took our mind off ourselves and our pride, and looked at each situation as an opportunity to become more like Christ. What if that person who "rubs you the wrong way" is actually God's agent to mold you into the shape he needs you to be to use you?
"It would be far more honoring to the Lord to let yourselves be cheated." Am I saying we should be a doormat? No, we should be like Christ. I wouldn't call him a doormat. There will be times when you are 100% right, but the Lord is trying to teach you patience. He's trying to teach you to understand the importance of waiting on his Spirit.
The Lord really wants us to get past this need to be "right". If we seem to have a hard time learning the lesson, he loves us enough to let us repeat the test. If we don't aggressively pursue his heart in all situations, we can fail this test so many times we become hardened, and lose the ability to hear his voice.
One thing I'm needing to do is, rather than giving in to the urge to be "right", I need to focus my energy on "what does this person need". That posture is SO hard for the human nature, but it is so healthy for the spirit. It's not an easy path, but it brings about the refining. It's gives a different perspective on conflict. In any situation, don't try to be right, try to become better. See what kind of work God completes in your life.
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 4, 2010
8.4.10 "The Priority of Unity"
"The Priority of Unity"
2 Chronicles 35:1-36:23
I Corinthians 1:1-17
Psalm 27:1-6
Proverbs 20:20-21
Have you noticed the priority of unity in scriptures? This should be a constant priority in everything we do. In today's reading Paul speaks of his joy that the church is growing. In I Corinthians 1:7 he says, "Now you have every grace and blessing; every spiritual gift and power for doing his will are yours..." Think about that! What a joy!
So many times we inflict the self paralysis of feeling unequipped to do what God has called us to do. We need to get it into our head: God has given us everything we need to walk in obedience to his direction. We need to live with this confidence!
In the next breath Paul says, "But, dear brothers, I beg you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to stop arguing among yourselves. Let there be real harmony so that there won't be splits in the church. I plead with you to be of one mind, united in thought and purpose." I Cor.1:10.
Imagine if the Body of Christ gets this. Unity PRECEDES revival. You see it in Acts chapter 2. They were in one accord when the Holy Spirit came. The irony is that sometimes even the desire for the Holy Spirit can be divisive in the church. Everyone wants it their way. How should it be? We should "be of one mind, united in thought and purpose."
The Mission of Oak Creek Assembly of God is "Reaching our world for Christ as we lead individuals to Discover and Become who God has created them to be." Who has God created them to be? Individuals who, through the Power of the Spirit, Live the DREAM. A vital element of DREAM is the "R" - Relationships Devoted to Unity.
When the Body of Christ functions healthily, injury and offenses are "absorbed". In effect, one member comes to the aid of another for the purpose of building the body. Unfortunately, what can often happen is, "I agree that Pastor Greg treated you poorly. You have a right to be angry. We should go to another church." How's that for devotion to unity? We can mistakenly think, "well that's submission to the need of the individual... " Not at all. When dealing with one another we need to constantly acknowledge our purpose as a body and look past the superficial and into what the true need is. We are in the ministry of Reconciliation.
So many times someone will say something that sounds a little wrong, even divisive, but we don't want to correct it because, "well, that takes too much work." "I don't want to cause an argument..." There's a misconception that Unity is absence of conflict. That's not true at all. Unity is conflict with Purpose! Discipleship is conflict with purpose. Maturing in Christ is conflict with purpose. It's a battle with the flesh. It's a battle against human nature.
"Now wait a minute! Paul just told us to stop arguing, and you're telling us that conflict is good!"
Arguing about issues of opinion and selfish ambition are divisive (see Romans 15). But if you are about to walk off the edge of a cliff, my devotion to unity is going to keep you from doing it, even if I have to throw you to the ground to save you. (I sound tough don't I!)
Don't forget about balance. We need to make unity a high priority, but not at the expense of obedience (worship), biblical training(discipleship), ministry involvement, and the great commission. We need to increase our intensity in all of these areas.
Look through "unity goggles" today. What opportunities do you have to build the body of Christ? See what happens.
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 35:1-36:23
I Corinthians 1:1-17
Psalm 27:1-6
Proverbs 20:20-21
Have you noticed the priority of unity in scriptures? This should be a constant priority in everything we do. In today's reading Paul speaks of his joy that the church is growing. In I Corinthians 1:7 he says, "Now you have every grace and blessing; every spiritual gift and power for doing his will are yours..." Think about that! What a joy!
So many times we inflict the self paralysis of feeling unequipped to do what God has called us to do. We need to get it into our head: God has given us everything we need to walk in obedience to his direction. We need to live with this confidence!
In the next breath Paul says, "But, dear brothers, I beg you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to stop arguing among yourselves. Let there be real harmony so that there won't be splits in the church. I plead with you to be of one mind, united in thought and purpose." I Cor.1:10.
Imagine if the Body of Christ gets this. Unity PRECEDES revival. You see it in Acts chapter 2. They were in one accord when the Holy Spirit came. The irony is that sometimes even the desire for the Holy Spirit can be divisive in the church. Everyone wants it their way. How should it be? We should "be of one mind, united in thought and purpose."
The Mission of Oak Creek Assembly of God is "Reaching our world for Christ as we lead individuals to Discover and Become who God has created them to be." Who has God created them to be? Individuals who, through the Power of the Spirit, Live the DREAM. A vital element of DREAM is the "R" - Relationships Devoted to Unity.
When the Body of Christ functions healthily, injury and offenses are "absorbed". In effect, one member comes to the aid of another for the purpose of building the body. Unfortunately, what can often happen is, "I agree that Pastor Greg treated you poorly. You have a right to be angry. We should go to another church." How's that for devotion to unity? We can mistakenly think, "well that's submission to the need of the individual... " Not at all. When dealing with one another we need to constantly acknowledge our purpose as a body and look past the superficial and into what the true need is. We are in the ministry of Reconciliation.
So many times someone will say something that sounds a little wrong, even divisive, but we don't want to correct it because, "well, that takes too much work." "I don't want to cause an argument..." There's a misconception that Unity is absence of conflict. That's not true at all. Unity is conflict with Purpose! Discipleship is conflict with purpose. Maturing in Christ is conflict with purpose. It's a battle with the flesh. It's a battle against human nature.
"Now wait a minute! Paul just told us to stop arguing, and you're telling us that conflict is good!"
Arguing about issues of opinion and selfish ambition are divisive (see Romans 15). But if you are about to walk off the edge of a cliff, my devotion to unity is going to keep you from doing it, even if I have to throw you to the ground to save you. (I sound tough don't I!)
Don't forget about balance. We need to make unity a high priority, but not at the expense of obedience (worship), biblical training(discipleship), ministry involvement, and the great commission. We need to increase our intensity in all of these areas.
Look through "unity goggles" today. What opportunities do you have to build the body of Christ? See what happens.
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, June 23, 2010
6.23.10 "Relationships Devoted to Unity"
"Relationships Devoted to Unity"
2 Kings 4:18-5:27
Acts 15:1-31
Psalm 141:1-10
Proverbs 17:23
In Acts 15, the early church hits a significant point of challenge in their growth process.
Some men from Judea arrived and began to teach some believers that they weren't saved unless they followed the Jewish custom of circumcision. This had the potential of causing serious division in the church.
Look at the process that follows this disagreement. It is insightful into what it truly means to be devoted to unity. Here's the progression with some notes:
1. "Paul & Barnabas argued and discussed this with them at length..." (15:2) I like the "at length" part of this. If you are truly Devoted to Unity, you don't do the "ding & ditch" method of confrontation. You stick it through and talk it out. Many times we "speak the truth in love" by coughing our opinion at someone and then walking away. We may feel like "I sure told them...", but what has been done to promote unity?
2. "...finally the believers sent them to Jerusalem, accompanied by some local men, to talk to the apostles and elders there about this question." (15:2) There was a recognition that there would be no resolution without the involvement of leaders. This shows a couple things. First, they're committed to resolve this, not split off and start their own sect. Second, it shows they have a great deal of respect for God appointed authority within the church. They will commit to follow the decisions of the leaders.
3. There was an initial meeting where "Paul and Barnabas reported on what God had been doing through their ministry. But then some of the men..." (15:5) stood up and brought up the point of disagreement again. Sometimes Conflict in the church can cloud the big picture. People can get so caught up in the argument, and being right, they are not able to rejoice in what God is doing in the midst of them.
4. "So the apostles ...set a further meeting to decide this question." (15:6) There was a commitment from the leaders to resolve this issue. They recognized that the meeting they were in could not accomplish this, so they set up a special meeting for this very purpose.
5. "At the meeting, after long discussion, Peter stood..." (15:7) and addressed everyone, reminding them of the signs & wonders God has done that show the path he has laid out. He ends with "Don't you believe that all are saved the same way, by the free gift of the Lord Jesus?" (15:11) He spoke with wisdom that came from his personal experience with God. This was not a discussion of opinion, but of the principles of what God had done. It's important that we don't get too hung up on opinion. we must recognize the difference between our opinion and what God is speaking to our hearts.
6. "There was no further discussion, and everyone now listened as Barnabas and Paul told about the miracles God had done through them among the Gentiles." (15:12) Peter's words were further validated through the testimony of Paul and Barnabas. It could have been enough to just go off Peter's words, but the confirmation of the testimony of other leaders added further credibility.
7. "When they finished, James took the floor..." (15:13) James brought out how their testimonies were consistent with Scripture. James must have been the leader as he states, "and so my judgment is..." I marvel at God's process of authority. Effective work in the Body of Christ is accomplished through honoring God's authority structure.
8. In the remaining verses of this story, the leaders and congregation voted to report the decision to all believers and sent delegates with a letter of authority reporting the decision. It shows that a devotion to unity will make sure to communicate to everyone assuring the conflict is resolved. I like how they acknowledge the hurts of the past. "We understand that some believers from here have upset you..." (15:24) This validation of the hurt goes miles for bringing resolution.
If the believers were more devoted to their opinion than unity, this would have been a mess. In every step of the process they did things in accordance with what would be best for the body, while acknowledging the needs of the individual.
As the Body of Christ, we must keep these things in mind when ever conflict arises. We must keep unity as a high priority. One other point is that the frustration of this conflict served to further focus and intensify the objective of the church. Once the decision had been made, the church became more effective in reaching the world for Christ.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
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 Kings 4:18-5:27
Acts 15:1-31
Psalm 141:1-10
Proverbs 17:23
In Acts 15, the early church hits a significant point of challenge in their growth process.
Some men from Judea arrived and began to teach some believers that they weren't saved unless they followed the Jewish custom of circumcision. This had the potential of causing serious division in the church.
Look at the process that follows this disagreement. It is insightful into what it truly means to be devoted to unity. Here's the progression with some notes:
1. "Paul & Barnabas argued and discussed this with them at length..." (15:2) I like the "at length" part of this. If you are truly Devoted to Unity, you don't do the "ding & ditch" method of confrontation. You stick it through and talk it out. Many times we "speak the truth in love" by coughing our opinion at someone and then walking away. We may feel like "I sure told them...", but what has been done to promote unity?
2. "...finally the believers sent them to Jerusalem, accompanied by some local men, to talk to the apostles and elders there about this question." (15:2) There was a recognition that there would be no resolution without the involvement of leaders. This shows a couple things. First, they're committed to resolve this, not split off and start their own sect. Second, it shows they have a great deal of respect for God appointed authority within the church. They will commit to follow the decisions of the leaders.
3. There was an initial meeting where "Paul and Barnabas reported on what God had been doing through their ministry. But then some of the men..." (15:5) stood up and brought up the point of disagreement again. Sometimes Conflict in the church can cloud the big picture. People can get so caught up in the argument, and being right, they are not able to rejoice in what God is doing in the midst of them.
4. "So the apostles ...set a further meeting to decide this question." (15:6) There was a commitment from the leaders to resolve this issue. They recognized that the meeting they were in could not accomplish this, so they set up a special meeting for this very purpose.
5. "At the meeting, after long discussion, Peter stood..." (15:7) and addressed everyone, reminding them of the signs & wonders God has done that show the path he has laid out. He ends with "Don't you believe that all are saved the same way, by the free gift of the Lord Jesus?" (15:11) He spoke with wisdom that came from his personal experience with God. This was not a discussion of opinion, but of the principles of what God had done. It's important that we don't get too hung up on opinion. we must recognize the difference between our opinion and what God is speaking to our hearts.
6. "There was no further discussion, and everyone now listened as Barnabas and Paul told about the miracles God had done through them among the Gentiles." (15:12) Peter's words were further validated through the testimony of Paul and Barnabas. It could have been enough to just go off Peter's words, but the confirmation of the testimony of other leaders added further credibility.
7. "When they finished, James took the floor..." (15:13) James brought out how their testimonies were consistent with Scripture. James must have been the leader as he states, "and so my judgment is..." I marvel at God's process of authority. Effective work in the Body of Christ is accomplished through honoring God's authority structure.
8. In the remaining verses of this story, the leaders and congregation voted to report the decision to all believers and sent delegates with a letter of authority reporting the decision. It shows that a devotion to unity will make sure to communicate to everyone assuring the conflict is resolved. I like how they acknowledge the hurts of the past. "We understand that some believers from here have upset you..." (15:24) This validation of the hurt goes miles for bringing resolution.
If the believers were more devoted to their opinion than unity, this would have been a mess. In every step of the process they did things in accordance with what would be best for the body, while acknowledging the needs of the individual.
As the Body of Christ, we must keep these things in mind when ever conflict arises. We must keep unity as a high priority. One other point is that the frustration of this conflict served to further focus and intensify the objective of the church. Once the decision had been made, the church became more effective in reaching the world for Christ.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
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, April 25, 2010
4.25.10 "It Might Get a Little Messy"
"It Might Get a Little Messy"
Judges 4:1-5:31
Luke 22:35-53
Psalm 94:1-23
Proverbs 14:3-4
Some people have a reputation for neatness. Me? not so much... A friend of mine, whom I choose not to implicate, has similar "organizational" skills to me. We've talked about collaborating to write a book on organizational systems. The premise is "none of it works". We've tried various types of organizers, daily planners, scented candles.... ok, not that far, but for some reason, no matter what, the desk gets messy. I've actually now brought in reinforcements, and am only able to keep neat with outside help.
With all of that in mind, I have a new favorite verse:
"An empty stable stays clean - but there is no income from an empty stable." (Prov. 14:4 TLB)
Of course, I'm joking about this being a verse to justify my mess, but I do feel there is a great truth in this short passage.
The NLT says, "Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest." Excuse the metaphor, but it is saying in essence, "if you want a harvest, you also need a shovel."
I often allude to the danger of this place called "Comfort Zone". It's lure can subtly paralyze the believer from living up to the potential that God has for them. It would be so great if life could be "neat & clean" all the time. It would be great if there were no unexpected turns, and no giants in the path... No "irritating" people. Imagine the thrill that would be...
I believe this verse shows a principle of "Active Ministry Involvement". When we take the risk to use the time, talent, and resources God has given us for his glory, we have to understand that sometimes there's residue on the stable floor. Serving God takes work. We have to make sure, however that the fact that there might be some mess, and maybe even a little smell, we can't think "this must not be God's will... this is supposed to be easy!" We have to constantly remind ourselves that we are doing what God has called us to do. Our faithfulness and responsibility shouldn't falter because of circumstances.
This verse also applies to "Relationships Devoted to Unity". As we mature in Christ and are in the process of discipling one another as well as being discipled, there will be times that interpersonal conflict arises. This can be with friends, leaders, and those you lead. We must understand that this is a necessary part of the process of harvest. The situations in life bring our character issues to the surface so they can be dealt with. That happens for others, too. We need to help one another through that.
Sometimes the conflict comes from "getting in trouble". Psalm 94:12 says, "Joyful are those you discipline, Lord, those you teach with your instructions." We need to always remember that discipline brings us into alignment. This is all a part of the great harvest to come!
Don't focus on the mess on the stable floor. Look to the fields at what God is doing through your labors. It can be tough to see when all you've got is rubber boots and a shovel, but know that God is completing his work in you and through you in ALL things.
Don't fear the smell! Live the DREAM!
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
Judges 4:1-5:31
Luke 22:35-53
Psalm 94:1-23
Proverbs 14:3-4
Some people have a reputation for neatness. Me? not so much... A friend of mine, whom I choose not to implicate, has similar "organizational" skills to me. We've talked about collaborating to write a book on organizational systems. The premise is "none of it works". We've tried various types of organizers, daily planners, scented candles.... ok, not that far, but for some reason, no matter what, the desk gets messy. I've actually now brought in reinforcements, and am only able to keep neat with outside help.
With all of that in mind, I have a new favorite verse:
"An empty stable stays clean - but there is no income from an empty stable." (Prov. 14:4 TLB)
Of course, I'm joking about this being a verse to justify my mess, but I do feel there is a great truth in this short passage.
The NLT says, "Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest." Excuse the metaphor, but it is saying in essence, "if you want a harvest, you also need a shovel."
I often allude to the danger of this place called "Comfort Zone". It's lure can subtly paralyze the believer from living up to the potential that God has for them. It would be so great if life could be "neat & clean" all the time. It would be great if there were no unexpected turns, and no giants in the path... No "irritating" people. Imagine the thrill that would be...
I believe this verse shows a principle of "Active Ministry Involvement". When we take the risk to use the time, talent, and resources God has given us for his glory, we have to understand that sometimes there's residue on the stable floor. Serving God takes work. We have to make sure, however that the fact that there might be some mess, and maybe even a little smell, we can't think "this must not be God's will... this is supposed to be easy!" We have to constantly remind ourselves that we are doing what God has called us to do. Our faithfulness and responsibility shouldn't falter because of circumstances.
This verse also applies to "Relationships Devoted to Unity". As we mature in Christ and are in the process of discipling one another as well as being discipled, there will be times that interpersonal conflict arises. This can be with friends, leaders, and those you lead. We must understand that this is a necessary part of the process of harvest. The situations in life bring our character issues to the surface so they can be dealt with. That happens for others, too. We need to help one another through that.
Sometimes the conflict comes from "getting in trouble". Psalm 94:12 says, "Joyful are those you discipline, Lord, those you teach with your instructions." We need to always remember that discipline brings us into alignment. This is all a part of the great harvest to come!
Don't focus on the mess on the stable floor. Look to the fields at what God is doing through your labors. It can be tough to see when all you've got is rubber boots and a shovel, but know that God is completing his work in you and through you in ALL things.
Don't fear the smell! Live the DREAM!
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, November 15, 2009
11.15.9 "Look Out!"
"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!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
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!
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, September 21, 2009
9.21.9 "No Man Left Behind"
"No Man Left Behind"
Isaiah 37:1-38:22
Galatians 6:1-18
Psalm 64:1-10
Proverbs 23:24
We are in a battle. The great news is that we win! We too often forget that, especially when things don't seem to be going good around us. In battle soldiers get wounded. This is no different in our Christian walk. Soldiers get wounded.
I believe it's the Marine motto that says, "Until they are home, No man left behind!" They've trained to follow through on what they believe. At any cost, they will work to bring a fallen soldier home.
As believers, what's our training? What's our motto? In the battle we wage, we must show the same loyalty and commitment. In looking at this let's unwrap some verses in Galatians 6.
Galatians 6:1 "Dear brothers, if a Christian is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help him back onto the right path, remembering that next time it might be one of you who is in the wrong."
There are a few things to pull out of this verse.
1. "if a Christian is overcome by some sin..." There will times that a Christian you know will struggle with sin. What does that mean to you? Often we don't respond as one committed to the care of the individual. We tend to want to check with someone else. "So what's going on with Jim... someone should really set him straight..." What follows next shows that YOU are part of the process in helping this person out.
2. "... you who are godly..." If you need extra motivation for living a godly life, let this be it. Your world is desperate for you to be who God has created you to be. Raise the bar in your life so you can be a lifeline for someone else. It's really important that you know the Word, so you know how to help someone who needs help. Imagine an EMT who waits until his first ambulance call to pull the book off the shelf & learn CPR. You have to be prepared & pre-prayered for the work God has for you. Someone desperately needs you.
3. "... should gently and humbly help him..." This is what discipleship is all about: Helping one another to be aligned with God's word. What's your definition of discipleship? I'm not sure how I came up with my "old" definition of discipleship, but it was basically, "punishing someone for not being who I expected them to be". I would "speak the truth in love" which usually meant I would give them a piece of my mind and walk away. If I didn't have the courage to do that, I'd just do that in my mind... I guess it's more of a "ding & ditch discipleship" program... not quite what Jesus had in mind. I'm just beginning to understand the process of "leading individuals to discover and become who God created them to be." It's the approach we need to have when dealing with one another... gentle & humble. Ultimately, be a friend.
4. "... back onto the right path," What is the right path? Again, it compels us to be Empowered through Biblical Training to know the truth and help others align to the truth. This requires relational leadership. To be a leader in a relationship, you have to create an environment where people want to be with you. The same is true when leading someone to the right path. Beating someone up when they're wounded and in the wrong place is not that way to bring them home. It's a matter of creating an environment of trust.
5. "... remembering that next time it might be one of you who is in the wrong." This says a lot. I was thinking about opinionated people (of which I am one!). It's important that we make sure we understand we are not above being wrong. "I get irritated when everyone doesn't do things the way I think they should be done." can be an attitude that creeps into our life that is nothing other than arrogance. We must walk humbly with our God, knowing that we always have much to learn.
Galatians 6:2 "Share each other's troubles and problems, and so obey our Lord's command."
1. "Share each other's troubles and problems..." This is what Relationships Devoted to Unity is all about. When someone is going through something, it's vital that we carry the load together.
2. "... and so obey our Lord's command." Remember that Obedience is the highest form of worship. We must follow the path of unity to live the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship.
Galatians 6:3 "If anyone thinks he is too great to stoop to this, he is fooling himself. He is really a nobody."
1. This is a principle we need to be constantly reminded of. Greatness in Christ is found in being the "least". Our pride keeps us from being vulnerable. Being humble and open about our struggles is the only path to maturity. We are a "nobody" when our pride causes us to hide or struggles, sins or insecurities to the point that they take root and cause a BIG problem. This paralyzes the Body. When we are appropriately vulnerable with one another, it's like allowing the oxygen of the Holy Spirit to flow freely through the muscles of the Body so it can function in health.
Today's reading in Psalms 65:2-4 says, "All of us must come to you. Though we are overwhelmed by our sins, you forgive them all. What joy for those you choose to bring near, those who live in your holy courts. What festivities await us inside your holy Temple."
We need to work together until all come together to the one who forgives and enjoy the festivities of God's kingdom.
Do your part. "No Man left behind"
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Isaiah 37:1-38:22
Galatians 6:1-18
Psalm 64:1-10
Proverbs 23:24
We are in a battle. The great news is that we win! We too often forget that, especially when things don't seem to be going good around us. In battle soldiers get wounded. This is no different in our Christian walk. Soldiers get wounded.
I believe it's the Marine motto that says, "Until they are home, No man left behind!" They've trained to follow through on what they believe. At any cost, they will work to bring a fallen soldier home.
As believers, what's our training? What's our motto? In the battle we wage, we must show the same loyalty and commitment. In looking at this let's unwrap some verses in Galatians 6.
Galatians 6:1 "Dear brothers, if a Christian is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help him back onto the right path, remembering that next time it might be one of you who is in the wrong."
There are a few things to pull out of this verse.
1. "if a Christian is overcome by some sin..." There will times that a Christian you know will struggle with sin. What does that mean to you? Often we don't respond as one committed to the care of the individual. We tend to want to check with someone else. "So what's going on with Jim... someone should really set him straight..." What follows next shows that YOU are part of the process in helping this person out.
2. "... you who are godly..." If you need extra motivation for living a godly life, let this be it. Your world is desperate for you to be who God has created you to be. Raise the bar in your life so you can be a lifeline for someone else. It's really important that you know the Word, so you know how to help someone who needs help. Imagine an EMT who waits until his first ambulance call to pull the book off the shelf & learn CPR. You have to be prepared & pre-prayered for the work God has for you. Someone desperately needs you.
3. "... should gently and humbly help him..." This is what discipleship is all about: Helping one another to be aligned with God's word. What's your definition of discipleship? I'm not sure how I came up with my "old" definition of discipleship, but it was basically, "punishing someone for not being who I expected them to be". I would "speak the truth in love" which usually meant I would give them a piece of my mind and walk away. If I didn't have the courage to do that, I'd just do that in my mind... I guess it's more of a "ding & ditch discipleship" program... not quite what Jesus had in mind. I'm just beginning to understand the process of "leading individuals to discover and become who God created them to be." It's the approach we need to have when dealing with one another... gentle & humble. Ultimately, be a friend.
4. "... back onto the right path," What is the right path? Again, it compels us to be Empowered through Biblical Training to know the truth and help others align to the truth. This requires relational leadership. To be a leader in a relationship, you have to create an environment where people want to be with you. The same is true when leading someone to the right path. Beating someone up when they're wounded and in the wrong place is not that way to bring them home. It's a matter of creating an environment of trust.
5. "... remembering that next time it might be one of you who is in the wrong." This says a lot. I was thinking about opinionated people (of which I am one!). It's important that we make sure we understand we are not above being wrong. "I get irritated when everyone doesn't do things the way I think they should be done." can be an attitude that creeps into our life that is nothing other than arrogance. We must walk humbly with our God, knowing that we always have much to learn.
Galatians 6:2 "Share each other's troubles and problems, and so obey our Lord's command."
1. "Share each other's troubles and problems..." This is what Relationships Devoted to Unity is all about. When someone is going through something, it's vital that we carry the load together.
2. "... and so obey our Lord's command." Remember that Obedience is the highest form of worship. We must follow the path of unity to live the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship.
Galatians 6:3 "If anyone thinks he is too great to stoop to this, he is fooling himself. He is really a nobody."
1. This is a principle we need to be constantly reminded of. Greatness in Christ is found in being the "least". Our pride keeps us from being vulnerable. Being humble and open about our struggles is the only path to maturity. We are a "nobody" when our pride causes us to hide or struggles, sins or insecurities to the point that they take root and cause a BIG problem. This paralyzes the Body. When we are appropriately vulnerable with one another, it's like allowing the oxygen of the Holy Spirit to flow freely through the muscles of the Body so it can function in health.
Today's reading in Psalms 65:2-4 says, "All of us must come to you. Though we are overwhelmed by our sins, you forgive them all. What joy for those you choose to bring near, those who live in your holy courts. What festivities await us inside your holy Temple."
We need to work together until all come together to the one who forgives and enjoy the festivities of God's kingdom.
Do your part. "No Man left behind"
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
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, August 27, 2009
8.27.9 "How Much do You Care?"
"How Much do You Care?"
Job 23:1-27:23
2 Corinthians 1:12-2:8
Psalm 41:1-13
Proverbs 22:5-6
2 Corinthians 2:4 "Oh, how I hated to write that letter! It almost broke my heart and I tell you honestly that I cried over it. I didn't want to hurt you, but I had to show you how very much I loved you and cared about what was happening to you."
In this second letter to the Corinthian church, Paul references the first letter. If you remember, there were some harsh words in I Corinthians. In today's verse, Paul models what it really means to be devoted to unity.
Unity is great when everything is going smoothly & everyone is getting along. But when it comes to dealing with sin, and discipling one another, there can be an awkwardness to it. Here are some possible reactions to seeing someone doing/acting/talking inappropriately:
1. I'm uncomfortable. I'm just going to walk away.
2. I didn't just hear what I thought I heard!? I'm shocked that person would do that. they've offended me.
3. Why doesn't Pastor do something about this individual?
4. How dare they do that! They should know by now that that is wrong! I'm going to "share the truth in love" by telling that person off.
5. I'm going to just ignore this & hope it goes away. I know now I should keep my distance.
6. I need to talk to another friend to make sure I'm not off base in thinking what they're doing is wrong.
There's many more responses, but don't these somewhat represent our initial reactions? Do you realize that none of these are what discipleship is all about?
Discipleship is about love. Yes, it is "bringing into alignment" as we've talked about before. But it's not about bringing into alignment to prove we are "right"! It's bringing into alignment because we care enough about the spiritual and physical health and welfare of the individual. Discipleship is friendship.
Proper motivation will give you the appropriate method of encouraging and correcting one another.
There may be times for a strong word like Paul gave, but when it is done in brokenness and humility, for the purpose of restoration, God is glorified.
Allowing someone to continue walking out of alignment with the word is not only dangerous to the individual, it's dangerous to you. It gives you a callous heart, and builds walls of division in the body of Christ. We really need to truly grow in our love for one another.
There used be an old saying. "Care enough to confront" was the mantra. Usually it translated into, "I was offended when you didn't say hi to me last week", then a couple tears and a hug. That's not what this is about. It's about "I notice you guys haven't been to bible study in a while. Is everything ok? Is there anything I can do to help?"
How much do you care? How devoted to unity are you? How comforting it would be to know that the Body of Christ is looking out for one another. Not make sure everyone's "toeing the line", but to know that everyone cares enough to stick it out through tough times and bring each other into the alignment of the Word.
Is it uncomfortable? It can be. But there is nothing more secure than knowing that someone is watching out for you.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
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 23:1-27:23
2 Corinthians 1:12-2:8
Psalm 41:1-13
Proverbs 22:5-6
2 Corinthians 2:4 "Oh, how I hated to write that letter! It almost broke my heart and I tell you honestly that I cried over it. I didn't want to hurt you, but I had to show you how very much I loved you and cared about what was happening to you."
In this second letter to the Corinthian church, Paul references the first letter. If you remember, there were some harsh words in I Corinthians. In today's verse, Paul models what it really means to be devoted to unity.
Unity is great when everything is going smoothly & everyone is getting along. But when it comes to dealing with sin, and discipling one another, there can be an awkwardness to it. Here are some possible reactions to seeing someone doing/acting/talking inappropriately:
1. I'm uncomfortable. I'm just going to walk away.
2. I didn't just hear what I thought I heard!? I'm shocked that person would do that. they've offended me.
3. Why doesn't Pastor do something about this individual?
4. How dare they do that! They should know by now that that is wrong! I'm going to "share the truth in love" by telling that person off.
5. I'm going to just ignore this & hope it goes away. I know now I should keep my distance.
6. I need to talk to another friend to make sure I'm not off base in thinking what they're doing is wrong.
There's many more responses, but don't these somewhat represent our initial reactions? Do you realize that none of these are what discipleship is all about?
Discipleship is about love. Yes, it is "bringing into alignment" as we've talked about before. But it's not about bringing into alignment to prove we are "right"! It's bringing into alignment because we care enough about the spiritual and physical health and welfare of the individual. Discipleship is friendship.
Proper motivation will give you the appropriate method of encouraging and correcting one another.
There may be times for a strong word like Paul gave, but when it is done in brokenness and humility, for the purpose of restoration, God is glorified.
Allowing someone to continue walking out of alignment with the word is not only dangerous to the individual, it's dangerous to you. It gives you a callous heart, and builds walls of division in the body of Christ. We really need to truly grow in our love for one another.
There used be an old saying. "Care enough to confront" was the mantra. Usually it translated into, "I was offended when you didn't say hi to me last week", then a couple tears and a hug. That's not what this is about. It's about "I notice you guys haven't been to bible study in a while. Is everything ok? Is there anything I can do to help?"
How much do you care? How devoted to unity are you? How comforting it would be to know that the Body of Christ is looking out for one another. Not make sure everyone's "toeing the line", but to know that everyone cares enough to stick it out through tough times and bring each other into the alignment of the Word.
Is it uncomfortable? It can be. But there is nothing more secure than knowing that someone is watching out for you.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
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, August 10, 2009
8.10.9 "Conflict with Purpose"
"Conflict with Purpose"
Ezra 10:1-44
I Corinthians 6:1-20
Psalm 31:9-18
Proverbs 21:3
In today's scripture in Corinthians 6, Paul chastises Christians for going to court and suing one another any time they have a dispute. The last part of verse 5 through 7 say, "Isn't there anyone in all the church who is wise enough to decide these arguments? But, instead, one Christian sues another and accuses his Christian brother in front of unbelievers. To have such lawsuits at all is a real defeat for you as Christians. Why not just accept mistreatment and leave it at that? it would be far more honoring to the Lord to let yourselves be cheated."
How's that for a today's memory verse? "It would be far more honoring to the Lord to let yourselves be cheated." What's that supposed to mean?
Think about unity today. It's important to understand that unity is not absence of conflict. The truth is that Unity is only achieved when there is Conflict with purpose. The New Testament shows clearly that we WILL have disagreements within the church. Why?
It's in our human nature to approach conflict with the intent of being proven "Right". With this perspective, we can go to great lengths to prove this. We can even go to court. Think of times you've fought with a spouse or family member over something very small, but it blew up into something big. Most of the time the argument is not about an issue, it's about who's right in the situation. My brother and I were in college, and were home on break when we had the biggest fight ever. It was fists and all... It was about drinking out of a coke bottle: which produces less backwash, lips around the spout, or lips in the spout? (even thinking about it right now, I know i'm still right!)
What if we were to approach conflict with the intent of being made "better" instead of "right"? What if, in times of relational conflict, we took our mind off ourselves and our pride, and looked at each situation as an opportunity to become more like Christ. What if that person who "rubs you the wrong way" is actually God's agent to mold you into the shape he needs you to be to use you?
"It would be far more honoring to the Lord to let yourselves be cheated." Am I saying we should be a doormat? No, we should be like Christ. I wouldn't call him a doormat. There will be times when you are 100% right, but the Lord is trying to teach you patience. He's trying to teach you to understand the importance of waiting on his Spirit.
The Lord really wants us to get past this need to be "right". If we seem to have a hard time learning the lesson, he loves us enough to let us repeat the test. If we don't aggressively pursue his heart in all situations, we can fail this test so many times we become hardened, and lose the ability to hear his voice.
One thing I'm needing to do is, rather than giving in to the urge to be "right", I need to focus my energy on "what does this person need". That posture is SO hard for the human nature, but it is so healthy for the spirit. It's not an easy path, but it brings about the refining. It's gives a different perspective on conflict. In any situation, don't try to be right, try to become better. See what kind of work God completes in your life.
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
Ezra 10:1-44
I Corinthians 6:1-20
Psalm 31:9-18
Proverbs 21:3
In today's scripture in Corinthians 6, Paul chastises Christians for going to court and suing one another any time they have a dispute. The last part of verse 5 through 7 say, "Isn't there anyone in all the church who is wise enough to decide these arguments? But, instead, one Christian sues another and accuses his Christian brother in front of unbelievers. To have such lawsuits at all is a real defeat for you as Christians. Why not just accept mistreatment and leave it at that? it would be far more honoring to the Lord to let yourselves be cheated."
How's that for a today's memory verse? "It would be far more honoring to the Lord to let yourselves be cheated." What's that supposed to mean?
Think about unity today. It's important to understand that unity is not absence of conflict. The truth is that Unity is only achieved when there is Conflict with purpose. The New Testament shows clearly that we WILL have disagreements within the church. Why?
It's in our human nature to approach conflict with the intent of being proven "Right". With this perspective, we can go to great lengths to prove this. We can even go to court. Think of times you've fought with a spouse or family member over something very small, but it blew up into something big. Most of the time the argument is not about an issue, it's about who's right in the situation. My brother and I were in college, and were home on break when we had the biggest fight ever. It was fists and all... It was about drinking out of a coke bottle: which produces less backwash, lips around the spout, or lips in the spout? (even thinking about it right now, I know i'm still right!)
What if we were to approach conflict with the intent of being made "better" instead of "right"? What if, in times of relational conflict, we took our mind off ourselves and our pride, and looked at each situation as an opportunity to become more like Christ. What if that person who "rubs you the wrong way" is actually God's agent to mold you into the shape he needs you to be to use you?
"It would be far more honoring to the Lord to let yourselves be cheated." Am I saying we should be a doormat? No, we should be like Christ. I wouldn't call him a doormat. There will be times when you are 100% right, but the Lord is trying to teach you patience. He's trying to teach you to understand the importance of waiting on his Spirit.
The Lord really wants us to get past this need to be "right". If we seem to have a hard time learning the lesson, he loves us enough to let us repeat the test. If we don't aggressively pursue his heart in all situations, we can fail this test so many times we become hardened, and lose the ability to hear his voice.
One thing I'm needing to do is, rather than giving in to the urge to be "right", I need to focus my energy on "what does this person need". That posture is SO hard for the human nature, but it is so healthy for the spirit. It's not an easy path, but it brings about the refining. It's gives a different perspective on conflict. In any situation, don't try to be right, try to become better. See what kind of work God completes in your life.
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
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
8.4.9 "The Priority of Unity"
"The Priority of Unity"
2 Chronicles 35:1-36:23
I Corinthians 1:1-17
Psalm 27:1-6
Proverbs 20:20-21
Have you noticed the priority of unity in scriptures? This should be a constant priority in everything we do. In today's reading Paul speaks of his joy that the church is growing. In verse 7 he says, "Now you have every grace and blessing; every spiritual gift and power for doing his will are yours..." Think about that! What a joy!
So many times we inflict the self paralysis of feeling unequipped to do what God has called us to do. We need to get it into our head: God has given us everything we need to walk in obedience to his direction. We need to live with this confidence!
In the next breath Paul says, "But, dear brothers, I beg you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to stop arguing among yourselves. Let there be real harmony so that there won't be splits in the church. I plead with you to be of one mind, united in thought and purpose." I Cor.1:10.
Imagine if the Body of Christ gets this. Unity PRECEDES revival. You see it in Acts chapter 2. They were in one accord when the Holy Spirit came. The irony is that sometimes even the desire for the Holy Spirit can be divisive in the church. Everyone wants it their way. How should it be? We should "be of one mind, united in thought and purpose."
The Mission of Oak Creek Assembly of God is "Reaching our world for Christ as we lead individuals to Discover and Become who God has created them to be." Who has God created them to be? Individuals who, through the Power of the Spirit, Live the DREAM. A vital element of DREAM is the "R" - Relationships Devoted to Unity.
When the Body of Christ functions healthily, injury and offenses are "absorbed". In effect, one member comes to the aid of another for the purpose of building the body. Unfortunately, what can often happen is, "I agree that Pastor Greg treated you poorly. You have a right to be angry. We should go to another church." How's that for devotion to unity? We can mistakenly think, "well that's submission to the need of the individual... " Not at all. When dealing with one another we need to constantly acknowledge our purpose as a body and look past the superficial and into what the true need is. We are in the ministry of Reconciliation.
So many times someone will say something that sounds a little wrong, even divisive, but we don't want to correct it because, "well, that takes too much work." "I don't want to cause an argument..." There's a misconception that Unity is absence of conflict. That's not true at all. Unity is conflict with Purpose! Discipleship is conflict with purpose. Maturing in Christ is conflict with purpose. It's a battle with the flesh. It's a battle against human nature.
"Now wait a minute! Paul just told us to stop arguing, and you're telling us that conflict is good!"
Arguing about issues of opinion and selfish ambition are divisive (see Romans 15). But if you are about to walk off the edge of a cliff, my devotion to unity is going to keep you from doing it, even if I have to throw you to the ground to save you. (I sound tough don't I!)
Don't forget about balance. We need to make unity a high priority, but not at the expense of obedience (worship), biblical training(discipleship), ministry involvement, and the great commission. We need to increase our intensity in all of these areas.
Look through "unity goggles" today. What opportunities do you have to build the body of Christ? See what happens.
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 35:1-36:23
I Corinthians 1:1-17
Psalm 27:1-6
Proverbs 20:20-21
Have you noticed the priority of unity in scriptures? This should be a constant priority in everything we do. In today's reading Paul speaks of his joy that the church is growing. In verse 7 he says, "Now you have every grace and blessing; every spiritual gift and power for doing his will are yours..." Think about that! What a joy!
So many times we inflict the self paralysis of feeling unequipped to do what God has called us to do. We need to get it into our head: God has given us everything we need to walk in obedience to his direction. We need to live with this confidence!
In the next breath Paul says, "But, dear brothers, I beg you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to stop arguing among yourselves. Let there be real harmony so that there won't be splits in the church. I plead with you to be of one mind, united in thought and purpose." I Cor.1:10.
Imagine if the Body of Christ gets this. Unity PRECEDES revival. You see it in Acts chapter 2. They were in one accord when the Holy Spirit came. The irony is that sometimes even the desire for the Holy Spirit can be divisive in the church. Everyone wants it their way. How should it be? We should "be of one mind, united in thought and purpose."
The Mission of Oak Creek Assembly of God is "Reaching our world for Christ as we lead individuals to Discover and Become who God has created them to be." Who has God created them to be? Individuals who, through the Power of the Spirit, Live the DREAM. A vital element of DREAM is the "R" - Relationships Devoted to Unity.
When the Body of Christ functions healthily, injury and offenses are "absorbed". In effect, one member comes to the aid of another for the purpose of building the body. Unfortunately, what can often happen is, "I agree that Pastor Greg treated you poorly. You have a right to be angry. We should go to another church." How's that for devotion to unity? We can mistakenly think, "well that's submission to the need of the individual... " Not at all. When dealing with one another we need to constantly acknowledge our purpose as a body and look past the superficial and into what the true need is. We are in the ministry of Reconciliation.
So many times someone will say something that sounds a little wrong, even divisive, but we don't want to correct it because, "well, that takes too much work." "I don't want to cause an argument..." There's a misconception that Unity is absence of conflict. That's not true at all. Unity is conflict with Purpose! Discipleship is conflict with purpose. Maturing in Christ is conflict with purpose. It's a battle with the flesh. It's a battle against human nature.
"Now wait a minute! Paul just told us to stop arguing, and you're telling us that conflict is good!"
Arguing about issues of opinion and selfish ambition are divisive (see Romans 15). But if you are about to walk off the edge of a cliff, my devotion to unity is going to keep you from doing it, even if I have to throw you to the ground to save you. (I sound tough don't I!)
Don't forget about balance. We need to make unity a high priority, but not at the expense of obedience (worship), biblical training(discipleship), ministry involvement, and the great commission. We need to increase our intensity in all of these areas.
Look through "unity goggles" today. What opportunities do you have to build the body of Christ? See what happens.
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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