11.29.11 "The Godly Life"

"The Godly Life"

Daniel 6:1-28
2 Peter 3:1-18
Psalm 119:132-155
Proverbs 28:21-22

Reading through the Bible is such a powerful process of getting to know who God is. The pages of scriptures each reveal a different element of his character; a different angle of what he desires; a picture of his heart. I'm finding as I read through some of the bible stories that I can remember hearing from being a little boy, there are such tremendous nuggets of truth that are new for today.

Today's reading is the story of Daniel in the lions' den. I'm sure we could all tell the story. In reading the Word, we could also very easily skip over it as if it were a "re-run" on TV Land. "Oh, I've seen this one... there's nothing new here..."

Take a look at the Godly life of Daniel. Daniel is working for his 3rd king, King Darius. I find it interesting that Daniel remains in a position of honor for 3 administrations. I don't know about the politics of Babylon, but to me that says something about his character. King Darius made him one of 3 presidents who were in charge of 120 governors. 

"Daniel soon proved himself more capable than all the other presidents and governors, for he had great ability, and the king began to think of placing him over the entire empire as his administrative officer." Dan. 6:3

This should be our goal. No, not to rule over the empire, but that we do our job to the absolute best of our ability. Not that we are "better" than other people, but we should be working hard to live up to our full potential and to be people of integrity and honor. This brings such incredible honor to God. This path isn't easy however.

"This made the other presidents and governors very jealous, and they began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling his affairs so that they could complain to the king about him. But they couldn't find anything to criticize! He was faithful and honest, and made no mistakes." Dan. 6:4

What an incredible testimony. What if everyone at your workplace decided they were going to watch your life looking for a chance to complain about you? What kind of ammunition does your life give them? Are they able to complain about the way you talk about your superiors, the way you take too long of a lunch break, or how you waste time?

A Godly life brings glory to God. Wouldn't it be great if those around us would have to say, "Our only chance is his religion!" (Dan. 6:5) Oh that my greatest fault was my love for God.

We know the story, the other leaders plot against Daniel, make a law about praying, he prays, and he's in the lions den. Listen to what King Darius says of Daniel's "Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship" when he is thrown into the den: "The king said to him, 'May your God, whom you worship continually, deliver you.'" (Dan. 6:16) The next day King Darius rushes to the den and says, "O Daniel, servant of the Living God, was your God, whom you worship continually, able to deliver you from the lions?" (Dan. 6:20) That should be our trademark. We should be known as people who "Worship Continually". It's not enough for them to say, "hey, don't you go to that church?"

We need to live lives of complete devotion and worship of God. This points others to God in an incredible way. King Darius' decree to his entire empire at the end of the chapter is: "Greetings! I decree that everyone shall tremble and fear before the God of Daniel in every part of my kingdom. For his God is the living, unchanging God whose kingdom shall never be destroyed and whose power shall never end. He delivers his people, preserving them from harm; he does great miracles in heaven and earth; it is he who delivered Daniel from the power of the lions."

In 2 Peter 3, Peter is talking about the coming of the Lord. He says in verse 11, "And so since everything around us is going to melt away, what holy, godly lives we should be living!" Verse 14 &15 say, "Dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen and for him to come, try hard to live without sinning, and be at peace with everyone so that he will be pleased with you when he returns. And remember why he is waiting. He is giving us time to get his message of salvation out to others."

It is so important that our lives point to God. The integrity of our lifestyle preaches far more than words. We don't work hard to make it "look like" we love God, we Love God! The fruit of that is our integrity and hard work. This is the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship.




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 

10.21.11 "It's not about the Toys!"

"It's not about the Toys!"

Jeremiah 37:1-38:28
I Timothy 6:1-21
Psalm 89:38-52
Proverbs 25:28

"Tell those who are rich not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which will soon be gone, but their pride and trust should be in the living God who always richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and should give happily to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God has given them. By doing this they will be storing up real treasure for themselves in heaven - it is the only safe investment for eternity!" I Tim 6:17-19

I Timothy 6 is a chapter about Active Ministry Involvement. It may not seem like that's the topic when you first look at it, but Active Ministry Involvement is far more than being an usher, or a choir member or working in the nursery. As with all of the DREAM principles, this is not just something we "do" this is about who we ARE.

The principle of Active Ministry Involvement (AM I) is Responsibility. This principle is consistent throughout scripture. God wants us to offer him what he has given us so he can bless it and use it to serve others. This principle doesn't make a lot of sense to the world... Imagine that!

We're commanded to "Always be ready to share..." can't you see how great it is to have that as a part of your character? We've all seen kids who share well... and those who don't! You know what is so important about sharing? It's not about the toys! It's about the character of the child. Sometimes the reason we want kids to share is so they wont fight. To be honest that may be part of my mindset, but the truth of the matter is that it's not about the toys. It's a much larger spiritual principle at work. We are to use our resources to serve others.

This includes your behavior in the workplace. "Christian slaves should work hard for their owners and respect them; never let it be said that Christ's people are poor workers. Don't let the name of God or his teaching be laughed at because of this. If their owner is a Christian, that is no excuse for slowing down; rather they should work all the harder because a brother in the faith is being helped by their efforts." I Tim. 6:1-3

Do you realize that money and talent aren't your only resources? One of your resources is "the name of God". You are a Christian. That means "of Christ". The way you work, act, and talk all reflect your stewardship of the name of God. You carry his reputation. This responsibility is yours. What are you going to do with it?

There is a Christian financial guy on radio and TV who I really enjoy listening to when I get the chance. He has some very sound principles that encourage us to live debt free. It's awesome to know what God can do when his people are out from the bondage of debt. The only thing I don't like is that sometimes some interpret the concept of being debt free to mean, "so you can enjoy your money." While God does want us to enjoy his blessings, it's not accurate to call it "our money." It's God's money! All of "our" resources are from God, therefore they ARE God's. We have to make sure our resources don't become "gods". I Tim. 6:10 says, "For the love of money is the first step toward all kinds of sin." Why is that? Because it is selfishness. Selfishness is the root of sin. That's what separates us from God.

In John 15, Jesus says that we will be known as disciples by our fruit. According to I Tim. 6:19, applying the principle of responsibility is the way to live a "fruitful Christian life down here." So when it comes to AM I, you can ask yourself, "Am I?" For you is it about the toys, or the joys of helping those in need? It takes discipline (Empowered Through Biblical Training) to get into this mindset. It's important. This is the best investment ever. That's not just a "feel good" phrase. It's the ultimate reality. We will be held to account for this principle. Apply it 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 

10.9.11 "Great Plans of Amounting to Nothing"

"Great Plans of Amounting to Nothing"

Jeremiah 12:1-14:10
I Thessalonians 1:1-2:8
Psalm 79:1-13
Proverbs 24:30-34

Do you ever wonder why individuals go through life accomplishing nothing? Do you think that was the plan from the beginning? No one ever plans to fail, yet it happens. Why? I'm not talking about failure in the sense of the many attempts it took to create the light bulb. Those failures were the path necessary to accomplish the goal. I'm talking about failure in the sense of today's reading:

"I walked by the field of a certain lazy fellow and saw that it was overgrown with thorns, and covered with weeds; and its walls were broken down. Then, as I looked, I learned this lesson: 'A little extra sleep, A little more slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest' means that poverty will break in upon you suddenly like a robber, and violently like a bandit." Prov. 24:30-34

Consider the lazy man. I can relate to him. Left to my own devices, I think I could be lazy. I could spend several days doing nothing, and not have a problem with it. I'm one of those that have to have goals in mind, and even a little bit of stress to motivate me. If I don't, the couch is my home.

The point of the lazy man is this. His thoughts are not, "I will never do work". His thoughts are "just a little more sleep." His thoughts are not, "I will just let my walls fall down & let poverty come in." His thoughts are "I'll get to that later." Some of us have that "gift" of procrastination. It's a dangerous gift. There's a seduction to putting things off that is far more dangerous than it seems.

What kinds of things do we put off? Of course, there's the "honey do" list that we have. That can vary in urgency. When our garage door was broken, it was something I had to get to right away. It affected the security of our home. There's usually a lightbulb somewhere that needs changing, but how quickly it gets changed depends on it's location.

What about spiritually? We put off getting right with God. "Yeah, I should repent of that... but... I'll do it later." We know we should get up in the morning to do devotions... but "just a little more sleep..." Little do we know the danger in those words. Suddenly the flood waters come and the levies of our heart are not secure. Poverty of spirit rushes in. 

We all have dreams and goals and plans to some measure or another. We need to understand that God has a purpose in putting those things in our heart. The enemy of these dreams is the couch of comfort. Each and every moment of every day we need to understand that we are building a foundation for what God wants to do in our life. When we see the value of what's at stake, is it worth sleeping in?

No dream (vision) is free. Many times I've had someone come to me with a great idea for a new ministry, and it really is a great idea, but they will drop it on my desk and walk away, expecting someone else to pay the price for it to happen. There is a cost of discipline that must accompany the dream for it to become a reality.

No DREAM (Balanced Christian Life) is free, either. We need to live the balanced Christian Life, but it doesn't just happen because we understand the DREAM principles. It doesn't just happen because we read a devotional everyday, or even write one. Discipline in every area of life is necessary to this process.

It is so easy to live life falling short of potential. No one really plans on it. It happens for lack of discipline. It is possible to be who God created you to be. It happens when we discipline ourselves to follow in obedience to his direction and his timing, and align our thoughts and beliefs to his Word.

God's plans for you are not "great plans of amounting to nothing." They are to "prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future." Jer. 29:11. Live like those are your plans. Then when disaster strikes it will find your walls secure and your harvest ready.




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 

10.8.11 "Life is a Paid Gig"

"Life is a Paid Gig"

Jeremiah 10:1-11:23
Colossians 3:18-4:18
Psalm 78:59-72
Proverbs 24:28-29

The music majors in college had quite a variety of goals. Some wanted to go into recording, some into teaching, and some into performing. Some wanted to go into teaching because they loved it, and others, because of all the options, teaching was the safest choice. It was the safest choice because it was a pretty secure "paid gig". I remember some friends getting their first paid gig. They would play in an orchestra, or with a band and actually get a check. It was pretty cool.

We often have a different mindset when we're involved in something that we're paid to do versus something that we've just "volunteered" for. If there's cash involved, you can be sure we'll be on time. You can be sure that the work will be done. But hey, if I'm just volunteering, I'm doing you such a favor, that it's a bonus if I show up at all... right?

This type of "volunteer mentality" has no place in the Christian walk. If you view yourself as a volunteer, you can develop an unhealthy mindset. You don't have to show up for commitments, because you're "just a volunteer". You don't go the extra mile. You act as if you're doing the organization a favor.

Paul addresses this pretty directly. "Work hard and cheerfully at all you do, just as though you were working for the Lord and not merely for your masters, remembering that it is the Lord Christ who is going to pay you, giving you your full portion of all he owns. He is the one you are really working for. And if you don't do your best for him, he will pay you in a way that you won't like - for he has no special favorites who can get away with shirking." Col. 3:23-25

We are created for Active Ministry Involvement. We have a Responsibility to use our gifts to serve others. When we develop the understanding that this is not optional, we put intensity into what we're doing. There is something incredible about the way the Lord takes our efforts and places his blessings upon them. There is fruit. We have to understand that this is an unchanging principle. We ARE being paid. One way or another. Remember the parable of the talents. We will be rewarded, or chastised for what we've done with what we've been given.

So much of our culture is based on the paycheck: getting the raise... payday, etc. We forget how temporary that is. It will not last. The reward of the Lord, however is eternal. He's watching! Work with all your might. There are no circumstances or relational issues that excuse you from this principle. Too many times people get "offended" into doing a bad job. If a church leader or someone at work says something that we take personally or take offense at, we "take our toys and go home." How do think the Lord looks at that? He's watching. And accounting.

The Responsibility of Active Ministry Involvement is universal. It applies in all circumstances no matter how difficult or easy. This is the "A" DREAM. We can't grow in maturity without getting this. To live with a volunteer mentality is like putting a glass ceiling on the maturing process in your life. 

Work as if this is a paid gig... because it is!


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

4.25.11 "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!

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

2.23.11 "You Feed Them!"

"You Feed Them!"

Leviticus 14:1-57
Mark 6:30-56
Psalm 40:1-10
Proverbs 10:11-12

The feeding of the 5000 is a story that is familiar to many of us. Either from the pictures when we were kids, or just our own imaginations we can visualize the scene. The little boy, the loaves & fish, the 12 basketfuls left over. As we look at this today, lets look at it from an angle you might not have taken before. This is a story unfolding the principles of Responsibility found in Active Ministry Involvement.

"Then Jesus suggested, 'Let's get away from the crowds for a while and rest.' For so many people were coming and going that they scarcely had time to eat." (Mark 6:31) If I was one of the disciples, I would have been "YESS!!! finally a bit of R&R! We NEED this!"

"So they left by boat for a quieter spot. But many people saw them leaving and ran on ahead along the shore and met them as they landed. So the usual vast crowd was there as he stepped from the boat; and he had pity on them... and he taught them many things they needed to know." (vs. 32-34)

GREAT! all these people messing with our vacation!

"Late in the afternoon his disciples came to him and said, 'Tell the people to go away to the nearby villages and farms and buy themselves some food, for there is nothing to eat here in this desolate spot, and it is getting late.'

"But Jesus said, 'You feed them.' 'With what?' they asked. 'It would take a fortune to buy food for all this crowd!' 'How much food do we have?' he asked. 'Go and find out.'" (vs. 35-38)

You know what happens next. They found 5 loaves & 2 fish & Jesus had the crowd sit in groups, and took the food they had in his hands, blessed it and gave it to the disciples to hand out.

"And the crowd ate until they could hold no more! There were about 5000 men there for that meal, and afterwards twelve basketfuls of scraps were picked up off the grass!" (vs. 42-44)

Here are some points that we can take from this:

1. Rest is important, but it's not the main objective. The disciples had just come from ministering, and Jesus knew they needed rest. HOWEVER, rest doesn't always come WHEN we think we need it. Many times the miracle is when we go just a little farther. I believe so many people quit before the miracle. Jesus and the disciples had every "right" to say, "we're too tired to minister to you. Don't call me on my day off." But that isn't what happened. They ministered. If you spend ever day ministering/working with your next vacation day or day off as the main thing on your mind, you're missing the point!

2. You see the need for a reason. They were on their way to rest when the need presented itself. Seeing the need, they bring it to the attention of their leader. In my words, it's "Leader, there's a need here, and you should do something." What I notice here today is Jesus saying, in my words, "You are right. There is a need here. The reason you are seeing this need is that I have placed this burden on your heart because I plan to use YOU to meet the need!" I wish I had a nickel for every time someone came to me with their burden they would like me to fix. I don't want to be hypocritical because I also have gone to my leaders wanting them to fix my burden. Jesus says, "You feed them."

3. It never seems like there's enough to do it. When Jesus tells them to meet the need, they say, "With what?" It seems impossible. So many people stop here. They're intimidated by the need and their own realization of inadequacy, and they bail. They stop there.

4. Take inventory of what you DO have. Jesus instructs them to "go and find out" what resources they have available. There are a million things we don't have that can give us an "excuse" to stop before the miracle. Jesus isn't asking us to list what we are deficient in, he's asking us for what we DO have. What are our resources? Do the spiritual gifts inventory. Take an assessment survey or your passions and experiences and abilities. Look at what IS available.

5. Put what you have in the Lord's hands. There's an amazing thing that happens when Jesus takes what we have and puts his blessing on it. It multiplies it far beyond what we can imagine. Putting it in his hands can be harder than it sounds. We really like to use "our" gifts "our" way. To give it to him, we need to give it to him without terms. "Lord, do whatever you want to do with what I have." What he wants to do with it is usually not what we expect. That's ok. It all his anyway!

6. When it's all done, hang around for cleanup! Don't overlook the part where it says, "twelve basketfuls of scraps were picked up off the grass!" This ministry did not end with the "high fives" of the disciples talking about how great that miracle was. They stuck it out until the task was totally completed. This is how we show true responsibility in using our gifts for the Lord.

Active Ministry Involvement is far more than joining a group. It's taking responsibility for the time, talents and resources that God has given us, placing it back in his hands, and being a faithful steward of it all. This includes what you do at your workplace. It includes what you do at home. "You feed them!"

As I look at all this today, I must ask myself, "Active Ministry Involvement... AM I?"



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