Showing posts with label Insecurity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Insecurity. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
3.28.12 "You're Not Good Enough!"
"You're Not Good Enough!"
Deuteronomy 9:1-10:22
Luke 8:4-21
Psalm 69:19-36
Proverbs 12:2-3
Have you been in a situation where you've felt ill-equipped? It can be paralyzing. It may be that you see a need, but you know it's beyond you to meet it, or you know there's others who can do it better, or maybe it's something you've been assigned to do but the task is just too indimidating.
I've told this story several times, so forgive me if you've heard it before, but for me it was a significant moment in my life. I hadn't been on staff as the music pastor for long, and the worship leader was gone so I filled in to lead worship. Another piano player then played for me. We are now very good friends, but at that time I didn't know him very well. I had heard what a great player he was, but I was not prepared for what I heard. He was incredible!
I'll never forget that moment. I could go stand right where I was when this happened. It was during rehearsal, and as he was playing, and we were all singing, I was thinking, "I'll never be that good!". My thought process was one of feeling sorry for myself. I started thinking, "Why am I even in this job? I could never play like that!" I prayed, "Lord, why am I here, I'm not good enough!"
There aren't too many times in my life that the Lord has spoken to me in a way that I could actually quote him later, but this was definitely one of them! He said, "You're right! You will never be that good! But you are the one I've chosen!"
The thought "I'll never be that good!" kept cycling through my mind, but with a different tone. It was a tone of freedom. There was a revelation that how good I am is IRRELEVANT to what God had called me to if I am in a place he has assigned me.
In Deut. 9:1 Moses is speaking to Israel. "O Israel, listen! Today you are to cross the Jordan River and begin to dispossess the nations on the other side. Those nations are much greater and more powerful than you are!"
How's that for a pep-talk? How'd you like your coach to say, "alright let's go beat this team... They're a lot better than you!"
So often in our culture we are so concerned about self-esteem. Self-confidence is something that we highly value. A major reason for that is we errantly attach worth to ability. We don't understand that worth and ability are not connected. Value must come from an understanding of our Creator, and who he has made us to be, not from how we've "performed".
But since we don't understand that, we make a few mistakes. For one, we only step out in things we know we can accomplish. If God calls us to do something, we stop in our tracks because it's beyond our ability.
Another mistake is that we build false confidence in the flesh. "I'm not good enough..." "Oh yes you are! You're great! You're the best! Get out there and do it! Rah! Rah!" Because we've built the confidence in the flesh, we do go out there and some times fail, and then are hurt so we're never willing to do it again.
Now I'm not saying that we need to be brutal with one another, "Yeah, I'm thinking your low self-esteem is just good common sense!" If that's what you're getting from all this, you're missing the point! What it's taking me a LONG time to say is this: OBEDIENCE is not related to ability! In fact, God more often than not chooses to use the most "unlikely" people to do great things.
You may have experienced this at some level. God has done something great through you as a result of you stepping out in obedience. The irony of it all is, that we have to be careful on the other side, as well.
"Then, when the Lord has done this for you, don't say to yourselves, 'The Lord has helped us because we are so good!'" (v.4) We have to be careful that we don't allow God's faithfulness to us to become a pride issue. I can't stick my tongue out at my friend and say, "Nah, Nah! You can play better, but God picked me!"
Pride and insecurity are very similar! They are both self-focussed. They bring the attention away from God. I need to realize, "I am not Good Enough!" However, it's important that I only realize that to the point of FREEDOM, and not to the point of BONDAGE. If it's a point of paralysis, then I am not trusting God.
Deut. 10:12-13 puts it into perspective. "And now, Israel, what does the Lord you God require of you except to listen carefully to all he says to you, and to obey for your own good the commandments I am giving you today, and to love him, and to worship him with all you hearts and soul?"
That's all we need to worry about. Just love the Lord and walk in obedience.
God will never call us to do something without equipping us to accomplish it. However, He will always call us to accomplish more than we can in our own strength. That's how is name is made great among the people!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Saturday, March 10, 2012
3.10.12 "Another Lap Around the Desert"
"Another Lap Around the Desert"
Numbers 14:1-15:16
Mark 14:53-72
Psalm 53:1-6
Proverbs 11:4
My insecurities can hinder and potentially destroy the great things God has planned. So can yours.
The story of the 12 spies is told in Numbers 13 and 14. The Israelites have been wandering in the desert for years. They've been eating Manna & Quail like it's going out of style. Now they stand on the edge of the Promised Land. This is it. This is the moment they've all been waiting for. After the years of journeying in the desert it was now time to take possession of the promise!
When the 12 spies return with their report, they all talk of how beautiful it is, but 10 of the spies talk of the strength of the enemy, and the inadequacy of the people to overcome them. The people began complaining, well it was actually more intense than just complaining. 14:1 says, "Then all the people began weeping aloud, and they carried on all night. Their voices rose in a great chorus of complaint against Moses and Aaron." I love the phrase "chorus of complaint"... quite a picture...
The people then said, "We wish we had died in Egypt... Let's get out of here and return to Egypt!" Verse 4 says, "The idea swept the camp. 'Let's elect a leader to take us back to Egypt!' they shouted."
The story continues with Joshua and Caleb standing up to them in a vain attempt to remind them of the greatness of God. "Oh, do not rebel against the Lord, and do not fear the people of the land... the Lord is with us... Don't be afraid of them!" (14:9)
Then the glory of the Lord shows up... Yeah, you can guess what he's thinking of all this. God was ready to nuke em. Moses stands up for them, and God listens. "then the Lord said, 'All right, I will pardon them as you have requested. But I vow by my own name that just as it is true that all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord, so it is true that not one of the men who has seen my glory and the miracles I did both in Egypt and in the wilderness - and ten times refused to trust me and obey me - shall even see the land I promised to this people's ancestors..." (14:20-23)
The Lord had a different opinion of the spies with faith. "But my servant Caleb is a different kind of man - he has obeyed me fully. I will bring him into the land he entered, and his descendants shall have their full share in it."
But for the rest, the hammer falls. "Tomorrow you must turn back into the wilderness in the direction of the Red Sea."(v25) "Then the ten spies who had incited the rebellion against Jehovah by striking fear into the hearts of the people were struck dead before the Lord... What sorrow there was throughout the camp when Moses reported God's words to the people!"
verses 40-45 are funny and sad at the same time. "[the people] were up early the next morning and started towards the Promised Land. 'Here we are!' they said. 'We realize that we have sinned, but now we are ready to go on into the land the Lord has promised us.' But Moses said, 'It's too late. Now you are disobeying the Lord's orders to return to the wilderness. Don't go ahead with your plan or you will be crushed... But they went ahead.. despite the fact that neither the Ark nor Moses left the camp. Then the [enemy] attacked them and chased them to Hormah."
It's quite a story, and it's one we REALLY need to learn from.
1. The wilderness is not a holding pattern. It is a proving ground. All of the great things God had done for the people in the past was to be "faith ammunition". By the time they got to the Promised Land, they should have KNOWN that God would bring them in. Too often we fail to connect the dots. We "endure" the desert, instead of considering it "pure joy" and gaining the fruit we so desperately need.
2. A negative idea "sweeps the camp". Negative thoughts and attitudes are a fast track to rebellion. As soon as things look uncomfortable, or there's a chance that the leader had a bad idea, we are too often ready to "vote them off the island" and do things our own way. It's like throwing gas on a fire. Matthew Henry's commentary says, "we give more credit to the reports and representations of sense than to divine revelation; we walk by sight, not by faith." Ouch! If God says it, we need to go for it, and squelch the negativity. We can't "get the band together" and sing the "chorus of complaint"!
3. We need to be "a different kind of man". We need to be fully obedient what the Lord has for us. There's no giant that he can't defeat. The blessing is not found in our strength. It's found in our obedience.
4. If you don't pass the test, you will repeat it. How sad to hear "tomorrow you must turn back into the wilderness..." If that's not motivation enough to be obedient people, I don't know what is. They came out of the wilderness without remembering the greatness of God. When we go through the trials, we MUST remember how God carries us through. We NEED that to pass the tests that are to come.
5. Faith must be rebuilt in humility. After seeing the spies struck dead, and hearing the verdict of their sin, the people were "oops, my bad! ok, let's go get the bad guys!" It doesn't work that way. We've missed God's timing. We can't go out in our own strength. Yes, when we fall we are forgiven, but there is often a need for a time of restoration. I find it interesting that chapter 15 goes back to more instructions about the offering. Restoration comes through steps of obedience that may seem small, but are very important.
What are you standing on the border of today? As you look at the territory that by natural sense seems impenetrable, whose report will you believe? Will you walk in obedience, will you experience the fruit of the faith that has grown in the trial of the past?
Or will you take another lap around the desert?
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
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
8.30.11 "Get Over Yourself"
"Get Over Yourself"
Job 34:1-36:33
2 Corinthians 4:1-12
Psalm 44:1-7
Proverbs 22:10-12
Think of that "impossible" thing God has put on your heart. Why haven't you moved ahead? It's probably some of the same reasons many of us are held back: "I'm not good enough", "There's no way I could do that", "The resources aren't there to accomplish this".... the list can go on.
What is it that keeps us from moving ahead in bold obedience? What keeps us from experiencing supernatural victories on a regular basis? I think that many times it's because we don't live in true acknowledgment of where the victory comes from. Of course, we know it as a Sunday School answer: our help comes from the Lord, etc..., but knowing it in our heads and putting it into everyday life can be two different things.
Our responses of our lack of ability, resources and the like reveal something about our belief process. If we respond this way, we must believe deep down that victory comes from us. We must think that what God wants to accomplish is because of our skill, value, etc. (Time to take the daily, "It's not about you." pill) If we truly believed in the truth of where victory was, we would be more faithful in stepping out in faith and obedience.
Psalm 44:1 says, "O God, we have heard of the glorious miracles you did in the days of long ago." Have you been there? Have you heard awesome testimonies, or seen what God has done or is doing and wanted so bad to be a part of that?
verse 3 says of the forefathers, "They did not conquer by their own strength and skill, but by your mighty power and because you smiled upon them and favored them." verse 5: "For it is only by your power and through your name that we tread down our enemies;" We need to remind ourselves of this consistently. We need the power of God. We need to understand and walk in His presence. that is the only source of strength and victory. Yes, it's a Sunday School answer, but why don't we walk in this in reality?
We need to daily acknowledge Psalm 44:6 "I do not trust my weapons. They could never save me." We need to live lives of desperate dependence. If we were to rest only on His strength, we would be quick to respond to his leading and experience victory as never before.
The presence of God is a valuable commodity. 2 Corinthians 4:7 says, "But his precious treasure - this light and power that now shine within us - is held in a perishable container, that is, in our weak bodies. Everyone can see that the glorious power within must be from God and is not our own."
Yes, "i'm not good enough." That's the point. The point is that the Almighty God, Creator of the universe, wants to complete his plan and his purpose in someone as simple and as frail as me. He's just waiting for me to "get over myself" and the insecurities, and move in His power and not my own.
Spend the day trusting in his power to save you. Rest in his strength. See what waters part. See what walls fall down. See what enemies scatter.
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
Job 34:1-36:33
2 Corinthians 4:1-12
Psalm 44:1-7
Proverbs 22:10-12
Think of that "impossible" thing God has put on your heart. Why haven't you moved ahead? It's probably some of the same reasons many of us are held back: "I'm not good enough", "There's no way I could do that", "The resources aren't there to accomplish this".... the list can go on.
What is it that keeps us from moving ahead in bold obedience? What keeps us from experiencing supernatural victories on a regular basis? I think that many times it's because we don't live in true acknowledgment of where the victory comes from. Of course, we know it as a Sunday School answer: our help comes from the Lord, etc..., but knowing it in our heads and putting it into everyday life can be two different things.
Our responses of our lack of ability, resources and the like reveal something about our belief process. If we respond this way, we must believe deep down that victory comes from us. We must think that what God wants to accomplish is because of our skill, value, etc. (Time to take the daily, "It's not about you." pill) If we truly believed in the truth of where victory was, we would be more faithful in stepping out in faith and obedience.
Psalm 44:1 says, "O God, we have heard of the glorious miracles you did in the days of long ago." Have you been there? Have you heard awesome testimonies, or seen what God has done or is doing and wanted so bad to be a part of that?
verse 3 says of the forefathers, "They did not conquer by their own strength and skill, but by your mighty power and because you smiled upon them and favored them." verse 5: "For it is only by your power and through your name that we tread down our enemies;" We need to remind ourselves of this consistently. We need the power of God. We need to understand and walk in His presence. that is the only source of strength and victory. Yes, it's a Sunday School answer, but why don't we walk in this in reality?
We need to daily acknowledge Psalm 44:6 "I do not trust my weapons. They could never save me." We need to live lives of desperate dependence. If we were to rest only on His strength, we would be quick to respond to his leading and experience victory as never before.
The presence of God is a valuable commodity. 2 Corinthians 4:7 says, "But his precious treasure - this light and power that now shine within us - is held in a perishable container, that is, in our weak bodies. Everyone can see that the glorious power within must be from God and is not our own."
Yes, "i'm not good enough." That's the point. The point is that the Almighty God, Creator of the universe, wants to complete his plan and his purpose in someone as simple and as frail as me. He's just waiting for me to "get over myself" and the insecurities, and move in His power and not my own.
Spend the day trusting in his power to save you. Rest in his strength. See what waters part. See what walls fall down. See what enemies scatter.
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
Sunday, May 1, 2011
5.1.11 "In Security or Insecurity?"
"In Security or Insecurity?"
Judges 13:1-14:20
John 1:29-51
Psalm 102:1-28
Proverbs 14:15-16
Do you like to feel safe? Have you ever climbed a ladder that you were unsure about? One of those old wooden ones that was cracked and creaking? I remember as a kid walking across one of those swinging bridges over a gorge in Illinois. It was like the ones in the movies. It was made out of rope and had a few missing boards. I kind of enjoyed it, but I remember some of my relatives just wouldn't cross it. Too scary.
Everyone has some things that they're a little unsure of. Some don't trust airplanes. Those of you who have been in a car with my wife while driving over a bridge know that she's not too sure we're going to live through the event (each and every time... even though we've been over the same bridge MANY times...). Therefore, no talking, both hands on the wheel... It's a life and death adventure every time. It's quite the trip, let me tell you...
We are created with an desire to be safe; a desire to be secure. We live in a society filled with insecurity. Fear is all around us. It can be large-scale fear (global warming, terrorism, financial doom) or it can be very personal things (fear of rejection, insecurity about looks, weight, etc). Living with insecurity can be debilitating. It can paralyze.
Psalm 102:27-28 says, "But you are always the same; you will live forever. The children of your people will live in security. Their children's children will thrive in your presence."
We can live in security when we trust in the Lord. When we are consumed by our insecurities, it shows that we are not trusting the Lord. Verse 25 says, "Long ago you laid the foundation of the earth and made the heavens with your hands." Do you think there's anything that catches God by surprise? We need to rest in his presence, knowing that he is in control.
In John 1, Jesus has disciples joining him. One named Nathanael was "recruited" by his brother Philip. When Jesus sees Nathanael for the first time, he says, "'Now here is a genuine son of Israel - a man of complete integrity.' 'How do you know about me?' Nathanael asked. Jesus replied, 'I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you.'" (John 1:47-48)
Though this may seem like such an incidental portion of scripture, it assures us of one thing. God sees us. He knows us. He knows our insecurities. He knows our weaknesses. Our faults do not excuse a lack of trust in him. Because I may hate my hair or my nose doesn't mean I have an excuse to be insecure. The truth is, I need to accept who he's made me to be and live in security instead of being in bondage to insecurity.
We have assurance that God is in control. He knows about the state of the world. He knows about our secret fears. When we dwell in his presence, He will calmly assure us of his great mercy and love which is without end.
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
Judges 13:1-14:20
John 1:29-51
Psalm 102:1-28
Proverbs 14:15-16
Do you like to feel safe? Have you ever climbed a ladder that you were unsure about? One of those old wooden ones that was cracked and creaking? I remember as a kid walking across one of those swinging bridges over a gorge in Illinois. It was like the ones in the movies. It was made out of rope and had a few missing boards. I kind of enjoyed it, but I remember some of my relatives just wouldn't cross it. Too scary.
Everyone has some things that they're a little unsure of. Some don't trust airplanes. Those of you who have been in a car with my wife while driving over a bridge know that she's not too sure we're going to live through the event (each and every time... even though we've been over the same bridge MANY times...). Therefore, no talking, both hands on the wheel... It's a life and death adventure every time. It's quite the trip, let me tell you...
We are created with an desire to be safe; a desire to be secure. We live in a society filled with insecurity. Fear is all around us. It can be large-scale fear (global warming, terrorism, financial doom) or it can be very personal things (fear of rejection, insecurity about looks, weight, etc). Living with insecurity can be debilitating. It can paralyze.
Psalm 102:27-28 says, "But you are always the same; you will live forever. The children of your people will live in security. Their children's children will thrive in your presence."
We can live in security when we trust in the Lord. When we are consumed by our insecurities, it shows that we are not trusting the Lord. Verse 25 says, "Long ago you laid the foundation of the earth and made the heavens with your hands." Do you think there's anything that catches God by surprise? We need to rest in his presence, knowing that he is in control.
In John 1, Jesus has disciples joining him. One named Nathanael was "recruited" by his brother Philip. When Jesus sees Nathanael for the first time, he says, "'Now here is a genuine son of Israel - a man of complete integrity.' 'How do you know about me?' Nathanael asked. Jesus replied, 'I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you.'" (John 1:47-48)
Though this may seem like such an incidental portion of scripture, it assures us of one thing. God sees us. He knows us. He knows our insecurities. He knows our weaknesses. Our faults do not excuse a lack of trust in him. Because I may hate my hair or my nose doesn't mean I have an excuse to be insecure. The truth is, I need to accept who he's made me to be and live in security instead of being in bondage to insecurity.
We have assurance that God is in control. He knows about the state of the world. He knows about our secret fears. When we dwell in his presence, He will calmly assure us of his great mercy and love which is without end.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Saturday, September 11, 2010
9.11.10 "Your Weakness is your Greatest Strength"
"Your Weakness is your Greatest Strength"
Isaiah 8:1-9:21
2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Psalm 55:1-23
Proverbs 23:4-5
God's ways are not our ways. The way He thinks goes against what comes natural for us. Across the walls of the weight room in my high school were the words "Bigger! Faster! Stronger!" This is the focus in athletics. I think that we've got it in our heads that's what God is looking for. That's not true.
God is looking for people who will make themselves available the way they are. What paralyzes us from diving in to radical obedience? Usually it's some form of concern about an area of insecurity. Usually the phrase "I'm not good enough" shows up somewhere in the thought process. We need to aggressively recognize that as a thought that is not of God. It is a prideful thought. "What?? pride?? How can insecurity be pride?" Well, think about it: If you're not "good enough" to accomplish something for God, what does it mean when you do accomplish something? It must mean that you're "good enough", That there's something about you that made this great thing happen. That's how pride and insecurity are so closely linked.
We need to stop being so limited by weakness, and embrace the fact that God desires to use us in our weakness to make His name great. In 2 Corinthians 12:5, Paul says, "I am going to boast only about how weak I am and how great God is to use such weakness for his glory."
What credit is it to God when you are able to do something in your own strength? His plan for your life is filled with supernatural promise. The only thing missing is for you to get out of the way and let Him do his thing.
So what about this weakness? Paul referred to a 'thorn' in the flesh. A sickness as his weakness. He asked God repeatedly to take it away.
2 Cor. 12:9-10 "Each time he said, 'No. But I am with you; that is all you need. My power shows up best in weak people.' Now I am glad to boast about how weak I am; I am glad to be a living demonstration of Christ's power, instead of showing off my own power and abilities. Since I know it is all for "Christ's good, I am quite happy about 'the thorn,' and about insults and hardships, and persecutions and difficulties; for when I am weak, then I am strong - the less I have, the more I depend on him."
We're filled with such fear that others will see our weaknesses... that we will be vulnerable and exposed. We're held captive by this fear. Our reading today from Isaiah 8:13 says, "Don't fear anything except the Lord of the armies of heaven! If you fear him, you need fear nothing else." Imagine the freedom of not worrying about what others think of us. Imagine the freedom of stepping out in faith toward the plans the Lord has laid out.
We get so worried about image. "What will people think?" is such a paralyzing force in the life of the modern day believer. The only thing we should be worried about is carrying out God's orders.
Paul makes an interesting statement in verse 6. "I have plenty to boast about and would be no fool in doing it, but I don't want anyone to think more highly of me than he should from what he can actually see from my life and my message." People often get in the trap of "spinning" their image. They talk about the "glory years" what they could do back then or how they could throw a steak and hit Napoleon on his bike... (inside joke for some) But it's not what we say we "could" do. It's what we do that tells the story.
The spiritual principle of Active Ministry Involvement is Responsibility. We need to fear God, because we have a responsibility to offer him all we have, including our weakness. In failing to do this, we are not being good stewards of the resources He's given us. We are not fulfilling our Responsibility.
The sign on the weight room of our heart needs to say, "Available! Ready! Obedient!" Don't limit yourself from your potential of what God has. In doing so, you're missing the point. It's in your weakness you are made strong. We need to be dependent on him. That can only come if we don't have much to depend on in our flesh.
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 8:1-9:21
2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Psalm 55:1-23
Proverbs 23:4-5
God's ways are not our ways. The way He thinks goes against what comes natural for us. Across the walls of the weight room in my high school were the words "Bigger! Faster! Stronger!" This is the focus in athletics. I think that we've got it in our heads that's what God is looking for. That's not true.
God is looking for people who will make themselves available the way they are. What paralyzes us from diving in to radical obedience? Usually it's some form of concern about an area of insecurity. Usually the phrase "I'm not good enough" shows up somewhere in the thought process. We need to aggressively recognize that as a thought that is not of God. It is a prideful thought. "What?? pride?? How can insecurity be pride?" Well, think about it: If you're not "good enough" to accomplish something for God, what does it mean when you do accomplish something? It must mean that you're "good enough", That there's something about you that made this great thing happen. That's how pride and insecurity are so closely linked.
We need to stop being so limited by weakness, and embrace the fact that God desires to use us in our weakness to make His name great. In 2 Corinthians 12:5, Paul says, "I am going to boast only about how weak I am and how great God is to use such weakness for his glory."
What credit is it to God when you are able to do something in your own strength? His plan for your life is filled with supernatural promise. The only thing missing is for you to get out of the way and let Him do his thing.
So what about this weakness? Paul referred to a 'thorn' in the flesh. A sickness as his weakness. He asked God repeatedly to take it away.
2 Cor. 12:9-10 "Each time he said, 'No. But I am with you; that is all you need. My power shows up best in weak people.' Now I am glad to boast about how weak I am; I am glad to be a living demonstration of Christ's power, instead of showing off my own power and abilities. Since I know it is all for "Christ's good, I am quite happy about 'the thorn,' and about insults and hardships, and persecutions and difficulties; for when I am weak, then I am strong - the less I have, the more I depend on him."
We're filled with such fear that others will see our weaknesses... that we will be vulnerable and exposed. We're held captive by this fear. Our reading today from Isaiah 8:13 says, "Don't fear anything except the Lord of the armies of heaven! If you fear him, you need fear nothing else." Imagine the freedom of not worrying about what others think of us. Imagine the freedom of stepping out in faith toward the plans the Lord has laid out.
We get so worried about image. "What will people think?" is such a paralyzing force in the life of the modern day believer. The only thing we should be worried about is carrying out God's orders.
Paul makes an interesting statement in verse 6. "I have plenty to boast about and would be no fool in doing it, but I don't want anyone to think more highly of me than he should from what he can actually see from my life and my message." People often get in the trap of "spinning" their image. They talk about the "glory years" what they could do back then or how they could throw a steak and hit Napoleon on his bike... (inside joke for some) But it's not what we say we "could" do. It's what we do that tells the story.
The spiritual principle of Active Ministry Involvement is Responsibility. We need to fear God, because we have a responsibility to offer him all we have, including our weakness. In failing to do this, we are not being good stewards of the resources He's given us. We are not fulfilling our Responsibility.
The sign on the weight room of our heart needs to say, "Available! Ready! Obedient!" Don't limit yourself from your potential of what God has. In doing so, you're missing the point. It's in your weakness you are made strong. We need to be dependent on him. That can only come if we don't have much to depend on in our flesh.
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
Saturday, May 1, 2010
5.1.10 "In Security or Insecurity?"
"In Security or Insecurity?"
Judges 13:1-14:20
John 1:29-51
Psalm 102:1-28
Proverbs 14:15-16
Do you like to feel safe? Have you ever climbed a ladder that you were unsure about? One of those old wooden ones that was cracked and creaking? I remember as a kid walking across one of those swinging bridges over a gorge in Illinois. It was like the ones in the movies. It was made out of rope and had a few missing boards. I kind of enjoyed it, but I remember some of my relatives just wouldn't cross it. Too scary.
Everyone has some things that they're a little unsure of. Some don't trust airplanes. Those of you who have been in a car with my wife while driving over a bridge know that she's not too sure we're going to live through the event (each and every time... even thought we've been over the same bridge MANY times...). Therefore, no talking, both hands on the wheel... It's a life and death adventure every time. It's quite the trip, let me tell you...
We are created with an desire to be safe; a desire to be secure. We live in a society filled with insecurity. Fear is all around us. It can be large-scale fear (global warming, terrorism, financial doom) or it can be very personal things (fear of rejection, insecurity about looks, weight, etc). Living with insecurity can be debilitating. It can paralyze.
Psalm 102:27-28 says, "But you are always the same; you will live forever. The children of your people will live in security. Their children's children will thrive in your presence."
We can live in security when we trust in the Lord. When we are consumed by our insecurities, it shows that we are not trusting the Lord. Verse 25 says, "Long ago you laid the foundation of the earth and made the heavens with your hands." Do you think there's anything that catches God by surprise? We need to rest in his presence, knowing that he is in control.
In John 1, Jesus has disciples joining him. One named Nathanael was "recruited" by his brother Philip. When Jesus sees Nathanael for the first time, he says, "'Now here is a genuine son of Israel - a man of complete integrity.' 'How do you know about me?' Nathanael asked. Jesus replied, 'I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you.'" (John 1:47-48)
Though this may seem like such an incidental portion of scripture, it assures us of one thing. God sees us. He knows us. He knows our insecurities. He knows our weaknesses. Our faults do not excuse a lack of trust in him. Because I may hate my hair or my nose doesn't mean I have an excuse to be insecure. The truth is, I need to accept who he's made me to be and live in security instead of being in bondage to insecurity.
We have assurance that God is in control. He knows about the state of the world. He knows about our secret fears. When we dwell in his presence, He will calmly assure us of his great mercy and love which is without end.
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 13:1-14:20
John 1:29-51
Psalm 102:1-28
Proverbs 14:15-16
Do you like to feel safe? Have you ever climbed a ladder that you were unsure about? One of those old wooden ones that was cracked and creaking? I remember as a kid walking across one of those swinging bridges over a gorge in Illinois. It was like the ones in the movies. It was made out of rope and had a few missing boards. I kind of enjoyed it, but I remember some of my relatives just wouldn't cross it. Too scary.
Everyone has some things that they're a little unsure of. Some don't trust airplanes. Those of you who have been in a car with my wife while driving over a bridge know that she's not too sure we're going to live through the event (each and every time... even thought we've been over the same bridge MANY times...). Therefore, no talking, both hands on the wheel... It's a life and death adventure every time. It's quite the trip, let me tell you...
We are created with an desire to be safe; a desire to be secure. We live in a society filled with insecurity. Fear is all around us. It can be large-scale fear (global warming, terrorism, financial doom) or it can be very personal things (fear of rejection, insecurity about looks, weight, etc). Living with insecurity can be debilitating. It can paralyze.
Psalm 102:27-28 says, "But you are always the same; you will live forever. The children of your people will live in security. Their children's children will thrive in your presence."
We can live in security when we trust in the Lord. When we are consumed by our insecurities, it shows that we are not trusting the Lord. Verse 25 says, "Long ago you laid the foundation of the earth and made the heavens with your hands." Do you think there's anything that catches God by surprise? We need to rest in his presence, knowing that he is in control.
In John 1, Jesus has disciples joining him. One named Nathanael was "recruited" by his brother Philip. When Jesus sees Nathanael for the first time, he says, "'Now here is a genuine son of Israel - a man of complete integrity.' 'How do you know about me?' Nathanael asked. Jesus replied, 'I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you.'" (John 1:47-48)
Though this may seem like such an incidental portion of scripture, it assures us of one thing. God sees us. He knows us. He knows our insecurities. He knows our weaknesses. Our faults do not excuse a lack of trust in him. Because I may hate my hair or my nose doesn't mean I have an excuse to be insecure. The truth is, I need to accept who he's made me to be and live in security instead of being in bondage to insecurity.
We have assurance that God is in control. He knows about the state of the world. He knows about our secret fears. When we dwell in his presence, He will calmly assure us of his great mercy and love which is without end.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Sunday, March 28, 2010
3.28.10 "You're Not Good Enough!"
"You're Not Good Enough!"
Deuteronomy 9:1-10:22
Luke 8:4-21
Psalm 69:19-36
Proverbs 12:2-3
Have you been in a situation where you've felt ill-equipped? It can be paralyzing. It may be that you see a need, but you know it's beyond you to meet it, or you know there's others who can do it better, or maybe it's something you've been assigned to do but the task is just too indimidating.
I've told this story several times, so forgive me if you've heard it before, but for me it was a significant moment in my life. I hadn't been on staff as the music pastor for long, and the worship leader was gone so I filled in to lead worship. Another piano player then played for me. We are now very good friends, but at that time I didn't know him very well. I had heard what a great player he was, but I was not prepared for what I heard. He was incredible!
I'll never forget that moment. I could go stand right where I was when this happened. It was during rehearsal, and as he was playing, and we were all singing, I was thinking, "I'll never be that good!". My thought process was one of feeling sorry for myself. I started thinking, "Why am I even in this job? I could never play like that!" I prayed, "Lord, why am I here, I'm not good enough!"
There aren't too many times in my life that the Lord has spoken to me in a way that I could actually quote him later, but this was definitely one of them! He said, "You're right! You will never be that good! But you are the one I've chosen!"
The thought "I'll never be that good!" kept cycling through my mind, but with a different tone. It was a tone of freedom. There was a revelation that how good I am is IRRELEVANT to what God had called me to if I am in a place he has assigned me.
In Deut. 9:1 Moses is speaking to Israel. "O Israel, listen! Today you are to cross the Jordan River and begin to dispossess the nations on the other side. Those nations are much greater and more powerful than you are!"
How's that for a pep-talk? How'd you like your coach to say, "alright let's go beat this team... They're a lot better than you!"
So often in our culture we are so concerned about self-esteem. Self-confidence is something that we highly value. A major reason for that is we errantly attach worth to ability. We don't understand that worth and ability are not connected. Value must come from an understanding of our Creator, and who he has made us to be, not from how we've "performed".
But since we don't understand that, we make a few mistakes. For one, we only step out in things we know we can accomplish. If God calls us to do something, we stop in our tracks because it's beyond our ability.
Another mistake is that we build false confidence in the flesh. "I'm not good enough..." "Oh yes you are! You're great! You're the best! Get out there and do it! Rah! Rah!" Because we've built the confidence in the flesh, we do go out there and some times fail, and then are hurt so we're never willing to do it again.
Now I'm not saying that we need to be brutal with one another, "Yeah, I'm thinking your low self-esteem is just good common sense!" If that's what you're getting from all this, you're missing the point! What it's taking me a LONG time to say is this: OBEDIENCE is not related to ability! In fact, God more often than not chooses to use the most "unlikely" people to do great things.
You may have experienced this at some level. God has done something great through you as a result of you stepping out in obedience. The irony of it all is, that we have to be careful on the other side, as well.
"Then, when the Lord has done this for you, don't say to yourselves, 'The Lord has helped us because we are so good!'" (v.4) We have to be careful that we don't allow God's faithfulness to us to become a pride issue. I can't stick my tongue out at my friend and say, "Nah, Nah! You can play better, but God picked me!"
Pride and insecurity are very similar! They are both self-focussed. They bring the attention away from God. I need to realize, "I am not Good Enough!" However, it's important that I only realize that to the point of FREEDOM, and not to the point of BONDAGE. If it's a point of paralysis, then I am not trusting God.
Deut. 10:12-13 puts it into perspective. "And now, Israel, what does the Lord you God require of you except to listen carefully to all he says to you, and to obey for your own good the commandments I am giving you today, and to love him, and to worship him with all you hearts and soul?"
That's all we need to worry about. Just love the Lord and walk in obedience.
God will never call us to do something without equipping us to accomplish it. However, He will always call us to accomplish more than we can in our own strength. That's how is name is made great among the people!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Deuteronomy 9:1-10:22
Luke 8:4-21
Psalm 69:19-36
Proverbs 12:2-3
Have you been in a situation where you've felt ill-equipped? It can be paralyzing. It may be that you see a need, but you know it's beyond you to meet it, or you know there's others who can do it better, or maybe it's something you've been assigned to do but the task is just too indimidating.
I've told this story several times, so forgive me if you've heard it before, but for me it was a significant moment in my life. I hadn't been on staff as the music pastor for long, and the worship leader was gone so I filled in to lead worship. Another piano player then played for me. We are now very good friends, but at that time I didn't know him very well. I had heard what a great player he was, but I was not prepared for what I heard. He was incredible!
I'll never forget that moment. I could go stand right where I was when this happened. It was during rehearsal, and as he was playing, and we were all singing, I was thinking, "I'll never be that good!". My thought process was one of feeling sorry for myself. I started thinking, "Why am I even in this job? I could never play like that!" I prayed, "Lord, why am I here, I'm not good enough!"
There aren't too many times in my life that the Lord has spoken to me in a way that I could actually quote him later, but this was definitely one of them! He said, "You're right! You will never be that good! But you are the one I've chosen!"
The thought "I'll never be that good!" kept cycling through my mind, but with a different tone. It was a tone of freedom. There was a revelation that how good I am is IRRELEVANT to what God had called me to if I am in a place he has assigned me.
In Deut. 9:1 Moses is speaking to Israel. "O Israel, listen! Today you are to cross the Jordan River and begin to dispossess the nations on the other side. Those nations are much greater and more powerful than you are!"
How's that for a pep-talk? How'd you like your coach to say, "alright let's go beat this team... They're a lot better than you!"
So often in our culture we are so concerned about self-esteem. Self-confidence is something that we highly value. A major reason for that is we errantly attach worth to ability. We don't understand that worth and ability are not connected. Value must come from an understanding of our Creator, and who he has made us to be, not from how we've "performed".
But since we don't understand that, we make a few mistakes. For one, we only step out in things we know we can accomplish. If God calls us to do something, we stop in our tracks because it's beyond our ability.
Another mistake is that we build false confidence in the flesh. "I'm not good enough..." "Oh yes you are! You're great! You're the best! Get out there and do it! Rah! Rah!" Because we've built the confidence in the flesh, we do go out there and some times fail, and then are hurt so we're never willing to do it again.
Now I'm not saying that we need to be brutal with one another, "Yeah, I'm thinking your low self-esteem is just good common sense!" If that's what you're getting from all this, you're missing the point! What it's taking me a LONG time to say is this: OBEDIENCE is not related to ability! In fact, God more often than not chooses to use the most "unlikely" people to do great things.
You may have experienced this at some level. God has done something great through you as a result of you stepping out in obedience. The irony of it all is, that we have to be careful on the other side, as well.
"Then, when the Lord has done this for you, don't say to yourselves, 'The Lord has helped us because we are so good!'" (v.4) We have to be careful that we don't allow God's faithfulness to us to become a pride issue. I can't stick my tongue out at my friend and say, "Nah, Nah! You can play better, but God picked me!"
Pride and insecurity are very similar! They are both self-focussed. They bring the attention away from God. I need to realize, "I am not Good Enough!" However, it's important that I only realize that to the point of FREEDOM, and not to the point of BONDAGE. If it's a point of paralysis, then I am not trusting God.
Deut. 10:12-13 puts it into perspective. "And now, Israel, what does the Lord you God require of you except to listen carefully to all he says to you, and to obey for your own good the commandments I am giving you today, and to love him, and to worship him with all you hearts and soul?"
That's all we need to worry about. Just love the Lord and walk in obedience.
God will never call us to do something without equipping us to accomplish it. However, He will always call us to accomplish more than we can in our own strength. That's how is name is made great among the people!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Sunday, December 13, 2009
12.13.9 "The Trap"
"The Trap"
Obadiah 1:1-21
Revelation 4:1-11
Psalm 132:1-18
Proverbs 29:24-25
If you had to pinpoint one of the main things that keeps one from living a life of radical obedience, what would it be? What keeps you from boldly doing what God has called you to do?
I'd have to guess that most of the time it's the fear of what people think. Prov. 29:25 says, "Fear of man is a dangerous trap, but to trust in God means safety."
What is so dangerous about the trap of fear of man? It is a subtle lure into the Mediocre Christian Life. Scripture says that God is looking for anyone through whom to make his name great. Many times, though, we hear God leading us, but we reason it out in our mind. "You don't want me to speak to that one, God, they'll think I'm weird..." This fear of rejection causes us to miss an opportunity to make His name great.
In all actuality, the fear of man leads to a "victim" mentality. We ultimately are motivated by what others may or may not "do" to us. Therefore we measure our success and failure by what man may think.
Trusting in God is a different story. When trusting in God, the results are totally different. The only question we have to answer is: Was I obedient? The results may vary. In tomorrow's One-Year-Bible reading we read about Jonah. There's a story of obedience and disobedience. Sure there are times when obedience may cause us to "drop in the polls" of man's opinion, but there is safety in knowing we are right with God.
One thing you notice from a believer who lives a life of radical obedience: The truly obedient believer gains favor with God AND man. The life of obedience is marked with humility. Humility is NOT a "low self-esteem". Humility is proper understanding of who we are in Christ. It's not an "I'm not good enough" attitude, it's an "I can do all things through Christ attitude."
What safety there is in trusting God. We know that all we have to worry about is walking in obedience to him. The rest will all fall into place. This makes the Lifestyle of Worship Dynamic!
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
Obadiah 1:1-21
Revelation 4:1-11
Psalm 132:1-18
Proverbs 29:24-25
If you had to pinpoint one of the main things that keeps one from living a life of radical obedience, what would it be? What keeps you from boldly doing what God has called you to do?
I'd have to guess that most of the time it's the fear of what people think. Prov. 29:25 says, "Fear of man is a dangerous trap, but to trust in God means safety."
What is so dangerous about the trap of fear of man? It is a subtle lure into the Mediocre Christian Life. Scripture says that God is looking for anyone through whom to make his name great. Many times, though, we hear God leading us, but we reason it out in our mind. "You don't want me to speak to that one, God, they'll think I'm weird..." This fear of rejection causes us to miss an opportunity to make His name great.
In all actuality, the fear of man leads to a "victim" mentality. We ultimately are motivated by what others may or may not "do" to us. Therefore we measure our success and failure by what man may think.
Trusting in God is a different story. When trusting in God, the results are totally different. The only question we have to answer is: Was I obedient? The results may vary. In tomorrow's One-Year-Bible reading we read about Jonah. There's a story of obedience and disobedience. Sure there are times when obedience may cause us to "drop in the polls" of man's opinion, but there is safety in knowing we are right with God.
One thing you notice from a believer who lives a life of radical obedience: The truly obedient believer gains favor with God AND man. The life of obedience is marked with humility. Humility is NOT a "low self-esteem". Humility is proper understanding of who we are in Christ. It's not an "I'm not good enough" attitude, it's an "I can do all things through Christ attitude."
What safety there is in trusting God. We know that all we have to worry about is walking in obedience to him. The rest will all fall into place. This makes the Lifestyle of Worship Dynamic!
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, June 21, 2009
6.21.9 "He knows what He's doing!"
"He knows what He's doing!"
2 Kings 1:1-2:25
Acts 13:42-14:7
Psalm 139:1-24
Proverbs 17:19-21
My encouragement today is: READ PSALM 139!
Do you know that God knew what He was doing when he made you the way He made you?
In Sunday School mode, we all nod our heads, and agree to the first part, but when it gets to "the way he made you" we get hung up a little bit. We think, "Oh, I know God made me, but my personality quirks, my imperfections, my lack of talent..." Somehow we begin to lose sight of this divine plan.
Do you ever get frustrated with yourself? The way you get frustrated with yourself can be all over the map, but I'm thinking more in terms of frustrated with yourself for the way you were made. Do you wish that you were someone else? in looks, in knowledge, even in experience?
Ps 139:13-16 "You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body, and knit them together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! It is amazing to think about. Your workmanship is marvelous -- and how well I know it. You were there while I was being formed in utter seclusion! You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your Book!"
Go beyond the surface reading of this text. REALLY think about it. Do you believe it? Do you REALLY?
So many times the body of Christ is paralyzed because of this very issue. We become trapped by insecurity. We are self-conscious. We make a huge deal of our imperfections. Do you know what this really is? It is questioning God's workmanship.
For some reason we think that's ok. Somehow in our simple minds we equate this critical review of God's workmanship as humility. It's not humility, it's pride. WHAT??? How can thinking bad about myself be PRIDE?? It's pride because you are thinking about yourself instead of the Workman who created you.
When I was in Jr Hi & High school, I really struggled with insecurity (and like everyone else, i still do) the summer before my Senior year, I found myself at an altar repenting for the pride of my insecurity. In my senior year, God used me more than any other year to reach those around me.
To Live the DREAM, we must gain a healthy understanding of this. Balance can only be found when the focus is in the proper place. This is not pride in yourself for who you are, but pride in your Creator who made you so unique. "Your workmanship is marvelous -- and how well I know it."
You are a specialized tool to be used for completing his work! How many times to we want to stay in the "tool box" until we feel our tool looks like someone else's? How many times do we refuse to be used because we're sure that's not what this tool is for?
God desires SO much for you to be who He has created you to be! "How precious it is Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly! I can't even count how many times a day your thoughts turn towards me. And when I waken in the morning, you are still thinking of me!" 139:17-18
Oh that we would get this!!! I was talking with a couple and I just think the world of them. They've got awesome personalities, and great sense of humor. One of them said something that blew me out of the water. "I don't really have friends because what do I have to offer? Who would want to be with me?" I felt such sadness as I looked at one of God's precious creations feeling so isolated because of insecurity.
Imagine what God thinks when we say that? Can you imagine His disappointment when He reaches in to the tool box only to find the tool unavailable because the tool doesn't like the way it's made? Now make it more personal. You're his child. Can you understand how that can feel to a Loving God who thinks about you day and night?
"This is too glorious, too wonderful to believe! I can NEVER be lost to your Spirit! I can never get away from my God!" 139: 6-7 He is constantly with you, and as you let him, constantly working in you, for the purpose of working through you.
How about letting him purify your thoughts today, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test my thoughts. Point out anything you find in me that makes you sad, and lead me along the path of everlasting life." 139:23-24
He made you. The workings of your mind and the personality you have was his workmanship. All the pieces are there for him to use for his glory. Oh, he's not finished with you, so there needs to be some refinement, but all the pieces are there.
Can you pray this today: "Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!" Pray it from your heart.
You will be amazed at how this change in focus begins to bring a new element of godly balance into 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
2 Kings 1:1-2:25
Acts 13:42-14:7
Psalm 139:1-24
Proverbs 17:19-21
My encouragement today is: READ PSALM 139!
Do you know that God knew what He was doing when he made you the way He made you?
In Sunday School mode, we all nod our heads, and agree to the first part, but when it gets to "the way he made you" we get hung up a little bit. We think, "Oh, I know God made me, but my personality quirks, my imperfections, my lack of talent..." Somehow we begin to lose sight of this divine plan.
Do you ever get frustrated with yourself? The way you get frustrated with yourself can be all over the map, but I'm thinking more in terms of frustrated with yourself for the way you were made. Do you wish that you were someone else? in looks, in knowledge, even in experience?
Ps 139:13-16 "You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body, and knit them together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! It is amazing to think about. Your workmanship is marvelous -- and how well I know it. You were there while I was being formed in utter seclusion! You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your Book!"
Go beyond the surface reading of this text. REALLY think about it. Do you believe it? Do you REALLY?
So many times the body of Christ is paralyzed because of this very issue. We become trapped by insecurity. We are self-conscious. We make a huge deal of our imperfections. Do you know what this really is? It is questioning God's workmanship.
For some reason we think that's ok. Somehow in our simple minds we equate this critical review of God's workmanship as humility. It's not humility, it's pride. WHAT??? How can thinking bad about myself be PRIDE?? It's pride because you are thinking about yourself instead of the Workman who created you.
When I was in Jr Hi & High school, I really struggled with insecurity (and like everyone else, i still do) the summer before my Senior year, I found myself at an altar repenting for the pride of my insecurity. In my senior year, God used me more than any other year to reach those around me.
To Live the DREAM, we must gain a healthy understanding of this. Balance can only be found when the focus is in the proper place. This is not pride in yourself for who you are, but pride in your Creator who made you so unique. "Your workmanship is marvelous -- and how well I know it."
You are a specialized tool to be used for completing his work! How many times to we want to stay in the "tool box" until we feel our tool looks like someone else's? How many times do we refuse to be used because we're sure that's not what this tool is for?
God desires SO much for you to be who He has created you to be! "How precious it is Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly! I can't even count how many times a day your thoughts turn towards me. And when I waken in the morning, you are still thinking of me!" 139:17-18
Oh that we would get this!!! I was talking with a couple and I just think the world of them. They've got awesome personalities, and great sense of humor. One of them said something that blew me out of the water. "I don't really have friends because what do I have to offer? Who would want to be with me?" I felt such sadness as I looked at one of God's precious creations feeling so isolated because of insecurity.
Imagine what God thinks when we say that? Can you imagine His disappointment when He reaches in to the tool box only to find the tool unavailable because the tool doesn't like the way it's made? Now make it more personal. You're his child. Can you understand how that can feel to a Loving God who thinks about you day and night?
"This is too glorious, too wonderful to believe! I can NEVER be lost to your Spirit! I can never get away from my God!" 139: 6-7 He is constantly with you, and as you let him, constantly working in you, for the purpose of working through you.
How about letting him purify your thoughts today, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test my thoughts. Point out anything you find in me that makes you sad, and lead me along the path of everlasting life." 139:23-24
He made you. The workings of your mind and the personality you have was his workmanship. All the pieces are there for him to use for his glory. Oh, he's not finished with you, so there needs to be some refinement, but all the pieces are there.
Can you pray this today: "Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!" Pray it from your heart.
You will be amazed at how this change in focus begins to bring a new element of godly balance into 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
Friday, May 1, 2009
5.1.9 "In Security or Insecurity?"
"In Security or Insecurity?"
Judges 13:1-14:20
John 1:29-51
Psalm 102:1-28
Proverbs 14:15-16
Do you like to feel safe? Have you ever climbed a ladder that you were unsure about? One of those old wooden ones that was cracked and creaking? I remember as a kid walking across one of those swinging bridges over a gorge in Illinois. It was like the ones in the movies. It was made out of rope and had a few missing boards. I kind of enjoyed it, but I remember some of my relatives just wouldn't cross it. Too scary.
Everyone has some things that they're a little unsure of. Some don't trust airplanes. Those of you who have been in a car with my wife while driving over a bridge know that she's not too sure we're going to live through the event (each and every time... event thought we've been over the same bridge MANY times...). Therefore, no talking, both hands on the wheel... It's a life and death adventure every time. It's quite the trip, let me tell you...
We are created with an desire to be safe; a desire to be secure. We live in a society filled with insecurity. Fear is all around us. It can be large-scale fear (global warming, terrorism, financial doom) or it can be very personal things (fear of rejection, insecurity about looks, weight, etc). Living with insecurity can be debilitating. It can paralyze.
Psalm 102:27-28 says, "But you are always the same; you will live forever. The children of your people will live in security. Their children's children will thrive in your presence."
We can live in security when we trust in the Lord. When we are consumed by our insecurities, it shows that we are not trusting the Lord. Verse 25 says, "Long ago you laid the foundation of the earth and made the heavens with your hands." Do you think there's anything that catches God by surprise? We need to rest in his presence, knowing that he is in control.
In John 1, Jesus has disciples joining him. One named Nathanael was "recruited" by his brother Philip. When Jesus sees Nathanael for the first time, he says, "'Now here is a genuine son of Israel - a man of complete integrity.' 'How do you know about me?' Nathanael asked. Jesus replied, 'I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you.'" (John 1:47-48)
Though this may seem like such an incidental portion of scripture, it assures us of one thing. God sees us. He knows us. He knows our insecurities. He knows our weaknesses. Our faults do not excuse a lack of trust in him. Because I may hate my hair or my nose doesn't mean I have an excuse to be insecure. The truth is, I need to accept who he's made me to be and live in security instead of being in bondage to insecurity.
We have assurance that God is in control. He knows about the state of the world. He knows about our secret fears. When we dwell in his presence, He will calmly assure us of his great mercy and love which is without end.
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 13:1-14:20
John 1:29-51
Psalm 102:1-28
Proverbs 14:15-16
Do you like to feel safe? Have you ever climbed a ladder that you were unsure about? One of those old wooden ones that was cracked and creaking? I remember as a kid walking across one of those swinging bridges over a gorge in Illinois. It was like the ones in the movies. It was made out of rope and had a few missing boards. I kind of enjoyed it, but I remember some of my relatives just wouldn't cross it. Too scary.
Everyone has some things that they're a little unsure of. Some don't trust airplanes. Those of you who have been in a car with my wife while driving over a bridge know that she's not too sure we're going to live through the event (each and every time... event thought we've been over the same bridge MANY times...). Therefore, no talking, both hands on the wheel... It's a life and death adventure every time. It's quite the trip, let me tell you...
We are created with an desire to be safe; a desire to be secure. We live in a society filled with insecurity. Fear is all around us. It can be large-scale fear (global warming, terrorism, financial doom) or it can be very personal things (fear of rejection, insecurity about looks, weight, etc). Living with insecurity can be debilitating. It can paralyze.
Psalm 102:27-28 says, "But you are always the same; you will live forever. The children of your people will live in security. Their children's children will thrive in your presence."
We can live in security when we trust in the Lord. When we are consumed by our insecurities, it shows that we are not trusting the Lord. Verse 25 says, "Long ago you laid the foundation of the earth and made the heavens with your hands." Do you think there's anything that catches God by surprise? We need to rest in his presence, knowing that he is in control.
In John 1, Jesus has disciples joining him. One named Nathanael was "recruited" by his brother Philip. When Jesus sees Nathanael for the first time, he says, "'Now here is a genuine son of Israel - a man of complete integrity.' 'How do you know about me?' Nathanael asked. Jesus replied, 'I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you.'" (John 1:47-48)
Though this may seem like such an incidental portion of scripture, it assures us of one thing. God sees us. He knows us. He knows our insecurities. He knows our weaknesses. Our faults do not excuse a lack of trust in him. Because I may hate my hair or my nose doesn't mean I have an excuse to be insecure. The truth is, I need to accept who he's made me to be and live in security instead of being in bondage to insecurity.
We have assurance that God is in control. He knows about the state of the world. He knows about our secret fears. When we dwell in his presence, He will calmly assure us of his great mercy and love which is without end.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Friday, September 12, 2008
9.11.8 "Your Weakness is your Greatest Strength"
"Your Weakness is your Greatest Strength"
Isaiah 8:1-9:21
2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Psalm 55:1-23
Proverbs 23:4-5
God's ways are not our ways. The way He thinks goes against what comes natural for us. Across the walls of the weight room in my high school were the words "Bigger! Faster! Stronger!" In our minds that's what we think God is looking for. That's not true.
God is looking for people who will make themselves available the way they are. What paralyzes us from diving in to radical obedience? Usually it's some form of concern about an area of insecurity. Usually the phrase "I'm not good enough" shows up somewhere in the thought process. We need to aggressively recognize that as a thought that is not of God. It is a prideful thought. "What?? pride?? How can insecurity be pride?" Well, think about it: If you're not "good enough" to accomplish something for God, what does it mean when you do accomplish something? It must mean that you're "good enough", That there's something about you that made this great thing happen. That's how pride and insecurity are so closely linked.
We need to stop being so limited by weakness, and embrace the fact that God desires to use us in our weakness to make His name great. In 2 Corinthians 12:5, Paul says, "I am going to boast only about how weak I am and how great God is to use such weakness for his glory."
What credit is it to God when you are able to do something in your own strength? His plan for your life is filled with supernatural promise. The only thing missing is for you to get out of the way and let Him do his thing.
So what about this weakness? Paul referred to a 'thorn' in the flesh. A sickness as his weakness. He asked God repeatedly to take it away.
2 Cor. 12:9-10 "Each time he said, 'No. But I am with you; that is all you need. My power shows up best in weak people.' Now I am glad to boast about how weak I am; I am glad to be a living demonstration of Christ's power, instead of showing off my own power and abilities. Since I know it is all for "Christ's good, I am quite happy about 'the thorn,' and about insults and hardships, and persecutions and difficulties; for when I am weak, then I am strong - the less I have, the more I depend on him."
We're filled with such fear that others will see our weaknesses... that we will be vulnerable and exposed. We're held captive by this fear. Our reading today from Isaiah 8:13 says, "Don't fear anything except the Lord of the armies of heaven! If you fear him, you need fear nothing else." Imagine the freedom of not worrying about what others think of us. Imagine the freedom of stepping out in faith toward the plans the Lord has laid out.
We get so worried about image. "What will people think?" is such a paralyzing force in the life of the modern day believer. The only thing we should be worried about is carrying out God's orders.
Paul makes an interesting statement in verse 6. "I have plenty to boast about and would be no fool in doing it, but I don't want anyone to think more highly of me than he should from what he can actually see from my life and my message." People often get in the trap of "spinning" their image. They talk about the "glory years" what they could do back then or how they could throw a steak and hit Napoleon on his bike... (inside joke for some) But it's not what we say we "could" do. It's what we do that tells the story.
The spiritual principle of Active Ministry Involvement is Responsibility. We need to fear God, because we have a responsibility to offer him all we have, including our weakness. In failing to do this, we are not being good stewards of the resources He's given us. We are not fulfilling our Responsibility.
The sign on the wight room of our heart needs to say, "Available! Ready! Obedient!" Don't limit yourself from your potential of what God has. In doing so, you're missing the point. It's in your weakness you are made strong. We need to be dependent on him. That can only come if we don't have much to depend on in our flesh.
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 8:1-9:21
2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Psalm 55:1-23
Proverbs 23:4-5
God's ways are not our ways. The way He thinks goes against what comes natural for us. Across the walls of the weight room in my high school were the words "Bigger! Faster! Stronger!" In our minds that's what we think God is looking for. That's not true.
God is looking for people who will make themselves available the way they are. What paralyzes us from diving in to radical obedience? Usually it's some form of concern about an area of insecurity. Usually the phrase "I'm not good enough" shows up somewhere in the thought process. We need to aggressively recognize that as a thought that is not of God. It is a prideful thought. "What?? pride?? How can insecurity be pride?" Well, think about it: If you're not "good enough" to accomplish something for God, what does it mean when you do accomplish something? It must mean that you're "good enough", That there's something about you that made this great thing happen. That's how pride and insecurity are so closely linked.
We need to stop being so limited by weakness, and embrace the fact that God desires to use us in our weakness to make His name great. In 2 Corinthians 12:5, Paul says, "I am going to boast only about how weak I am and how great God is to use such weakness for his glory."
What credit is it to God when you are able to do something in your own strength? His plan for your life is filled with supernatural promise. The only thing missing is for you to get out of the way and let Him do his thing.
So what about this weakness? Paul referred to a 'thorn' in the flesh. A sickness as his weakness. He asked God repeatedly to take it away.
2 Cor. 12:9-10 "Each time he said, 'No. But I am with you; that is all you need. My power shows up best in weak people.' Now I am glad to boast about how weak I am; I am glad to be a living demonstration of Christ's power, instead of showing off my own power and abilities. Since I know it is all for "Christ's good, I am quite happy about 'the thorn,' and about insults and hardships, and persecutions and difficulties; for when I am weak, then I am strong - the less I have, the more I depend on him."
We're filled with such fear that others will see our weaknesses... that we will be vulnerable and exposed. We're held captive by this fear. Our reading today from Isaiah 8:13 says, "Don't fear anything except the Lord of the armies of heaven! If you fear him, you need fear nothing else." Imagine the freedom of not worrying about what others think of us. Imagine the freedom of stepping out in faith toward the plans the Lord has laid out.
We get so worried about image. "What will people think?" is such a paralyzing force in the life of the modern day believer. The only thing we should be worried about is carrying out God's orders.
Paul makes an interesting statement in verse 6. "I have plenty to boast about and would be no fool in doing it, but I don't want anyone to think more highly of me than he should from what he can actually see from my life and my message." People often get in the trap of "spinning" their image. They talk about the "glory years" what they could do back then or how they could throw a steak and hit Napoleon on his bike... (inside joke for some) But it's not what we say we "could" do. It's what we do that tells the story.
The spiritual principle of Active Ministry Involvement is Responsibility. We need to fear God, because we have a responsibility to offer him all we have, including our weakness. In failing to do this, we are not being good stewards of the resources He's given us. We are not fulfilling our Responsibility.
The sign on the wight room of our heart needs to say, "Available! Ready! Obedient!" Don't limit yourself from your potential of what God has. In doing so, you're missing the point. It's in your weakness you are made strong. We need to be dependent on him. That can only come if we don't have much to depend on in our flesh.
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
Saturday, June 21, 2008
6.21.8 "He knows what He's doing!"
"He knows what He's doing!"
2 Kings 1:1-2:25
Acts 13:42-14:7
Psalm 139:1-24
Proverbs 17:19-21
My encouragement today is: READ PSALM 139!
Do you know that God knew what He was doing when he made you the way He made you?
In Sunday School mode, we all nod our heads, and agree to the first part, but when it gets to "the way he made you" we get hung up a little bit. We think, "Oh, I know God made me, but my personality quirks, my imperfections, my lack of talent..." Somehow we begin to lose sight of this divine plan.
I don't know if you can follow where I'm going with this. Do you ever get frustrated with yourself? The way you get frustrated with yourself can be all over the map, but I'm thinking more in terms of frustrated with yourself for the way you were made. Do you wish that you were someone else? in looks, in knowledge, even in experience?
Ps 139:13-16 "You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body, and knit them together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! It is amazing to think about. Your workmanship is marvelous -- and how well I know it. You were there while I was being formed in utter seclusion! You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your Book!"
Go beyond the surface reading of this text. REALLY think about it. Do you believe it? Do you REALLY?
So many times the body of Christ is paralyzed because of this very issue. We become trapped by insecurity. We are self-conscious. We make a huge deal of our imperfections. Do you know what this really is? It is questioning God's workmanship.
For some reason we think that's ok. Somehow in our simple minds we equate this critical review of God's workmanship as humility. It's not humility, it's pride. WHAT??? How can thinking bad about myself be PRIDE?? It's pride because you are thinking about yourself instead of the Workman who created you.
When I was in Jr Hi & High school, I really struggled with insecurity (and like everyone else, i still do) the summer before my Senior year, I found myself at an altar repenting for the pride of my insecurity. In my senior year, God used me more than any other year to reach those around me.
To Live the DREAM, we must gain a healthy understanding of this. Balance can only be found when the focus is in the proper place. This is not pride in yourself for who you are, but pride in your Creator who made you so unique. "Your workmanship is marvelous -- and how well I know it."
You are a specialized tool to be used for completing his work! How many times to we want to stay in the "tool box" until we feel our tool looks like someone else's? How many times do we refuse to be used because we're sure that's not what this tool is for?
God desires SO much for you to be who He has created you to be! "How precious it is Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly! I can't even count how many times a day your thoughts turn towards me. And when I waken in the morning, you are still thinking of me!" 139:17-18
Oh that we would get this!!! I was talking with a couple of people the other day, and I just think the world of them. They've got awesome personalities, and great sense of humor. One of them said something that blew me out of the water. "I don't really have friends because what do I have to offer? Who would want to be with me?" Don't act so shocked... you've probably said the same thing somewhere at some time.
Imagine what God thinks when we say that? Can you imagine His disappointment when He reaches in to the tool box only to find the tool unavailable because the tool doesn't like the way it's made? Now make it more personal. You're his child. Can you understand how that can feel to a Loving God who thinks about you day and night?
"This is too glorious, too wonderful to believe! I can NEVER be lost to your Spirit! I can never get away from my God!" 139: 6-7 He is constantly with you, and as you let him, constantly working in you, for the purpose of working through you.
How about letting him purify your thoughts today, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test my thoughts. Point out anything you find in me that makes you sad, and lead me along the path of everlasting life." 139:23-24
He made you. the workings of your mind. The personality you have was his workmanship. All the pieces are there for him to use for his glory. Oh, he's not finished with you, so there needs to be some refinement, but all the pieces are there.
Can you pray this today: "Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!" Pray it from your heart.
You will be amazed at how this change in focus begins to bring a new element of godly balance into 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
2 Kings 1:1-2:25
Acts 13:42-14:7
Psalm 139:1-24
Proverbs 17:19-21
My encouragement today is: READ PSALM 139!
Do you know that God knew what He was doing when he made you the way He made you?
In Sunday School mode, we all nod our heads, and agree to the first part, but when it gets to "the way he made you" we get hung up a little bit. We think, "Oh, I know God made me, but my personality quirks, my imperfections, my lack of talent..." Somehow we begin to lose sight of this divine plan.
I don't know if you can follow where I'm going with this. Do you ever get frustrated with yourself? The way you get frustrated with yourself can be all over the map, but I'm thinking more in terms of frustrated with yourself for the way you were made. Do you wish that you were someone else? in looks, in knowledge, even in experience?
Ps 139:13-16 "You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body, and knit them together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! It is amazing to think about. Your workmanship is marvelous -- and how well I know it. You were there while I was being formed in utter seclusion! You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your Book!"
Go beyond the surface reading of this text. REALLY think about it. Do you believe it? Do you REALLY?
So many times the body of Christ is paralyzed because of this very issue. We become trapped by insecurity. We are self-conscious. We make a huge deal of our imperfections. Do you know what this really is? It is questioning God's workmanship.
For some reason we think that's ok. Somehow in our simple minds we equate this critical review of God's workmanship as humility. It's not humility, it's pride. WHAT??? How can thinking bad about myself be PRIDE?? It's pride because you are thinking about yourself instead of the Workman who created you.
When I was in Jr Hi & High school, I really struggled with insecurity (and like everyone else, i still do) the summer before my Senior year, I found myself at an altar repenting for the pride of my insecurity. In my senior year, God used me more than any other year to reach those around me.
To Live the DREAM, we must gain a healthy understanding of this. Balance can only be found when the focus is in the proper place. This is not pride in yourself for who you are, but pride in your Creator who made you so unique. "Your workmanship is marvelous -- and how well I know it."
You are a specialized tool to be used for completing his work! How many times to we want to stay in the "tool box" until we feel our tool looks like someone else's? How many times do we refuse to be used because we're sure that's not what this tool is for?
God desires SO much for you to be who He has created you to be! "How precious it is Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly! I can't even count how many times a day your thoughts turn towards me. And when I waken in the morning, you are still thinking of me!" 139:17-18
Oh that we would get this!!! I was talking with a couple of people the other day, and I just think the world of them. They've got awesome personalities, and great sense of humor. One of them said something that blew me out of the water. "I don't really have friends because what do I have to offer? Who would want to be with me?" Don't act so shocked... you've probably said the same thing somewhere at some time.
Imagine what God thinks when we say that? Can you imagine His disappointment when He reaches in to the tool box only to find the tool unavailable because the tool doesn't like the way it's made? Now make it more personal. You're his child. Can you understand how that can feel to a Loving God who thinks about you day and night?
"This is too glorious, too wonderful to believe! I can NEVER be lost to your Spirit! I can never get away from my God!" 139: 6-7 He is constantly with you, and as you let him, constantly working in you, for the purpose of working through you.
How about letting him purify your thoughts today, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test my thoughts. Point out anything you find in me that makes you sad, and lead me along the path of everlasting life." 139:23-24
He made you. the workings of your mind. The personality you have was his workmanship. All the pieces are there for him to use for his glory. Oh, he's not finished with you, so there needs to be some refinement, but all the pieces are there.
Can you pray this today: "Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!" Pray it from your heart.
You will be amazed at how this change in focus begins to bring a new element of godly balance into 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, September 11, 2007
9.11.7 "Your Weakness is your Greatest Strength"
"Your Weakness is your Greatest Strength"
Isaiah 8:1-9:21
2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Psalm 55:1-23
Proverbs 23:4-5
God's ways are not our ways. The way He thinks goes against what comes natural for us. Across the walls of the weight room in my high school were the words "Bigger! Faster! Stronger!" In our minds that's what we think God is looking for. That's not true.
God is looking for people who will make themselves available the way they are. What paralyzes us from diving in to radical obedience? Usually it's some form of concern about an area of insecurity. Usually the phrase "I'm not good enough" shows up somewhere in the thought process. We need to aggressively recognize that as a thought that is not of God. It is a prideful thought. "What?? pride?? How can insecurity be pride?" Well, think about it: If you're not "good enough" to accomplish something for God, what does it mean when you do accomplish something? It must mean that you're "good enough", That there's something about you that made this great thing happen. That's how pride and insecurity are so closely linked.
We need to stop being so limited by weakness, and embrace the fact that God desires to use us in our weakness to make His name great. In 2 Corinthians 12:5, Paul says, "I am going to boast only about how weak I am and how great God is to use such weakness for his glory."
What credit is it to God when you are able to do something in your own strength? His plan for your life is filled with supernatural promise. The only thing missing is for you to get out of the way and let Him do his thing.
So what about this weakness? Paul referred to a 'thorn' in the flesh. A sickness as his weakness. He asked God repeatedly to take it away.
2 Cor. 12:9-10 "Each time he said, 'No. But I am with you; that is all you need. My power shows up best in weak people.' Now I am glad to boast about how weak I am; I am glad to be a living demonstration of Christ's power, instead of showing off my own power and abilities. Since I know it is all for "Christ's good, I am quite happy about 'the thorn,' and about insults and hardships, and persecutions and difficulties; for when I am weak, then I am strong - the less I have, the more I depend on him."
We're filled with such fear that others will see our weaknesses... that we will be vulnerable and exposed. We're held captive by this fear. Our reading today from Isaiah 8:13 says, "Don't fear anything except the Lord of the armies of heaven! If you fear him, you need fear nothing else." Imagine the freedom of not worrying about what others think of us. Imagine the freedom of stepping out in faith toward the plans the Lord has laid out.
Isaiah 8:13 says, "Don't fear anything except the Lord of the armies of heaven! If you fear him, you need fear nothing else." We get so worried about image. "What will people think?" is such a paralyzing force in the life of the modern day believer. The only thing we should be worried about is carrying out God's orders.
Paul makes an interesting statement in verse 6. "I have plenty to boast about and would be no fool in doing it, but I don't want anyone to think more highly of me than he should from what he can actually see from my life and my message." People often get in the trap of "spinning" their image. They talk about the "glory years" what they could do back then or how they could throw a steak and hit Napoleon on his bike... (inside joke for some) But it's not what we say we "could" do. It's what we do that tells the story.
The spiritual principle of Active Ministry Involvement is Responsibility. We need to fear God, because we have a responsibility to offer him all we have, including our weakness. In failing to do this, we are not being good stewards of the resources He's given us. We are not fulfilling our Responsibility.
The sign on the wight room of our heart needs to say, "Available! Ready! Obedient!" Don't limit yourself from your potential of what God has. In doing so, you're missing the point. It's in your weakness you are made strong. We need to be dependent on him. That can only come if we don't have much to depend on in our flesh.
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 8:1-9:21
2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Psalm 55:1-23
Proverbs 23:4-5
God's ways are not our ways. The way He thinks goes against what comes natural for us. Across the walls of the weight room in my high school were the words "Bigger! Faster! Stronger!" In our minds that's what we think God is looking for. That's not true.
God is looking for people who will make themselves available the way they are. What paralyzes us from diving in to radical obedience? Usually it's some form of concern about an area of insecurity. Usually the phrase "I'm not good enough" shows up somewhere in the thought process. We need to aggressively recognize that as a thought that is not of God. It is a prideful thought. "What?? pride?? How can insecurity be pride?" Well, think about it: If you're not "good enough" to accomplish something for God, what does it mean when you do accomplish something? It must mean that you're "good enough", That there's something about you that made this great thing happen. That's how pride and insecurity are so closely linked.
We need to stop being so limited by weakness, and embrace the fact that God desires to use us in our weakness to make His name great. In 2 Corinthians 12:5, Paul says, "I am going to boast only about how weak I am and how great God is to use such weakness for his glory."
What credit is it to God when you are able to do something in your own strength? His plan for your life is filled with supernatural promise. The only thing missing is for you to get out of the way and let Him do his thing.
So what about this weakness? Paul referred to a 'thorn' in the flesh. A sickness as his weakness. He asked God repeatedly to take it away.
2 Cor. 12:9-10 "Each time he said, 'No. But I am with you; that is all you need. My power shows up best in weak people.' Now I am glad to boast about how weak I am; I am glad to be a living demonstration of Christ's power, instead of showing off my own power and abilities. Since I know it is all for "Christ's good, I am quite happy about 'the thorn,' and about insults and hardships, and persecutions and difficulties; for when I am weak, then I am strong - the less I have, the more I depend on him."
We're filled with such fear that others will see our weaknesses... that we will be vulnerable and exposed. We're held captive by this fear. Our reading today from Isaiah 8:13 says, "Don't fear anything except the Lord of the armies of heaven! If you fear him, you need fear nothing else." Imagine the freedom of not worrying about what others think of us. Imagine the freedom of stepping out in faith toward the plans the Lord has laid out.
Isaiah 8:13 says, "Don't fear anything except the Lord of the armies of heaven! If you fear him, you need fear nothing else." We get so worried about image. "What will people think?" is such a paralyzing force in the life of the modern day believer. The only thing we should be worried about is carrying out God's orders.
Paul makes an interesting statement in verse 6. "I have plenty to boast about and would be no fool in doing it, but I don't want anyone to think more highly of me than he should from what he can actually see from my life and my message." People often get in the trap of "spinning" their image. They talk about the "glory years" what they could do back then or how they could throw a steak and hit Napoleon on his bike... (inside joke for some) But it's not what we say we "could" do. It's what we do that tells the story.
The spiritual principle of Active Ministry Involvement is Responsibility. We need to fear God, because we have a responsibility to offer him all we have, including our weakness. In failing to do this, we are not being good stewards of the resources He's given us. We are not fulfilling our Responsibility.
The sign on the wight room of our heart needs to say, "Available! Ready! Obedient!" Don't limit yourself from your potential of what God has. In doing so, you're missing the point. It's in your weakness you are made strong. We need to be dependent on him. That can only come if we don't have much to depend on in our flesh.
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
