Showing posts with label Peace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Peace. Show all posts
Monday, March 19, 2012
3.19.12 "A Tepee and a Wigwam"
"A Tepee and a Wigwam"
Numbers 28;16-29:40
Luke 3:23-38
Psalm 62:1-12
Proverbs 11:18-19
A guy has recurring dreams that keep him up all night. This goes on for a while, so he finally goes to the doctor. "Doctor, I don't know what my problem is. I have these dreams and I can't get any sleep!" The doctor says, "What's happening in your dreams?" "Well, they're weird. In one dream I'll be a tepee. I'll wake up from that one, and in the next one I'm a wigwam. It's driving me crazy!" The doctor says, "That's easy. You're two 'tents'!" (too tense... get it?) It's never good when it has to be explained...)
Today's reading in Psalm says, "Yes, he alone is my Rock, my rescuer, defense and fortress - why then should I be tense with fear when troubles come?" (62:6)
Tension in our life can be a sign that we don't believe what we say we believe. If we trust God and are walking in obedience, he will carry us through, right? So why all the tension?
Notice the verse says "when" troubles come, and not "if" troubles come. Troubles will come. They will challenge us. They will require more surrender, obedience, and passion for God than ever before, but our response should not be fear.
Fear can come from the internal or subconscious belief that "I" am the one to fix this. "I" have to figure this out. If it does depend on us and our strength, then we have good reason to fear. But that's not the way it works.
"My protection and success come from God alone. He is my refuge, a Rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust him all the time. Pour out your longings before him, for he can help!" (Ps 62:7-8)
What's heavy on your heart today? Pour out your longings before him. Get out of the "tent-tion" of the Tepee and the Wigwam. Trust that he will carry you through. He will guide you. You may not see the plan that he has around the corner, but know that it's "to prosper and not to harm you" (Jer 29:11).
Trusting in God is a discipline. It is part of being "Empowered through Biblical Training". As we discover the nature of God through disciplined study of the Word, we see his greatness, his goodness, and his strength. Knowing this compels us to trust in him.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
11.16.11 "Someone's Thinking About You"
"Someone's Thinking About You"
Ezekiel 33:1-34:31
Hebrews 13:1-25
Psalm 115:1-18
Proverbs 27:21-22
It can be a great feeling to know that someone is thinking about you. Yesterday was my birthday, and again this year, thanks to the marvels of technology and the facebook birthday reminder, I had hundreds of greetings from people on facebook. It was a "this is your life" moment from friends from grade school through every stage of life. It was great to walk down memory lane.
It can also be disconcerting worrying about what people think. I heard a great line once. "You wouldn't worry so much about what people think of you if realized how rarely they do!" Deep down, we're often motivated or directed by what people think of us. But, the truth is, everyone else is so worried about who's thinking about them, no one has time to think about anyone else. So there no sense in worrying about it.
But there is someone who is thinking about you. Constantly.
"Jehovah is constantly thinking about us..." Ps. 115:12
As I read the Word I am in such awe of God's love for us. Today the separate passages from the one year bible share a theme.
"For the Lord God says: I will search and find my sheep. I will be like a shepherd looking for his flock. I will find my sheep and rescue them from all the places they were scattered in that dark and cloudy day.... I myself will be the Shepherd of my sheep, and cause them to lie down in peace, the Lord God says. I will seek my lost ones, those who strayed away, and bring them safely home again. I will put splints and bandages upon their broken limbs and heal the sick." Ez. 34:11-16
It's God's desire to draw us to him. He wants us to be close to him. Without Him, we are sheep without a shepherd, lost and in danger.
Ez. 34: 31 says, "you are my flock, the sheep of my pasture. You are my men and I am your God, so says the Lord."
Hebrews 13:20-21 says, "And now may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he who became the great Shepherd of the sheep by an everlasting agreement between God and you, signed with his blood, produce in you through the power of Christ all that is pleasing to him. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen."
God has been thinking about us so much that he sent his son as the great Shepherd. This deal is sealed with an everlasting covenant signed in the precious blood of Christ.
All because someone is thinking about us...
You know, it's not a good idea to live life worried about what people are thinking all the time. It's a very "self"-conscious lifestyle. But, it is good to live life knowing who IS thinking about you constantly.
What does God think of right now when he thinks of you? Do you have some broken limbs that need splinting? Do you need healing? That's what he's there for! He longs to be our shepherd. Let's follow Him!
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, January 16, 2011
1.16.11 "The Yoke is On You"
"The Yoke is On You"
Genesis 32:13-34:31
Matthew 11:7-30
Psalm 14:1-7
Proverbs 3:19-20
The title begs for a Sven & Ole joke (yoke for the Scandinavians). One day Sven & Ole go ice fishing. They get to one spot and they hear a voice from above saying, "There are no fish under the ice." They move about 25 feet away and hear it again "There are no fish under the ice." Finally Ole asks, "Are you God?" The voice returns, "No, I'm the skating rink announcer."
Well, that's not the kind of yoke we're talking about today. These verses from Matthew today are some of my favorite.
"Come to me and I will give you rest - all of you who work so hard beneath a heavy yoke. Wear my yoke - for it fits perfectly - and let me teach you; for I am gentle and humble, and you shall find rest for you souls; for I give you only light burdens." Matthew 11:28-30
Our traditional understanding of a yoke is a collar type thing that is put over two oxen to pull the load together. There was another application for those Jesus was speaking to. The Law was considered a yoke. Matthew Henry's Bible Commentary says, "Those who complain of the burden of the ceremonial law, which was an intolerable yoke, and was made much more so by the tradition of the elders, let them come to Christ, and they shall be made easy; he came to free his church from this yoke, to cancel the imposition of those carnal ordinances, and to introduce a purer and more spiritual way of worship; but it is rather to be understood of the burthen of sin, both the guilt and the power of it.
The laws of God had become so burdensome in the hands of men. Christ came to give us a new burden. His burden is easy & light.
What burdens do you carry today? How heavy they are to you may be an indication that some things may be out of balance.
If we are carrying the load the Lord has given us, it's never too much. When we take the yoke of Christ, we are joined together with him. Going back to the symbolism in the context of oxen, we can observe if we are walking in the yoke of Christ. If the burden seems out of balance, there are several things that may be happening.
First, we may be trying to move in a different direction. God has plans for our life, and sometimes we get our eyes off course, and want to pull a certain way. The result is this struggle against the yoke.
Another problem may be that we are moving against God's timing. We may be trying to move ahead of God. We see the goal, we see what he's called us to do, and we wanna jump after it. Just because it's his will does not mean that it's his timing. We may also be moving too slow. The Lord may be spurring us on to move in a certain direction, and we drag our feet. Once again there is tension in the yoke.
How does your yoke feel on you today? Is it heavy, is it light? The yoke of Christ is a yoke of peace. When there are storms and trials and tragedy, there is still such a sense of strength and endurance because of the one who has borne the weight of the load.
We are not "adding" Christ to our life, We are giving him our life. We don't reach out and touch the yoke occasionally. We must bear his yoke upon us. that means give him everything.
Matthew Henry's states:
A yoke speaks some hardship, but if the beast must draw, the yoke helps him. Christ’s commands are all in our favour: we must take this yoke upon us to draw in it. We are yoked to work, and therefore must be diligent; we are yoked to submit, and therefore must be humble and patient: we are yoked together with our fellow-servants, and therefore must keep up the communion of saints: and the words of the wise are as goads, to those who are thus yoked.
No matter how big the trial, how busy the schedule, or terrifying the storm may seem, when Christ is the Lord, the yoke is easy and the burden is light. There is tremendous freedom in submission to Christ. It's not a yoke of bondage, it's a yoke of freedom. All other yokes lead to bondage & death.
So, what yoke is on you?
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Genesis 32:13-34:31
Matthew 11:7-30
Psalm 14:1-7
Proverbs 3:19-20
The title begs for a Sven & Ole joke (yoke for the Scandinavians). One day Sven & Ole go ice fishing. They get to one spot and they hear a voice from above saying, "There are no fish under the ice." They move about 25 feet away and hear it again "There are no fish under the ice." Finally Ole asks, "Are you God?" The voice returns, "No, I'm the skating rink announcer."
Well, that's not the kind of yoke we're talking about today. These verses from Matthew today are some of my favorite.
"Come to me and I will give you rest - all of you who work so hard beneath a heavy yoke. Wear my yoke - for it fits perfectly - and let me teach you; for I am gentle and humble, and you shall find rest for you souls; for I give you only light burdens." Matthew 11:28-30
Our traditional understanding of a yoke is a collar type thing that is put over two oxen to pull the load together. There was another application for those Jesus was speaking to. The Law was considered a yoke. Matthew Henry's Bible Commentary says, "Those who complain of the burden of the ceremonial law, which was an intolerable yoke, and was made much more so by the tradition of the elders, let them come to Christ, and they shall be made easy; he came to free his church from this yoke, to cancel the imposition of those carnal ordinances, and to introduce a purer and more spiritual way of worship; but it is rather to be understood of the burthen of sin, both the guilt and the power of it.
The laws of God had become so burdensome in the hands of men. Christ came to give us a new burden. His burden is easy & light.
What burdens do you carry today? How heavy they are to you may be an indication that some things may be out of balance.
If we are carrying the load the Lord has given us, it's never too much. When we take the yoke of Christ, we are joined together with him. Going back to the symbolism in the context of oxen, we can observe if we are walking in the yoke of Christ. If the burden seems out of balance, there are several things that may be happening.
First, we may be trying to move in a different direction. God has plans for our life, and sometimes we get our eyes off course, and want to pull a certain way. The result is this struggle against the yoke.
Another problem may be that we are moving against God's timing. We may be trying to move ahead of God. We see the goal, we see what he's called us to do, and we wanna jump after it. Just because it's his will does not mean that it's his timing. We may also be moving too slow. The Lord may be spurring us on to move in a certain direction, and we drag our feet. Once again there is tension in the yoke.
How does your yoke feel on you today? Is it heavy, is it light? The yoke of Christ is a yoke of peace. When there are storms and trials and tragedy, there is still such a sense of strength and endurance because of the one who has borne the weight of the load.
We are not "adding" Christ to our life, We are giving him our life. We don't reach out and touch the yoke occasionally. We must bear his yoke upon us. that means give him everything.
Matthew Henry's states:
A yoke speaks some hardship, but if the beast must draw, the yoke helps him. Christ’s commands are all in our favour: we must take this yoke upon us to draw in it. We are yoked to work, and therefore must be diligent; we are yoked to submit, and therefore must be humble and patient: we are yoked together with our fellow-servants, and therefore must keep up the communion of saints: and the words of the wise are as goads, to those who are thus yoked.
No matter how big the trial, how busy the schedule, or terrifying the storm may seem, when Christ is the Lord, the yoke is easy and the burden is light. There is tremendous freedom in submission to Christ. It's not a yoke of bondage, it's a yoke of freedom. All other yokes lead to bondage & death.
So, what yoke is on you?
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Thursday, November 25, 2010
11.25.10 "Run after it!"
"Run after it!"
Daniel 1:1-2:23
I Peter 3:10-4:6
Psalm 119:71-80
Proverbs 28:14
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
"Turn away from evil and do good. Try to live in peace even if you must run after it to catch and hold it!"
There are certain things in life that don't just "happen" to you. You don't just "happen" to get a pay check. You don't just "happen" to get in shape. There's work involved.
My wife's high school teacher used to always quote: "Nothing of value is ever obtained in an atmosphere of comfort." His point was that anything we value is going to come at a some level of cost.
What about peace?
Wouldn't it be great if living in peace with one another just "happened" to you? Don't you wish that we all knew each other well enough that there would be no trial or misunderstanding, or miscommunication?
It doesn't really work that way. To live in unity, we must "run after it to catch and hold it!" There are times we must lay down our rights and opinions for the sake of unity. It's hard, especially when we know our idea is "better", or we have a "better" way of doing things.
It's hard sometimes with family. When world's collide because of different value systems, it can be stressful and peace may seem hard to find, but run after it and catch it.
Relationships Devoted to Unity should be evident in the balanced Christian Life. It will sometimes take work... or I should say it will MOST times take work. But that's where peace is found.
Most often peace comes through dying to self. That of course, is not an easy thing to do. It doesn't just 'happen'. But, as it becomes a habit of dying to self, the Lordship of Christ wins out. Peace is within reach.
Peace can be found in the most horrible of external circumstances. Many times we feel that we'd be at peace "if they'd just..." or "if she didn't say..." That's not the solution to peace. It's found by running after it, not in running away.
Live at peace with one another. Run after it!
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
Daniel 1:1-2:23
I Peter 3:10-4:6
Psalm 119:71-80
Proverbs 28:14
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
"Turn away from evil and do good. Try to live in peace even if you must run after it to catch and hold it!"
There are certain things in life that don't just "happen" to you. You don't just "happen" to get a pay check. You don't just "happen" to get in shape. There's work involved.
My wife's high school teacher used to always quote: "Nothing of value is ever obtained in an atmosphere of comfort." His point was that anything we value is going to come at a some level of cost.
What about peace?
Wouldn't it be great if living in peace with one another just "happened" to you? Don't you wish that we all knew each other well enough that there would be no trial or misunderstanding, or miscommunication?
It doesn't really work that way. To live in unity, we must "run after it to catch and hold it!" There are times we must lay down our rights and opinions for the sake of unity. It's hard, especially when we know our idea is "better", or we have a "better" way of doing things.
It's hard sometimes with family. When world's collide because of different value systems, it can be stressful and peace may seem hard to find, but run after it and catch it.
Relationships Devoted to Unity should be evident in the balanced Christian Life. It will sometimes take work... or I should say it will MOST times take work. But that's where peace is found.
Most often peace comes through dying to self. That of course, is not an easy thing to do. It doesn't just 'happen'. But, as it becomes a habit of dying to self, the Lordship of Christ wins out. Peace is within reach.
Peace can be found in the most horrible of external circumstances. Many times we feel that we'd be at peace "if they'd just..." or "if she didn't say..." That's not the solution to peace. It's found by running after it, not in running away.
Live at peace with one another. Run after it!
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, January 16, 2010
1.16.10 "The Yoke is On You"
"The Yoke is On You"
Genesis 32:13-34:31
Matthew 11:7-30
Psalm 14:1-7
Proverbs 3:19-20
The title begs for a Sven & Ole joke (yoke for the Scandinavians). One day Sven & Ole go ice fishing. They get to one spot and they hear a voice from above saying, "There are no fish under the ice." They move about 25 feet away and hear it again "There are no fish under the ice." Finally Ole asks, "Are you God?" The voice returns, "No, I'm the skating rink announcer."
Well, that's not the kind of yoke we're talking about today. These verses from Matthew today are some of my favorite.
"Come to me and I will give you rest - all of you who work so hard beneath a heavy yoke. Wear my yoke - for it fits perfectly - and let me teach you; for I am gentle and humble, and you shall find rest for you souls; for I give you only light burdens." Matthew 11:28-30
Our traditional understanding of a yoke is a collar type thing that is put over two oxen to pull the load together. There was another application for those Jesus was speaking to. The Law was considered a yoke. Matthew Henry's Bible Commentary says, "Those who complain of the burden of the ceremonial law, which was an intolerable yoke, and was made much more so by the tradition of the elders, let them come to Christ, and they shall be made easy; he came to free his church from this yoke, to cancel the imposition of those carnal ordinances, and to introduce a purer and more spiritual way of worship; but it is rather to be understood of the burthen of sin, both the guilt and the power of it.
The laws of God had become so burdensome in the hands of men. Christ came to give us a new burden. His burden is easy & light.
What burdens do you carry today? How heavy they are to you may be an indication that some things may be out of balance.
If we are carrying the load the Lord has given us, it's never too much. When we take the yoke of Christ, we are joined together with him. Going back to the symbolism in the context of oxen, we can observe if we are walking in the yoke of Christ. If the burden seems out of balance, there are several things that may be happening.
First, we may be trying to move in a different direction. God has plans for our life, and sometimes we get our eyes off course, and want to pull a certain way. The result is this struggle against the yoke.
Another problem may be that we are moving against God's timing. We may be trying to move ahead of God. We see the goal, we see what he's called us to do, and we wanna jump after it. Just because it's his will does not mean that it's his timing. We may also be moving too slow. The Lord may be spurring us on to move in a certain direction, and we drag our feet. Once again there is tension in the yoke.
How does your yoke feel on you today? Is it heavy, is it light? The yoke of Christ is a yoke of peace. When there are storms and trials and tragedy, there is still such a sense of strength and endurance because of the one who has borne the weight of the load.
We are not "adding" Christ to our life, We are giving him our life. We don't reach out and touch the yoke occasionally. We must bear his yoke upon us. that means give him everything.
Matthew Henry's states:
A yoke speaks some hardship, but if the beast must draw, the yoke helps him. Christ’s commands are all in our favour: we must take this yoke upon us to draw in it. We are yoked to work, and therefore must be diligent; we are yoked to submit, and therefore must be humble and patient: we are yoked together with our fellow-servants, and therefore must keep up the communion of saints: and the words of the wise are as goads, to those who are thus yoked.
No matter how big the trial, how busy the schedule, or terrifying the storm may seem, when Christ is the Lord, the yoke is easy and the burden is light. There is tremendous freedom in submission to Christ. It's not a yoke of bondage, it's a yoke of freedom. All other yokes lead to bondage & death.
So, what yoke is on you?
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Genesis 32:13-34:31
Matthew 11:7-30
Psalm 14:1-7
Proverbs 3:19-20
The title begs for a Sven & Ole joke (yoke for the Scandinavians). One day Sven & Ole go ice fishing. They get to one spot and they hear a voice from above saying, "There are no fish under the ice." They move about 25 feet away and hear it again "There are no fish under the ice." Finally Ole asks, "Are you God?" The voice returns, "No, I'm the skating rink announcer."
Well, that's not the kind of yoke we're talking about today. These verses from Matthew today are some of my favorite.
"Come to me and I will give you rest - all of you who work so hard beneath a heavy yoke. Wear my yoke - for it fits perfectly - and let me teach you; for I am gentle and humble, and you shall find rest for you souls; for I give you only light burdens." Matthew 11:28-30
Our traditional understanding of a yoke is a collar type thing that is put over two oxen to pull the load together. There was another application for those Jesus was speaking to. The Law was considered a yoke. Matthew Henry's Bible Commentary says, "Those who complain of the burden of the ceremonial law, which was an intolerable yoke, and was made much more so by the tradition of the elders, let them come to Christ, and they shall be made easy; he came to free his church from this yoke, to cancel the imposition of those carnal ordinances, and to introduce a purer and more spiritual way of worship; but it is rather to be understood of the burthen of sin, both the guilt and the power of it.
The laws of God had become so burdensome in the hands of men. Christ came to give us a new burden. His burden is easy & light.
What burdens do you carry today? How heavy they are to you may be an indication that some things may be out of balance.
If we are carrying the load the Lord has given us, it's never too much. When we take the yoke of Christ, we are joined together with him. Going back to the symbolism in the context of oxen, we can observe if we are walking in the yoke of Christ. If the burden seems out of balance, there are several things that may be happening.
First, we may be trying to move in a different direction. God has plans for our life, and sometimes we get our eyes off course, and want to pull a certain way. The result is this struggle against the yoke.
Another problem may be that we are moving against God's timing. We may be trying to move ahead of God. We see the goal, we see what he's called us to do, and we wanna jump after it. Just because it's his will does not mean that it's his timing. We may also be moving too slow. The Lord may be spurring us on to move in a certain direction, and we drag our feet. Once again there is tension in the yoke.
How does your yoke feel on you today? Is it heavy, is it light? The yoke of Christ is a yoke of peace. When there are storms and trials and tragedy, there is still such a sense of strength and endurance because of the one who has borne the weight of the load.
We are not "adding" Christ to our life, We are giving him our life. We don't reach out and touch the yoke occasionally. We must bear his yoke upon us. that means give him everything.
Matthew Henry's states:
A yoke speaks some hardship, but if the beast must draw, the yoke helps him. Christ’s commands are all in our favour: we must take this yoke upon us to draw in it. We are yoked to work, and therefore must be diligent; we are yoked to submit, and therefore must be humble and patient: we are yoked together with our fellow-servants, and therefore must keep up the communion of saints: and the words of the wise are as goads, to those who are thus yoked.
No matter how big the trial, how busy the schedule, or terrifying the storm may seem, when Christ is the Lord, the yoke is easy and the burden is light. There is tremendous freedom in submission to Christ. It's not a yoke of bondage, it's a yoke of freedom. All other yokes lead to bondage & death.
So, what yoke is on you?
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
11.25.9 "Run after it!"
"Run after it!"
Daniel 1:1-2:23
I Peter 3:10-4:6
Psalm 119:71-80
Proverbs 28:14
"Turn away from evil and do good. Try to live in peace even if you must run after it to catch and hold it!"
There are certain things in life that don't just "happen" to you. You don't just "happen" to get a pay check. You don't just "happen" to get in shape. There's work involved.
My wife's high school teacher used to always quote: "Nothing of value is ever obtained in an atmosphere of comfort." His point was that anything we value is going to come at a some level of cost.
What about peace?
Wouldn't it be great if living in peace with one another just "happened" to you? Don't you wish that we all knew each other well enough that there would be no trial or misunderstanding, or miscommunication?
It doesn't really work that way. To live in unity, we must "run after it to catch and hold it!" There are times we must lay down our rights and opinions for the sake of unity. It's hard, especially when we know our idea is "better", or we have a "better" way of doing things.
It's hard sometimes with family. When world's collide because of different value systems, it can be stressful and peace may seem hard to find, but run after it and catch it.
Relationships Devoted to Unity should be evident in the balanced Christian Life. It will sometimes take work... or I should say it will MOST times take work. But that's where peace is found.
Most often peace comes through dying to self. That of course, is not an easy thing to do. It doesn't just 'happen'. But, as it becomes a habit of dying to self, the Lordship of Christ wins out. Peace is within reach.
Peace can be found in the most horrible of external circumstances. Many times we feel that we'd be at peace "if they'd just..." or "if she didn't say..." That's not the solution to peace. It's found by running after it, not in running away.
Live at peace with one another. Run after it!
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
Daniel 1:1-2:23
I Peter 3:10-4:6
Psalm 119:71-80
Proverbs 28:14
"Turn away from evil and do good. Try to live in peace even if you must run after it to catch and hold it!"
There are certain things in life that don't just "happen" to you. You don't just "happen" to get a pay check. You don't just "happen" to get in shape. There's work involved.
My wife's high school teacher used to always quote: "Nothing of value is ever obtained in an atmosphere of comfort." His point was that anything we value is going to come at a some level of cost.
What about peace?
Wouldn't it be great if living in peace with one another just "happened" to you? Don't you wish that we all knew each other well enough that there would be no trial or misunderstanding, or miscommunication?
It doesn't really work that way. To live in unity, we must "run after it to catch and hold it!" There are times we must lay down our rights and opinions for the sake of unity. It's hard, especially when we know our idea is "better", or we have a "better" way of doing things.
It's hard sometimes with family. When world's collide because of different value systems, it can be stressful and peace may seem hard to find, but run after it and catch it.
Relationships Devoted to Unity should be evident in the balanced Christian Life. It will sometimes take work... or I should say it will MOST times take work. But that's where peace is found.
Most often peace comes through dying to self. That of course, is not an easy thing to do. It doesn't just 'happen'. But, as it becomes a habit of dying to self, the Lordship of Christ wins out. Peace is within reach.
Peace can be found in the most horrible of external circumstances. Many times we feel that we'd be at peace "if they'd just..." or "if she didn't say..." That's not the solution to peace. It's found by running after it, not in running away.
Live at peace with one another. Run after it!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Thursday, March 19, 2009
3.19.9 "A Tepee and a Wigwam"
"A Tepee and a Wigwam"
Numbers 28;16-29:40
Luke 3:23-38
Psalm 62:1-12
Proverbs 11:18-19
A guy has recurring dreams that keep him up all night. This goes on for a while, so he finally goes to the doctor. "Doctor, I don't know what my problem is. I have these dreams and I can't get any sleep!" The doctor says, "What's happening in your dreams?" "Well, they're weird. In one dream I'll be a tepee. I'll wake up from that one, and in the next one I'm a wigwam. It's driving me crazy!" The doctor says, "That's easy. You're two 'tents'!" (too tense... get it?) It's never good when it has to be explained...)
Today's reading in Psalm says, "Yes, he alone is my Rock, my rescuer, defense and fortress - why then should I be tense with fear when troubles come?" (62:6)
Tension in our life can be a sign that we don't believe what we say we believe. If we trust God and are walking in obedience, he will carry us through, right? So why all the tension?
Notice the verse says "when" troubles come, and not "if" troubles come. Troubles will come. They will challenge us. They will require more surrender, obedience, and passion for God than ever before, but our response should not be fear.
Fear can come from the internal or subconscious belief that "I" am the one to fix this. "I" have to figure this out. If it does depend on us and our strength, then we have good reason to fear. But that's not the way it works.
"My protection and success come from God alone. He is my refuge, a Rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust him all the time. Pour out your longings before him, for he can help!" (Ps 62:7-8)
What's heavy on your heart today? Pour out your longings before him. Get out of the "tent-tion" of the Tepee and the Wigwam. Trust that he will carry you through. He will guide you. You may not see the plan that he has around the corner, but know that it's "to prosper and not to harm you" (Jer 29:11).
Trusting in God is a discipline. It is part of being "Empowered through Biblical Training". As we discover the nature of God through disciplined study of the Word, we see his greatness, his goodness, and his strength. Knowing this compels us to trust in him.
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
Numbers 28;16-29:40
Luke 3:23-38
Psalm 62:1-12
Proverbs 11:18-19
A guy has recurring dreams that keep him up all night. This goes on for a while, so he finally goes to the doctor. "Doctor, I don't know what my problem is. I have these dreams and I can't get any sleep!" The doctor says, "What's happening in your dreams?" "Well, they're weird. In one dream I'll be a tepee. I'll wake up from that one, and in the next one I'm a wigwam. It's driving me crazy!" The doctor says, "That's easy. You're two 'tents'!" (too tense... get it?) It's never good when it has to be explained...)
Today's reading in Psalm says, "Yes, he alone is my Rock, my rescuer, defense and fortress - why then should I be tense with fear when troubles come?" (62:6)
Tension in our life can be a sign that we don't believe what we say we believe. If we trust God and are walking in obedience, he will carry us through, right? So why all the tension?
Notice the verse says "when" troubles come, and not "if" troubles come. Troubles will come. They will challenge us. They will require more surrender, obedience, and passion for God than ever before, but our response should not be fear.
Fear can come from the internal or subconscious belief that "I" am the one to fix this. "I" have to figure this out. If it does depend on us and our strength, then we have good reason to fear. But that's not the way it works.
"My protection and success come from God alone. He is my refuge, a Rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust him all the time. Pour out your longings before him, for he can help!" (Ps 62:7-8)
What's heavy on your heart today? Pour out your longings before him. Get out of the "tent-tion" of the Tepee and the Wigwam. Trust that he will carry you through. He will guide you. You may not see the plan that he has around the corner, but know that it's "to prosper and not to harm you" (Jer 29:11).
Trusting in God is a discipline. It is part of being "Empowered through Biblical Training". As we discover the nature of God through disciplined study of the Word, we see his greatness, his goodness, and his strength. Knowing this compels us to trust in him.
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, November 25, 2008
11.25.8 "Run after it!"
"Run after it!"
Daniel 1:1-2:23
I Peter 3:10-4:6
Psalm 119:71-80
Proverbs 28:14
"Turn away from evil and do good. Try to live in peace even if you must run after it to catch and hold it!"
There are certain things in life that don't just "happen" to you. You don't just "happen" to get a pay check. You don't just "happen" to get in shape. There's work involved.
My wife's high school teacher used to always quote: "Nothing of value is ever obtained in an atmosphere of comfort." His point was that anything we value is going to come at a some level of cost.
What about peace?
Wouldn't it be great if living in peace with one another just "happened" to you? Don't you wish that we all knew each other well enough that there would be no trial or misunderstanding, or miscommunication?
It doesn't really work that way. To live in unity, we must "run after it to catch and hold it!" There are times we must lay down our rights and opinions for the sake of unity. It's hard, especially when we know our idea is "better", or we have a "better" way of doing things.
It's hard sometimes with family. When world's collide because of different value systems, it can be stressful and peace may seem hard to find, but run after it and catch it.
Relationships Devoted to Unity should be evident in the balanced Christian Life. It will sometimes take work... or I should say it will MOST times take work. But that's where peace is found.
Most often peace comes through dying to self. That of course, is not an easy thing to do. It doesn't just 'happen'. But, as it becomes a habit of dying to self, the Lordship of Christ wins out. Peace is within reach.
Peace can be found in the most horrible of external circumstances. Many times we feel that we'd be at peace "if they'd just..." or "if she didn't say..." That's not the solution to peace. It's found by running after it, not in running away.
Live at peace with one another. Run after it!
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
Daniel 1:1-2:23
I Peter 3:10-4:6
Psalm 119:71-80
Proverbs 28:14
"Turn away from evil and do good. Try to live in peace even if you must run after it to catch and hold it!"
There are certain things in life that don't just "happen" to you. You don't just "happen" to get a pay check. You don't just "happen" to get in shape. There's work involved.
My wife's high school teacher used to always quote: "Nothing of value is ever obtained in an atmosphere of comfort." His point was that anything we value is going to come at a some level of cost.
What about peace?
Wouldn't it be great if living in peace with one another just "happened" to you? Don't you wish that we all knew each other well enough that there would be no trial or misunderstanding, or miscommunication?
It doesn't really work that way. To live in unity, we must "run after it to catch and hold it!" There are times we must lay down our rights and opinions for the sake of unity. It's hard, especially when we know our idea is "better", or we have a "better" way of doing things.
It's hard sometimes with family. When world's collide because of different value systems, it can be stressful and peace may seem hard to find, but run after it and catch it.
Relationships Devoted to Unity should be evident in the balanced Christian Life. It will sometimes take work... or I should say it will MOST times take work. But that's where peace is found.
Most often peace comes through dying to self. That of course, is not an easy thing to do. It doesn't just 'happen'. But, as it becomes a habit of dying to self, the Lordship of Christ wins out. Peace is within reach.
Peace can be found in the most horrible of external circumstances. Many times we feel that we'd be at peace "if they'd just..." or "if she didn't say..." That's not the solution to peace. It's found by running after it, not in running away.
Live at peace with one another. Run after it!
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, October 3, 2008
10.3.8 "Simple Words"
"Simple Words"
Jeremiah 1:1-2:30
Philippians 4:1-23
Psalm 75:1-10
Proverbs 24:17-20
Have you ever had what someone said to you linger in your mind? "Have you lost weight?" "You look really good in that color..." Sometimes the most simple words or phrases can have a profound and lasting impact. "Why don't you give up?" "You're not good enough to do that." "Looks like you could use some exercise..." "I'm disappointed in you."
Often our life is directed and motivated by the simple words we've heard. I think the choices we make depend on which words we choose to dwell on.
As I was reading the first chapter of Jeremiah this morning, there were some phrases that stood out from the scriptures. Each phrase caused me to pause and meditate on the impact and meaning. I would encourage you to spend time considering the words of the Lord today.
"I knew you..."
"I formed you..."
"I set you apart and appointed you..."
"Go wherever I send you"
"Say whatever I tell you."
"I will be with you and will protect you."
"I have put my words in your mouth."
"I appoint you to stand up..."
"I am watching..."
"I will certainly carry out all my plans..."
"I am calling"
"I, the Lord, have spoken"
"Get up..."
"Prepare for action..."
"Go out and tell them everything I tell you to say..."
"Do not be afraid..."
"I have made you strong..."
"You will stand..."
"I am with you..."
"I will take care of you..."
"I, the Lord, have spoken!"
Finally, the words of Philippians 4:6-8 "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience Go's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."
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
Jeremiah 1:1-2:30
Philippians 4:1-23
Psalm 75:1-10
Proverbs 24:17-20
Have you ever had what someone said to you linger in your mind? "Have you lost weight?" "You look really good in that color..." Sometimes the most simple words or phrases can have a profound and lasting impact. "Why don't you give up?" "You're not good enough to do that." "Looks like you could use some exercise..." "I'm disappointed in you."
Often our life is directed and motivated by the simple words we've heard. I think the choices we make depend on which words we choose to dwell on.
As I was reading the first chapter of Jeremiah this morning, there were some phrases that stood out from the scriptures. Each phrase caused me to pause and meditate on the impact and meaning. I would encourage you to spend time considering the words of the Lord today.
"I knew you..."
"I formed you..."
"I set you apart and appointed you..."
"Go wherever I send you"
"Say whatever I tell you."
"I will be with you and will protect you."
"I have put my words in your mouth."
"I appoint you to stand up..."
"I am watching..."
"I will certainly carry out all my plans..."
"I am calling"
"I, the Lord, have spoken"
"Get up..."
"Prepare for action..."
"Go out and tell them everything I tell you to say..."
"Do not be afraid..."
"I have made you strong..."
"You will stand..."
"I am with you..."
"I will take care of you..."
"I, the Lord, have spoken!"
Finally, the words of Philippians 4:6-8 "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience Go's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
3.19.8 "A Tepee and a Wigwam"
"A Tepee and a Wigwam"
Numbers 28;16-29:40
Luke 3:23-38
Psalm 62:1-12
Proverbs 11:18-19
A guy has recurring dreams that keep him up all night. This goes on for a while, so he finally goes to the doctor. "Doctor, I don't know what my problem is. I have these dreams and I can't get any sleep!" The doctor says, "What's happening in your dreams?" "Well, they're weird. In one dream I'll be a tepee. I'll wake up from that one, and in the next one I'm a wigwam. It's driving me crazy!" The doctor says, "That's easy. You're two 'tents'!" (too tense... get it?) It's never good when it has to be explained...)
Today's reading in Psalm says, "Yes, he alone is my Rock, my rescuer, defense and fortress - why then should I be tense with fear when troubles come?" (62:6)
Tension in our life can be a sign that we don't believe what we say we believe. If we trust God and are walking in obedience, he will carry us through, right? So why all the tension?
Notice the verse says "when" troubles come, and not "if" troubles come. Troubles will come. They will challenge us. They will require more surrender, obedience, and passion for God than ever before, but our response should not be fear.
Fear can come from the internal or subconscious belief that "I" am the one to fix this. "I" have to figure this out. If it does depend on us and our strength, then we have good reason to fear. But that's not the way it works.
"My protection and success come from God alone. He is my refuge, a Rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust him all the time. Pour out your longings before him, for he can help!" (Ps 62:7-8)
What's heavy on your heart today? Pour out your longings before him. Get out of the "tent-tion" of the Tepee and the Wigwam. Trust that he will carry you through. He will guide you. You may not see the plan that he has around the corner, but know that it's "to prosper and not to harm you" (Jer 29:11).
Trusting in God is a discipline. It is part of being "Empowered through Biblical Training". As we discover the nature of God through disciplined study of the Word, we see his greatness, his goodness, and his strength. Knowing this compels us to trust in him.
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
Numbers 28;16-29:40
Luke 3:23-38
Psalm 62:1-12
Proverbs 11:18-19
A guy has recurring dreams that keep him up all night. This goes on for a while, so he finally goes to the doctor. "Doctor, I don't know what my problem is. I have these dreams and I can't get any sleep!" The doctor says, "What's happening in your dreams?" "Well, they're weird. In one dream I'll be a tepee. I'll wake up from that one, and in the next one I'm a wigwam. It's driving me crazy!" The doctor says, "That's easy. You're two 'tents'!" (too tense... get it?) It's never good when it has to be explained...)
Today's reading in Psalm says, "Yes, he alone is my Rock, my rescuer, defense and fortress - why then should I be tense with fear when troubles come?" (62:6)
Tension in our life can be a sign that we don't believe what we say we believe. If we trust God and are walking in obedience, he will carry us through, right? So why all the tension?
Notice the verse says "when" troubles come, and not "if" troubles come. Troubles will come. They will challenge us. They will require more surrender, obedience, and passion for God than ever before, but our response should not be fear.
Fear can come from the internal or subconscious belief that "I" am the one to fix this. "I" have to figure this out. If it does depend on us and our strength, then we have good reason to fear. But that's not the way it works.
"My protection and success come from God alone. He is my refuge, a Rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust him all the time. Pour out your longings before him, for he can help!" (Ps 62:7-8)
What's heavy on your heart today? Pour out your longings before him. Get out of the "tent-tion" of the Tepee and the Wigwam. Trust that he will carry you through. He will guide you. You may not see the plan that he has around the corner, but know that it's "to prosper and not to harm you" (Jer 29:11).
Trusting in God is a discipline. It is part of being "Empowered through Biblical Training". As we discover the nature of God through disciplined study of the Word, we see his greatness, his goodness, and his strength. Knowing this compels us to trust in him.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Sunday, November 25, 2007
11.25.7 "Run after it!"
"Run after it!"
Daniel 1:1-2:23
I Peter 3:10-4:6
Psalm 119:71-80
Proverbs 28:14
"Turn away from evil and do good. Try to live in peace even if you must run after it to catch and hold it!"
There are certain things in life that don't just "happen" to you. You don't just "happen" to get a pay check. You don't just "happen" to get in shape. There's work involved.
In fact, to quote one of Lisa's high school teachers, "Nothing of value is ever obtained in an atmosphere of comfort." Anything we value is going to come at a cost at some level.
What about peace?
Wouldn't it be great if living in peace with one another just "happened" to you? Don't you wish that we all knew each other well enough that there would be no trial or misunderstanding, or miscommunication?
It doesn't really work that way. To live in unity, we must "run after it to catch and hold it!" There are times we must lay down our rights and opinions for the sake of unity. It's hard, especially when we know our idea is "better", or we have a "better" way of doing things.
It's hard sometimes with family. When world's collide because of different value systems, it can be stressful and peace may seem hard to find, but run after it and catch it.
Relationships Devoted to Unity should be evident in the balanced Christian Life. It will sometimes take work... or I should say it will MOST times take work. But that's where peace is found.
Most often peace comes through dying to self. That of course, is not an easy thing to do. It doesn't just 'happen'. But, as it becomes a habit of dying to self, the Lordship of Christ wins out. Peace is within reach.
Peace can be found in the most horrible of external circumstances. Many times we feel that we'd be at peace "if they'd just..." or "if she didn't say..." That's not the solution to peace. It's found by running after it.
Live at peace with one another. Run after it!
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
Daniel 1:1-2:23
I Peter 3:10-4:6
Psalm 119:71-80
Proverbs 28:14
"Turn away from evil and do good. Try to live in peace even if you must run after it to catch and hold it!"
There are certain things in life that don't just "happen" to you. You don't just "happen" to get a pay check. You don't just "happen" to get in shape. There's work involved.
In fact, to quote one of Lisa's high school teachers, "Nothing of value is ever obtained in an atmosphere of comfort." Anything we value is going to come at a cost at some level.
What about peace?
Wouldn't it be great if living in peace with one another just "happened" to you? Don't you wish that we all knew each other well enough that there would be no trial or misunderstanding, or miscommunication?
It doesn't really work that way. To live in unity, we must "run after it to catch and hold it!" There are times we must lay down our rights and opinions for the sake of unity. It's hard, especially when we know our idea is "better", or we have a "better" way of doing things.
It's hard sometimes with family. When world's collide because of different value systems, it can be stressful and peace may seem hard to find, but run after it and catch it.
Relationships Devoted to Unity should be evident in the balanced Christian Life. It will sometimes take work... or I should say it will MOST times take work. But that's where peace is found.
Most often peace comes through dying to self. That of course, is not an easy thing to do. It doesn't just 'happen'. But, as it becomes a habit of dying to self, the Lordship of Christ wins out. Peace is within reach.
Peace can be found in the most horrible of external circumstances. Many times we feel that we'd be at peace "if they'd just..." or "if she didn't say..." That's not the solution to peace. It's found by running after it.
Live at peace with one another. Run after it!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
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