"Through the Power of the Spirit"
Numbers 30:1-31:54
Luke 4:1-30
Psalm 63:1-11
Proverbs 11:20-21
How are you getting through life? In your own strength, or the power of the Spirit? Too often I catch myself trying to "Live the DREAM" in my own strength. We need to live the balanced Christian Life, but we need to be doing it through a power far greater than our own: The power found only through the Holy Spirit.
Luke 4:1 says, "Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan River, being urged by the Spirit..." In verse 14 it says, "Then Jesus returned to Galilee, full of the Holy Spirit's power."
It should grab our attention that Jesus was not operating in his own strength even through He was the Son of God. His path was forged through the power of the Spirit.
In our reading in Numbers today, Numbers 31:24 says, "Anything that will stand heat - such as gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, or lead - shall be passed through fire in order to be made ceremonially pure;"
Do you remember what John the Baptist said in Luke 3 two days ago? "I baptize only with water; but someone is coming soon who has far higher authority than mine... He will baptize you with fire - with the Holy Spirit." (Luke 3:16)
We need the power of the Spirit to be present in our lives. This is why Jesus came. To give us life, and more abundantly. That happens through the power of the Spirit. Do you want it? YES! ok, let's look at something:
Notice that in Luke 4:1 Jesus is full of the Spirit, and in Luke 4:14 he's full of the spirit's power. What happens in between? Yup, you guessed it. it's that wilderness word again. In the wilderness Jesus is tempted. He's tempted in the midst of great hunger. His will is tested to prove that he's the Son of God. Satan throws all he has at him. Testing Jesus at a "weak" moment.
What does Jesus do? Does he respond in his own strength? "yeah, that doesn't really sound bad... stone into bread... after all, who would know... I am the son of God..." Not at all! He responds with the word!
The wilderness is the trial that refines. To many times we think it is an obstacle to the Christian Life we are called to live rather than the fire necessary to refine us. Like Numbers said, "Anything that can stand heat..." What about me? Can I stand heat? Can I be a place where the Spirit can move freely? It can only happen as I devote my life to the Word and to overcome THROUGH THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Showing posts with label Power of the Spirit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Power of the Spirit. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Friday, August 5, 2011
8.5.11 "Who's Making You Who You Are?"
"Who's Making You Who You Are?"
Ezra 1:1-2:70
I Corinthians 1:18-2:5
Psalm 27:7-14
Proverbs 20:22-23
"For it is from God alone that you have your life through Christ Jesus. He showed us God's plan of salvation; he was the one who made us acceptable to God; he made us pure and holy and gave himself to purchase our salvation. As it says in the Scriptures, "If anyone is going to boast, let him boast only of what the Lord has done."" I Cor. 1:30-31
Can you remember this past January's New Year's resolution? How are you doing on that? It's not often we're asked that in August. Why do resolutions rarely work? I think it's because at some level, Our resolutions are our attempt to mold our character. Yes, most of them have to do with our conduct, but most of the time that conduct is a result of a character issue. Changing our character is not something we can do in our own strength.
Are you maturing in Christ? If you're not, why not? If you are, how are you doing it?
If we're not maturing in Christ, it may be a result of trying to do it in our own strength. We're trying to fix ourselves before coming to God. As we mature in Christ, sometimes we can too easily and unintentionally slip into thinking that it's something we've done. We don't mean for this to happen, it's just natural for our human nature to be bent that way. There is a sense of accomplishment in the steps of maturity, and it's difficult at times to keep the progress in perspective.
It's like we've got the spiritual equivalent of our Girl Scout sashes & Boy Scout uniforms on, and we get these patches, these steps of accomplishment. (don't worry, I support the badges!) And we forget where the progress comes from.
As verse 30 says, "...it is from God alone that you have your life..." We need to consistently acknowledge the source of our strength and progress in the Christian walk. It is only through the power of the Spirit. The personal stake in this process is getting out of the way to let the Spirit do his work. The "bragging" is in doing nothing, which is of course, nothing to brag about.
I'm a person who enjoys puzzles, so I like to "solve" things. When situations arise, and even when I sense God working in my life, I want to "figure it out". I want to "find the solution", and sometimes I find myself attempting to manipulate the hand of God. When the Spirit convicts me, I try to fix myself before allowing him to change me. In essence, I'm trying to "get cleaned up before taking a bath". Sometimes I think that that's how we "grow weary in doing good." We try to work the plan of God in our own strength.
The formula should be this simple: The Spirit moves, we get out of the way, God completes his work.
This habit of getting out of the way, this posture of humility, this life of dependance.... THAT'S maturing in Christ. Then, what do we have to boast about? "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."
Todays Psalm 27:8 says, "My heart has heard you say, 'Come and talk with me, O my people.' And my heart responds, 'Lord, I am coming.'" That's what it's all about.
We must have an encounter with God. Sitting in His presence will change us. He's not desiring to sit us down and scold us, He wants to love on us.
Lord, I feel your Spirit calling me. Forgive me for trying to fix things in my own strength. My heart hears you, and it responds by saying "do your work in me!"
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Ezra 1:1-2:70
I Corinthians 1:18-2:5
Psalm 27:7-14
Proverbs 20:22-23
"For it is from God alone that you have your life through Christ Jesus. He showed us God's plan of salvation; he was the one who made us acceptable to God; he made us pure and holy and gave himself to purchase our salvation. As it says in the Scriptures, "If anyone is going to boast, let him boast only of what the Lord has done."" I Cor. 1:30-31
Can you remember this past January's New Year's resolution? How are you doing on that? It's not often we're asked that in August. Why do resolutions rarely work? I think it's because at some level, Our resolutions are our attempt to mold our character. Yes, most of them have to do with our conduct, but most of the time that conduct is a result of a character issue. Changing our character is not something we can do in our own strength.
Are you maturing in Christ? If you're not, why not? If you are, how are you doing it?
If we're not maturing in Christ, it may be a result of trying to do it in our own strength. We're trying to fix ourselves before coming to God. As we mature in Christ, sometimes we can too easily and unintentionally slip into thinking that it's something we've done. We don't mean for this to happen, it's just natural for our human nature to be bent that way. There is a sense of accomplishment in the steps of maturity, and it's difficult at times to keep the progress in perspective.
It's like we've got the spiritual equivalent of our Girl Scout sashes & Boy Scout uniforms on, and we get these patches, these steps of accomplishment. (don't worry, I support the badges!) And we forget where the progress comes from.
As verse 30 says, "...it is from God alone that you have your life..." We need to consistently acknowledge the source of our strength and progress in the Christian walk. It is only through the power of the Spirit. The personal stake in this process is getting out of the way to let the Spirit do his work. The "bragging" is in doing nothing, which is of course, nothing to brag about.
I'm a person who enjoys puzzles, so I like to "solve" things. When situations arise, and even when I sense God working in my life, I want to "figure it out". I want to "find the solution", and sometimes I find myself attempting to manipulate the hand of God. When the Spirit convicts me, I try to fix myself before allowing him to change me. In essence, I'm trying to "get cleaned up before taking a bath". Sometimes I think that that's how we "grow weary in doing good." We try to work the plan of God in our own strength.
The formula should be this simple: The Spirit moves, we get out of the way, God completes his work.
This habit of getting out of the way, this posture of humility, this life of dependance.... THAT'S maturing in Christ. Then, what do we have to boast about? "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."
Todays Psalm 27:8 says, "My heart has heard you say, 'Come and talk with me, O my people.' And my heart responds, 'Lord, I am coming.'" That's what it's all about.
We must have an encounter with God. Sitting in His presence will change us. He's not desiring to sit us down and scold us, He wants to love on us.
Lord, I feel your Spirit calling me. Forgive me for trying to fix things in my own strength. My heart hears you, and it responds by saying "do your work in me!"
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Friday, July 22, 2011
7.22.11 "You Can't, yet You Must!"
"You Can't, yet You Must!"
2 Chronicles 6:12-8:10
Romans 7:14-8:8
Psalm 18:1-15
Proverbs 19:24-25
Guess what? You can't keep from sinning. Period. There is nothing in your strength that can defeat sin's power over you. Yet you must.
Paul says it well in Romans 7:15 "I don't really understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I can't."
Have you ever been there? are you there right now?
We need to keep a very important truth before us at ALL times: we NEED the power of the Holy Spirit!
As we mature in Christ there's a "by-product" of maturity we must guard against. It's an element of pride that sneaks in. We begin to think we can work in our own strength and our own understanding. We learn a spiritual principle, then walk away thinking, "OK, I got it." and we come back with a bloody nose. Why is that?
One of the main reasons is that we understand that knowing God's Commands is EXTREMELY important, but we many times forget that KNOWING isn't enough. We desperately need the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 8:3-4 says, "We aren't saved from sin's grasp by knowing the commandments of God, because we can't and don't keep them, but God put into effect a different plan to save us. He sent his own Son in a human body like ours - except that ours are sinful - and destroyed sin's control over us by giving himself as a sacrifice for our sins. So now we can obey God's laws if we follow after the Holy Spirit and no longer obey the old evil nature within us."
As humans mature, they become increasingly independent. Maturity in Christ IS our goal! We need to get the point that we are "no longer as infants tossed back and forth by every wind of doctrine." We need to get past the point of surviving only on spiritual milk. HOWEVER, we MUST realize that unlike our human maturity, Christian Maturity makes us MORE dependent on Christ.
Here's a good test for yourself. How well do you think you can do today without spending time with God? Your answer may be an indicator of your maturity. Will the mature answer be: I spent extra time with God yesterday... I know the word... I made it to church a couple days ago... Or will it be: I can't take another step without time with the Lord! Guess which one is a sign of maturity.
Now think about the sin that so easily entangles you. Are you wrestling with it in your own power, or have you given it to Christ? Sunday school answer is: I've given it to Christ. Well then why does it still entangle? The answer is: Because we walk in the flesh and not in the Spirit.
Try something today: Consciously walk in the power of the Spirit. When challenges or temptations come up, discipline yourself to not react in the flesh. Rest on the power of the Spirit, and see what happens.
"Those who let themselves be controlled by their lower natures live only to please themselves, but those who follow after the Holy Spirit find themselves doing those things that please God. Following after the Holy Spirit leads to life and peace, but following after the old nature leads to death." Romans 8:5-6
There's a chorus that says: "Lord fill me with your power, your all consuming fire. Take this clay, mold me I pray, so I'll be ready, Lord. Prepare me today."
Guess what? You're gonna be tempted to sin again. And guess what? In your own strength, you can't keep from sinning. But here's the best part! The power of the Holy Spirit that has been given to you can keep you from sinning! Walk in THAT power!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
2 Chronicles 6:12-8:10
Romans 7:14-8:8
Psalm 18:1-15
Proverbs 19:24-25
Guess what? You can't keep from sinning. Period. There is nothing in your strength that can defeat sin's power over you. Yet you must.
Paul says it well in Romans 7:15 "I don't really understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I can't."
Have you ever been there? are you there right now?
We need to keep a very important truth before us at ALL times: we NEED the power of the Holy Spirit!
As we mature in Christ there's a "by-product" of maturity we must guard against. It's an element of pride that sneaks in. We begin to think we can work in our own strength and our own understanding. We learn a spiritual principle, then walk away thinking, "OK, I got it." and we come back with a bloody nose. Why is that?
One of the main reasons is that we understand that knowing God's Commands is EXTREMELY important, but we many times forget that KNOWING isn't enough. We desperately need the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 8:3-4 says, "We aren't saved from sin's grasp by knowing the commandments of God, because we can't and don't keep them, but God put into effect a different plan to save us. He sent his own Son in a human body like ours - except that ours are sinful - and destroyed sin's control over us by giving himself as a sacrifice for our sins. So now we can obey God's laws if we follow after the Holy Spirit and no longer obey the old evil nature within us."
As humans mature, they become increasingly independent. Maturity in Christ IS our goal! We need to get the point that we are "no longer as infants tossed back and forth by every wind of doctrine." We need to get past the point of surviving only on spiritual milk. HOWEVER, we MUST realize that unlike our human maturity, Christian Maturity makes us MORE dependent on Christ.
Here's a good test for yourself. How well do you think you can do today without spending time with God? Your answer may be an indicator of your maturity. Will the mature answer be: I spent extra time with God yesterday... I know the word... I made it to church a couple days ago... Or will it be: I can't take another step without time with the Lord! Guess which one is a sign of maturity.
Now think about the sin that so easily entangles you. Are you wrestling with it in your own power, or have you given it to Christ? Sunday school answer is: I've given it to Christ. Well then why does it still entangle? The answer is: Because we walk in the flesh and not in the Spirit.
Try something today: Consciously walk in the power of the Spirit. When challenges or temptations come up, discipline yourself to not react in the flesh. Rest on the power of the Spirit, and see what happens.
"Those who let themselves be controlled by their lower natures live only to please themselves, but those who follow after the Holy Spirit find themselves doing those things that please God. Following after the Holy Spirit leads to life and peace, but following after the old nature leads to death." Romans 8:5-6
There's a chorus that says: "Lord fill me with your power, your all consuming fire. Take this clay, mold me I pray, so I'll be ready, Lord. Prepare me today."
Guess what? You're gonna be tempted to sin again. And guess what? In your own strength, you can't keep from sinning. But here's the best part! The power of the Holy Spirit that has been given to you can keep you from sinning! Walk in THAT power!
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, May 11, 2011
5.11.11 "I Got a New Attitude!"
"I Got a New Attitude!"
1 Samuel 10:1-11:15
John 6:43-71
Psalm 107:1-43
Proverbs 15:1-3
In I Samuel 10, Samuel is anointing Saul as king. He pours oil on him and says, "I am doing this because the Lord has appointed you to be the king of his people, Israel!" (vs.1) Samuel then begins to prophecy over him, and lets him know some things that are going to happen to him on his way home.
"'At that time the Spirit of the Lord will come mightily upon you, and you will prophesy with them and you will feel and act like a different person. From that time on your decisions should be based on whatever seems best under the circumstances, for the Lord will guide you. Go to Gilgal and wait there seven days for me, for I will be coming to sacrifice burnt offerings and peace offerings. I will give you further instructions when I arrive.'
"As Saul said good-bye and started to go, God gave him a new attitude, and all of Samuel's prophecies came true that day." (I Sam. 1:6-9)
Anyone need a "new attitude"?
We must be transformed by the power of God. In John 6:57, Jesus says, "I live by the power of the living Father who sent me, and in the same way those who partake of me shall live because of me!"
Are we living the transformed life? I've used the phrase before that too often we "surrender" just enough to God to feel good about "me" instead of surrendering all to him. If we are truly living in the power of the Spirit, there is a transformation that MUST happen.
How does your attitude compare with that of one year ago? Is it the same? Are you the same person? How are you dealing with conflict? How are you dealing with trials? How are you responding to authority? What about your habits? Is it all the same?
In verse 7 Samuel had said, "From that time on your decisions should be based on whatever seems best under the circumstances..." There are many of us who think thats GREAT! We are living THAT verse! The problem is we aren't experiencing the verse before it. We are not putting ourselves in a place where we experience the transforming power of the Spirit.
Therefore, our lives are not motivated by the Spirit, but by the circumstances. We have a circumstantial theology. Our beliefs about God change with the wind.
I MUST experience the power of his Spirit! I MUST be transformed. This is not a great suggestion. This is a cry of Desperation! "Holy Spirit, Change ME!"
Often we mistake "Chronological" growth in Christ as "Maturing" in Christ. In other words, We feel that the "longer" we're saved, the better we are. That's ONLY true if the Spirit is allowed to continually transform and guide and direct and shape. The moment I step out of this process, I am in trouble. A spirit that is not continually refreshed by the presence of God quickly "spoils". It turns sour. It turns prideful, self-reliant, rebellious and stale. It becomes a stench rather than the sweet aroma it is intended to be.
Make it your priority to put yourself in a position of transformation. Walk in the Spirit. Be led by the Spirit.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
1 Samuel 10:1-11:15
John 6:43-71
Psalm 107:1-43
Proverbs 15:1-3
In I Samuel 10, Samuel is anointing Saul as king. He pours oil on him and says, "I am doing this because the Lord has appointed you to be the king of his people, Israel!" (vs.1) Samuel then begins to prophecy over him, and lets him know some things that are going to happen to him on his way home.
"'At that time the Spirit of the Lord will come mightily upon you, and you will prophesy with them and you will feel and act like a different person. From that time on your decisions should be based on whatever seems best under the circumstances, for the Lord will guide you. Go to Gilgal and wait there seven days for me, for I will be coming to sacrifice burnt offerings and peace offerings. I will give you further instructions when I arrive.'
"As Saul said good-bye and started to go, God gave him a new attitude, and all of Samuel's prophecies came true that day." (I Sam. 1:6-9)
Anyone need a "new attitude"?
We must be transformed by the power of God. In John 6:57, Jesus says, "I live by the power of the living Father who sent me, and in the same way those who partake of me shall live because of me!"
Are we living the transformed life? I've used the phrase before that too often we "surrender" just enough to God to feel good about "me" instead of surrendering all to him. If we are truly living in the power of the Spirit, there is a transformation that MUST happen.
How does your attitude compare with that of one year ago? Is it the same? Are you the same person? How are you dealing with conflict? How are you dealing with trials? How are you responding to authority? What about your habits? Is it all the same?
In verse 7 Samuel had said, "From that time on your decisions should be based on whatever seems best under the circumstances..." There are many of us who think thats GREAT! We are living THAT verse! The problem is we aren't experiencing the verse before it. We are not putting ourselves in a place where we experience the transforming power of the Spirit.
Therefore, our lives are not motivated by the Spirit, but by the circumstances. We have a circumstantial theology. Our beliefs about God change with the wind.
I MUST experience the power of his Spirit! I MUST be transformed. This is not a great suggestion. This is a cry of Desperation! "Holy Spirit, Change ME!"
Often we mistake "Chronological" growth in Christ as "Maturing" in Christ. In other words, We feel that the "longer" we're saved, the better we are. That's ONLY true if the Spirit is allowed to continually transform and guide and direct and shape. The moment I step out of this process, I am in trouble. A spirit that is not continually refreshed by the presence of God quickly "spoils". It turns sour. It turns prideful, self-reliant, rebellious and stale. It becomes a stench rather than the sweet aroma it is intended to be.
Make it your priority to put yourself in a position of transformation. Walk in the Spirit. Be led by the Spirit.
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, May 3, 2011
5.3.11 "The Power to Change"
"The Power to Change"
Judges 17:1-18:31
John 3:1-21
Psalm 104:1-23
Proverbs 14:20-21
Are there things about you that you'd like to change? Maybe appearance, or habit, or personality, or something else? When man sinned, one of the consequences was an innate dissatisfaction in our flesh of where we are. There's a desire to change. Often we hear these "pit to pinnacle" stories of people who have worked hard to transform their lives. Because our culture values riches, we love the "get rich quick" stories. We like to hear of the people who've triumphed through adversity.
Because people are so often discontent about themselves and where they're at in life, there is usually a great desire to change; to become a better person.
For example, we need to be people who Live the DREAM. We need to live the Balanced Christian Life. Each of us need to be strengthened in one area or another to be who God created us to be. As great as that desire is, we cannot forget that it is not in our power to change.
Jesus is meeting with Nicodemus when he says, "Men can only reproduce human life, but the Holy Spirit gives new life from heaven." (John 3:6)
When we get trapped in rut of the "comfortable Christian Life", we can be numbed by our own "good intentions". We "mean" to be transformed into a Christ-like nature, and we even take steps to make improvements. We try to be "better" people, but for some reason we find it "doesn't work".
The main reason we fail is that we try to do it in our own strength, and we only want to change the things WE want to change. An individual can spend a lifetime struggling to transform themselves, when what really needs to happen is to surrender to the working of the Holy Spirit.
A Christian business leader said, "God can do more in a flash than we can do in a lifetime of effort." God desires to work in us to transform us. We need to understand the priority of placing ourselves wholly in his presence, and allow him unlimited access to every area. We need to change what he places on our heart to change, not what WE think needs changing.
The power to Change is the Power of the Holy Spirit. We need to surrender to him and his plan. When we try to do it in our own strength, we can be very frustrated with ourselves. Sometimes we just need to step out of the way and let the Spirit work. Let His light shine on us and transform us into instruments for His glory.
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 17:1-18:31
John 3:1-21
Psalm 104:1-23
Proverbs 14:20-21
Are there things about you that you'd like to change? Maybe appearance, or habit, or personality, or something else? When man sinned, one of the consequences was an innate dissatisfaction in our flesh of where we are. There's a desire to change. Often we hear these "pit to pinnacle" stories of people who have worked hard to transform their lives. Because our culture values riches, we love the "get rich quick" stories. We like to hear of the people who've triumphed through adversity.
Because people are so often discontent about themselves and where they're at in life, there is usually a great desire to change; to become a better person.
For example, we need to be people who Live the DREAM. We need to live the Balanced Christian Life. Each of us need to be strengthened in one area or another to be who God created us to be. As great as that desire is, we cannot forget that it is not in our power to change.
Jesus is meeting with Nicodemus when he says, "Men can only reproduce human life, but the Holy Spirit gives new life from heaven." (John 3:6)
When we get trapped in rut of the "comfortable Christian Life", we can be numbed by our own "good intentions". We "mean" to be transformed into a Christ-like nature, and we even take steps to make improvements. We try to be "better" people, but for some reason we find it "doesn't work".
The main reason we fail is that we try to do it in our own strength, and we only want to change the things WE want to change. An individual can spend a lifetime struggling to transform themselves, when what really needs to happen is to surrender to the working of the Holy Spirit.
A Christian business leader said, "God can do more in a flash than we can do in a lifetime of effort." God desires to work in us to transform us. We need to understand the priority of placing ourselves wholly in his presence, and allow him unlimited access to every area. We need to change what he places on our heart to change, not what WE think needs changing.
The power to Change is the Power of the Holy Spirit. We need to surrender to him and his plan. When we try to do it in our own strength, we can be very frustrated with ourselves. Sometimes we just need to step out of the way and let the Spirit work. Let His light shine on us and transform us into instruments for His glory.
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, March 20, 2011
3.20.11 "Through the Power of the Spirit"
"Through the Power of the Spirit"
Numbers 30:1-31:54
Luke 4:1-30
Psalm 63:1-11
Proverbs 11:20-21
How are you getting through life? In your own strength, or the power of the Spirit? Too often I catch myself trying to "Live the DREAM" in my own strength. We need to live the balanced Christian Life, but we need to be doing it through a power far greater than our own: The power found only through the Holy Spirit.
Luke 4:1 says, "Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan River, being urged by the Spirit..." In verse 14 it says, "Then Jesus returned to Galilee, full of the Holy Spirit's power."
It should grab our attention that Jesus was not operating in his own strength even through He was the Son of God. His path was forged through the power of the Spirit.
In our reading in Numbers today, Numbers 31:24 says, "Anything that will stand heat - such as gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, or lead - shall be passed through fire in order to be made ceremonially pure;"
Do you remember what John the Baptist said in Luke 3 two days ago? "I baptize only with water; but someone is coming soon who has far higher authority than mine... He will baptize you with fire - with the Holy Spirit." (Luke 3:16)
We need the power of the Spirit to be present in our lives. This is why Jesus came. To give us life, and more abundantly. That happens through the power of the Spirit. Do you want it? YES! ok, let's look at something:
Notice that in Luke 4:1 Jesus is full of the Spirit, and in Luke 4:14 he's full of the spirit's power. What happens in between? Yup, you guessed it. it's that wilderness word again. In the wilderness Jesus is tempted. He's tempted in the midst of great hunger. His will is tested to prove that he's the Son of God. Satan throws all he has at him. Testing Jesus at a "weak" moment.
What does Jesus do? Does he respond in his own strength? "yeah, that doesn't really sound bad... stone into bread... after all, who would know... I am the son of God..." Not at all! He responds with the word!
The wilderness is the trial that refines. To many times we think it is an obstacle to the Christian Life we are called to live rather than the fire necessary to refine us. Like Numbers said, "Anything that can stand heat..." What about me? Can I stand heat? Can I be a place where the Spirit can move freely? It can only happen as I devote my life to the Word and to overcome THROUGH THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT!
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
Numbers 30:1-31:54
Luke 4:1-30
Psalm 63:1-11
Proverbs 11:20-21
How are you getting through life? In your own strength, or the power of the Spirit? Too often I catch myself trying to "Live the DREAM" in my own strength. We need to live the balanced Christian Life, but we need to be doing it through a power far greater than our own: The power found only through the Holy Spirit.
Luke 4:1 says, "Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan River, being urged by the Spirit..." In verse 14 it says, "Then Jesus returned to Galilee, full of the Holy Spirit's power."
It should grab our attention that Jesus was not operating in his own strength even through He was the Son of God. His path was forged through the power of the Spirit.
In our reading in Numbers today, Numbers 31:24 says, "Anything that will stand heat - such as gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, or lead - shall be passed through fire in order to be made ceremonially pure;"
Do you remember what John the Baptist said in Luke 3 two days ago? "I baptize only with water; but someone is coming soon who has far higher authority than mine... He will baptize you with fire - with the Holy Spirit." (Luke 3:16)
We need the power of the Spirit to be present in our lives. This is why Jesus came. To give us life, and more abundantly. That happens through the power of the Spirit. Do you want it? YES! ok, let's look at something:
Notice that in Luke 4:1 Jesus is full of the Spirit, and in Luke 4:14 he's full of the spirit's power. What happens in between? Yup, you guessed it. it's that wilderness word again. In the wilderness Jesus is tempted. He's tempted in the midst of great hunger. His will is tested to prove that he's the Son of God. Satan throws all he has at him. Testing Jesus at a "weak" moment.
What does Jesus do? Does he respond in his own strength? "yeah, that doesn't really sound bad... stone into bread... after all, who would know... I am the son of God..." Not at all! He responds with the word!
The wilderness is the trial that refines. To many times we think it is an obstacle to the Christian Life we are called to live rather than the fire necessary to refine us. Like Numbers said, "Anything that can stand heat..." What about me? Can I stand heat? Can I be a place where the Spirit can move freely? It can only happen as I devote my life to the Word and to overcome THROUGH THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT!
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, December 23, 2010
12.23.10 "Through the Power of the Spirit"
"Through the Power of the Spirit"
Zechariah 4:1-5:11
Revelation 14:1-20
Psalm 142:1-7
Proverbs 30:21-23
"Through the Power of the Spirit, Live the DREAM!" That's been the closing line for these DEVO's for quite some time. Because of it's familiarity, it can very easily lose it's impact.
We all know we need to mature in Christ. We know that comes through the study of God's word, and although we don't like it, but we know that it comes through the "pure joy" of trials that James talks about.
We also "know" that salvation is not of works, but sometimes we may not look like we know that. For instance, we can try to apply each of the DREAM principles to our life, but do it in our own strength. "I'll do my best to obey God's Word, get along with others, try to read my bible, join a ministry group, and pass out a couple tracks. I'm 'Livin' the DREAM!'" If we're not careful we can find ourselves living like those in 2 Timothy 3:5 "having a form of godliness but denying its power."
Today's reading in Zechariah has a familiar verse: "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty - you will succeed because of my Spirit" Zech. 4:6 This is a verse that needs to be ingrained in our DNA. It must be a part of who we are.
God desires us to be who he has created us to be. He has sent his Spirit to complete that work in us. Why would we try to accomplish anything without the Spirit?
Over the past few years, I've gotten into doing construction projects around the house. We've finished the basement and built a deck. I know just enough about electrical, masonry, carpentry, etc. to THINK I can accomplish it on my own. I've come to learn oh so well the importance of having the right tool for the job. I tend to be creative, so I'll often use something for a task other than for which it was intended. Like doing finish carpentry with a hack-saw... not the smartest thing. Nothing a little putty wont cover up... Worse yet was when i couldn't find a saw, I thought I'd just pound a chisel through a board... almost needed stitches for that one. Through this process I also learned that there are those who DO know the way things should be done... they are on my speed dial. As I called one friend he said, "my goodness... I hope someone's takin' pictures of all this!"
We are created for a purpose. We are formed for the purpose of the Spirit working through us. Why do we so often try to accomplish things on our own? Why do we attempt to accomplish things in a manner other than we were intended? What are we thinking?
We must operate completely dependent on the power of the Spirit. Then something like the DREAM can be a powerful tool in our life! The Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship becomes a life of obedience, radical faith, and glorious praise. Relationships Devoted Unity experience breakthroughs and we deal with people the way the Lord would. Empowered through Biblical Training becomes much more than cold ritual as God's word comes alive! Active Ministry Involvement becomes a phenomenal experience of God working through us as we use our resources for His glory. Our Mission to Reach our World for Christ becomes powerfully effective to the world around us.
Zech 4:7 says, "Therefore no mountain, however high, can stand before Zerubbabel! For it will flatten out before him! And Zerubbabel will finish building this Temple with mighty shouts of thanksgiving for God's mercy, declaring that all was done by grace alone."
What needs to be accomplished in your life? What breakthroughs are needed? Your name probably isn't Zerubbabel, but God has called you into his service, and there are probably mountains in your way. Live in the Power of the Spirit, expect great things, & see what happens!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Zechariah 4:1-5:11
Revelation 14:1-20
Psalm 142:1-7
Proverbs 30:21-23
"Through the Power of the Spirit, Live the DREAM!" That's been the closing line for these DEVO's for quite some time. Because of it's familiarity, it can very easily lose it's impact.
We all know we need to mature in Christ. We know that comes through the study of God's word, and although we don't like it, but we know that it comes through the "pure joy" of trials that James talks about.
We also "know" that salvation is not of works, but sometimes we may not look like we know that. For instance, we can try to apply each of the DREAM principles to our life, but do it in our own strength. "I'll do my best to obey God's Word, get along with others, try to read my bible, join a ministry group, and pass out a couple tracks. I'm 'Livin' the DREAM!'" If we're not careful we can find ourselves living like those in 2 Timothy 3:5 "having a form of godliness but denying its power."
Today's reading in Zechariah has a familiar verse: "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty - you will succeed because of my Spirit" Zech. 4:6 This is a verse that needs to be ingrained in our DNA. It must be a part of who we are.
God desires us to be who he has created us to be. He has sent his Spirit to complete that work in us. Why would we try to accomplish anything without the Spirit?
Over the past few years, I've gotten into doing construction projects around the house. We've finished the basement and built a deck. I know just enough about electrical, masonry, carpentry, etc. to THINK I can accomplish it on my own. I've come to learn oh so well the importance of having the right tool for the job. I tend to be creative, so I'll often use something for a task other than for which it was intended. Like doing finish carpentry with a hack-saw... not the smartest thing. Nothing a little putty wont cover up... Worse yet was when i couldn't find a saw, I thought I'd just pound a chisel through a board... almost needed stitches for that one. Through this process I also learned that there are those who DO know the way things should be done... they are on my speed dial. As I called one friend he said, "my goodness... I hope someone's takin' pictures of all this!"
We are created for a purpose. We are formed for the purpose of the Spirit working through us. Why do we so often try to accomplish things on our own? Why do we attempt to accomplish things in a manner other than we were intended? What are we thinking?
We must operate completely dependent on the power of the Spirit. Then something like the DREAM can be a powerful tool in our life! The Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship becomes a life of obedience, radical faith, and glorious praise. Relationships Devoted Unity experience breakthroughs and we deal with people the way the Lord would. Empowered through Biblical Training becomes much more than cold ritual as God's word comes alive! Active Ministry Involvement becomes a phenomenal experience of God working through us as we use our resources for His glory. Our Mission to Reach our World for Christ becomes powerfully effective to the world around us.
Zech 4:7 says, "Therefore no mountain, however high, can stand before Zerubbabel! For it will flatten out before him! And Zerubbabel will finish building this Temple with mighty shouts of thanksgiving for God's mercy, declaring that all was done by grace alone."
What needs to be accomplished in your life? What breakthroughs are needed? Your name probably isn't Zerubbabel, but God has called you into his service, and there are probably mountains in your way. Live in the Power of the Spirit, expect great things, & see what happens!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Thursday, July 22, 2010
7.22.10 "You Can't, Yet You Must!"
"You Can't, yet You Must!"
2 Chronicles 6:12-8:10
Romans 7:14-8:8
Psalm 18:1-15
Proverbs 19:24-25
Guess what? You can't keep from sinning. Period. There is nothing in your strength that can defeat sin's power over you. Yet you must.
Paul says it well in Romans 7:15 "I don't really understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I can't."
Have you ever been there? are you there right now?
We need to keep a very important truth before us at ALL times: we NEED the power of the Holy Spirit!
As we mature in Christ there's a "by-product" of maturity we must guard against. It's an element of pride that sneaks in. We begin to think we can work in our own strength and our own understanding. We learn a spiritual principle, then walk away thinking, "OK, I got it." and we come back with a bloody nose. Why is that?
One of the main reasons is that we understand that knowing God's Commands is EXTREMELY important, but we many times forget that KNOWING isn't enough. We desperately need the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 8:3-4 says, "We aren't saved from sin's grasp by knowing the commandments of God, because we can't and don't keep them, but God put into effect a different plan to save us. He sent his own Son in a human body like ours - except that ours are sinful - and destroyed sin's control over us by giving himself as a sacrifice for our sins. So now we can obey God's laws if we follow after the Holy Spirit and no longer obey the old evil nature within us."
As humans mature, they become increasingly independent. Maturity in Christ IS our goal! We need to get the point that we are "no longer as infants tossed back and forth by every wind of doctrine." We need to get past the point of surviving only on spiritual milk. HOWEVER, we MUST realize that unlike our human maturity, Christian Maturity makes us MORE dependent on Christ.
Here's a good test for yourself. How well do you think you can do today without spending time with God? Your answer may be an indicator of your maturity. Will the mature answer be: I spent extra time with God yesterday... I know the word... I made it to church a couple days ago... Or will it be: I can't take another step without time with the Lord! Guess which one is a sign of maturity.
Now think about the sin that so easily entangles you. Are you wrestling with it in your own power, or have you given it to Christ? Sunday school answer is: I've given it to Christ. Well then why does it still entangle? The answer is: Because we walk in the flesh and not in the Spirit.
Try something today: Consciously walk in the power of the Spirit. When challenges or temptations come up, discipline yourself to not react in the flesh. Rest on the power of the Spirit, and see what happens.
"Those who let themselves be controlled by their lower natures live only to please themselves, but those who follow after the Holy Spirit find themselves doing those things that please God. Following after the Holy Spirit leads to life and peace, but following after the old nature leads to death." Romans 8:5-6
There's a chorus that says: "Lord fill me with your power, your all consuming fire. Take this clay, mold me I pray, so I'll be ready, Lord. Prepare me today."
Guess what? You're gonna be tempted to sin again. And guess what? In your own strength, you can't keep from sinning. But here's the best part! The power of the Holy Spirit that has been given to you can keep you from sinning! Walk in THAT power!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
2 Chronicles 6:12-8:10
Romans 7:14-8:8
Psalm 18:1-15
Proverbs 19:24-25
Guess what? You can't keep from sinning. Period. There is nothing in your strength that can defeat sin's power over you. Yet you must.
Paul says it well in Romans 7:15 "I don't really understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I can't."
Have you ever been there? are you there right now?
We need to keep a very important truth before us at ALL times: we NEED the power of the Holy Spirit!
As we mature in Christ there's a "by-product" of maturity we must guard against. It's an element of pride that sneaks in. We begin to think we can work in our own strength and our own understanding. We learn a spiritual principle, then walk away thinking, "OK, I got it." and we come back with a bloody nose. Why is that?
One of the main reasons is that we understand that knowing God's Commands is EXTREMELY important, but we many times forget that KNOWING isn't enough. We desperately need the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 8:3-4 says, "We aren't saved from sin's grasp by knowing the commandments of God, because we can't and don't keep them, but God put into effect a different plan to save us. He sent his own Son in a human body like ours - except that ours are sinful - and destroyed sin's control over us by giving himself as a sacrifice for our sins. So now we can obey God's laws if we follow after the Holy Spirit and no longer obey the old evil nature within us."
As humans mature, they become increasingly independent. Maturity in Christ IS our goal! We need to get the point that we are "no longer as infants tossed back and forth by every wind of doctrine." We need to get past the point of surviving only on spiritual milk. HOWEVER, we MUST realize that unlike our human maturity, Christian Maturity makes us MORE dependent on Christ.
Here's a good test for yourself. How well do you think you can do today without spending time with God? Your answer may be an indicator of your maturity. Will the mature answer be: I spent extra time with God yesterday... I know the word... I made it to church a couple days ago... Or will it be: I can't take another step without time with the Lord! Guess which one is a sign of maturity.
Now think about the sin that so easily entangles you. Are you wrestling with it in your own power, or have you given it to Christ? Sunday school answer is: I've given it to Christ. Well then why does it still entangle? The answer is: Because we walk in the flesh and not in the Spirit.
Try something today: Consciously walk in the power of the Spirit. When challenges or temptations come up, discipline yourself to not react in the flesh. Rest on the power of the Spirit, and see what happens.
"Those who let themselves be controlled by their lower natures live only to please themselves, but those who follow after the Holy Spirit find themselves doing those things that please God. Following after the Holy Spirit leads to life and peace, but following after the old nature leads to death." Romans 8:5-6
There's a chorus that says: "Lord fill me with your power, your all consuming fire. Take this clay, mold me I pray, so I'll be ready, Lord. Prepare me today."
Guess what? You're gonna be tempted to sin again. And guess what? In your own strength, you can't keep from sinning. But here's the best part! The power of the Holy Spirit that has been given to you can keep you from sinning! Walk in THAT power!
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, March 20, 2010
3.20.10 "Through the Power of the Spirit"
"Through the Power of the Spirit"
Numbers 30:1-31:54
Luke 4:1-30
Psalm 63:1-11
Proverbs 11:20-21
How are you getting through life? In your own strength, or the power of the Spirit? Too often I catch myself trying to "Live the DREAM" in my own strength. We need to live the balanced Christian Life, but we need to be doing it through a power far greater than our own: The power found only through the Holy Spirit.
Luke 4:1 says, "Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan River, being urged by the Spirit..." In verse 14 it says, "Then Jesus returned to Galilee, full of the Holy Spirit's power."
It should grab our attention that Jesus was not operating in his own strength even through He was the Son of God. His path was forged through the power of the Spirit.
In our reading in Numbers today, Numbers 31:24 says, "Anything that will stand heat - such as gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, or lead - shall be passed through fire in order to be made ceremonially pure;"
Do you remember what John the Baptist said in Luke 3 two days ago? "I baptize only with water; but someone is coming soon who has far higher authority than mine... He will baptize you with fire - with the Holy Spirit." (Luke 3:16)
We need the power of the Spirit to be present in our lives. This is why Jesus came. To give us life, and more abundantly. That happens through the power of the Spirit. Do you want it? YES! ok, let's look at something.
Notice that in Luke 4:1 Jesus is full of the Spirit, and in Luke 4:14 he's full of the spirit's power. What happens in between? Yup, you guessed it. it's that wilderness word again. In the wilderness Jesus is tempted. He's tempted in the midst of great hunger. His will is tested to prove that he's the Son of God. Satan throws all he has at him. Testing Jesus at a "weak" moment.
What does Jesus do? Does he respond in his own strength? "yeah, that doesn't really sound bad... stone into bread... after all, who would know... I am the son of God..." Not at all! He responds with the word!
The wilderness is the trial that refines. To many times we think it is an obstacle to the Christian Life we are called to live rather than the fire necessary to refine us. Like Numbers said, "Anything that can stand heat..." What about me? Can I stand heat? Can I be a place where the Spirit can move freely? It can only happen as I devote my life to the Word and to overcome THROUGH THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT!
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 30:1-31:54
Luke 4:1-30
Psalm 63:1-11
Proverbs 11:20-21
How are you getting through life? In your own strength, or the power of the Spirit? Too often I catch myself trying to "Live the DREAM" in my own strength. We need to live the balanced Christian Life, but we need to be doing it through a power far greater than our own: The power found only through the Holy Spirit.
Luke 4:1 says, "Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan River, being urged by the Spirit..." In verse 14 it says, "Then Jesus returned to Galilee, full of the Holy Spirit's power."
It should grab our attention that Jesus was not operating in his own strength even through He was the Son of God. His path was forged through the power of the Spirit.
In our reading in Numbers today, Numbers 31:24 says, "Anything that will stand heat - such as gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, or lead - shall be passed through fire in order to be made ceremonially pure;"
Do you remember what John the Baptist said in Luke 3 two days ago? "I baptize only with water; but someone is coming soon who has far higher authority than mine... He will baptize you with fire - with the Holy Spirit." (Luke 3:16)
We need the power of the Spirit to be present in our lives. This is why Jesus came. To give us life, and more abundantly. That happens through the power of the Spirit. Do you want it? YES! ok, let's look at something.
Notice that in Luke 4:1 Jesus is full of the Spirit, and in Luke 4:14 he's full of the spirit's power. What happens in between? Yup, you guessed it. it's that wilderness word again. In the wilderness Jesus is tempted. He's tempted in the midst of great hunger. His will is tested to prove that he's the Son of God. Satan throws all he has at him. Testing Jesus at a "weak" moment.
What does Jesus do? Does he respond in his own strength? "yeah, that doesn't really sound bad... stone into bread... after all, who would know... I am the son of God..." Not at all! He responds with the word!
The wilderness is the trial that refines. To many times we think it is an obstacle to the Christian Life we are called to live rather than the fire necessary to refine us. Like Numbers said, "Anything that can stand heat..." What about me? Can I stand heat? Can I be a place where the Spirit can move freely? It can only happen as I devote my life to the Word and to overcome THROUGH THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT!
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, December 23, 2009
12.23.9 "Through the Power of the Spirit"
"Through the Power of the Spirit"
Zechariah 4:1-5:11
Revelation 14:1-20
Psalm 142:1-7
Proverbs 30:21-23
"Through the Power of the Spirit, Live the DREAM!" That's been the closing line for these DEVO's for quite some time. Because of it's familiarity, it can very easily lose it's impact.
We all know we need to mature in Christ. We know that comes through the study of God's word, and although we don't like it, but we know that it comes through the "pure joy" of trials that James talks about.
We also "know" that salvation is not of works, but sometimes we may not look like we know that. For instance, we can try to apply each of the DREAM principles to our life, but do it in our own strength. "I'll do my best to obey God's Word, get along with others, try to read my bible, join a ministry group, and pass out a couple tracks. I'm 'Livin' the DREAM!'" If we're not careful we can find ourselves living like those in 2 Timothy 3:5 "having a form of godliness but denying its power."
Today's reading in Zechariah has a familiar verse: "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty - you will succeed because of my Spirit" Zech. 4:6 This is a verse that needs to be ingrained in our DNA. It must be a part of who we are.
God desires us to be who he has created us to be. He has sent his Spirit to complete that work in us. Why would we try to accomplish anything without the Spirit?
Over the past few years, I've gotten into doing construction projects around the house. We've finished the basement and built a deck. I know just enough about electrical, masonry, carpentry, etc. to THINK I can accomplish it on my own. I've come to learn oh so well the importance of having the right tool for the job. I tend to be creative, so I'll often use something for a task other than for which it was intended. Like doing finish carpentry with a hack-saw... not the smartest thing. Nothing a little putty wont cover up... Worse yet was when i couldn't find a saw, I thought I'd just pound a chisel through a board... almost needed stitches for that one. Through this process I also learned that there are those who DO know the way things should be done... they are on my speed dial. As I called one friend he said, "my goodness... I hope someone's takin' pictures of all this!"
We are created for a purpose. We are formed for the purpose of the Spirit working through us. Why do we so often try to accomplish things on our own? Why do we attempt to accomplish things in a manner other than we were intended? What are we thinking?
We must operate completely dependent on the power of the Spirit. Then something like the DREAM can be a powerful tool in our life! The Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship becomes a life of obedience, radical faith, and glorious praise. Relationships Devoted Unity experience breakthroughs and we deal with people the way the Lord would. Empowered through Biblical Training becomes much more than cold ritual as God's word comes alive! Active Ministry Involvement becomes a phenomenal experience of God working through us as we use our resources for His glory. Our Mission to Reach our World for Christ becomes powerfully effective to the world around us.
Zech 4:7 says, "Therefore no mountain, however high, can stand before Zerubbabel! For it will flatten out before him! And Zerubbabel will finish building this Temple with mighty shouts of thanksgiving for God's mercy, declaring that all was done by grace alone."
What needs to be accomplished in your life? What breakthroughs are needed? Your name probably isn't Zerubbabel, but God has called you into his service, and there are probably mountains in your way. Live in the Power of the Spirit, expect great things, & see what happens!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Zechariah 4:1-5:11
Revelation 14:1-20
Psalm 142:1-7
Proverbs 30:21-23
"Through the Power of the Spirit, Live the DREAM!" That's been the closing line for these DEVO's for quite some time. Because of it's familiarity, it can very easily lose it's impact.
We all know we need to mature in Christ. We know that comes through the study of God's word, and although we don't like it, but we know that it comes through the "pure joy" of trials that James talks about.
We also "know" that salvation is not of works, but sometimes we may not look like we know that. For instance, we can try to apply each of the DREAM principles to our life, but do it in our own strength. "I'll do my best to obey God's Word, get along with others, try to read my bible, join a ministry group, and pass out a couple tracks. I'm 'Livin' the DREAM!'" If we're not careful we can find ourselves living like those in 2 Timothy 3:5 "having a form of godliness but denying its power."
Today's reading in Zechariah has a familiar verse: "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty - you will succeed because of my Spirit" Zech. 4:6 This is a verse that needs to be ingrained in our DNA. It must be a part of who we are.
God desires us to be who he has created us to be. He has sent his Spirit to complete that work in us. Why would we try to accomplish anything without the Spirit?
Over the past few years, I've gotten into doing construction projects around the house. We've finished the basement and built a deck. I know just enough about electrical, masonry, carpentry, etc. to THINK I can accomplish it on my own. I've come to learn oh so well the importance of having the right tool for the job. I tend to be creative, so I'll often use something for a task other than for which it was intended. Like doing finish carpentry with a hack-saw... not the smartest thing. Nothing a little putty wont cover up... Worse yet was when i couldn't find a saw, I thought I'd just pound a chisel through a board... almost needed stitches for that one. Through this process I also learned that there are those who DO know the way things should be done... they are on my speed dial. As I called one friend he said, "my goodness... I hope someone's takin' pictures of all this!"
We are created for a purpose. We are formed for the purpose of the Spirit working through us. Why do we so often try to accomplish things on our own? Why do we attempt to accomplish things in a manner other than we were intended? What are we thinking?
We must operate completely dependent on the power of the Spirit. Then something like the DREAM can be a powerful tool in our life! The Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship becomes a life of obedience, radical faith, and glorious praise. Relationships Devoted Unity experience breakthroughs and we deal with people the way the Lord would. Empowered through Biblical Training becomes much more than cold ritual as God's word comes alive! Active Ministry Involvement becomes a phenomenal experience of God working through us as we use our resources for His glory. Our Mission to Reach our World for Christ becomes powerfully effective to the world around us.
Zech 4:7 says, "Therefore no mountain, however high, can stand before Zerubbabel! For it will flatten out before him! And Zerubbabel will finish building this Temple with mighty shouts of thanksgiving for God's mercy, declaring that all was done by grace alone."
What needs to be accomplished in your life? What breakthroughs are needed? Your name probably isn't Zerubbabel, but God has called you into his service, and there are probably mountains in your way. Live in the Power of the Spirit, expect great things, & see what happens!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
10.13.9 "Faith Rewarded with Power"
"Faith Rewarded with Power"
Jeremiah 22:1-23:20
2 Thessalonians 1:1-12
Psalm 83:1-18
Proverbs 25:110-14
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 "And so we keep on praying for you that our God will make you the kind of children he wants to have - will make you as good as you wish you could be! - rewarding your faith with his power. Then everyone will be praising the name of the Lord Jesus Christ because of the results they see in you; and your greatest glory will be that you belong to him. The tender mercy of our God and of the Lord Jesus Christ has made all this possible for you."
These verses are a great reminder of some very important things.
1. God is trying to make us into the children he wants to have. There is intentionality to God's purposes for our life. He is working in us and through us for our good!
2. His work in us is to make us as good as we wish we could be. If you're like me, there are a lot of times you can get frustrated with yourself. I know I'm not who I should be. But the great thing is that as I let him do his work, I will become what I need to be!
3. This whole process takes the power of God! What this portion of scripture shows is that our faith is rewarded with power. Notice the sequence. As we move in faith, we experience His power! Too often I think I wait around for his power and I never exercise faith. This doesn't have to be huge leaps of faith. It is just in these little steps of faith where we begin to experience the power which increases our faith.
4. There should be observable results! What God is doing in your life should result in developing character and conduct that others see. Can others see growth in you? Can they see it in me? I'm not talking about piety or "holier-than-thou" type of growth, I'm talking about genuine steps of Christian maturity. I really have to think about it. When was the last time someone praised the name of the Lord Jesus Christ because of the results they saw in me?
5. It's only by the mercy of God that any of this is possible. We don't deserve this attention for growth that God gives us. We deserve far less. Yet in the price Jesus paid for us, all of this is possible for you.
If there's a tidbit I want to take today, it's that I must take steps of faith. His power will follow. This power will equip me to accomplish what he has for me. It will give me strength to become who He wants me to be. As I experience this, I know my faith will grow.
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 22:1-23:20
2 Thessalonians 1:1-12
Psalm 83:1-18
Proverbs 25:110-14
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 "And so we keep on praying for you that our God will make you the kind of children he wants to have - will make you as good as you wish you could be! - rewarding your faith with his power. Then everyone will be praising the name of the Lord Jesus Christ because of the results they see in you; and your greatest glory will be that you belong to him. The tender mercy of our God and of the Lord Jesus Christ has made all this possible for you."
These verses are a great reminder of some very important things.
1. God is trying to make us into the children he wants to have. There is intentionality to God's purposes for our life. He is working in us and through us for our good!
2. His work in us is to make us as good as we wish we could be. If you're like me, there are a lot of times you can get frustrated with yourself. I know I'm not who I should be. But the great thing is that as I let him do his work, I will become what I need to be!
3. This whole process takes the power of God! What this portion of scripture shows is that our faith is rewarded with power. Notice the sequence. As we move in faith, we experience His power! Too often I think I wait around for his power and I never exercise faith. This doesn't have to be huge leaps of faith. It is just in these little steps of faith where we begin to experience the power which increases our faith.
4. There should be observable results! What God is doing in your life should result in developing character and conduct that others see. Can others see growth in you? Can they see it in me? I'm not talking about piety or "holier-than-thou" type of growth, I'm talking about genuine steps of Christian maturity. I really have to think about it. When was the last time someone praised the name of the Lord Jesus Christ because of the results they saw in me?
5. It's only by the mercy of God that any of this is possible. We don't deserve this attention for growth that God gives us. We deserve far less. Yet in the price Jesus paid for us, all of this is possible for you.
If there's a tidbit I want to take today, it's that I must take steps of faith. His power will follow. This power will equip me to accomplish what he has for me. It will give me strength to become who He wants me to be. As I experience this, I know my faith will grow.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
8.5.9 "Who's Making You Who You Are?"
"Who's Making You Who You Are?"
Ezra 1:1-2:70
I Corinthians 1:18-2:5
Psalm 27:7-14
Proverbs 20:22-23
"For it is from God alone that you have your life through Christ Jesus. He showed us God's plan of salvation; he was the one who made us acceptable to God; he made us pure and holy and gave himself to purchase our salvation. As it says in the Scriptures, "If anyone is going to boast, let him boast only of what the Lord has done."" I Cor. 1:30-31
Can you remember this past January's New Year's resolution? How are you doing on that? It's not often we're asked that in August. Why do resolutions rarely work? I think it's because at some level, Our resolutions are our attempt to mold our character. Yes, most of them have to do with our conduct, but most of the time that conduct is a result of a character issue. Changing our character is not something we can do in our own strength.
Are you maturing in Christ? If you're not, why not? If you are, how are you doing it?
If we're not maturing in Christ, it may be a result of trying to do it in our own strength. We're trying to fix ourselves before coming to God. As we mature in Christ, sometimes we can too easily and unintentionally slip into thinking that it's something we've done. We don't mean for this to happen, it's just natural for our human nature to be bent that way. There is a sense of accomplishment in the steps of maturity, and it's difficult at times to keep the progress in perspective.
It's like we've got the spiritual equivalent of our Girl Scout sashes & Boy Scout uniforms on, and we get these patches, these steps of accomplishment. (don't worry, I support the badges!) And we forget where the progress comes from.
As verse 30 says, "...it is from God alone that you have your life..." We need to consistently acknowledge the source of our strength and progress in the Christian walk. It is only through the power of the Spirit. The personal stake in this process is getting out of the way to let the Spirit do his work. The "bragging" is in doing nothing, which is of course, nothing to brag about.
I'm a person who enjoys puzzles, so I like to "solve" things. When situations arise, and even when I sense God working in my life, I want to "figure it out". I want to "find the solution", and sometimes I find myself attempting to manipulate the hand of God. When the Spirit convicts me, I try to fix myself before allowing him to change me. In essence, I'm trying to "get cleaned up before taking a bath". Sometimes I think that that's how we "grow weary in doing good." We try to work the plan of God in our own strength.
The formula should be this simple: The Spirit moves, we get out of the way, God completes his work.
This habit of getting out of the way, this posture of humility, this life of dependance.... THAT'S maturing in Christ. Then, what do we have to boast about? "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."
Todays Psalm 27:8 says, "My heart has heard you say, 'Come and talk with me, O my people.' And my heart responds, 'Lord, I am coming.'" That's what it's all about.
Lord, I feel your Spirit calling me. Forgive me for trying to fix things in my own strength. My heart hears you, and it responds by saying "do your work!"
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Ezra 1:1-2:70
I Corinthians 1:18-2:5
Psalm 27:7-14
Proverbs 20:22-23
"For it is from God alone that you have your life through Christ Jesus. He showed us God's plan of salvation; he was the one who made us acceptable to God; he made us pure and holy and gave himself to purchase our salvation. As it says in the Scriptures, "If anyone is going to boast, let him boast only of what the Lord has done."" I Cor. 1:30-31
Can you remember this past January's New Year's resolution? How are you doing on that? It's not often we're asked that in August. Why do resolutions rarely work? I think it's because at some level, Our resolutions are our attempt to mold our character. Yes, most of them have to do with our conduct, but most of the time that conduct is a result of a character issue. Changing our character is not something we can do in our own strength.
Are you maturing in Christ? If you're not, why not? If you are, how are you doing it?
If we're not maturing in Christ, it may be a result of trying to do it in our own strength. We're trying to fix ourselves before coming to God. As we mature in Christ, sometimes we can too easily and unintentionally slip into thinking that it's something we've done. We don't mean for this to happen, it's just natural for our human nature to be bent that way. There is a sense of accomplishment in the steps of maturity, and it's difficult at times to keep the progress in perspective.
It's like we've got the spiritual equivalent of our Girl Scout sashes & Boy Scout uniforms on, and we get these patches, these steps of accomplishment. (don't worry, I support the badges!) And we forget where the progress comes from.
As verse 30 says, "...it is from God alone that you have your life..." We need to consistently acknowledge the source of our strength and progress in the Christian walk. It is only through the power of the Spirit. The personal stake in this process is getting out of the way to let the Spirit do his work. The "bragging" is in doing nothing, which is of course, nothing to brag about.
I'm a person who enjoys puzzles, so I like to "solve" things. When situations arise, and even when I sense God working in my life, I want to "figure it out". I want to "find the solution", and sometimes I find myself attempting to manipulate the hand of God. When the Spirit convicts me, I try to fix myself before allowing him to change me. In essence, I'm trying to "get cleaned up before taking a bath". Sometimes I think that that's how we "grow weary in doing good." We try to work the plan of God in our own strength.
The formula should be this simple: The Spirit moves, we get out of the way, God completes his work.
This habit of getting out of the way, this posture of humility, this life of dependance.... THAT'S maturing in Christ. Then, what do we have to boast about? "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."
Todays Psalm 27:8 says, "My heart has heard you say, 'Come and talk with me, O my people.' And my heart responds, 'Lord, I am coming.'" That's what it's all about.
Lord, I feel your Spirit calling me. Forgive me for trying to fix things in my own strength. My heart hears you, and it responds by saying "do your work!"
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, July 22, 2009
7.22.9 "You Can't, yet You Must!"
"You Can't, yet You Must!"
2 Chronicles 6:12-8:10
Romans 7:14-8:8
Psalm 18:1-15
Proverbs 19:24-25
Guess what? You can't keep from sinning. Period. There is nothing in your strength that can defeat sin's power over you.
Paul says it well in Romans 7:15 "I don't really understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I can't."
Have you ever been there? are you there right now?
We need to keep a very important truth before us at ALL times: we NEED the power of the Holy Spirit!
As we mature in Christ there's a "by-product" of maturity we must guard against. It's an element of pride that sneaks in. We begin to think we can work in our own strength and our own understanding. We learn a spiritual principle, then walk away thinking, "OK, I got it." and we come back with a bloody nose. Why is that?
One of the main reasons is that we understand that knowing God's Commands is EXTREMELY important, but we many times forget that KNOWING isn't enough. We desperately need the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 8:3-4 says, "We aren't saved from sin's grasp by knowing the commandments of God, because we can't and don't keep them, but God put into effect a different plan to save us. He sent his own Son in a human body like ours - except that ours are sinful - and destroyed sin's control over us by giving himself as a sacrifice for our sins. So now we can obey God's laws if we follow after the Holy Spirit and no longer obey the old evil nature within us."
As humans mature, they become increasingly independent. Maturity in Christ IS our goal! We need to get the point that we are "no longer as infants tossed back and forth by every wind of doctrine." We need to get past the point of surviving only on spiritual milk. HOWEVER, we MUST realize that unlike our human maturity, Christian Maturity makes us MORE dependent on Christ.
Here's a good test for yourself. How well do you think you can do today without spending time with God? Your answer may be an indicator of your maturity. Will the mature answer be: I spent extra time with God yesterday... I know the word... I made it to church a couple days ago... Or will it be: I can't take another step without time with the Lord! Guess which one is a sign of maturity.
Now think about the sin that so easily entangles you. Are you wrestling with it in your own power, or have you given it to Christ? Sunday school answer is: I've given it to Christ. Well then why does it still entangle? The answer is: Because we walk in the flesh and not in the Spirit.
Try something today: Consciously walk in the power of the Spirit. When challenges or temptations come up, discipline yourself to not react in the flesh. Rest on the power of the Spirit, and see what happens.
"Those who let themselves be controlled by their lower natures live only to please themselves, but those who follow after the Holy Spirit find themselves doing those things that please God. Following after the Holy Spirit leads to life and peace, but following after the old nature leads to death." Romans 8:5-6
There's a chorus that says: "Lord fill me with your power, your all consuming fire. Take this clay, mold me I pray, so I'll be ready, Lord. Prepare me today."
Guess what? You're gonna be tempted to sin again. And guess what? In your own strength, you can't keep from sinning. But here's the best part! The power of the Holy Spirit that has been given to you can keep you from sinning! Walk in THAT power!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
2 Chronicles 6:12-8:10
Romans 7:14-8:8
Psalm 18:1-15
Proverbs 19:24-25
Guess what? You can't keep from sinning. Period. There is nothing in your strength that can defeat sin's power over you.
Paul says it well in Romans 7:15 "I don't really understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I can't."
Have you ever been there? are you there right now?
We need to keep a very important truth before us at ALL times: we NEED the power of the Holy Spirit!
As we mature in Christ there's a "by-product" of maturity we must guard against. It's an element of pride that sneaks in. We begin to think we can work in our own strength and our own understanding. We learn a spiritual principle, then walk away thinking, "OK, I got it." and we come back with a bloody nose. Why is that?
One of the main reasons is that we understand that knowing God's Commands is EXTREMELY important, but we many times forget that KNOWING isn't enough. We desperately need the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 8:3-4 says, "We aren't saved from sin's grasp by knowing the commandments of God, because we can't and don't keep them, but God put into effect a different plan to save us. He sent his own Son in a human body like ours - except that ours are sinful - and destroyed sin's control over us by giving himself as a sacrifice for our sins. So now we can obey God's laws if we follow after the Holy Spirit and no longer obey the old evil nature within us."
As humans mature, they become increasingly independent. Maturity in Christ IS our goal! We need to get the point that we are "no longer as infants tossed back and forth by every wind of doctrine." We need to get past the point of surviving only on spiritual milk. HOWEVER, we MUST realize that unlike our human maturity, Christian Maturity makes us MORE dependent on Christ.
Here's a good test for yourself. How well do you think you can do today without spending time with God? Your answer may be an indicator of your maturity. Will the mature answer be: I spent extra time with God yesterday... I know the word... I made it to church a couple days ago... Or will it be: I can't take another step without time with the Lord! Guess which one is a sign of maturity.
Now think about the sin that so easily entangles you. Are you wrestling with it in your own power, or have you given it to Christ? Sunday school answer is: I've given it to Christ. Well then why does it still entangle? The answer is: Because we walk in the flesh and not in the Spirit.
Try something today: Consciously walk in the power of the Spirit. When challenges or temptations come up, discipline yourself to not react in the flesh. Rest on the power of the Spirit, and see what happens.
"Those who let themselves be controlled by their lower natures live only to please themselves, but those who follow after the Holy Spirit find themselves doing those things that please God. Following after the Holy Spirit leads to life and peace, but following after the old nature leads to death." Romans 8:5-6
There's a chorus that says: "Lord fill me with your power, your all consuming fire. Take this clay, mold me I pray, so I'll be ready, Lord. Prepare me today."
Guess what? You're gonna be tempted to sin again. And guess what? In your own strength, you can't keep from sinning. But here's the best part! The power of the Holy Spirit that has been given to you can keep you from sinning! Walk in THAT power!
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, May 3, 2009
5.3.9 "The Power to Change"
"The Power to Change"
Judges 17:1-18:31
John 3:1-21
Psalm 104:1-23
Proverbs 14:20-21
Are there things about you that you'd like to change? Maybe appearance, or habit, or personality, or something else? When man sinned, one of the consequences was an innate dissatisfaction in our flesh of where we are. There's a desire to change. Often we hear these "pit to pinnacle" stories of people who have worked hard to transform their lives. Because our culture values riches, we love the "get rich quick" stories. We like to hear of the people who've triumphed through adversity.
Because people are so often discontent about themselves and where they're at in life, there is usually a great desire to change; to become a better person.
For example, we need to be people who Live the DREAM. We need to live the Balanced Christian Life. Each of us need to be strengthened in one area or another to be who God created us to be. As great as that desire is, we cannot forget that it is not in our power to change.
Jesus is meeting with Nicodemus when he says, "Men can only reproduce human life, but the Holy Spirit gives new life from heaven." (John 3:6)
When we get trapped in rut of the "comfortable Christian Life", we can be numbed by our own "good intentions". We "mean" to be transformed into a Christ-like nature, and we even take steps to make improvements. We try to be "better" people, but for some reason we find it "doesn't work".
The main reasons we fail is that we try to do it in our own strength, and we only want to change the things WE want to change. An individual can spend a lifetime struggling to transform themselves, when what really needs to happen is to surrender to the working of the Holy Spirit.
A Christian business leader said, "God can do more in a flash than we can do in a lifetime of effort." God desires to work in us to transform us. We need to understand the priority of placing ourselves wholly in his presence, and allow him unlimited access to every area. We need to change what he places on our heart to change, not what WE think needs changing.
The power to Change is the Power of the Holy Spirit. We need to surrender to him and his plan. When we try to do it in our own strength, we can be very frustrated with ourselves. Sometimes we just need to step out of the way and let the Spirit work. Let His light shine on us and transform us into instruments for His glory.
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 17:1-18:31
John 3:1-21
Psalm 104:1-23
Proverbs 14:20-21
Are there things about you that you'd like to change? Maybe appearance, or habit, or personality, or something else? When man sinned, one of the consequences was an innate dissatisfaction in our flesh of where we are. There's a desire to change. Often we hear these "pit to pinnacle" stories of people who have worked hard to transform their lives. Because our culture values riches, we love the "get rich quick" stories. We like to hear of the people who've triumphed through adversity.
Because people are so often discontent about themselves and where they're at in life, there is usually a great desire to change; to become a better person.
For example, we need to be people who Live the DREAM. We need to live the Balanced Christian Life. Each of us need to be strengthened in one area or another to be who God created us to be. As great as that desire is, we cannot forget that it is not in our power to change.
Jesus is meeting with Nicodemus when he says, "Men can only reproduce human life, but the Holy Spirit gives new life from heaven." (John 3:6)
When we get trapped in rut of the "comfortable Christian Life", we can be numbed by our own "good intentions". We "mean" to be transformed into a Christ-like nature, and we even take steps to make improvements. We try to be "better" people, but for some reason we find it "doesn't work".
The main reasons we fail is that we try to do it in our own strength, and we only want to change the things WE want to change. An individual can spend a lifetime struggling to transform themselves, when what really needs to happen is to surrender to the working of the Holy Spirit.
A Christian business leader said, "God can do more in a flash than we can do in a lifetime of effort." God desires to work in us to transform us. We need to understand the priority of placing ourselves wholly in his presence, and allow him unlimited access to every area. We need to change what he places on our heart to change, not what WE think needs changing.
The power to Change is the Power of the Holy Spirit. We need to surrender to him and his plan. When we try to do it in our own strength, we can be very frustrated with ourselves. Sometimes we just need to step out of the way and let the Spirit work. Let His light shine on us and transform us into instruments for His glory.
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, March 20, 2009
3.20.9 "Through the Power of the Spirit"
"Through the Power of the Spirit"
Numbers 30:1-31:54
Luke 4:1-30
Psalm 63:1-11
Proverbs 11:20-21
How are you getting through life? In your own strength, or the power of the Spirit? Too often I catch myself trying to "Live the DREAM" in my own strength. We need to live the balanced Christian Life, but we need to be doing it through a power far greater than our own: The power found only through the Holy Spirit.
Luke 4:1 says, "Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan River, being urged by the Spirit..." In verse 14 it says, "Then Jesus returned to Galilee, full of the Holy Spirit's power."
It should grab our attention that Jesus was not operating in his own strength even through He was the Son of God. His path was forged through the power of the Spirit.
In our reading in Numbers today, Numbers 31:24 says, "Anything that will stand heat - such as gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, or lead - shall be passed through fire in order to be made ceremonially pure;"
Do you remember what John the Baptist said in Luke 3 two days ago? "I baptize only with water; but someone is coming soon who has far higher authority than mine... He will baptize you with fire - with the Holy Spirit." (Luke 3:16)
We need the power of the Spirit to be present in our lives. This is why Jesus came. To give us life, and more abundantly. That happens through the power of the Spirit. Do you want it? YES! ok, let's look at something.
Notice that in Luke 4:1 Jesus is full of the Spirit, and in Luke 4:14 he's full of the spirit's power. What happens in between? Yup, you guessed it. it's that wilderness word again. In the wilderness Jesus is tempted. He's tempted in the midst of great hunger. His will is tested to prove that he's the Son of God. Satan throws all he has at him. Testing Jesus at a "weak" moment.
What does Jesus do? Does he respond in his own strength? "yeah, that doesn't really sound bad... stone into bread... after all, who would know... I am the son of God..." Not at all! He responds with the word!
The wilderness is the trial that refines. To many times we think it is an obstacle to the Christian Life we are called to live rather than the fire necessary to refine us. Like Numbers said, "Anything that can stand heat..." What about me? Can I stand heat? Can I be a place where the Spirit can move freely? It can only happen as I devote my life to the Word and to overcome THROUGH THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT!
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 30:1-31:54
Luke 4:1-30
Psalm 63:1-11
Proverbs 11:20-21
How are you getting through life? In your own strength, or the power of the Spirit? Too often I catch myself trying to "Live the DREAM" in my own strength. We need to live the balanced Christian Life, but we need to be doing it through a power far greater than our own: The power found only through the Holy Spirit.
Luke 4:1 says, "Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan River, being urged by the Spirit..." In verse 14 it says, "Then Jesus returned to Galilee, full of the Holy Spirit's power."
It should grab our attention that Jesus was not operating in his own strength even through He was the Son of God. His path was forged through the power of the Spirit.
In our reading in Numbers today, Numbers 31:24 says, "Anything that will stand heat - such as gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, or lead - shall be passed through fire in order to be made ceremonially pure;"
Do you remember what John the Baptist said in Luke 3 two days ago? "I baptize only with water; but someone is coming soon who has far higher authority than mine... He will baptize you with fire - with the Holy Spirit." (Luke 3:16)
We need the power of the Spirit to be present in our lives. This is why Jesus came. To give us life, and more abundantly. That happens through the power of the Spirit. Do you want it? YES! ok, let's look at something.
Notice that in Luke 4:1 Jesus is full of the Spirit, and in Luke 4:14 he's full of the spirit's power. What happens in between? Yup, you guessed it. it's that wilderness word again. In the wilderness Jesus is tempted. He's tempted in the midst of great hunger. His will is tested to prove that he's the Son of God. Satan throws all he has at him. Testing Jesus at a "weak" moment.
What does Jesus do? Does he respond in his own strength? "yeah, that doesn't really sound bad... stone into bread... after all, who would know... I am the son of God..." Not at all! He responds with the word!
The wilderness is the trial that refines. To many times we think it is an obstacle to the Christian Life we are called to live rather than the fire necessary to refine us. Like Numbers said, "Anything that can stand heat..." What about me? Can I stand heat? Can I be a place where the Spirit can move freely? It can only happen as I devote my life to the Word and to overcome THROUGH THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT!
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, December 23, 2008
12.23.8 "Through the Power of the Spirit"
"Through the Power of the Spirit"
Zechariah 4:1-5:11
Revelation 14:1-20
Psalm 142:1-7
Proverbs 30:21-23
"Through the Power of the Spirit, Live the DREAM!" That's been the closing line for these DEVO's for quite some time. Because of it's familiarity, it can very easily lose it's impact.
We all know we need to mature in Christ. We know that comes through the study of God's word, and although we don't like it, but we know that it comes through the "pure joy" of trials that James talks about.
We also "know" that salvation is not of works, but sometimes we may not look like we know that. For instance, we can try to apply each of the DREAM principles to our life, but do it in our own strength. "I'll do my best to obey God's Word, get along with others, try to read my bible, join a ministry group, and pass out a couple tracks. I'm 'Livin' the DREAM!'" If we're not careful we can find ourselves living like those in 2 Timothy 3:5 "having a form of godliness but denying its power."
"Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty - you will succeed because of my Spirit" Zech. 4:6 This is a verse that needs to be ingrained in our DNA. It must be a part of who we are.
God desires us to be who he has created us to be. He has sent his Spirit to complete that work in us. Why would we try to accomplish anything without the Spirit?
Over the past few years, I've gotten into doing construction projects around the house. We've finished the basement and built a deck. I know just enough about electrical, masonry, carpentry, etc. to THINK I can accomplish it on my own. I've come to learn oh so well the importance of having the right tool for the job. I tend to be creative, so I'll often use something for a task other than for which it was intended. Like doing finish carpentry with a hack-saw... not the smartest thing. Nothing a little putty wont cover up... Worse yet was when i couldn't find a saw, I thought I'd just pound a chisel through a board... almost needed stitches for that one. Through this process I also learned that there are those who DO know the way things should be done... they are on my speed dial. As I called one friend he said, "my goodness... I hope someone's takin' pictures of all this!"
We are created for a purpose. We are formed for the purpose of the Spirit working through us. Why do we so often try to accomplish things on our own? Why do we attempt to accomplish things in a manner other than we were intended? What are we thinking?
We must operate completely dependent on the power of the Spirit. Then something like the DREAM can be a powerful tool in our life! The Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship becomes a life of obedience, radical faith, and glorious praise. Relationships Devoted Unity experience breakthroughs and we deal with people the way the Lord would. Empowered through Biblical Training becomes much more than cold ritual as God's word comes alive! Active Ministry Involvement becomes a phenomenal experience of God working through us as we use our resources for His glory. Our Mission to Reach our World for Christ becomes powerfully effective to the world around us.
Zech 4:7 says, "Therefore no mountain, however high, can stand before Zerubbabel! For it will flatten out before him! And Zerubbabel will finish building this Temple with mighty shouts of thanksgiving for God's mercy, declaring that all was done by grace alone."
What needs to be accomplished in your life? What breakthroughs are needed? Your name probably isn't Zerubbabel, but God has called you into his service, and there are probably mountains in your way. Live in the Power of the Spirit, expect great things, & see what happens!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Zechariah 4:1-5:11
Revelation 14:1-20
Psalm 142:1-7
Proverbs 30:21-23
"Through the Power of the Spirit, Live the DREAM!" That's been the closing line for these DEVO's for quite some time. Because of it's familiarity, it can very easily lose it's impact.
We all know we need to mature in Christ. We know that comes through the study of God's word, and although we don't like it, but we know that it comes through the "pure joy" of trials that James talks about.
We also "know" that salvation is not of works, but sometimes we may not look like we know that. For instance, we can try to apply each of the DREAM principles to our life, but do it in our own strength. "I'll do my best to obey God's Word, get along with others, try to read my bible, join a ministry group, and pass out a couple tracks. I'm 'Livin' the DREAM!'" If we're not careful we can find ourselves living like those in 2 Timothy 3:5 "having a form of godliness but denying its power."
"Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty - you will succeed because of my Spirit" Zech. 4:6 This is a verse that needs to be ingrained in our DNA. It must be a part of who we are.
God desires us to be who he has created us to be. He has sent his Spirit to complete that work in us. Why would we try to accomplish anything without the Spirit?
Over the past few years, I've gotten into doing construction projects around the house. We've finished the basement and built a deck. I know just enough about electrical, masonry, carpentry, etc. to THINK I can accomplish it on my own. I've come to learn oh so well the importance of having the right tool for the job. I tend to be creative, so I'll often use something for a task other than for which it was intended. Like doing finish carpentry with a hack-saw... not the smartest thing. Nothing a little putty wont cover up... Worse yet was when i couldn't find a saw, I thought I'd just pound a chisel through a board... almost needed stitches for that one. Through this process I also learned that there are those who DO know the way things should be done... they are on my speed dial. As I called one friend he said, "my goodness... I hope someone's takin' pictures of all this!"
We are created for a purpose. We are formed for the purpose of the Spirit working through us. Why do we so often try to accomplish things on our own? Why do we attempt to accomplish things in a manner other than we were intended? What are we thinking?
We must operate completely dependent on the power of the Spirit. Then something like the DREAM can be a powerful tool in our life! The Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship becomes a life of obedience, radical faith, and glorious praise. Relationships Devoted Unity experience breakthroughs and we deal with people the way the Lord would. Empowered through Biblical Training becomes much more than cold ritual as God's word comes alive! Active Ministry Involvement becomes a phenomenal experience of God working through us as we use our resources for His glory. Our Mission to Reach our World for Christ becomes powerfully effective to the world around us.
Zech 4:7 says, "Therefore no mountain, however high, can stand before Zerubbabel! For it will flatten out before him! And Zerubbabel will finish building this Temple with mighty shouts of thanksgiving for God's mercy, declaring that all was done by grace alone."
What needs to be accomplished in your life? What breakthroughs are needed? Your name probably isn't Zerubbabel, but God has called you into his service, and there are probably mountains in your way. Live in the Power of the Spirit, expect great things, & see what happens!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Friday, December 5, 2008
12.5.8 "We Got What it Takes"
"We Got What it Takes"
Hosea 1:1-3:5
I John 5:1-21
Psalm 124:1-8
Proverbs 29:5-8
You've heard the phrase "Attitude is Everything". There's a great deal of truth in that. When tackling a project it makes a big difference when you approach it as if it can be accomplished or not. Have you ever been involved in a project with someone who always says, "This is never going to work"? They're not much fun to be around, are they?
Too often in the Christian's life we walk around as if the task is too great. There's no way we can do this. It's the "Proximity Principle". It's how the giant seems biggest when you're close to it. We need to realize that even if we're standing eyeball to kneecap to the giant, we STILL have what it takes to win.
"Loving God means doing what he tells us to do, and really, that isn't hard at all; for every child of God can obey him, defeating sin and evil pleasure by trusting Christ to help him. But who could possibly fight and win this battle except by believing that Jesus is truly the Son of God?" (I John 5:3-5)
Don't you love that phrase, "...and really, that isn't hard at all..." If we are living the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship by walking in Obedience, we walk equipped. There's no doubt, no fear, no question. God has given us what we need.
We are equipped to live a fulfilling life. "So whoever has God's Son has life; whoever does not have his Son, does not have life." I John 5:12 There's no reason that the believer needs to walk around feeling sorry for himself. I need to look inside to the one who lives within me who has called me to do what I am doing, and realize that the giants in front of me are object lessons in my school of faith building.
So what if I'm tired. I need to be refreshed in the Spirit. So what if I'm sick. God will restore.
You know what else we are equipped for? Answered prayer. "And we are sure of this, that he will listen to us whenever we ask him for anything in line with his will. And if we really know he is listening when we talk to him and make our requests, then we can be sure that he will answer us." I John 5:14-15
We can't do anything in our own strength. "If the Lord had not been on our side (let all Israel admit it), if the Lord had not been on our side, we would have been swallowed alive by our enemies, destroyed by their anger." Psalm 124:1-3
Let's have a victorious day! A victorious week! A victorious life! We have what it takes to live the DREAM! We have Christ! We have the Power of the Spirit!
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
Hosea 1:1-3:5
I John 5:1-21
Psalm 124:1-8
Proverbs 29:5-8
You've heard the phrase "Attitude is Everything". There's a great deal of truth in that. When tackling a project it makes a big difference when you approach it as if it can be accomplished or not. Have you ever been involved in a project with someone who always says, "This is never going to work"? They're not much fun to be around, are they?
Too often in the Christian's life we walk around as if the task is too great. There's no way we can do this. It's the "Proximity Principle". It's how the giant seems biggest when you're close to it. We need to realize that even if we're standing eyeball to kneecap to the giant, we STILL have what it takes to win.
"Loving God means doing what he tells us to do, and really, that isn't hard at all; for every child of God can obey him, defeating sin and evil pleasure by trusting Christ to help him. But who could possibly fight and win this battle except by believing that Jesus is truly the Son of God?" (I John 5:3-5)
Don't you love that phrase, "...and really, that isn't hard at all..." If we are living the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship by walking in Obedience, we walk equipped. There's no doubt, no fear, no question. God has given us what we need.
We are equipped to live a fulfilling life. "So whoever has God's Son has life; whoever does not have his Son, does not have life." I John 5:12 There's no reason that the believer needs to walk around feeling sorry for himself. I need to look inside to the one who lives within me who has called me to do what I am doing, and realize that the giants in front of me are object lessons in my school of faith building.
So what if I'm tired. I need to be refreshed in the Spirit. So what if I'm sick. God will restore.
You know what else we are equipped for? Answered prayer. "And we are sure of this, that he will listen to us whenever we ask him for anything in line with his will. And if we really know he is listening when we talk to him and make our requests, then we can be sure that he will answer us." I John 5:14-15
We can't do anything in our own strength. "If the Lord had not been on our side (let all Israel admit it), if the Lord had not been on our side, we would have been swallowed alive by our enemies, destroyed by their anger." Psalm 124:1-3
Let's have a victorious day! A victorious week! A victorious life! We have what it takes to live the DREAM! We have Christ! We have the Power of the Spirit!
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, August 30, 2008
8.30.8 "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.
For example, 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.
These responses 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!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Job 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.
For example, 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.
These responses 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!
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, August 8, 2008
8.8.8 "Turn the Light on!"
"Turn the Light on!"
Ezra 7:1 - 8:20
I Corinthians 4:1-21
Psalm 30:1-12
Proverbs 20:28-30
"When the Lord comes, he will turn on the light so that everyone can see exactly what each one of us is really like, deep down in our hearts. Then everyone will know why we have been doing the Lord's work. At that time God will give to each one whatever praise is coming to him." (I Cor. 4:5)
That is a great verse! A few days ago we looked at Psalm 26:2 and how the Lord tests our motives and affections. This is one of the deepest elements of the Christian walk. Often, because people see what we are like on the outside, that is what we put all our effort into. The truth of the matter is that God is not as concerned with what people are thinking of us as he is about who we are inside.
Erwin McManus, pastor of Mosaic, a ministry in California made this statement. "We must be careful to run as fast as our character is deepening, and not as fast as our talent goes wide or high." He was speaking to pastors, and he said this as well, "Because we have a job in professional ministry based on talent, we may have never walked that lonely road with Christ to develop the kind of character that will handle the conflict and spiritual warfare that leadership requires."
This applies to every one of us whether or not we are in "professional" ministry. The focus of our life needs to be to allow God to shine his light on what's on the inside. That needs to be formed under the direction of the Holy Spirit. When that happens, not only are we not concerned with what others may see, we are more equipped to handle whatever may come our way.
When we are living the Spirit - empowered life, we have an internal drive that will navigate through any situation. If we don't have this working inside, we're like a nice looking car with no engine. we "coast" through life. The problem with coasting is that where you go is completely dependent on external forces. Things are great when we're zooming down hill, but when it's time to climb the mountain, there's nothing inside.
Paul says in verse 20, "The Kingdom of God is not just talking; it is living by God's power." Just because you look like you're living the DREAM doesn't mean you are. There needs to be a Spirit transformation that brings it about.
"What are you so puffed up about? What do you have that God hasn't given you? And if all you have is from God, why act as though you are so great, and as though you have accomplished something on your own?" (I Cor. 4:7)
The Psalm today can be applied as well. "In my prosperity I said, 'This is forever; nothing can stop me now! The Lord has shown me his favor. He has made me steady as a mountain.' Then, Lord, you turned your face away from me and cut off your river of blessings. Suddenly my courage was gone; I was terrified and panic-stricken." (Psalm 30:6-7)
It's easy for our human nature to convince us that if we "look" like we're who God created us to be we don't have to go through the refining process. That's not the case. That's a dangerous game to play. We need to allow him to make us into who he's created us to be. Then we wont have to be worried about what people see, because it's taken care of.
Allow God to turn the light on today!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Ezra 7:1 - 8:20
I Corinthians 4:1-21
Psalm 30:1-12
Proverbs 20:28-30
"When the Lord comes, he will turn on the light so that everyone can see exactly what each one of us is really like, deep down in our hearts. Then everyone will know why we have been doing the Lord's work. At that time God will give to each one whatever praise is coming to him." (I Cor. 4:5)
That is a great verse! A few days ago we looked at Psalm 26:2 and how the Lord tests our motives and affections. This is one of the deepest elements of the Christian walk. Often, because people see what we are like on the outside, that is what we put all our effort into. The truth of the matter is that God is not as concerned with what people are thinking of us as he is about who we are inside.
Erwin McManus, pastor of Mosaic, a ministry in California made this statement. "We must be careful to run as fast as our character is deepening, and not as fast as our talent goes wide or high." He was speaking to pastors, and he said this as well, "Because we have a job in professional ministry based on talent, we may have never walked that lonely road with Christ to develop the kind of character that will handle the conflict and spiritual warfare that leadership requires."
This applies to every one of us whether or not we are in "professional" ministry. The focus of our life needs to be to allow God to shine his light on what's on the inside. That needs to be formed under the direction of the Holy Spirit. When that happens, not only are we not concerned with what others may see, we are more equipped to handle whatever may come our way.
When we are living the Spirit - empowered life, we have an internal drive that will navigate through any situation. If we don't have this working inside, we're like a nice looking car with no engine. we "coast" through life. The problem with coasting is that where you go is completely dependent on external forces. Things are great when we're zooming down hill, but when it's time to climb the mountain, there's nothing inside.
Paul says in verse 20, "The Kingdom of God is not just talking; it is living by God's power." Just because you look like you're living the DREAM doesn't mean you are. There needs to be a Spirit transformation that brings it about.
"What are you so puffed up about? What do you have that God hasn't given you? And if all you have is from God, why act as though you are so great, and as though you have accomplished something on your own?" (I Cor. 4:7)
The Psalm today can be applied as well. "In my prosperity I said, 'This is forever; nothing can stop me now! The Lord has shown me his favor. He has made me steady as a mountain.' Then, Lord, you turned your face away from me and cut off your river of blessings. Suddenly my courage was gone; I was terrified and panic-stricken." (Psalm 30:6-7)
It's easy for our human nature to convince us that if we "look" like we're who God created us to be we don't have to go through the refining process. That's not the case. That's a dangerous game to play. We need to allow him to make us into who he's created us to be. Then we wont have to be worried about what people see, because it's taken care of.
Allow God to turn the light on today!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
8.5.8 "Who's Making You Who You Are?"
"Who's Making You Who You Are?"
Ezra 1:1-2:70
I Corinthians 1:18-2:5
Psalm 27:7-14
Proverbs 20:22-23
"For it is from God alone that you have your life through Christ Jesus. He showed us God's plan of salvation; he was the one who made us acceptable to God; he made us pure and holy and gave himself to purchase our salvation. As it says in the Scriptures, "If anyone is going to boast, let him boast only of what the Lord has done.""
Can you remember this past January's New Year's resolution? How are you doing on that? It's not often we're asked that in August. Why do resolutions rarely work? I think it's because at some level, Our resolutions are our attempt to mold our character. Yes, most of them have to do with our conduct, but most of the time that conduct is a result of a character issue. Changing our character is not something we can do in our own strength.
Are you maturing in Christ? If you're not, why not? If you are, how are you doing it?
If we're not maturing in Christ, it may be a result of trying to do it in our own strength. We're trying to fix ourselves before coming to God. As we mature in Christ, sometimes we can too easily and unintentionally slip into thinking that it's something we've done. We don't mean for this to happen, it's just natural for our human nature to be bent that way. There is a sense of accomplishment in the steps of maturity, and it's difficult at times to keep the progress in perspective.
It's like we've got our Missionette sashes & Royal Ranger uniforms on, and we get these patches, these steps of accomplishment. (don't worry, I support the badges!) And we forget where the progress comes from. "Yeah, I got my humility badge, but they took it away cuz i wore it!"
As verse 30 says, "...it is from God alone that you have your life..." We need to consistently acknowledge the source of our strength and progress in the Christian walk. It is only through the power of the Spirit. The personal stake in this process is getting out of the way to let the Spirit do his work. The "bragging" is in doing nothing, which is of course, nothing to brag about.
I'm a person who enjoys puzzles, so I like to "solve" things. When situations arise, and even when I sense God working in my life, I want to "figure it out". I want to "find the solution", and sometimes I find myself attempting to manipulate the hand of God. When the Spirit convicts me, I try to fix myself before allowing him to change me. In essence, I'm trying to "get cleaned up before taking a bath". Sometimes I think that that's how we "grow weary in doing good." We try to work the plan of God in our own strength.
The formula should be this simple: The Spirit moves, we get out of the way, God completes his work.
This habit of getting out of the way, this posture of humility, this life of dependance.... THAT'S maturing in Christ. Then, what do we have to boast about? "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."
Todays Psalm 27:8 says, "My heart has heard you say, 'Come and talk with me, O my people.' And my heart responds, 'Lord, I am coming.'" That's what it's all about.
Lord, I feel your Spirit calling me. Forgive me for trying to fix things in my own strength. My heart hears you, and it responds by saying "do your work!"
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Ezra 1:1-2:70
I Corinthians 1:18-2:5
Psalm 27:7-14
Proverbs 20:22-23
"For it is from God alone that you have your life through Christ Jesus. He showed us God's plan of salvation; he was the one who made us acceptable to God; he made us pure and holy and gave himself to purchase our salvation. As it says in the Scriptures, "If anyone is going to boast, let him boast only of what the Lord has done.""
Can you remember this past January's New Year's resolution? How are you doing on that? It's not often we're asked that in August. Why do resolutions rarely work? I think it's because at some level, Our resolutions are our attempt to mold our character. Yes, most of them have to do with our conduct, but most of the time that conduct is a result of a character issue. Changing our character is not something we can do in our own strength.
Are you maturing in Christ? If you're not, why not? If you are, how are you doing it?
If we're not maturing in Christ, it may be a result of trying to do it in our own strength. We're trying to fix ourselves before coming to God. As we mature in Christ, sometimes we can too easily and unintentionally slip into thinking that it's something we've done. We don't mean for this to happen, it's just natural for our human nature to be bent that way. There is a sense of accomplishment in the steps of maturity, and it's difficult at times to keep the progress in perspective.
It's like we've got our Missionette sashes & Royal Ranger uniforms on, and we get these patches, these steps of accomplishment. (don't worry, I support the badges!) And we forget where the progress comes from. "Yeah, I got my humility badge, but they took it away cuz i wore it!"
As verse 30 says, "...it is from God alone that you have your life..." We need to consistently acknowledge the source of our strength and progress in the Christian walk. It is only through the power of the Spirit. The personal stake in this process is getting out of the way to let the Spirit do his work. The "bragging" is in doing nothing, which is of course, nothing to brag about.
I'm a person who enjoys puzzles, so I like to "solve" things. When situations arise, and even when I sense God working in my life, I want to "figure it out". I want to "find the solution", and sometimes I find myself attempting to manipulate the hand of God. When the Spirit convicts me, I try to fix myself before allowing him to change me. In essence, I'm trying to "get cleaned up before taking a bath". Sometimes I think that that's how we "grow weary in doing good." We try to work the plan of God in our own strength.
The formula should be this simple: The Spirit moves, we get out of the way, God completes his work.
This habit of getting out of the way, this posture of humility, this life of dependance.... THAT'S maturing in Christ. Then, what do we have to boast about? "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."
Todays Psalm 27:8 says, "My heart has heard you say, 'Come and talk with me, O my people.' And my heart responds, 'Lord, I am coming.'" That's what it's all about.
Lord, I feel your Spirit calling me. Forgive me for trying to fix things in my own strength. My heart hears you, and it responds by saying "do your work!"
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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