4.18.12 "The Way it Works"

"The Way it Works"

Joshua 16:1-18:28
Luke 19:1-27
Psalm 87:1-7
Proverbs 13:11

Do you ever walk downstairs, and you forget why you were there or what you had gone to do? Or you find yourself in another room in the house, but you can't remember the reason you went there? It can be because old age is creeping up, but for some of us it's a way of life! It's a simple example, but when that happens, what has been forgotten is the mission. "What was the purpose I came downstairs?"

On a larger scale it's too easy to forget the purpose for our lives. It can bee too easy to forget God's plan for us and his desire for the way we live. "Purpose" is the principle of our Mission to Reach our World for Christ. Although it may seem I'm headed toward that discussion, I want to talk about "Responsibility" which is the principle of Active Ministry Involvement.

In Luke 19 Jesus tells a story that is familiar to many of us. What stood out to me today is verse 11 which tells WHY he told the story. "And because Jesus was nearing Jerusalem, he told a story to correct the impression that the Kingdom of God would begin right away." Jesus had come as the Messiah. In fact, in verse 10 he had just visited Zacchaeus and made the statement. "... and I, the Messiah, have come to search for and to save such souls as his."

Everyone began to see the that Jesus was the Messiah... the Promised one... the one who was to set up the kingdom. Everyone thought this would be a political overthrow, But Jesus knew that it was important to make sure that everyone knew the truth about how it works. This is the story he told:

"A nobleman living in a certain province was called away to the distant capital of the empire to be crowned king of his province. Before he left he called together ten assistants and gave them each $2000 to invest while he was gone. But some of his people hated him and sent him their declaration of independence, stating that they had rebelled and would not acknowledge him as their king. Upon his return he called in the men to whom he had given the money, to find out what they had done with it, and what their profits were." (vs. 12-15)

You probably remember the rest of the story. The first individual makes 10 times what he was given. The second makes 5 times as much, and the third just returns what he was given. Each one receives a reward based what they did with what they were given.

We need to apply this parable to our world today. Jesus returned to heaven after rising from the dead, and he's coming back soon. There are many of us who mistakingly are looking at his return in "political" terms. We're thinking, yeah, we'll show all those unbelievers! Yeah, we'll be free from this sinful world! That perspective isn't too far removed from the people of Jerusalem in Jesus' day. They were missing the point.

I think too often WE are missing the point. We stand at the bottom of the stairs of this life asking, "what was I here to do?" Jesus has given each of us resources. Each and every day we need to remember this. In worship we must develop a thankful heart, and realize that everything we have is from him.

THEN, we need to DO SOMETHING with what he has given us! God is going to ask you for the increase of what you have. It includes your finances, your time, your ministry, and the souls of the unbelievers he has placed in your life.

What's your answer going to be? What's mine?

We live in a society that has written God a "declaration of independence". We've thumbed our nose at God saying, "This is MY stuff!" "I don't have TIME to serve you!" "I'm going to do things MY way!" There will be a price to pay for that. In Jesus' parable, the master has the "independent" executed (vs. 27).

We have to remember the way this works. We are here with a purpose. God wants us to be responsible for everything he has put at our disposal. We MUST be good stewards! We must apply the principles of Active Ministry Involvement. We must live with the Mission To Reach our World for Christ. We Must Live the DREAM!




Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ

3.17.12 "I've Lost God!"

"I've Lost God!"

Numbers 26:1-51
Luke 2:36-52
Psalm 60:1-12
Proverbs 11:15

The beginning of Luke 2 is the Christmas Story, then comes the story of Simeon blessing him, as well as Anna, an elderly prophetess who spent day & night interceding in the Temple. This chapter wraps up with one of the few glimpses of Jesus' childhood.

"When Jesus' parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the Law of God they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee. There the child became a strong, robust lad, and was known for wisdom beyond his years; and God poured out his blessings on him." (39-40)

We all know the story that comes next. The family visits Jerusalem. Jesus hangs out at the temple the whole time. Mary & Joseph think he's with the fellow travelers, and head home. It isn't until they've traveled a full day that they realized he wasn't there, and then it wasn't until 3 days later that they found him in the temple! I can just imagine the intensity of Mary's concern. I know how upset I would be if it was my daughter, but you add on all that stuff from the beginning of the chapter. (you know, angels, shepherds...) I'm sure Mary was freaking out! "Um... you know that messiah you sent... yeah well... we lost him!"

I would like to focus on another aspect of this account. The balance of discipline (Empowered through Biblical Training), submission (Relationships Devoted to Unity), and responsibility(Active Ministry Involvement). As our responsibility increases, so must our discipline and submission. Jesus had a tremendous amount of responsibility. His responsibility was met with his discipline.

Having read this story many times, I'd never spent much time thinking about his answer when Mary found him. "But why did you need to search?" he asked. "Didn't you realize that I would be here at the Temple, in my Father's house?"

This can be read several ways, and because we know the mind of many 12 year olds in our culture, we can impose a defiant attitude to those words. I don't think that's accurate. Jesus never sinned, and rebellion is definitely a sin, so that could not have been his tone. What I believe he was saying is "The responsibilities before me constrain me to be where I need to be. I'm sure you've spent time looking at the arcade, the mall, and the other places the other kids hang out, but there's no way I can do that. What is before me is so intense, I must walk a different course. I must be in my Father's house." In other words, "I commit to you that you can trust me. I must be about the work of the kingdom."

Jesus is growing in wisdom. In verse 47 it says he was "amazing everyone with his understanding and answers." His wisdom does not mark the end of his submission however. in verse 51 it says, "Then he returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them;" He knew where he was and he knew what he was called to do.

How about you & me? Do I fully understand the responsibilities I have? Submission is the principle of Relationships Devoted to Unity. Discipline is the principle of Empowered Through Biblical Training. Responsibility is the principle of Active Ministry Involvement. To Live the DREAM, we must give focussed attention to these elements.

As we grow in our relationship with the Lord, we will experience transformation. We should be experiencing growth. Sometimes we find ourself in a rut. I believe an increase in discipline is what's necessary to break out of the rut.

We need to fear our Responsibility being greater than our discipline. If that's the case, we are headed for trouble. All of these elements must work together for growth in the Balanced Christian Life.

Get into the Word today!


Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ

2.23.12 "You Feed Them!"

"You Feed Them!"

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

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

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

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

GREAT! all these people messing with our vacation!

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

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

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

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

Here are some points that we can take from this:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ

2.16.12 "The Balance of Discipline & Responsibility"

"The Balance of Discipline & Responsibility"

Leviticus 1:1-3:17
Mark 1:29-2:12
Psalm 35:17-28
Proverbs 9:13-18

"By sunset the courtyard was filled with the sick and demon-possessed, brought to him for healing; and a huge crowd of people from all over the city of Capernaum gathered outside the door to watch. So Jesus healed great numbers of sick folk that evening and ordered many demons to come out of their victims. (But he refused to allow the demons to speak, because they knew who he was.)

"The next morning he was up long before daybreak and went out alone into the wilderness to pray. Later, Simon and the others went out to find him, and told him, 'Everyone is asking for you.' But he replied, 'We must go on to other towns as well, and give my message to them too, for that is why I came.'" (Mark 1:32-38)

Jesus was a busy man. The responsibilities he had were huge in human terms, not to mention the spiritual impact. There is one thing that is important to note about the life of Christ. He did not allow his Responsibilities to exceed his discipline. He had many crowds after him, yet He knew the value of time in prayer. He woke up before dawn to find the time. It took more discipline to match the responsibilities before him.

This is an important principle that we need to apply to Live the DREAM. Too often we get out of balance in this area. For a variety of reasons our responsibilities increase. This is in itself not a bad thing, but to maintain balance, we must make sure that our discipline grows as well.

Discipline is the spiritual principle of Empowered through Biblical Training and Responsibility is the principle of Active Ministry Involvement. As our "ministry" expands, we must grow proportionally in the disciplines of spiritual growth.

Our "ministry" is not just church involvement, it is the responsibilities of work, home, and the use of our time, talent and resources. It is so important that we understand how great these responsibilities are. When we acknowledge their value, we must respond by making whatever steps of discipline that are necessary to empower us to be who God has created us to be.

There have been times when my responsibilities have seemed overwhelming. My flesh's first reaction is to "back off". To walk away from the responsibilities. In seeking the Lord, what I've found is that my proper response is not to shirk responsibility, but to increase the discipline. With time in the Word, and seeking the direction of the Lord, we are equipped to handle the responsibilities properly.

There have been times I have been approached by an individual who has a vision for what God wants to accomplish through them. I love seeing their excitement, but too often, no steps are taken to accomplish it. The steps that are necessary are steps of increased discipline in one area or another. Maybe it's faithfulness. We want these things to "just happen" for us, instead of growing in spiritual discipline to accomplish what is before us. I hate seeing people sitting around wondering why nothing ever happened. They have the talent, they have the vision, but they lack the discipline.

Jesus knew his mission. His life was with purpose. He said, "... that is why I came." We need to keep our mission before us at all times. It will help us to discipline ourselves to handle the responsibilities before us.

Take the time for a self-check today. How does your discipline & responsibility line up? Are they in balance? In what area do you need to increase in discipline? When are you going to start that? Do it today!


Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg


Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ

12.20.11 "For the Glory of God"

"For the Glory of God" 

Haggai 1:1-2:23
Revelation 11:1-19
Psalm 139:1-24
Proverbs 30:15-16

"Active Ministry Involvement". It's the "A" in our DREAM acronym. Beyond that, what does that mean to you? How do you view it? 

At the surface it seems that Active Ministry Involvement (AM I) is just a matter of joining a ministry group. Choir, nursery, usher, etc. So then Living the "A" is a yes or no question. If you're a Sunday School teacher, you're living the "A". While that's a great start, that's not the whole picture. 

The book of Haggai sheds some great light on the principles of AM I. The specific references in this book are in regards to rebuilding the temple. However, we miss out on another view of the character of God if we don't realize that there are "life" principles involved here. Let's look at some of the verses and then bring life application.

"'Why is everyone saying it is not the right time for rebuilding my Temple?' asks the Lord. His reply to them is this: 'Is it then the right time for you to live in luxurious homes, when the Temple lies in ruins? Look at the result: You plant much but harvest little. You have scarcely enough to eat or drink, and not enough clothes to keep you warm. Your income disappears, as though you were putting it into pockets filled with holes! Think it over,' says the Lord Almighty. 'Consider how you have acted, and what has happened as a result! Then go up into the mountains and bring down timber, and rebuild my Temple, and I will be pleased with it and appear there in my glory,' says the Lord." Hag. 1:2-8

As you read through these scriptures, do you see the incredible picture? God has created us with the purpose of using the gifts and resources he has given us for HIS glory. When we use them for our own, it amounts to nothing. Do you remember when David asked to build a temple? The Lord said, "I don't need a temple." Yet in Haggai, the people are chastised for not working on the temple. Why is that? It's because they are not working for the glory of the Lord. They are working toward their own comfort and success.

Look at the world around us. Doesn't it look like verse 5-6? "plant much but harvest little", never have enough... I ran into a guy in a restaurant who said, "Yeah, we really need income, so I'm taking an extra job. You probably wont be seeing much of me around church." I felt bad for the guy. Whether or not the income comes in as he hopes for, soon he'll be wondering why there isn't enough time, etc. 

It's not just about joining a group or "serving our time" in a ministry. It's about applying the principle of blessing and giving to our life. 

verse 12-15 say, "Then Zerubbabel... and the few people remaining in the land obeyed Haggai's message from the Lord their God; they began to worship him in earnest. Then the Lord told them... 'I am with you; I will bless you.' And the Lord gave them a desire to rebuild his Temple; so they all gathered... and volunteered their help."

Notice what happens when the people gather to work for the glory of God: He is there! 

Do we wanna see revival? We need to begin to be generous with our time, talents and resources for the glory of God. This is not just for inside the walls of the church. This is for every part of life. We need to be "investors" of everything we have. 

Too often the answer is "it's not the right time". I love the Lord's answer, "Is it then the right time for you to live in luxurious homes?" In the same way people don't have to be "good enough" to begin to live the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship, people don't need to "have enough" to begin to live the principles of AM I. 

What do you have right now? Give to the glory of God. It's not just about money. It's about your passion. Your experience. Your time. This is a BIG deal!

"You people were contaminating your sacrifices by living with selfish attitudes and evil hearts - and not only your sacrifices, but everything else that you did as a 'service' to me. And so everything you did went wrong. But all is different now, because you have begun to build the Temple. Before, when you expected a twenty-bushel crop, there were only ten. When you came to draw fifty gallons form the olive press, there were only twenty. I rewarded all your labor with rust and mildew and hail. Yet, even so you refused to return to me," says the Lord. 

"But now note this: From today, this 24th day of the month, as the foundation of the Lord's Temple is finished, and from this day onward, i will bless you. Notice, I am giving you this promise now before you have even begun to rebuild the Temple structure, and before you have harvested your grain, and before the grapes and figs and pomegranates and olives have produced their next crops: From this day I will bless you." Hag. 2:14-19

This scripture stirs up excitement in me! Oh, if we could only get this. It's not about the harvest or the fruit! It's about the application of this principle to our life! We don't shovel our neighbor's snow because they need it, we shovel it because it's a part of who we are! For the Glory of God. As we do that, we are building the Temple! That's why we change diapers in the nursery! Yes, they need to be changed, but more importantly, we are applying the AM I principle of responsibility to our life. 

Can you see it? Can you see what happens when the church awakens and REALLY applies this to their life? Instead of looking at ministry as "community service" like the world does, and begins to work each and every day as unto the Lord, we will experience the blessing and presence of the Lord as never before! And the world will see 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 

10.17.11 "The DREAM Job"

"The DREAM Job"

Jeremiah 30:1-31:26
I Timothy 2:1-15
Psalm 87:1-7
Proverbs 25:18-19

As we put focused attention on living the DREAM, much of our scriptural application has been about what God is doing in our lives. It is very important that we do our part to grow in maturity, but it's not just an internal thing. It should be making a difference in every area of our life. Maturity is measured in how we treat other people.

I Timothy 2:1-3 says, "Here are my directions: Pray much for others; plead for God's mercy upon them; give thanks for all he is going to do for them. Pray in this way for kings and all others who are in authority over us, or are in places of high responsibility, so that we can live in peace and quietness, spending our time in godly living and thinking much about the Lord. This is good and pleases God our Savior, for he longs for all to be saved and to understand this truth".

We really need to be praying for those around us. Especially for those in authority over us. The "norm" in our society is that we complain about our boss, our working conditions, and others we work with. We tend to dwell on things that cause us to be irritated with personalities or practices that are different than the way WE think they should be.

Think about what prayer does. The obvious thing is that God answers prayer. As you pray for someone in authority over you or in a place of high responsibility, God moves. There are times when the answer is immediate and obvious, but there are other times it's more subtle, but in God's will and timing, it's answered.

But also think about what prayer does IN you. When you have those people who "fertilize" your "Fruit of the Spirit", and you begin to pray for them, you begin to see them as God does. Praying for one another puts us in a posture of humility. Like Paul says, we must "give thanks for all he is going to do for them." This helps us get our minds off our selfishness and off our opinions, and onto what God is trying to complete in those around us.

If you are Living the DREAM, you should be different than those around you. You should not be around the water cooler complaining and talking about others, you should be setting the temperature of encouragement. Today's proverbs puts it pretty clear: "Telling lies about someone is as harmful as hitting him with an axe, or wounding him with a sword, or shooting him with a sharp arrow." Prov. 25:18. It is WAY too often that Christians justify doing this type of behavior. We cannot take part in this activity. Sometimes I fear we think we can get away with it if we phrase it in a form of a prayer request. "Please pray with me for a co-worker who is an idiot." The arrow is shot.

We must understand that if we act improperly toward those we work for and those in authority over us, it undermines our integrity. WE become the weak link. That is NOT living the DREAM. Prov. 25:19 says, "Putting confidence in an unreliable man is like chewing with a sore tooth, or trying to run on a broken foot."

How does your authority view you? Can you be trusted? Do they know that you have their back? That you are guarding them? Or do they feel like they are running on a broken foot? We do a disservice to the Kingdom when a Christian is "high maintenance" in the work place. We need to be people of honor, integrity, and faithfulness. Whining is not a fruit of the Spirit, nor is it a principle of DREAM. Do you have trouble with someone? Stop whining and start praying. God will show you the path to reconciliation.

In 1 Timothy 2:5 the "truth" that God wants every one to understand is this: "That God is on one side and all the people on the other side, and Christ Jesus, himself man, is between them to bring them together, by giving his life for all mankind." Each one of us are part of this. We need to be pointing to Christ not creating an obstacle by being unreliable. This is our Mission. Reaching our World for Christ. You can't just turn it off. That's why you're doing what you're doing.

That's why you've got your DREAM job!


Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ 

10.15.11 "Get to Work!"

"Get to Work!"

Jeremiah 26:1-27:22
2 Thessalonians 3:1-18
Psalm 85:1-13
Proverbs 25:16

"Now here is a command, dear brothers, given in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ by his authority:..."

Got your ears perked up? This must be big. Paul has been talking about the coming of Christ in 2 Thes, and now he makes this statement in 2 Thes. 3:6. It must be important. What could it be?

Here it is: "Stay away from any Christian who spends his days in laziness and does not follow the ideal of hard work we set up for you." What do you think of that? Sounds harsh doesn't it?

As we spend time studying scripture, we begin to discover in a new light, the things that are really important to God. When you look at this verse, what DREAM principle applies? Is it a lesson on "Relationships devoted to Unity"? Not this verse. A few verses later that comes in.

This scripture shows the importance God places on Active Ministry Involvement. As we've discussed before, the principle of AMI is Responsibility. As with the other principles, this is not just a good idea. It's a necessary element in the way God created us. It's something we must activate in our lives to grow in our Christian walk... To Live the DREAM.

It may be easy for some to think, "Well, I'm in the choir. I'm living the 'A' of DREAM." or "I got that covered, I'm an usher..." We have to come to terms with the fact that it's not just about being a part of a group. It's about applying the principle of Responsibility to every area of life.

An individual who is not properly Empowered Through Biblical Training can read this verse and take it upon themselves to go around and judge how hard each one is working, and then form division in the church based on those judgments, destroying unity. This isn't the point. In verse 15 it says, "Don't think of him as an enemy, but speak to him as you would to a brother who needs to be warned." This is where "Relationships Devoted to Unity" kicks in: You show you care about me enough to talk to me when you feel I am not being responsible with the resources God has given me.

What Paul is showing by saying "stay away" from the lazy ones is that it is really easy to get lured into their mindset. Verse 11 says, "Yet we hear that some of you are living in laziness, refusing to work, and wasting your time in gossiping." A gossip needs someone to talk to. It's very easy to get drawn into that trap. There's a lure to it that is dangerous. The same is true with laziness. Individuals who are not being good stewards of their resources often will say, "Why work so hard? Come on over Sunday night. Let's watch TV..." It has the appearance of a comfortable lifestyle, but comfort is not a scriptural principle. Responsibility is.

Let's encourage one another to "quiet down, get to work" (I Thess. 3:12) and also to "never be tired of doing right." (3:13) Make sure you are being Responsible with what God has given you.




Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ 

9.12.11 "Tool Time!"

"Tool Time!"

Isaiah 10:1-11:16
2 Corinthians 12:11-21
Psalm 56:1-13
Proverbs 23:6-8

Comedian Tim Allen made millions off his TV show and his power tools. There wasn't any job that couldn't use a "Binford 3000" for something. He would usually end up with over-kill and destroy the job or some sort of comedic damage. I'm not that handy with tools, but I've tackled some pretty big projects.

Isaiah 10:15 "But the Lord says, 'Shall the axe boast greater power than the man who uses it? Is the saw greater than the man who saws? Can a rod strike unless a hand is moving it? Can a cane walk by itself?'"

I don't have very many "cool" tools. I have a nice 4 foot level that I like. I got quite a bit of use from my cordless drill while placing deck boards on my deck project. The compound miter saw came in pretty handy when it came to cutting the angles. Now that my major projects are pretty much done, the tools will go back to their usual task of collecting dust.

Imagine my surprise to walk through my garage and hear my cordless drill bragging to my skil saw, "You see that deck I built? I was pretty amazing."

Sound's a little silly doesn't it? What do you think God feels when he hears us doing the same thing? "Did you see what I did? Man, I was something!" The reality is that we're not the Craftsman, we're His utinsils. Don't misunderstand that. We're not "pawns", but we are instruments of God's purpose.

Tools can be very frustrating. My pet peeve is a shopping cart with one wheel that wont turn. It's always wanting to go it's own direction. That's irritating. What a worthless piece of junk! Of course, I didn't create it, and I have no love for it, so I know that's not how God feels when we go our own direction. He wont call us a "worthless piece of junk", but I'm sure there are many times he has to look around for another available tool.

What if I was going to dig a hole to plant a bush, but my shovel was afraid and feeling "insecure"? I would have to use a different one... maybe the rake. It may take much longer, and wasn't part of my original plan. I could have accomplished so much more if the shovel were available when I needed it.

I'm trying to get my tools to live the DREAM. Alright, they're not much for worship, etc. But I really want them to be available so that when I need them in Active Ministry Involvement, and to accomplish their Mission, I can complete my work through them. It's tough, because those tools can get such attitudes!

It's not our job to take credit for what God is doing. We only have to be available.


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

9.7.11 "Are your Deeds as Good as your Doctrine?"

"Are your Deeds as Good as your Doctrine?"

Song of Solomon 5:1-8:14
2 Corinthians 9:1-15
Psalm 51:1-19
Proverbs 22:24-25

How blessed are you? Take a moment and think about it. You may have had some financial challenges, maybe even some employment issues, but how blessed are you? Have you ever thought about WHY you've been given what you have been given? Is it because you deserve it? Is it because God likes you better? What is the point of your blessing?

2 Cor. 9:11 says, "Yes, God will give you much so that you can give away much". That pretty much sums up the point.

As much as we like to have "stuff," we must understand that the point is not so that we "have" stuff. The point is that we "use" stuff to minister to people.

This is a principle of Active Ministry Involvement: There is a Responsibility to GIVE because it's been given to you. There is a purpose in this. verse 12-13 say, "So, two good things happen as a result of your gifts - those in need are helped, and they overflow with thanks to God. Those you help will be glad not only because of your generous gifts to themselves and to others, but they will praise God for this proof that your deeds are as good as your doctrine."

That's a pretty powerful statement. "... your deeds are as good as your doctrine." What is that saying? It's saying that you cannot be who God created you to be without the principle of giving in your life. You must be giving of your time, talent, and resources. Otherwise, your deeds do not line up with your doctrine. By not giving, your are hurting your testimony. This detracts from glory that should be going to God.

This is a big deal. I'm not really a generous person by nature. I might be more so with time & service, but not with giving gifts. Not because I don't like to give, but just because I usually don't think about it. It's not in my natural "wiring". While it might not naturally be a part of who I am, it should be a part of my evident maturity. It's a part of living the DREAM.

Don't get me wrong. This is not about throwing away money to every need that comes along. All must be in balance. We must be good stewards of what we've been given. Giving should be God-directed. When giving in good stewardship, "God is able to make it up to you by giving you everything you need and more, so that there will not only be enough for your own needs, but plenty left over to give joyfully to others." (2 Cor. 9:8)

God has put in place an incredible principle. Verse 6 says, "But remember this - if you give a little, you will get little. A farmer who plants just a few seeds will get only a small crop, but if he plants much, he will reap much." In that light it makes sense. To get a nice lawn, I've learned the key is over-seeding. If I want a thick lawn, I can't "sow sparingly". That makes sense to me. So, why can't I understand this when it comes to giving of time, talent & resources? It's the same principle. Sometimes we don't have enough time because of our selfish attitude about time. We shouldn't want a thick pocket book so we can have "stuff", but rather we should want to be able to act when the Lord presents a need.

We don't give to get, we give to get more to give. I need to really learn that. Imagine the change in our lifestyles if all believers lived this way. It would be almost like our deeds lined up with our doctrine!!

THAT'S why you have what you have!


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

9.5.11 "AM I?"

"AM I?"

Ecclesiastes 10:1-12:14
2 Corinthians 8:1-15
Psalm 49:1-20
Proverbs 22:20-21

The "A" of DREAM represents Active Ministry Involvement. What's that all about? Today's scripture readings seem to have a lot to say about it.

I like to shorten things, you know, come up w/ abbreviations, etc, so Active Ministry Involvement is AMI. So I like to put it this way: "AM I?"

Depending on your understanding of AM I, you may think it only means getting involved in a ministry. That's actually only the "fruit" of living the A of DREAM. The spiritual principle behind AM I is Responsibility. We have a responsibility to take the gifts God has given us and put them to work. These gifts are not just talents to use in a ministry, but include Time, Money, and any other gift God has given us.

Here are some main points along with the scriptures from today's reading.

1. We are responsible to use our resources for the Kingdom!

Ecclesiastes 11:9 "Young man, it's wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it! Do all you want to; take in everything, but realize that you must account to God for everything you do!" (notice the accountability to God which places responsibility on us).

2. Difficult times do not excuse us from this responsibility.

In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul is telling the church of Corinth about what has been going on in the churches in Macedonia: "Though they have been going through much trouble and hard times, they have mixed their wonderful joy with their deep poverty, and the result has been an overflow of giving to others. They gave not only what they could afford, but far more;"

3. It's not just a commitment of "stuff" it's a commitment of self.

2 Cor. 8:5 "Best of all, they went beyond our highest hopes, for their first action was to dedicate themselves to the Lord and to us, for whatever directions God might give to them through us."

4. As we mature, the responsibility increases.

2 Cor. 8:7 "You people there are leaders in so many ways - you have so much faith, so many good preachers, so much learning, so much enthusiasm, so much love for us. Now I want you to be leaders also in the spirit of cheerful giving."

5. Just because you can't do what someone else can, doesn't excuse you.

2 Cor 8:12 "If you are really eager to give, then it isn't important how much you have to give. God wants you to give what you have, not what you haven't."

6. Go past emotion into action.

2 Cor 8:11 "Having started the ball rolling so enthusiastically, you should carry this project through to completion just as gladly, giving whatever you can out of whatever you have. Let your enthusiastic idea at the start be equalled by your realistic action now."

7. You will reap what you sow.

Ecc. 11:1-2 "Give generously, for your gifts will return to you later. Divide your gifts among many, for in the days ahead you yourself may need much help.

2 Cor. 8:14 "Right now you have plenty and can help them; then at some other time they can share with you when you need it. In this way each will have as much as he needs."

8. You do your part and God will take care of what happens with it.

Ecc 11:6 "Keep on sowing your seed, for you never know which will grow - perhaps it all will."

9. What are you waiting for?

Ecc. 11:4 "If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done."


After reading all of that, I must ask myself. "AM I?"

Let's make sure we're being faithful to all that God has put our hand to.


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