"The Wrestle with Will"
Numbers 11:24-13:33
Mark 14:22-52
Psalm 52:1-9
Proverbs 11:1-3
The wrestle with will is a life-long issue. We've all heard of, and may have dealt with, or even have been the "Strong-willed child". I think there's a pretty good chance that I was one of those. A strong will is an intense desire to get your own way.
There's a battle between "our will" and God's will every day. Do we do things our way, or his? In "sunday school" mode we can all raise our hand and say we want God's will, but in the heat of the battle when we are deeply entrenched in our comfort zone, it can become a different story.
It may help to understand that Jesus "wrestled" with will. While his will wasn't motivated by selfishness the way ours is, the battle was intense all the same. His battle was in understanding the magnitude of what he was about to do.
"And he said to them, 'My soul is crushed by the sorrow to the point of death; stay here and watch with me.' He went on a little further and fell to the ground and prayed that if it were possible the awful hour awaiting him might never come. 'Father, Father,' he said, 'everything is possible for you. Take away this cup from me...'"
Jesus didn't stop there like I just did. I don't know if I could have prayed any farther. I have some really good ideas. I'd kick the creativity into high gear. I'm sure there's a way we could work around this. There's got to be a better solution. Just give me more time to figure this out God. I know what you're telling me to do, but I'm not quite ready to go there...
"'... Yet I want your will, not mine.'" Jesus submitted to the will of the Father. It's a HUGE deal to not just say, "ok, we'll do it your way..." but to say, "I WANT your will!" How can you even say that unless there has been a death to selfishness already?
Death to selfishness... how does that come about? Practice. Doing great things for God is nothing more than the culmination of the small things.
Do you ever feel like you hit a "stale" moment in your Christian walk? I would dare to say that it is a direct result of not dying to selfishness at some level. It's often the result of disobedience. (remember delayed obedience is disobedience!)
Wrestling with the will of God is a battle we want to "lose". We don't want to strengthen our will with the steroids of opinion and comfort and selfish ambition. We need to starve our will and feed the desire that His will be done.
Got your DLOW? (Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship) It's a life of obedience. It's a life of "doing the will of him who sent 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
Showing posts with label Selfishness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Selfishness. Show all posts
Friday, March 9, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
2.17.12 "Deeply Disturbed by Indifference"
"Deeply Disturbed by Indifference"
Leviticus 4:1-5:19
Mark 2:13-3:6
Psalm 36:1-12
Proverbs 10:1-2
As we go through life maturing in our walk with the Lord, we have this constant struggle with the flesh. We know we're supposed to die to the flesh, but for some reason, it seems to be on "life-support", and just wont stay dead.
If we don't keep our flesh under the subjection of the spirit, it begins to create a false sense of what being a Christian is all about. We have to remember that knowing Christ must cause us to focus on the needs of others. If this is not our focus, we have lost our purpose. We have become no different than the Pharisees in Jesus' day.
In Mark 3:1-6, Jesus is in the synagogue in Capernaum. "Since it was the Sabbath, Jesus' enemies watched him closely. Would he heal the man's hand? If he did, they planned to arrest him! Jesus asked the man to come and stand in front of the congregation. Then turning to his enemies he asked, 'Is it all right to do kind deeds on Sabbath days? Or is this a day for doing harm? Is it a day to save lives or to destroy them?' But they wouldn't answer him.
"Looking around at them angrily, for he was deeply disturbed by their indifference to human need, he said to the man, 'Reach out your hand.' He did, and instantly his hand was healed! At once the Pharisees went away and met with the Herodians to discuss plans for killing Jesus."
If the Son of God is "deeply disturbed", I think it's important that we take note as to why. It says what disturbed him was "their indifference to human need". What happened to the Pharisees that would create this "indifference"? It seems obvious that their religion was "about them". The laws they practiced and kept were for the purpose of serving their needs more than it was to know the heart of a loving God who is concerned for those in need.
It's good that doesn't happen any more. It's good that Christians today don't become so self-absorbed and critical of others that they fail to realize what the standards are for in the first place. Ok, so I'm being sarcastic.
Our purpose is our "Mission to Reach our World for Christ". This is what everything is for. We can become so inward focussed on our own needs and opinions that we've lost the drive for our purpose. We must make sure that we see the needs around us and we strive to meet them.
I would hate to come to the realization that Jesus was deeply disturbed by MY indifference to human need. I want my heart to become like his, and not like that of the Pharisees. I must die to my flesh. My motivation cannot be to serve my own needs. I must seek to serve others. I 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
Leviticus 4:1-5:19
Mark 2:13-3:6
Psalm 36:1-12
Proverbs 10:1-2
As we go through life maturing in our walk with the Lord, we have this constant struggle with the flesh. We know we're supposed to die to the flesh, but for some reason, it seems to be on "life-support", and just wont stay dead.
If we don't keep our flesh under the subjection of the spirit, it begins to create a false sense of what being a Christian is all about. We have to remember that knowing Christ must cause us to focus on the needs of others. If this is not our focus, we have lost our purpose. We have become no different than the Pharisees in Jesus' day.
In Mark 3:1-6, Jesus is in the synagogue in Capernaum. "Since it was the Sabbath, Jesus' enemies watched him closely. Would he heal the man's hand? If he did, they planned to arrest him! Jesus asked the man to come and stand in front of the congregation. Then turning to his enemies he asked, 'Is it all right to do kind deeds on Sabbath days? Or is this a day for doing harm? Is it a day to save lives or to destroy them?' But they wouldn't answer him.
"Looking around at them angrily, for he was deeply disturbed by their indifference to human need, he said to the man, 'Reach out your hand.' He did, and instantly his hand was healed! At once the Pharisees went away and met with the Herodians to discuss plans for killing Jesus."
If the Son of God is "deeply disturbed", I think it's important that we take note as to why. It says what disturbed him was "their indifference to human need". What happened to the Pharisees that would create this "indifference"? It seems obvious that their religion was "about them". The laws they practiced and kept were for the purpose of serving their needs more than it was to know the heart of a loving God who is concerned for those in need.
It's good that doesn't happen any more. It's good that Christians today don't become so self-absorbed and critical of others that they fail to realize what the standards are for in the first place. Ok, so I'm being sarcastic.
Our purpose is our "Mission to Reach our World for Christ". This is what everything is for. We can become so inward focussed on our own needs and opinions that we've lost the drive for our purpose. We must make sure that we see the needs around us and we strive to meet them.
I would hate to come to the realization that Jesus was deeply disturbed by MY indifference to human need. I want my heart to become like his, and not like that of the Pharisees. I must die to my flesh. My motivation cannot be to serve my own needs. I must seek to serve others. I 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
Monday, November 14, 2011
11.14.11 "I Gotta do this for Me!"
"I Gotta do this for Me!"
Ezekiel 29:1-30:26
Hebrews 11:32-12:13
Psalm 112:1-10
Proverbs 27:17
Have you heard that phrase before? Have you said it? You'll even hear people "encourage" each other with this. "You know what, you've been working hard. It's about time you did something for yourself."
No one really understands that those are some of the most dangerous words spoken by man. These words can lead to death. Do you know what the main foundational principle of the satanic bible is? It's wrapped up in this: You deserve it!
It's very sad to see the destruction this subtle killer has caused. Why do people do drugs? Why do marriages fall apart? Why do lusts have such power? "Because I gotta do this for me!"
Life has struggles. There are times of hardship. If our focus is out of adjustment, the circumstances of life can begin to wear on our body, soul and spirit. A difficult situation can cause hurt. The hurt can lead one to be defensive, guarded, soon isolated, then it turns into "I gotta do this for me."
Even extended seasons of well-doing can open the door to this enemy. So many times the enemy loves to attack after a long Sunday of ministry, or after weeks of working on a musical. "Go ahead, feed the flesh... you deserve it!"
Our flesh wants so much to hear those words, that rarely do we guard enough against it. It is so important that we heed the words of Hebrews chapter 12.
"Keep your eyes on Jesus, our leader and instructor. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterwards; and now he sits in the place of honor by the throne of God. If you want to keep from becoming fainthearted and weary, think about his patience as sinful men did such terrible things to him. After all, you have never yet struggled against sin and temptation until you sweat great drops of blood." Heb 12:2-4
We too easily dismiss his struggles as "well, he was God". We forget that he was man. He was focused on the big picture... the goal... the prize. We need to do the same! We must press on!
"So take a new grip with your tired hands, stand firm on your shaky legs, and mark out a straight, smooth path for you feet so that those who follow you, though weak and lame, will not fall and hurt themselves, but become strong." Heb. 12:12
We also forget, that no matter who we are, what our position is, marital status, or anything, we are paving the way for someone else. We have a great church. I've been a part of it for 17 years. We've seen great growth in those years. It is the prayers and labors of individuals who've gone long before who made this possible. We must now ask the question "who am I paving the way for?"
If my lifestyle says, "I gotta do this for me", I'm not only leading myself down a dangerous trail, I'm also leading those who follow to dangerous places.
No matter the hurt, the struggle, the frustration, the loneliness, the unfair circumstances of life, it is worth it to stay on course.
"Praise the Lord! For all who fear God and trust in him are blessed beyond expression. Yes, happy is the man who delights in doing his commands. His children shall be honored everywhere, for good men's sons have a special heritage. He himself shall be wealthy, and his good deeds will never be forgotten. When darkness overtakes him, light will come bursting in. He is kind and merciful - and all goes well for the generous man who conducts his business fairly.
"Such a man will not be overthrown by evil circumstances. God's constant care of him will make a deep impression on all who see it. He does not fear bad news, nor live in dread of what may happen. For he is settled in his mind that Jehovah will take care of him. That is why he is not afraid, but can calmly face his foes. He gives generously to those in need. His deeds will never be forgotten. He shall have influence and honor." Ps 112:1-9
As we live lives of Obedience and Discipline, it "will make a deep impression on all who see it." When we live for ourself, it definitely makes the wrong impression!
Wouldn't it be great to live without fearing the worst? It's possible! by fixing our eyes on Jesus!
Keep your eyes on him. Live for Him. Stand against the fleshly thought of "living for 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
Saturday, May 28, 2011
5.28.11 "The DNA of Undisciplined Thought"
"The DNA of Undisciplined Thought"
1 Samuel 13:1-39
John 17:1-26
Psalm 119:81-95
Proverbs 16:6-7
What does it mean to NOT live the DREAM? Well, the principle of the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship is obedience, so that must mean it's to live in disobedience. The principle of Relationships Devoted to Unity is Submission, so that must mean to live in rebellion. When we get to Empowered Through Biblical Training we know the principle is Discipline. That means to NOT live the E is a lack of discipline. What we fail to realize sometimes is the effect it has on others when we don't live the way God intended.
As we looked at a couple days ago in Psalm 119, David spoke of his dedication for the Word, and how even at the midnight hour his thoughts would be on God's word. The contrast of that was 2 Samuel 11 where he rose to find his thoughts on Bathsheba. He dwelt on them to the point of allowing his flesh to believe, "I must have her". We know what ensued.
Follow this DNA strain that's passed on to Amnon, David's son. In 2 Samuel 13, He began to entertain thoughts of "I must have her" toward his sister. He allowed this to grow to the point of making him sick. An obsession. He allowed a friend (cousin) into his life who only served to feed the undisciplined thought. This thought grew to the point of action being taken, and rather than this desire being fulfilled, the result was "now he hated her more than he had loved her."
As a result of all that David's son, Absalom, had undisciplined thought that was the unbridled hatred for his brother. For 2 years it simmered, until he killed his brother.
The collateral damage of undisciplined thought should not be underestimated. Undisciplined thought can almost become an "alternate universe" where truth has no "gravitational pull". When there has been undisciplined thought for an extended period of time, it seems truth has no impact. There's almost a glazing of the eyes like the old "night of the living dead" zombies. Individuals who become slaves to their own lack of discipline begin to wander aimlessly muttering, "I must have...."
This thought process becomes so self serving, one begins to lose all concept of the needs of others. I had a friend tell me after being freed from the bondage of pornography about what happens in the mind. He said you begin to lose any concern for your family and their needs. Everything revolves around the need for the addiction.
To further the universe analogy, this undisciplined thought grows to the point of itself having the gravitational pull that only truth should have. We see how that brought such destruction to the house of David. I think this is ultimately why we have such moral relativism in our country today. "It's all about me" is the natural result of undisciplined thought.
So what kind of rocket booster does it take to break from the orbit of undisciplined thought? Psalm 119:95b says, "I will quietly keep my mind upon your promises." The only cure is disciplined thought.
Ps 119:92-93 says, "I would have despaired and perished unless you laws had been my deepest delight. I will never lay aside your laws for you have used them to restore my joy and health." The only hope is being "Empowered through Biblical training."
Knowing the danger of undisciplined thought should help us aggressively guard the "candy store" of our mind that we can easily allow ourself the luxury of window shopping. It's confections of lust, revenge, jealousy, greed, even comfort should come with a hidden warning label that declares "this product is highly addictive." Garrison Keiller has a saying, "if you don't wanna go to Minneapolis, don't get on the train." If you don't want the trouble that comes, don't even board the train. Don't start. Don't try it.
We MUST stay far away from the attractions of our thoughts lest we infuse ourselves with a DNA strain we were never intended to have.
The proverb for today is 16:6-7: Iniquity is atoned for by mercy and TRUTH; evil is avoided by reverence for God.
Make sure you are taking your supplemental TRUTH vitamin today through God's word!!! It is like a radioactive agent fighting the cancer of the flesh.
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 13:1-39
John 17:1-26
Psalm 119:81-95
Proverbs 16:6-7
What does it mean to NOT live the DREAM? Well, the principle of the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship is obedience, so that must mean it's to live in disobedience. The principle of Relationships Devoted to Unity is Submission, so that must mean to live in rebellion. When we get to Empowered Through Biblical Training we know the principle is Discipline. That means to NOT live the E is a lack of discipline. What we fail to realize sometimes is the effect it has on others when we don't live the way God intended.
As we looked at a couple days ago in Psalm 119, David spoke of his dedication for the Word, and how even at the midnight hour his thoughts would be on God's word. The contrast of that was 2 Samuel 11 where he rose to find his thoughts on Bathsheba. He dwelt on them to the point of allowing his flesh to believe, "I must have her". We know what ensued.
Follow this DNA strain that's passed on to Amnon, David's son. In 2 Samuel 13, He began to entertain thoughts of "I must have her" toward his sister. He allowed this to grow to the point of making him sick. An obsession. He allowed a friend (cousin) into his life who only served to feed the undisciplined thought. This thought grew to the point of action being taken, and rather than this desire being fulfilled, the result was "now he hated her more than he had loved her."
As a result of all that David's son, Absalom, had undisciplined thought that was the unbridled hatred for his brother. For 2 years it simmered, until he killed his brother.
The collateral damage of undisciplined thought should not be underestimated. Undisciplined thought can almost become an "alternate universe" where truth has no "gravitational pull". When there has been undisciplined thought for an extended period of time, it seems truth has no impact. There's almost a glazing of the eyes like the old "night of the living dead" zombies. Individuals who become slaves to their own lack of discipline begin to wander aimlessly muttering, "I must have...."
This thought process becomes so self serving, one begins to lose all concept of the needs of others. I had a friend tell me after being freed from the bondage of pornography about what happens in the mind. He said you begin to lose any concern for your family and their needs. Everything revolves around the need for the addiction.
To further the universe analogy, this undisciplined thought grows to the point of itself having the gravitational pull that only truth should have. We see how that brought such destruction to the house of David. I think this is ultimately why we have such moral relativism in our country today. "It's all about me" is the natural result of undisciplined thought.
So what kind of rocket booster does it take to break from the orbit of undisciplined thought? Psalm 119:95b says, "I will quietly keep my mind upon your promises." The only cure is disciplined thought.
Ps 119:92-93 says, "I would have despaired and perished unless you laws had been my deepest delight. I will never lay aside your laws for you have used them to restore my joy and health." The only hope is being "Empowered through Biblical training."
Knowing the danger of undisciplined thought should help us aggressively guard the "candy store" of our mind that we can easily allow ourself the luxury of window shopping. It's confections of lust, revenge, jealousy, greed, even comfort should come with a hidden warning label that declares "this product is highly addictive." Garrison Keiller has a saying, "if you don't wanna go to Minneapolis, don't get on the train." If you don't want the trouble that comes, don't even board the train. Don't start. Don't try it.
We MUST stay far away from the attractions of our thoughts lest we infuse ourselves with a DNA strain we were never intended to have.
The proverb for today is 16:6-7: Iniquity is atoned for by mercy and TRUTH; evil is avoided by reverence for God.
Make sure you are taking your supplemental TRUTH vitamin today through God's word!!! It is like a radioactive agent fighting the cancer of the flesh.
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 10, 2011
5.10.11 "Give Us What We Want"
"Give Us What We Want"
1 Samuel 8:1-9:27
John 6:22-42
Psalm 106:32-48
Proverbs 14:34-35
"Give us a king like all the other nations have..." (I Sam. 8:5)
"Give us free bread every day..." (John 6:31)
"... their love of idols was adultery in the sight of God." (Psalm 106:39)
There seems to be a recurring theme in the One-Year Bible reading today. There's incredible danger in being selfish. When we are selfish, we lose sight of all that is right. We are not living with Christ as our Lord.
In I Samuel, the people wanted to be like other nations. They were supposed to trust in the Lord for their guidance, but they determined that just wasn't working for them. When they approached the prophet Samuel with this request, he was pretty upset about it. He goes to the Lord about it.
"'Do as they say,' the Lord replied, 'for I am the one they are rejecting, not you - they don't want me to be their king any longer. Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually forsaken me and followed other gods. And now they are giving you the same treatment. Do as they ask, but warn them about what it will be like to have a king!'" (I Sam. 8:7-9)
I find that to be a very sad scripture. It greatly saddens the Lord that the people refuse to accept his guidance, and he knows them well enough to know that their lesson may have to be learned the hard way. The people declare "give us what we want!" and they get it.
In John 6, Jesus sees through to the heart of the people. "'The truth of the matter is that you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you believe in me.'" (John 6:26)
What incredible love the Lord has for us. His patience is beyond what we can even understand. We are selfish people. Our prayer requests are more like a Christmas wish list than they are expressing a desire to know God more. We want him to give us what we want. We too easily forget that he is all we need.
Listen to the example that Christ sets for us. "For I have come here from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to have my own way." (John 6:38)
Oh that we would live THAT life. instead of petitioning for what we want we should be seeking his heart and his will. We need to know God. We need to hear his voice & walk in his ways. We need to subject our desires to him. Heaven forbid that some of our prayers are answered! When he allowed them to have a king, they found themselves given over to their own troubles. We must make sure that it's his will we want, and not earthly pleasures, or a desire to be like everyone else. We must want to know him!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
1 Samuel 8:1-9:27
John 6:22-42
Psalm 106:32-48
Proverbs 14:34-35
"Give us a king like all the other nations have..." (I Sam. 8:5)
"Give us free bread every day..." (John 6:31)
"... their love of idols was adultery in the sight of God." (Psalm 106:39)
There seems to be a recurring theme in the One-Year Bible reading today. There's incredible danger in being selfish. When we are selfish, we lose sight of all that is right. We are not living with Christ as our Lord.
In I Samuel, the people wanted to be like other nations. They were supposed to trust in the Lord for their guidance, but they determined that just wasn't working for them. When they approached the prophet Samuel with this request, he was pretty upset about it. He goes to the Lord about it.
"'Do as they say,' the Lord replied, 'for I am the one they are rejecting, not you - they don't want me to be their king any longer. Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually forsaken me and followed other gods. And now they are giving you the same treatment. Do as they ask, but warn them about what it will be like to have a king!'" (I Sam. 8:7-9)
I find that to be a very sad scripture. It greatly saddens the Lord that the people refuse to accept his guidance, and he knows them well enough to know that their lesson may have to be learned the hard way. The people declare "give us what we want!" and they get it.
In John 6, Jesus sees through to the heart of the people. "'The truth of the matter is that you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you believe in me.'" (John 6:26)
What incredible love the Lord has for us. His patience is beyond what we can even understand. We are selfish people. Our prayer requests are more like a Christmas wish list than they are expressing a desire to know God more. We want him to give us what we want. We too easily forget that he is all we need.
Listen to the example that Christ sets for us. "For I have come here from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to have my own way." (John 6:38)
Oh that we would live THAT life. instead of petitioning for what we want we should be seeking his heart and his will. We need to know God. We need to hear his voice & walk in his ways. We need to subject our desires to him. Heaven forbid that some of our prayers are answered! When he allowed them to have a king, they found themselves given over to their own troubles. We must make sure that it's his will we want, and not earthly pleasures, or a desire to be like everyone else. We must want to know him!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
5.10.11 "Give Us What We Want"
"Give Us What We Want"
1 Samuel 8:1-9:27
John 6:22-42
Psalm 106:32-48
Proverbs 14:34-35
"Give us a king like all the other nations have..." (I Sam. 8:5)
"Give us free bread every day..." (John 6:31)
"... their love of idols was adultery in the sight of God." (Psalm 106:39)
There seems to be a recurring theme in the One-Year Bible reading today. There's incredible danger in being selfish. When we are selfish, we lose sight of all that is right. We are not living with Christ as our Lord.
In I Samuel, the people wanted to be like other nations. They were supposed to trust in the Lord for their guidance, but they determined that just wasn't working for them. When they approached the prophet Samuel with this request, he was pretty upset about it. He goes to the Lord about it.
"'Do as they say,' the Lord replied, 'for I am the one they are rejecting, not you - they don't want me to be their king any longer. Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually forsaken me and followed other gods. And now they are giving you the same treatment. Do as they ask, but warn them about what it will be like to have a king!'" (I Sam. 8:7-9)
I find that to be a very sad scripture. It greatly saddens the Lord that the people refuse to accept his guidance, and he knows them well enough to know that their lesson may have to be learned the hard way. The people declare "give us what we want!" and they get it.
In John 6, Jesus sees through to the heart of the people. "'The truth of the matter is that you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you believe in me.'" (John 6:26)
What incredible love the Lord has for us. His patience is beyond what we can even understand. We are selfish people. Our prayer requests are more like a Christmas wish list than they are expressing a desire to know God more. We want him to give us what we want. We too easily forget that he is all we need.
Listen to the example that Christ sets for us. "For I have come here from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to have my own way." (John 6:38)
Oh that we would live THAT life. instead of petitioning for what we want we should be seeking his heart and his will. We need to know God. We need to hear his voice & walk in his ways. We need to subject our desires to him. Heaven forbid that some of our prayers are answered! When he allowed them to have a king, they found themselves given over to their own troubles. We must make sure that it's his will we want, and not earthly pleasures, or a desire to be like everyone else. We must want to know him!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
1 Samuel 8:1-9:27
John 6:22-42
Psalm 106:32-48
Proverbs 14:34-35
"Give us a king like all the other nations have..." (I Sam. 8:5)
"Give us free bread every day..." (John 6:31)
"... their love of idols was adultery in the sight of God." (Psalm 106:39)
There seems to be a recurring theme in the One-Year Bible reading today. There's incredible danger in being selfish. When we are selfish, we lose sight of all that is right. We are not living with Christ as our Lord.
In I Samuel, the people wanted to be like other nations. They were supposed to trust in the Lord for their guidance, but they determined that just wasn't working for them. When they approached the prophet Samuel with this request, he was pretty upset about it. He goes to the Lord about it.
"'Do as they say,' the Lord replied, 'for I am the one they are rejecting, not you - they don't want me to be their king any longer. Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually forsaken me and followed other gods. And now they are giving you the same treatment. Do as they ask, but warn them about what it will be like to have a king!'" (I Sam. 8:7-9)
I find that to be a very sad scripture. It greatly saddens the Lord that the people refuse to accept his guidance, and he knows them well enough to know that their lesson may have to be learned the hard way. The people declare "give us what we want!" and they get it.
In John 6, Jesus sees through to the heart of the people. "'The truth of the matter is that you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you believe in me.'" (John 6:26)
What incredible love the Lord has for us. His patience is beyond what we can even understand. We are selfish people. Our prayer requests are more like a Christmas wish list than they are expressing a desire to know God more. We want him to give us what we want. We too easily forget that he is all we need.
Listen to the example that Christ sets for us. "For I have come here from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to have my own way." (John 6:38)
Oh that we would live THAT life. instead of petitioning for what we want we should be seeking his heart and his will. We need to know God. We need to hear his voice & walk in his ways. We need to subject our desires to him. Heaven forbid that some of our prayers are answered! When he allowed them to have a king, they found themselves given over to their own troubles. We must make sure that it's his will we want, and not earthly pleasures, or a desire to be like everyone else. We must want to know him!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Sunday, November 14, 2010
11.14.10 "I Gotta do this for Me!"
"I Gotta do this for Me!"
Ezekiel 29:1-30:26
Hebrews 11:32-12:13
Psalm 112:1-10
Proverbs 27:17
Have you heard that phrase before? Have you said it? You'll even hear people "encourage" each other with this. "You know what, you've been working hard. It's about time you did something for yourself."
No one really understands that those are some of the most dangerous words spoken by man. These words can lead to death. Do you know what the main foundational principle of the satanic bible is? It's wrapped up in this: You deserve it!
It's very sad to see the destruction this subtle killer has caused. Why do people do drugs? Why do marriages fall apart? Why do lusts have such power? "Because I gotta do this for me!"
Life has struggles. There are times of hardship. If our focus is out of adjustment, the circumstances of life can begin to wear on our body, soul and spirit. A difficult situation can cause hurt. The hurt can lead one to be defensive, guarded, soon isolated, then it turns into "I gotta do this for me."
Even extended seasons of well-doing can open the door to this enemy. So many times the enemy loves to attack after a long Sunday of ministry, or after weeks of working on a musical. "Go ahead, feed the flesh... you deserve it!"
Our flesh wants so much to hear those words, that rarely do we guard enough against it. It is so important that we heed the words of Hebrews chapter 12.
"Keep your eyes on Jesus, our leader and instructor. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterwards; and now he sits in the place of honor by the throne of God. If you want to keep from becoming fainthearted and weary, think about his patience as sinful men did such terrible things to him. After all, you have never yet struggled against sin and temptation until you sweat great drops of blood." Heb 12:2-4
We too easily dismiss his struggles as "well, he was God". We forget that he was man. He was focused on the big picture... the goal... the prize. We need to do the same! We must press on!
"So take a new grip with your tired hands, stand firm on your shaky legs, and mark out a straight, smooth path for you feet so that those who follow you, though weak and lame, will not fall and hurt themselves, but become strong." Heb. 12:12
We also forget, that no matter who we are, what our position is, marital status, or anything, we are paving the way for someone else. We have a great church. I've been a part of it for 16 years. We've seen great growth in those years. It is the prayers and labors of individuals who've gone long before who made this possible. We must now ask the question "who am I paving the way for?"
If my lifestyle says, "I gotta do this for me", I'm not only leading myself down a dangerous trail, I'm also leading those who follow to dangerous places.
No matter the hurt, the struggle, the frustration, the loneliness, the unfair circumstances of life, it is worth it to stay on course.
"Praise the Lord! For all who fear God and trust in him are blessed beyond expression. Yes, happy is the man who delights in doing his commands. His children shall be honored everywhere, for good men's sons have a special heritage. He himself shall be wealthy, and his good deeds will never be forgotten. When darkness overtakes him, light will come bursting in. He is kind and merciful - and all goes well for the generous man who conducts his business fairly.
"Such a man will not be overthrown by evil circumstances. God's constant care of him will make a deep impression on all who see it. He does not fear bad news, nor live in dread of what may happen. For he is settled in his mind that Jehovah will take care of him. That is why he is not afraid, but can calmly face his foes. He gives generously to those in need. His deeds will never be forgotten. He shall have influence and honor." Ps 112:1-9
As we live lives of Obedience and Discipline, it "will make a deep impression on all who see it." When we live for ourself, it definitely makes the wrong impression!
Wouldn't it be great to live without fearing the worst? It's possible! by fixing our eyes on Jesus!
Keep your eyes on him. Live for Him. Stand against the fleshly thought of "living for me".
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
Ezekiel 29:1-30:26
Hebrews 11:32-12:13
Psalm 112:1-10
Proverbs 27:17
Have you heard that phrase before? Have you said it? You'll even hear people "encourage" each other with this. "You know what, you've been working hard. It's about time you did something for yourself."
No one really understands that those are some of the most dangerous words spoken by man. These words can lead to death. Do you know what the main foundational principle of the satanic bible is? It's wrapped up in this: You deserve it!
It's very sad to see the destruction this subtle killer has caused. Why do people do drugs? Why do marriages fall apart? Why do lusts have such power? "Because I gotta do this for me!"
Life has struggles. There are times of hardship. If our focus is out of adjustment, the circumstances of life can begin to wear on our body, soul and spirit. A difficult situation can cause hurt. The hurt can lead one to be defensive, guarded, soon isolated, then it turns into "I gotta do this for me."
Even extended seasons of well-doing can open the door to this enemy. So many times the enemy loves to attack after a long Sunday of ministry, or after weeks of working on a musical. "Go ahead, feed the flesh... you deserve it!"
Our flesh wants so much to hear those words, that rarely do we guard enough against it. It is so important that we heed the words of Hebrews chapter 12.
"Keep your eyes on Jesus, our leader and instructor. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterwards; and now he sits in the place of honor by the throne of God. If you want to keep from becoming fainthearted and weary, think about his patience as sinful men did such terrible things to him. After all, you have never yet struggled against sin and temptation until you sweat great drops of blood." Heb 12:2-4
We too easily dismiss his struggles as "well, he was God". We forget that he was man. He was focused on the big picture... the goal... the prize. We need to do the same! We must press on!
"So take a new grip with your tired hands, stand firm on your shaky legs, and mark out a straight, smooth path for you feet so that those who follow you, though weak and lame, will not fall and hurt themselves, but become strong." Heb. 12:12
We also forget, that no matter who we are, what our position is, marital status, or anything, we are paving the way for someone else. We have a great church. I've been a part of it for 16 years. We've seen great growth in those years. It is the prayers and labors of individuals who've gone long before who made this possible. We must now ask the question "who am I paving the way for?"
If my lifestyle says, "I gotta do this for me", I'm not only leading myself down a dangerous trail, I'm also leading those who follow to dangerous places.
No matter the hurt, the struggle, the frustration, the loneliness, the unfair circumstances of life, it is worth it to stay on course.
"Praise the Lord! For all who fear God and trust in him are blessed beyond expression. Yes, happy is the man who delights in doing his commands. His children shall be honored everywhere, for good men's sons have a special heritage. He himself shall be wealthy, and his good deeds will never be forgotten. When darkness overtakes him, light will come bursting in. He is kind and merciful - and all goes well for the generous man who conducts his business fairly.
"Such a man will not be overthrown by evil circumstances. God's constant care of him will make a deep impression on all who see it. He does not fear bad news, nor live in dread of what may happen. For he is settled in his mind that Jehovah will take care of him. That is why he is not afraid, but can calmly face his foes. He gives generously to those in need. His deeds will never be forgotten. He shall have influence and honor." Ps 112:1-9
As we live lives of Obedience and Discipline, it "will make a deep impression on all who see it." When we live for ourself, it definitely makes the wrong impression!
Wouldn't it be great to live without fearing the worst? It's possible! by fixing our eyes on Jesus!
Keep your eyes on him. Live for Him. Stand against the fleshly thought of "living for me".
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, June 16, 2010
6.16.10 "This is All I Have"
"This is All I Have"
I Kings 15:25-17:24
Acts 10:24-48
Psalm 134:1-3
Proverbs 17:9-11
In I Kings 17 we meet this prophet Elijah. He's kind of a quirky fellow. I'm not sure many of us would get along with him too well. especially if he moved into our house and wanted to eat our last bit of food.
We can get quite attached to that last bit. I'm notorious for saving the last bit as long as i can. If Lisa makes a plate of bars, i will eat at will, but when there's only one left, i can make that thing last for days. I will walk by, unwrap it, take a bite, wrap it up again... There have been times when someone has casually and irreverently tossed the remnants of my last bar... There's more emotion here than I could possibly communicate right now...
Elijah and the widow of Zarephath is a story that we can all remember from growing up in the church. I still think I remember what the "Flannel-graph" looked like on that. (oh, the technology!) This widow had plans for her last bit of food. Eat it and die.
There is a DREAM principle in this story, and it is the area of Active Ministry Involvement. It is the principle of Responsibility. Sometimes when we think of Active Ministry Involvement, we just think of "doing" stuff that we have a "talent" or "interest" in. But to truly Live the DREAM, (the Balanced Christian Life) it's more than that. We have all been given resources of infinite variety. It's not just a talent. It can be time, money, and so much more. Scripture clearly indicates that we have a Responsibility to give account for what we've done with the resources we've been given. (Matthew 25:14-30)
This responsibility is not just for those who are plentiful in resources. It's for those who are given much as well as those who have nearly nothing. Remember the Widow's Offering in Matthew 12. Jesus said, all others have given from their wealth, but she has given all she has.
So many times we are too afraid to give God that last little bit. "If I give this to God, I will have nothing." Yet, as Elijah points out, If you give this to God, you will never be in want. We can tend to create this self-fulfilling prophecy. We DON'T give it to God, and we die. I'm not necessarily talking physically, but just think of that talent or ability that you kind of feel is so lacking, and yet God has directed you to step out in obedience. You haven't done it, so what does that talent or ability look like now? There are many who are waiting until they can "afford" to tithe. The truth is, you can't afford NOT to! If you don't, you will "eat your last portion and die".
I'm sure sitting in a Sunday School class, we'd all raise our hand in agreement & nod our head. What about at home when you're looking at the bottom of your jar? It may be that the thing in the bottom of your jar is not something good. Today's Proverb says, "Love forgets mistakes; nagging about them parts the best of friends" (Prov. 17:9). Maybe what we have to give up is bitterness, or even the desire to be proved "right".
Imagine two pictures. the first is the widow with fear in her eyes hugging the jar with the last bit of flour. "This is All I have!". the second is the widow with confidence and even a hint of joy handing the jar to the prophet declaring, "This is All I have!"
What do you think God is calling you to do? Today there may be a situation where you are asked to give what seems to be your last. What will your posture be? Will your fist be clenched, or your hands raised as you declare "This is All I have!"
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
I Kings 15:25-17:24
Acts 10:24-48
Psalm 134:1-3
Proverbs 17:9-11
In I Kings 17 we meet this prophet Elijah. He's kind of a quirky fellow. I'm not sure many of us would get along with him too well. especially if he moved into our house and wanted to eat our last bit of food.
We can get quite attached to that last bit. I'm notorious for saving the last bit as long as i can. If Lisa makes a plate of bars, i will eat at will, but when there's only one left, i can make that thing last for days. I will walk by, unwrap it, take a bite, wrap it up again... There have been times when someone has casually and irreverently tossed the remnants of my last bar... There's more emotion here than I could possibly communicate right now...
Elijah and the widow of Zarephath is a story that we can all remember from growing up in the church. I still think I remember what the "Flannel-graph" looked like on that. (oh, the technology!) This widow had plans for her last bit of food. Eat it and die.
There is a DREAM principle in this story, and it is the area of Active Ministry Involvement. It is the principle of Responsibility. Sometimes when we think of Active Ministry Involvement, we just think of "doing" stuff that we have a "talent" or "interest" in. But to truly Live the DREAM, (the Balanced Christian Life) it's more than that. We have all been given resources of infinite variety. It's not just a talent. It can be time, money, and so much more. Scripture clearly indicates that we have a Responsibility to give account for what we've done with the resources we've been given. (Matthew 25:14-30)
This responsibility is not just for those who are plentiful in resources. It's for those who are given much as well as those who have nearly nothing. Remember the Widow's Offering in Matthew 12. Jesus said, all others have given from their wealth, but she has given all she has.
So many times we are too afraid to give God that last little bit. "If I give this to God, I will have nothing." Yet, as Elijah points out, If you give this to God, you will never be in want. We can tend to create this self-fulfilling prophecy. We DON'T give it to God, and we die. I'm not necessarily talking physically, but just think of that talent or ability that you kind of feel is so lacking, and yet God has directed you to step out in obedience. You haven't done it, so what does that talent or ability look like now? There are many who are waiting until they can "afford" to tithe. The truth is, you can't afford NOT to! If you don't, you will "eat your last portion and die".
I'm sure sitting in a Sunday School class, we'd all raise our hand in agreement & nod our head. What about at home when you're looking at the bottom of your jar? It may be that the thing in the bottom of your jar is not something good. Today's Proverb says, "Love forgets mistakes; nagging about them parts the best of friends" (Prov. 17:9). Maybe what we have to give up is bitterness, or even the desire to be proved "right".
Imagine two pictures. the first is the widow with fear in her eyes hugging the jar with the last bit of flour. "This is All I have!". the second is the widow with confidence and even a hint of joy handing the jar to the prophet declaring, "This is All I have!"
What do you think God is calling you to do? Today there may be a situation where you are asked to give what seems to be your last. What will your posture be? Will your fist be clenched, or your hands raised as you declare "This is All I have!"
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
Monday, May 10, 2010
5.10.10 "Give Us What We Want"
"Give Us What We Want"
1 Samuel 8:1-9:27
John 6:22-42
Psalm 106:32-48
Proverbs 14:34-35
"Give us a king like all the other nations have..." (I Sam. 8:5)
"Give us free bread every day..." (John 6:31)
"... their love of idols was adultery in the sight of God." (Psalm 106:39)
There seemed to be a recurring theme in the One-Year Bible today. There's incredible danger in being selfish. When we are selfish, we lose sight of all that is right. We are not living with Christ as our Lord.
In I Samuel, the people wanted to be like other nations. They were supposed to trust in the Lord for their guidance, but they determined that just wasn't working for them. When they approached the prophet Samuel with this request, he was pretty upset about it. He goes to the Lord about it.
"'Do as they say,' the Lord replied, 'for I am the one they are rejecting, not you - they don't want me to be their king any longer. Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually forsaken me and followed other gods. And now they are giving you the same treatment. Do as they ask, but warn them about what it will be like to have a king!'" (I Sam. 8:7-9)
I find that to be a very sad scripture. It greatly saddens the Lord that the people refuse to accept his guidance, and he knows them well enough to know that their lesson may have to be learned the hard way. The people declare "give us what we want!" and they get it.
In John 6, Jesus sees through to the heart of the people. "'The truth of the matter is that you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you believe in me.'" (John 6:26)
What incredible love the Lord has for us. His patience is beyond what we can even understand. We are selfish people. Our prayer requests are more like a Christmas wish list than they are expressing a desire to know God more. We want him to give us what we want. We too easily forget that he is all we need.
Listen to the example that Christ sets for us. "For I have come here from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to have my own way." (John 6:38)
Oh that we would live THAT life. instead of petitioning for what we want we should be seeking his heart and his will. We need to know God. We need to hear his voice & walk in his ways. We need to subject our desires to him. Heaven forbid that some of our prayers are answered! When he allowed them to have a king, they found themselves given over to their own troubles. We must make sure that it's his will we want, and not earthly pleasures, or a desire to be like everyone else. We must want to know him!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
1 Samuel 8:1-9:27
John 6:22-42
Psalm 106:32-48
Proverbs 14:34-35
"Give us a king like all the other nations have..." (I Sam. 8:5)
"Give us free bread every day..." (John 6:31)
"... their love of idols was adultery in the sight of God." (Psalm 106:39)
There seemed to be a recurring theme in the One-Year Bible today. There's incredible danger in being selfish. When we are selfish, we lose sight of all that is right. We are not living with Christ as our Lord.
In I Samuel, the people wanted to be like other nations. They were supposed to trust in the Lord for their guidance, but they determined that just wasn't working for them. When they approached the prophet Samuel with this request, he was pretty upset about it. He goes to the Lord about it.
"'Do as they say,' the Lord replied, 'for I am the one they are rejecting, not you - they don't want me to be their king any longer. Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually forsaken me and followed other gods. And now they are giving you the same treatment. Do as they ask, but warn them about what it will be like to have a king!'" (I Sam. 8:7-9)
I find that to be a very sad scripture. It greatly saddens the Lord that the people refuse to accept his guidance, and he knows them well enough to know that their lesson may have to be learned the hard way. The people declare "give us what we want!" and they get it.
In John 6, Jesus sees through to the heart of the people. "'The truth of the matter is that you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you believe in me.'" (John 6:26)
What incredible love the Lord has for us. His patience is beyond what we can even understand. We are selfish people. Our prayer requests are more like a Christmas wish list than they are expressing a desire to know God more. We want him to give us what we want. We too easily forget that he is all we need.
Listen to the example that Christ sets for us. "For I have come here from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to have my own way." (John 6:38)
Oh that we would live THAT life. instead of petitioning for what we want we should be seeking his heart and his will. We need to know God. We need to hear his voice & walk in his ways. We need to subject our desires to him. Heaven forbid that some of our prayers are answered! When he allowed them to have a king, they found themselves given over to their own troubles. We must make sure that it's his will we want, and not earthly pleasures, or a desire to be like everyone else. We must want to know him!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
3.31.10 "Keep Close to Me!"
"Keep Close to Me!"
Deuteronomy 16:1-17:20
Luke 9:7-27
Psalm 72:1-20
Proverbs 12:8-9
"Keep Close to Me!" In what situations have you heard that phrase? When my daughter was old enough to walk in stores we began to practice obedience. If Lisa or I would say "close" Annalese was supposed to see how fast she could get to us. She was supposed to drop whatever she was doing and RUN to us. We would also do it when we were out for walks. She'd get ahead of us or something and we'd say, "Annalese, close!" She would turn and run back to us.
Why did we teach her that? We were teaching her that right next to us is a safe place to be. We were making practice of an important principle.
Jesus says "Anyone who wants to follow me must put aside his own desires and conveniences and carry his cross with him every day and keep close to me! Whoever loses his life for my sake will save it, but whoever insists on keeping his life will lose it; and what profit is there in gaining the whole world when it means forfeiting one's self?" (Luke 9:23-25)
Why does Jesus say "Keep close to me"? Because next to him is the safest place to be.
What does it take to be close to him? We have to drop everything and run to him. We have to put aside our own desires and conveniences. It's those desires left unchecked that will bring us to harm.
What does it mean to take up your cross? It means that we live at all times with an understanding that we are dying to flesh. "Dead Man Walking". Every step I take down the road of life must be a step that is not directed by self, but by the Spirit. It must be a part of being close to him.
There's something within that cries out, "But think of all the things you miss out on if you die to flesh! Think of all the things YOU want to do!" The world's understanding is that the only way to find fulfillment is if I chase my own wants and needs, but the truth is, If I lose my life for the sake of following Christ, I will actually find the fulfillment of the all of the desires. This happens for a number of reasons, the main one being that knowing Christ transforms our desires into what he wants them to be. They work for his glory.
When we live to serve the flesh, we ultimately lose out not only on the fulfillment, but can eventually lose our soul because we are living for self.
What steps are you taking today? Are they for your desire and convenience, or are they for walking in step with Christ? Stay close to him 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
Deuteronomy 16:1-17:20
Luke 9:7-27
Psalm 72:1-20
Proverbs 12:8-9
"Keep Close to Me!" In what situations have you heard that phrase? When my daughter was old enough to walk in stores we began to practice obedience. If Lisa or I would say "close" Annalese was supposed to see how fast she could get to us. She was supposed to drop whatever she was doing and RUN to us. We would also do it when we were out for walks. She'd get ahead of us or something and we'd say, "Annalese, close!" She would turn and run back to us.
Why did we teach her that? We were teaching her that right next to us is a safe place to be. We were making practice of an important principle.
Jesus says "Anyone who wants to follow me must put aside his own desires and conveniences and carry his cross with him every day and keep close to me! Whoever loses his life for my sake will save it, but whoever insists on keeping his life will lose it; and what profit is there in gaining the whole world when it means forfeiting one's self?" (Luke 9:23-25)
Why does Jesus say "Keep close to me"? Because next to him is the safest place to be.
What does it take to be close to him? We have to drop everything and run to him. We have to put aside our own desires and conveniences. It's those desires left unchecked that will bring us to harm.
What does it mean to take up your cross? It means that we live at all times with an understanding that we are dying to flesh. "Dead Man Walking". Every step I take down the road of life must be a step that is not directed by self, but by the Spirit. It must be a part of being close to him.
There's something within that cries out, "But think of all the things you miss out on if you die to flesh! Think of all the things YOU want to do!" The world's understanding is that the only way to find fulfillment is if I chase my own wants and needs, but the truth is, If I lose my life for the sake of following Christ, I will actually find the fulfillment of the all of the desires. This happens for a number of reasons, the main one being that knowing Christ transforms our desires into what he wants them to be. They work for his glory.
When we live to serve the flesh, we ultimately lose out not only on the fulfillment, but can eventually lose our soul because we are living for self.
What steps are you taking today? Are they for your desire and convenience, or are they for walking in step with Christ? Stay close to him 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, March 9, 2010
3.9.10 "The Wrestle with Will"
"The Wrestle with Will"
Numbers 11:24-13:33
Mark 14:22-52
Psalm 52:1-9
Proverbs 11:1-3
The wrestle with will is a life-long issue. We've all heard of, and may have dealt with, or even have been the "Strong-willed child". I think there's a pretty good chance that I was one of those. It's an intense desire to get your own way.
There's a battle between "our will" and God's will every day. Do we do things our way, or his? In "sunday school" mode we can all raise our hand and say we want God's will, but in the heat of the battle when we are deeply entrenched in our comfort zone, it can become a different story.
It may help to understand that Jesus "wrestled" with will. While his will wasn't motivated by selfishness the way ours is, the battle was intense all the same. His battle was in understanding the magnitude of what he was about to do.
"And he said to them, 'My soul is crushed by the sorrow to the point of death; stay here and watch with me.' He went on a little further and fell to the ground and prayed that if it were possible the awful hour awaiting him might never come. 'Father, Father,' he said, 'everything is possible for you. Take away this cup from me...'"
Jesus didn't stop there like I just did. I don't know if I could have prayed any farther. I have some really good ideas. I'd kick the creativity into high gear. I'm sure there's a way we could work around this. There's got to be a better solution. Just give me more time to figure this out God. I know what you're telling me to do, but I'm not quite ready to go there...
"'... Yet I want your will, not mine.'" Jesus submitted to the will of the Father. It's a HUGE deal to not just say, "ok, we'll do it your way..." but to say, "I WANT your will!" How can you even say that unless there has been a death to selfishness already?
Death to selfishness... how does that come about? Practice. Doing great things for God is nothing more than the culmination of the small things.
Do you ever feel like you hit a "stale" moment in your Christian walk? I would dare to say that it is a direct result of not dying to selfishness at some level. It's often the result of disobedience. (remember delayed obedience is disobedience!)
Wrestling with the will of God is a battle we want to "lose". We don't want to strengthen our will with the steroids of opinion and comfort and selfish ambition. We need to starve our will and feed the desire that His will be done.
Got your DLOW? (Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship) It's a life of obedience. It's a life of "doing the will of him who sent me."
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 11:24-13:33
Mark 14:22-52
Psalm 52:1-9
Proverbs 11:1-3
The wrestle with will is a life-long issue. We've all heard of, and may have dealt with, or even have been the "Strong-willed child". I think there's a pretty good chance that I was one of those. It's an intense desire to get your own way.
There's a battle between "our will" and God's will every day. Do we do things our way, or his? In "sunday school" mode we can all raise our hand and say we want God's will, but in the heat of the battle when we are deeply entrenched in our comfort zone, it can become a different story.
It may help to understand that Jesus "wrestled" with will. While his will wasn't motivated by selfishness the way ours is, the battle was intense all the same. His battle was in understanding the magnitude of what he was about to do.
"And he said to them, 'My soul is crushed by the sorrow to the point of death; stay here and watch with me.' He went on a little further and fell to the ground and prayed that if it were possible the awful hour awaiting him might never come. 'Father, Father,' he said, 'everything is possible for you. Take away this cup from me...'"
Jesus didn't stop there like I just did. I don't know if I could have prayed any farther. I have some really good ideas. I'd kick the creativity into high gear. I'm sure there's a way we could work around this. There's got to be a better solution. Just give me more time to figure this out God. I know what you're telling me to do, but I'm not quite ready to go there...
"'... Yet I want your will, not mine.'" Jesus submitted to the will of the Father. It's a HUGE deal to not just say, "ok, we'll do it your way..." but to say, "I WANT your will!" How can you even say that unless there has been a death to selfishness already?
Death to selfishness... how does that come about? Practice. Doing great things for God is nothing more than the culmination of the small things.
Do you ever feel like you hit a "stale" moment in your Christian walk? I would dare to say that it is a direct result of not dying to selfishness at some level. It's often the result of disobedience. (remember delayed obedience is disobedience!)
Wrestling with the will of God is a battle we want to "lose". We don't want to strengthen our will with the steroids of opinion and comfort and selfish ambition. We need to starve our will and feed the desire that His will be done.
Got your DLOW? (Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship) It's a life of obedience. It's a life of "doing the will of him who sent me."
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, January 6, 2010
1.6.10 "The Bitter Fruit of 'My Way'"
"The Bitter Fruit of 'My Way'"
Genesis 13:5-15:21
Matthew 5:27-48
Psalm 6:1-10
Proverbs 1:29-33
Remember the jingle, "Have it your way..." And then there's the song, "I did it My Way". (The objective of today's devo is to get an irritating song in your head... you know, like "Flintstones, meet the Flintstones...")
What is it about these themes? They appeal to that side of us that wants to get our way. (Not the flintstones...) Our flesh is wired for self-advancement and self preservation. This, however is not God's way.
In Proverbs, wisdom is calling out, "For you closed your eyes to the facts and did not choose to reverence and trust the Lord, and you turned your back on me, spurning my advice. That is why you must eat the bitter fruit of having your own way, and experience the full terrors of the pathway you have chosen. For you turned away from me - to death; your own complacency will kill you. Fools! But all who listen to me shall live in peace and safety, unafraid."
I was captivated by the phrases "you must eat the bitter fruit of having your own way," and "experience the full terrors of the pathway you have chosen." Wow. That sounds foreboding, doesn't it?
What is the fruit of having your own way? Lets look to the example in Genesis. It's a story we've heard before. "Lot too was very wealthy, with sheep and cattle and many servants. But the land could not support both Abram and Lot with all their flocks and herds. There were too many animals for the available pasture. So fights broke out between the herdsmen..."
This is actually a lesson in "Relationships Devoted to Unity". There are a few principles in the study on unity that apply here. 1. All conflict is the result of an unmet need. (land cannot support all the herds) 2. A need can only be met through the principle of Submission. 3. Many times the submission comes from the one who "shouldn't have to".
Here's what happens. "Then Abram talked it over with Lot. 'This fighting between our men has got to stop,' he said. 'We can't afford to let a rift develop between our clans. Close relatives such as we are must present a united front!" Notice the value Abram places on unity.
Here's where submission steps in. "'I'll tell you what we'll do. Take your choice of any section of the land you want, and we will separate. If you want that part over there to the east, then I'll stay here in the western section. Or, if you want the west, then I'll go over there to the east'. Lot took a long look at the fertile plains of the Jordan River, well watered everywhere... the whole section was like the Garden of Eden... So this is what Lot chose."
Wait a minute... why should Abram have to do that?? He's the elder, the one who should be honored. The reason is that Abram understood Godliness. He knew that the value of unity highly outweighed "being right".
So what about the "bitter fruit of having your own way"? Well Lot got his own way. He settled near Sodom. Gen. 13:13 says, "The men of this area were unusually wicked, and sinned greatly against Jehovah." We all well know the future of Sodom & Gomorrah, but even before that happens there's a war that breaks out amongst about a half dozen kings. At the end of this war, Lot is captured, and his city & possessions taken into captivity. If you ask me, that's reaping the "bitter fruit".
If I were Abram, it probably would be in my nature to say "Well, you asked for it, you got it..." (is my life too motivated by jingles??) That's not the way Abram took. He pursued those who took Lot captive & returned everything that had been taken. Gen. 15:1 says, "Afterwards Jehovah spoke to Abram in a vision, and this is what he told him: 'Don't be fearful, Abram, for I will defend you. And I will give you great blessings." Notice the differing "fruits" of Lot & Abram.
In Matthew 5, Jesus is teaching these same principles in a different light. "... If you are slapped on one cheek, turn the other too. If you are ordered to court, and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat too. If the military demand that you carry their gear for a mile, carry it two. Give to those who ask, and don't turn away from those who want to borrow. There is a saying, 'Love your friends and hate your enemies,' But I say: Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way you will be acting as true sons of your Father in heaven." Matt. 5:39-45
Godly wisdom and maturity is found in listening to his commands and denying our flesh. We so badly want to be "right" when it comes to relationships and to what we "deserve". I'm sure there's so many times that we even contend with God regarding an issue until the point he says, "Alright, have it your way..." And sure enough in one way or another we end up having to "experience the full terrors of the pathway [we] have chosen".
When we get "our way", we become complacent, and as Proverbs says, "your own complacency will kill you."
You wanna live life on the edge? Live the principle of submission. That will perk things up. There's no complacency here. When we will really see the difference is when this becomes a part of who we are. When it becomes our natural response to act in Godly submission to the needs of others, we are truly living the "R" of DREAM.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Genesis 13:5-15:21
Matthew 5:27-48
Psalm 6:1-10
Proverbs 1:29-33
Remember the jingle, "Have it your way..." And then there's the song, "I did it My Way". (The objective of today's devo is to get an irritating song in your head... you know, like "Flintstones, meet the Flintstones...")
What is it about these themes? They appeal to that side of us that wants to get our way. (Not the flintstones...) Our flesh is wired for self-advancement and self preservation. This, however is not God's way.
In Proverbs, wisdom is calling out, "For you closed your eyes to the facts and did not choose to reverence and trust the Lord, and you turned your back on me, spurning my advice. That is why you must eat the bitter fruit of having your own way, and experience the full terrors of the pathway you have chosen. For you turned away from me - to death; your own complacency will kill you. Fools! But all who listen to me shall live in peace and safety, unafraid."
I was captivated by the phrases "you must eat the bitter fruit of having your own way," and "experience the full terrors of the pathway you have chosen." Wow. That sounds foreboding, doesn't it?
What is the fruit of having your own way? Lets look to the example in Genesis. It's a story we've heard before. "Lot too was very wealthy, with sheep and cattle and many servants. But the land could not support both Abram and Lot with all their flocks and herds. There were too many animals for the available pasture. So fights broke out between the herdsmen..."
This is actually a lesson in "Relationships Devoted to Unity". There are a few principles in the study on unity that apply here. 1. All conflict is the result of an unmet need. (land cannot support all the herds) 2. A need can only be met through the principle of Submission. 3. Many times the submission comes from the one who "shouldn't have to".
Here's what happens. "Then Abram talked it over with Lot. 'This fighting between our men has got to stop,' he said. 'We can't afford to let a rift develop between our clans. Close relatives such as we are must present a united front!" Notice the value Abram places on unity.
Here's where submission steps in. "'I'll tell you what we'll do. Take your choice of any section of the land you want, and we will separate. If you want that part over there to the east, then I'll stay here in the western section. Or, if you want the west, then I'll go over there to the east'. Lot took a long look at the fertile plains of the Jordan River, well watered everywhere... the whole section was like the Garden of Eden... So this is what Lot chose."
Wait a minute... why should Abram have to do that?? He's the elder, the one who should be honored. The reason is that Abram understood Godliness. He knew that the value of unity highly outweighed "being right".
So what about the "bitter fruit of having your own way"? Well Lot got his own way. He settled near Sodom. Gen. 13:13 says, "The men of this area were unusually wicked, and sinned greatly against Jehovah." We all well know the future of Sodom & Gomorrah, but even before that happens there's a war that breaks out amongst about a half dozen kings. At the end of this war, Lot is captured, and his city & possessions taken into captivity. If you ask me, that's reaping the "bitter fruit".
If I were Abram, it probably would be in my nature to say "Well, you asked for it, you got it..." (is my life too motivated by jingles??) That's not the way Abram took. He pursued those who took Lot captive & returned everything that had been taken. Gen. 15:1 says, "Afterwards Jehovah spoke to Abram in a vision, and this is what he told him: 'Don't be fearful, Abram, for I will defend you. And I will give you great blessings." Notice the differing "fruits" of Lot & Abram.
In Matthew 5, Jesus is teaching these same principles in a different light. "... If you are slapped on one cheek, turn the other too. If you are ordered to court, and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat too. If the military demand that you carry their gear for a mile, carry it two. Give to those who ask, and don't turn away from those who want to borrow. There is a saying, 'Love your friends and hate your enemies,' But I say: Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way you will be acting as true sons of your Father in heaven." Matt. 5:39-45
Godly wisdom and maturity is found in listening to his commands and denying our flesh. We so badly want to be "right" when it comes to relationships and to what we "deserve". I'm sure there's so many times that we even contend with God regarding an issue until the point he says, "Alright, have it your way..." And sure enough in one way or another we end up having to "experience the full terrors of the pathway [we] have chosen".
When we get "our way", we become complacent, and as Proverbs says, "your own complacency will kill you."
You wanna live life on the edge? Live the principle of submission. That will perk things up. There's no complacency here. When we will really see the difference is when this becomes a part of who we are. When it becomes our natural response to act in Godly submission to the needs of others, we are truly living the "R" of DREAM.
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 10, 2009
5.10.9 "Give Us What We Want"
"Give Us What We Want"
1 Samuel 8:1-9:27
John 6:22-42
Psalm 106:32-48
Proverbs 14:34-35
"Give us a king like all the other nations have..." (I Sam. 8:5)
"Give us free bread every day..." (John 6:31)
"... their love of idols was adultery in the sight of God." (Psalm 106:39)
There seemed to be a recurring theme in the One-Year Bible today. There's incredible danger in being selfish. When we are selfish, we lose sight of all that is right. We are not living with Christ as our Lord.
In I Samuel, the people wanted to be like other nations. They were supposed to trust in the Lord for their guidance, but they determined that just wasn't working for them. When they approached the prophet Samuel with this request, he was pretty upset about it. He goes to the Lord about it.
"'Do as they say,' the Lord replied, 'for I am the one they are rejecting, not you - they don't want me to be their king any longer. Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually forsaken me and followed other gods. And now they are giving you the same treatment. Do as they ask, but warn them about what it will be like to have a king!'" (I Sam. 8:7-9)
I find that to be a very sad scripture. It greatly saddens the Lord that the people refuse to accept his guidance, and he knows them well enough to know that their lesson may have to be learned the hard way. The people declare "give us what we want!" and they get it.
In John 6, Jesus sees through to the heart of the people. "'The truth of the matter is that you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you believe in me.'" (John 6:26)
What incredible love the Lord has for us. His patience is beyond what we can even understand. We are selfish people. Our prayer requests are more like a Christmas wish list than they are expressing a desire to know God more. We want him to give us what we want. We too easily forget that he is all we need.
Listen to the example that Christ sets for us. "For I have come here from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to have my own way." (John 6:38)
Oh that we would live THAT life. instead of petitioning for what we want we should be seeking his heart and his will. We need to know God. We need to hear his voice & walk in his ways. We need to subject our desires to him. Heaven forbid that some of our prayers are answered! When he allowed them to have a king, they found themselves given over to their own troubles. We must make sure that it's his will we want, and not earthly pleasures, or a desire to be like everyone else. We must want to know him!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
1 Samuel 8:1-9:27
John 6:22-42
Psalm 106:32-48
Proverbs 14:34-35
"Give us a king like all the other nations have..." (I Sam. 8:5)
"Give us free bread every day..." (John 6:31)
"... their love of idols was adultery in the sight of God." (Psalm 106:39)
There seemed to be a recurring theme in the One-Year Bible today. There's incredible danger in being selfish. When we are selfish, we lose sight of all that is right. We are not living with Christ as our Lord.
In I Samuel, the people wanted to be like other nations. They were supposed to trust in the Lord for their guidance, but they determined that just wasn't working for them. When they approached the prophet Samuel with this request, he was pretty upset about it. He goes to the Lord about it.
"'Do as they say,' the Lord replied, 'for I am the one they are rejecting, not you - they don't want me to be their king any longer. Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually forsaken me and followed other gods. And now they are giving you the same treatment. Do as they ask, but warn them about what it will be like to have a king!'" (I Sam. 8:7-9)
I find that to be a very sad scripture. It greatly saddens the Lord that the people refuse to accept his guidance, and he knows them well enough to know that their lesson may have to be learned the hard way. The people declare "give us what we want!" and they get it.
In John 6, Jesus sees through to the heart of the people. "'The truth of the matter is that you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you believe in me.'" (John 6:26)
What incredible love the Lord has for us. His patience is beyond what we can even understand. We are selfish people. Our prayer requests are more like a Christmas wish list than they are expressing a desire to know God more. We want him to give us what we want. We too easily forget that he is all we need.
Listen to the example that Christ sets for us. "For I have come here from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to have my own way." (John 6:38)
Oh that we would live THAT life. instead of petitioning for what we want we should be seeking his heart and his will. We need to know God. We need to hear his voice & walk in his ways. We need to subject our desires to him. Heaven forbid that some of our prayers are answered! When he allowed them to have a king, they found themselves given over to their own troubles. We must make sure that it's his will we want, and not earthly pleasures, or a desire to be like everyone else. We must want to know him!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Sunday, March 22, 2009
3.22.9 "Take It!"
"Take It!"
Numbers 33:40-35:34
Luke 5:12-28
Psalm 65:1-13
Proverbs 11:23
The story of the children of Israel and their delivery from Egypt is extremely important for us to understand. There's a reason that so much of scripture is devoted to it. You will note how much it is referred to throughout the rest of God's word.
Why is that?
There are a few reasons. The first is that Egypt represents the bondage of sin. The Exodus represents God's desire to bring us out of bondage to restore an intimate relationship with him. The people represent our flesh and our desires. Notice how continually the people want to return to the "good" things they remember of Egypt. We are often the same way. Our own desires cause us to long for the "freedom" of selfish living. We so easily forget that therein is bondage.
Through all of this we discover the character and nature of God. He has an intense love for his people, but he is a holy God, and he cannot dwell with wicked people. He puts laws in place to help the people keep themselves holy. When sin occurs, it's only atoned for through the sacrifice.
With all of this symbolism in place, there's a portion of the word that stands out this morning:
"... the Lord told Moses to tell the people of Israel, 'When you pass across the Jordan river into the land of Canaan, you must drive out all the people living there and destroy all their idols - their carved stones, molten images, and the open-air sanctuaries in the hills where they worship their idols. I have given the land to you; take it and live there... But if you refuse to drive out the people living there, those who remain will be as cinders in your eyes and thorns in your sides." (Numbers 33:50-55)
The Lord wants us to experience complete freedom from sin. It was God's desire that the people would experience total freedom from the bondage of idolatry in the Promised Land. He knew that if they did not destroy these things going in, they would fall prey to it.
How does that relate to us? Christ has offered us salvation. Freedom. He forgives our sin. He says to the people "I have given the land to you; take it and live there." He offers us freedom and complete forgiveness. We have a part in this. We must "take it and live there."
What does that mean? It means that there are things all around us that represent the idolatry of "the old life". It may be different things for everyone of us. It may be a TV show, it may be a hobby, it may be almost anything, but if it comes between our relationship with the Lord, it is sin.
The warning is clear. If we refuse to drive it out, it will become a cinder in the eye or a thorn in the flesh. It's easy to develop "pet sins". Things we ask forgiveness for, but don't want to give up. Oh, we "want" to give them up... at least we say we do, but inside a desire has been fed and grown so long that it has become an issue of bondage, and we don't even realize it.
It isn't a matter of forgiveness. It's a matter of obedience. It's taking care of the the things God wants us to take care of. It's about living in the freedom of the promise he has for us. We can't experience the full joy of the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship until we live in this freedom.
"Take it and live there!"
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 33:40-35:34
Luke 5:12-28
Psalm 65:1-13
Proverbs 11:23
The story of the children of Israel and their delivery from Egypt is extremely important for us to understand. There's a reason that so much of scripture is devoted to it. You will note how much it is referred to throughout the rest of God's word.
Why is that?
There are a few reasons. The first is that Egypt represents the bondage of sin. The Exodus represents God's desire to bring us out of bondage to restore an intimate relationship with him. The people represent our flesh and our desires. Notice how continually the people want to return to the "good" things they remember of Egypt. We are often the same way. Our own desires cause us to long for the "freedom" of selfish living. We so easily forget that therein is bondage.
Through all of this we discover the character and nature of God. He has an intense love for his people, but he is a holy God, and he cannot dwell with wicked people. He puts laws in place to help the people keep themselves holy. When sin occurs, it's only atoned for through the sacrifice.
With all of this symbolism in place, there's a portion of the word that stands out this morning:
"... the Lord told Moses to tell the people of Israel, 'When you pass across the Jordan river into the land of Canaan, you must drive out all the people living there and destroy all their idols - their carved stones, molten images, and the open-air sanctuaries in the hills where they worship their idols. I have given the land to you; take it and live there... But if you refuse to drive out the people living there, those who remain will be as cinders in your eyes and thorns in your sides." (Numbers 33:50-55)
The Lord wants us to experience complete freedom from sin. It was God's desire that the people would experience total freedom from the bondage of idolatry in the Promised Land. He knew that if they did not destroy these things going in, they would fall prey to it.
How does that relate to us? Christ has offered us salvation. Freedom. He forgives our sin. He says to the people "I have given the land to you; take it and live there." He offers us freedom and complete forgiveness. We have a part in this. We must "take it and live there."
What does that mean? It means that there are things all around us that represent the idolatry of "the old life". It may be different things for everyone of us. It may be a TV show, it may be a hobby, it may be almost anything, but if it comes between our relationship with the Lord, it is sin.
The warning is clear. If we refuse to drive it out, it will become a cinder in the eye or a thorn in the flesh. It's easy to develop "pet sins". Things we ask forgiveness for, but don't want to give up. Oh, we "want" to give them up... at least we say we do, but inside a desire has been fed and grown so long that it has become an issue of bondage, and we don't even realize it.
It isn't a matter of forgiveness. It's a matter of obedience. It's taking care of the the things God wants us to take care of. It's about living in the freedom of the promise he has for us. We can't experience the full joy of the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship until we live in this freedom.
"Take it and live there!"
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
Monday, March 9, 2009
"The Wrestle with Will"
"The Wrestle with Will"
Numbers 11:24-13:33
Mark 14:22-52
Psalm 52:1-9
Proverbs 11:1-3
The wrestle with will is a life-long issue. We've all heard of, and may have dealt with, or even have been the "Strong-willed child". I think there's a pretty good chance that I was one of those. It's an intense desire to get your own way.
There's a battle between "our will" and God's will every day. Do we do things our way, or his? In "sunday school" mode we can all raise our hand and say we want God's will, but in the heat of the battle when we are deeply entrenched in our comfort zone, it can become a different story.
It may help to understand that Jesus "wrestled" with will. While his will wasn't motivated by selfishness the way ours is, the battle was intense all the same. His battle was in understanding the magnitude of what he was about to do.
"And he said to them, 'My soul is crushed by the sorrow to the point of death; stay here and watch with me.' He went on a little further and fell to the ground and prayed that if it were possible the awful hour awaiting him might never come. 'Father, Father,' he said, 'everything is possible for you. Take away this cup from me...'"
Jesus didn't stop there like I just did. I don't know if I could have prayed any farther. I have some really good ideas. I'd kick the creativity into high gear. I'm sure there's a way we could work around this. There's got to be a better solution. Just give me more time to figure this out God. I know what you're telling me to do, but I'm not quite ready to go there...
"'... Yet I want your will, not mine.'" Jesus submitted to the will of the Father. It's a HUGE deal to not just say, "ok, we'll do it your way..." but to say, "I WANT your will!" How can you even say that unless there has been a death to selfishness already?
Death to selfishness... how does that come about? Practice. Doing great things for God is nothing more than the culmination of the small things.
Do you ever feel like you hit a "stale" moment in your Christian walk? I would dare to say that it is a direct result of not dying to selfishness at some level. It's often the result of disobedience. (remember delayed obedience is disobedience!)
Wrestling with the will of God is a battle we want to "lose". We don't want to strengthen our will with the steroids of opinion and comfort and selfish ambition. We need to starve our will and feed the desire that His will be done.
Got your DLOW? (Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship) It's a life of obedience. It's a life of "doing the will of him who sent me."
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 11:24-13:33
Mark 14:22-52
Psalm 52:1-9
Proverbs 11:1-3
The wrestle with will is a life-long issue. We've all heard of, and may have dealt with, or even have been the "Strong-willed child". I think there's a pretty good chance that I was one of those. It's an intense desire to get your own way.
There's a battle between "our will" and God's will every day. Do we do things our way, or his? In "sunday school" mode we can all raise our hand and say we want God's will, but in the heat of the battle when we are deeply entrenched in our comfort zone, it can become a different story.
It may help to understand that Jesus "wrestled" with will. While his will wasn't motivated by selfishness the way ours is, the battle was intense all the same. His battle was in understanding the magnitude of what he was about to do.
"And he said to them, 'My soul is crushed by the sorrow to the point of death; stay here and watch with me.' He went on a little further and fell to the ground and prayed that if it were possible the awful hour awaiting him might never come. 'Father, Father,' he said, 'everything is possible for you. Take away this cup from me...'"
Jesus didn't stop there like I just did. I don't know if I could have prayed any farther. I have some really good ideas. I'd kick the creativity into high gear. I'm sure there's a way we could work around this. There's got to be a better solution. Just give me more time to figure this out God. I know what you're telling me to do, but I'm not quite ready to go there...
"'... Yet I want your will, not mine.'" Jesus submitted to the will of the Father. It's a HUGE deal to not just say, "ok, we'll do it your way..." but to say, "I WANT your will!" How can you even say that unless there has been a death to selfishness already?
Death to selfishness... how does that come about? Practice. Doing great things for God is nothing more than the culmination of the small things.
Do you ever feel like you hit a "stale" moment in your Christian walk? I would dare to say that it is a direct result of not dying to selfishness at some level. It's often the result of disobedience. (remember delayed obedience is disobedience!)
Wrestling with the will of God is a battle we want to "lose". We don't want to strengthen our will with the steroids of opinion and comfort and selfish ambition. We need to starve our will and feed the desire that His will be done.
Got your DLOW? (Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship) It's a life of obedience. It's a life of "doing the will of him who sent me."
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Saturday, May 10, 2008
5.10.8 "Give Us What We Want"
"Give Us What We Want"
1 Samuel 8:1-9:27
John 6:22-42
Psalm 106:32-48
Proverbs 14:34-35
"Give us a king like all the other nations have..." (I Sam. 8:5)
"Give us free bread every day..." (John 6:31)
"... their love of idols was adultery in the sight of God." (Psalm 106:39)
There seemed to be a recurring theme in the One-Year Bible today. There's incredible danger in being selfish. When we are selfish, we lose sight of all that is right. We are not living with Christ as our Lord.
In I Samuel, the people wanted to be like other nations. They were supposed to trust in the Lord for their guidance, but they determined that just wasn't working for them. When they approached the prophet Samuel with this request, he was pretty upset about it. He goes to the Lord about it.
"'Do as they say,' the Lord replied, 'for I am the one they are rejecting, not you - they don't want me to be their king any longer. Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually forsaken me and followed other gods. And now they are giving you the same treatment. Do as they ask, but warn them about what it will be like to have a king!'" (I Sam. 8:7-9)
I find that to be a very sad scripture. It greatly saddens the Lord that the people refuse to accept his guidance, and he knows them well enough to know that their lesson may have to be learned the hard way. The people declare "give us what we want!" and they get it.
In John 6, Jesus sees through to the heart of the people. "'The truth of the matter is that you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you believe in me.'" (John 6:26)
What incredible love the Lord has for us. His patience is beyond what we can even understand. We are selfish people. Our prayer requests are more like a Christmas wish list than they are expressing a desire to know God more. We want him to give us what we want. We too easily forget that he is all we need.
Listen to the example that Christ sets for us. "For I have come here from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to have my own way." (John 6:38)
Oh that we would live THAT life. instead of petitioning for what we want we should be seeking his heart and his will. We need to know God. We need to hear his voice & walk in his ways. We need to subject our desires to him. Heaven forbid that some of our prayers are answered! When he allowed them to have a king, they found themselves given over to their own troubles. We must make sure that it's his will we want, and not earthly pleasures, or a desire to be like everyone else. We must want to know him!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
1 Samuel 8:1-9:27
John 6:22-42
Psalm 106:32-48
Proverbs 14:34-35
"Give us a king like all the other nations have..." (I Sam. 8:5)
"Give us free bread every day..." (John 6:31)
"... their love of idols was adultery in the sight of God." (Psalm 106:39)
There seemed to be a recurring theme in the One-Year Bible today. There's incredible danger in being selfish. When we are selfish, we lose sight of all that is right. We are not living with Christ as our Lord.
In I Samuel, the people wanted to be like other nations. They were supposed to trust in the Lord for their guidance, but they determined that just wasn't working for them. When they approached the prophet Samuel with this request, he was pretty upset about it. He goes to the Lord about it.
"'Do as they say,' the Lord replied, 'for I am the one they are rejecting, not you - they don't want me to be their king any longer. Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually forsaken me and followed other gods. And now they are giving you the same treatment. Do as they ask, but warn them about what it will be like to have a king!'" (I Sam. 8:7-9)
I find that to be a very sad scripture. It greatly saddens the Lord that the people refuse to accept his guidance, and he knows them well enough to know that their lesson may have to be learned the hard way. The people declare "give us what we want!" and they get it.
In John 6, Jesus sees through to the heart of the people. "'The truth of the matter is that you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you believe in me.'" (John 6:26)
What incredible love the Lord has for us. His patience is beyond what we can even understand. We are selfish people. Our prayer requests are more like a Christmas wish list than they are expressing a desire to know God more. We want him to give us what we want. We too easily forget that he is all we need.
Listen to the example that Christ sets for us. "For I have come here from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to have my own way." (John 6:38)
Oh that we would live THAT life. instead of petitioning for what we want we should be seeking his heart and his will. We need to know God. We need to hear his voice & walk in his ways. We need to subject our desires to him. Heaven forbid that some of our prayers are answered! When he allowed them to have a king, they found themselves given over to their own troubles. We must make sure that it's his will we want, and not earthly pleasures, or a desire to be like everyone else. We must want to know him!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Friday, May 9, 2008
5.9.8 "Leanness of Soul"
"Leanness of Soul"
1 Samuel 5:1-7:17
John 6:1-21
Psalm 106:13-31
Proverbs 14:32-33
Today's reading from Psalms is sad. The chapter starts out talking about the greatness of God, and how awesome it was that he delivered them from the bondage of Egypt. But listen to this:
"Yet how quickly they forgot again! They wouldn't wait for him to act, but demanded better food, testing God's patience to the breaking point. So he gave them their demands, but sent them leanness in their souls." (Ps106:13-14)
The scriptures that follow lay out the continuous cycle of the rebellion and waywardness of God's people.
It's verse 14 that sticks in my mind. "So he gave them their demands, but sent them leanness in their souls." I was thinking about how true that is. When we get what we want, there is something lacking inside of us.
Think of it like a spoiled child. If you've ever experienced a child who gets whatever they ask for, you notice something. Yes, they have a lot of stuff, but they're not happy. There's something lacking inside. Many times it's a matter of ungratefulness, or rudeness, but there's almost a "leanness of soul" that is visible.
How would you describe "leanness of soul"? It would be a life that's never satisfied. It would be a life that's self-centered and constantly looking for gratification. It would be a life that compromises moral standards for the sake of self. All of this would still result in an incredible emptiness that is beyond description. There would be an attempt to fill the void with more things, more food, medication, alcohol, noise, anything to hide the need.
That sounds a lot like the state of the world around us. As we meet people everyday we are looking into the eyes of people who are getting "what they want", and living life "my way", but they are experiencing leanness of soul.
I'm not just talking about people who don't know Christ. I think often the people of God do things their own way and find themselves outside the umbrella of God's pleasure, and it's a bad place to be.
Whenever we elevate our opinions or desires above the will of God, we are in danger of this. We risk the joy of hearing his voice. We risk the abundant life he has for us. In Deuteronomy it speaks of the danger of forgetting God when we are "fat" with his blessings. We must never take for granted the greatness of our God the way the Israelites did. We must humbly accept his will for our lives.
We must find our satisfaction in him. We must live in the blessing of his timing. We must rejoice in his provision, and allow his Spirit to fill our souls with abundant life.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
1 Samuel 5:1-7:17
John 6:1-21
Psalm 106:13-31
Proverbs 14:32-33
Today's reading from Psalms is sad. The chapter starts out talking about the greatness of God, and how awesome it was that he delivered them from the bondage of Egypt. But listen to this:
"Yet how quickly they forgot again! They wouldn't wait for him to act, but demanded better food, testing God's patience to the breaking point. So he gave them their demands, but sent them leanness in their souls." (Ps106:13-14)
The scriptures that follow lay out the continuous cycle of the rebellion and waywardness of God's people.
It's verse 14 that sticks in my mind. "So he gave them their demands, but sent them leanness in their souls." I was thinking about how true that is. When we get what we want, there is something lacking inside of us.
Think of it like a spoiled child. If you've ever experienced a child who gets whatever they ask for, you notice something. Yes, they have a lot of stuff, but they're not happy. There's something lacking inside. Many times it's a matter of ungratefulness, or rudeness, but there's almost a "leanness of soul" that is visible.
How would you describe "leanness of soul"? It would be a life that's never satisfied. It would be a life that's self-centered and constantly looking for gratification. It would be a life that compromises moral standards for the sake of self. All of this would still result in an incredible emptiness that is beyond description. There would be an attempt to fill the void with more things, more food, medication, alcohol, noise, anything to hide the need.
That sounds a lot like the state of the world around us. As we meet people everyday we are looking into the eyes of people who are getting "what they want", and living life "my way", but they are experiencing leanness of soul.
I'm not just talking about people who don't know Christ. I think often the people of God do things their own way and find themselves outside the umbrella of God's pleasure, and it's a bad place to be.
Whenever we elevate our opinions or desires above the will of God, we are in danger of this. We risk the joy of hearing his voice. We risk the abundant life he has for us. In Deuteronomy it speaks of the danger of forgetting God when we are "fat" with his blessings. We must never take for granted the greatness of our God the way the Israelites did. We must humbly accept his will for our lives.
We must find our satisfaction in him. We must live in the blessing of his timing. We must rejoice in his provision, and allow his Spirit to fill our souls with abundant life.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
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