3.1.12 "What Am I Doing Wrong?"

"What Am I Doing Wrong?"

Leviticus 24:1-25:46
Mark 10:13-31
Psalm 44:9-26
Proverbs 10:20-21


"The great thing about being a Christian is that ALL your problems go away! There's never a trial that comes! It's always happy and there's flute music and birds chirping and everything!" -- sounds like campaign rhetoric, doesn't it....

In Mark 10 Peter says, "We've given up everything to follow you." Jesus answers, "Let me assure you that no one has ever given up anything - home, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children, or property - for love of me and to tell others the Good News, who won't be given back, a hundred times over, homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and land, with persecution."

Woohoo! When we give up for God we get it all back!!!

Wait a minute... did Jesus say, "... with persecution."? Does that mean trials DO come?? There IS pain??

So often it's in our nature to want the quick fix. We want the trial to just go away. We figure there MUST be a "formula" out there than can fix this. If we have a problem, we figure we MUST be doing something wrong.

Believe it or not, you can be doing everything right and still see no release from the trial. This is shown in today's Psalm.

"I am constantly despised, mocked, taunted and cursed by my vengeful enemies. And all this has happened, Lord, despite our loyalty to you. We have not violated your covenant. Our hearts have not deserted you! We have not left your path by a single step. If we had, we could understand your punishing us in the barren wilderness and sending us into darkness and death. If we had turned away from worshiping our God, and were worshiping idols, would God not know it? Yes he knows the secrets of every heart. But that is not our case. For we are facing death threats constantly because of serving you! We are like sheep awaiting slaughter.

"Waken! Rouse yourself! Don't sleep O Lord! Are we cast off forever? Why do you look the other way? Why do you ignore our sorrows and oppression? We lie face downward in the dust. Rise up, O Lord, and help us. Save us by your constant love." (Ps. 44:15-26)

One of our biggest problems is that we connect ourselves to our "trials". We make the trial about "me". "Lord, fix this for me." "Lord, help me to be more comfortable." We forget the beloved phrase, "It's not about you."

God works in all circumstances with the purpose of bringing glory to his name. There may be times that the trial I am in is to serve a purpose that has absolutely nothing to do with me. I think I fall into the trap sometimes of thinking that God's greatest concern should be my comfort. That's a distorted theology that has me a little too close to being the object of worship.

Don't get me wrong. There are times that the "mess" we're in is a direct result of disobedience. We need to be repentant and seek the face of God and ask him to restore things according to his will. But in all things, we need to remember that our goal is the DEATH of our flesh, not the PLEASURE of our flesh. Through EVERY trial, we need to ask God to mould us into who he wants us to be. MOST of the time, there are elements of our character that the Lord is working on.

Remember Job 13:15, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust him." Job did not sin before the Lord, yet the trial was very real. His friends all approached him with the "formulas" and the "you need to"'s, but that wasn't what it was all about.

We open the door to frustration and doubt when we forget that it's not about formulas and quick fixes. As we mature in Christ, the trials will most likely intensify from the outward sense, but inwardly our flesh is dead, and the trial has a decreasing impact on us.

If I am a Dead Man Walking, what can any circumstance do to me? Nothing can shake my trust, my faith, my love for the Lord.

Searching our hearts for impure thoughts and motives does need to be our FIRST priority. But sometimes after doing that our prayer needs to be, "Lord, I've laid myself bare before you, and I believe that I have been walking in obedience to your command, and that my heart is right before you. If there's something I've missed, please bring it to light. Make me into who you want me to be."

Through all of that, we understand what it really means to live a "Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship". Our relationship with the Lord is one of intimacy in all things regardless of what the enemy may throw at us.

"What am I doing wrong?" The answer may be "Nothing. Just enjoy your time with the Lord through your trial!"


Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

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

2.20.12 "'Tis the Season"

"'Tis the Season"

Leviticus 9:7-10:20
Mark 4:26-5:20
Psalm 37:30-40
Proverbs 10:6-7

We live in a society where technological advances happen so quickly that we "expect" change. We know the latest and greatest is just around the corner. We like things to happen fast. We get frustrated when our email doesn't load on our phone fast enough, or when it takes to long to make our meal. When our microwave died, I had no idea how it would rock my world. I went to make my snack, and I thought i was going to starve for about 10 or 15 minutes! (Thankfully there's a McDonald's within 5 minutes of home.)

When it comes to our life, we so many times get caught up in the moment, we forget the big picture of what God is trying to accomplish. We forget that life consists of "seasons". So many times individuals enter a difficult time and get so quickly discouraged or disillusioned they give up on everything.

Lisa and I went through a season years ago when our life was incredibly chaotic. We're busy now, but it pales in comparison to what it was then. We had people telling us "I don't know how you can do it." "You need to back down..." The difficult part was that we were doing what we felt the Lord leading us to do. We really prayed about what we should do, and the Lord revealed that we were in a "season". He led us to not change anything for another year. After that year, he led us to change. Acknowledging that it was only a season helped us to stick it out.

Today's reading in Psalm 37 says, "Don't be impatient for the Lord to act! Keep traveling steadily along his pathway and in due season he will honor you with every blessing, and you will see the wicked destroyed."

You may be in a job situation and you want to bail on the plan. Don't bail on anything until you feel God's blessing on the decision. You may be going through marriage difficulties. Don't give up. It's a season.

Prove yourself faithful during difficult times. Stick it out. Keep traveling steadily on the path of where God has placed you. Too many times we bail right before God was going to move. Our impatience robs God of the chance to make his name great on our behalf.

Sometimes the fact that there's a storm causes us to doubt if God was in it at all. In Mark 4:35-41 is the story of Jesus calming the storm. You remember, he had been sleeping in the back of the boat etc. I've highlighted a couple key thoughts in that story. "Jesus said..." It was his idea. "Soon a fierce storm came up." Even when obeying God, storms will come. "The disciples woke him up, shouting, 'Teacher, don't you care...'" It's our human nature to think that God doesn't care that we're in a storm. The reality is that storms don't take God by surprise. "Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm." God can handle any storm. "Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?" The Lord wants us to learn to not fear or panic in the midst of the storm we are in.

You only have to ask yourself, "Am I obeying what God is directing me to do?" If your answer is "yes", then Stay the course! If you're answer is "no", then seek counsel from mature Christian friends. If you're answer is "I don't know!", then turn off the noise that's distracting you from hearing his voice, get alone with him, and follow his direction.

Be obedient to what the Lord has directed you to do. Don't let circumstances lure you to manipulate situations in the flesh. Be disciplined to keep yourself to the course. God will never call you to anything without giving you the strength to accomplish it. If you feel like it's "too hard" it's because you are trying to change it in your own strength. Rest in his presence. Rest in his timing. God is in control!

In "due season he will honor you"!



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

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

1.14.12 "Opportunity Knocks"

"Opportunity Knocks"

Genesis 30:1-31:16
Matthew 10:1-23
Psalm 12:1-8
Proverbs 3:13-15

I love board games. One of the games I enjoy playing is one I played as a kid called "Careers". If you've not played it, it's similar to "LIFE" in that you determine a career, collect a salary, etc. What's exciting is when you land on a space called "Opportunity Knocks". You draw a card and it holds the potential to get you into a more profitable career, make more money, or other exciting things. Of course you have the option of taking advantage of the opportunity, or not.

In Matthew 10, Jesus is sending out his disciples, and giving them authority to proclaim the gospel. As he's giving them instruction, Jesus says, "But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me." (Matt. 10:17-18)

"...this will be your opportunity..." How much do you desire THAT opportunity knocking at your door?? We're so blessed to live in the United States where we are free to worship as we please. Sure, there exists opposition, but we don't have people attending services each week who do so under fear of being whipped publicly in the city. Sad to say it IS happening around the world. This is very real today.

Because we are "free", we feel we have "rights". So we're quick to yell, "It's not fair!!!" We're quick to pray for deliverance when any type of trial comes. We want to flee anything that even has the scent of persecution. But Jesus says, "This will be your opportunity."

What if we looked at every trial and situation as an "opportunity"?

Jesus says, "When you are arrested, don't worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking - it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you." (Matt. 10:20)

If we began to see every element of life as an "opportunity", we would begin to "practice" allowing the Spirit to speak through us. We would be experiencing greater power and greater works on a daily basis. Does this mean persecution would cease? No. It just means we would have more opportunities!

Look for opportunities today!



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

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

1.11.12 "The Pain and the Promise"

"The Pain and the Promise"

Genesis 24:52-26:16
Matthew 8:18-34
Psalm 10:1-15
Proverbs 3:7-8

What is the most precious "human" event in life? I would think that most would answer: the birth of a child. What is the most painful "human" event in life? I would think that most [women, at least!] would answer: the birth of a child.

"Isaac pleaded with Jehovah to give Rebekah a child, for even after many years of marriage she had no children. Then at last she became pregnant. And it seemed as though children were fighting each other inside her! "I can't endure this," she exclaimed, so she asked the Lord about it."

As you look throughout scripture there seems to a connection to pain and promise. It seems that the greater the pain, the greater the promise. Abraham is promised that he will be the father of many nations. Look at the pain of barrenness that Sarah has for so many years. This is repeated in Rebekah.

God's people are in Egypt for 400 years. They are led out by Moses toward the promised land, but there's 40 years of desert.

A sacrifice is necessary to pay the price for our sins, so God gave his only Son who suffered and died... the intense pain bringing so great a promise.

One may think "well that's kind of sadistic. To receive the promise you must have pain?" As a slave to comfort the whole concept of pain can be easily misunderstood. The reality is that for us to be trusted with the promise, we must experience being refined. The refining process is rarely comfortable. In fact, comfort works against refining. The "wilderness" events in our lives are there for the purpose of securing Godly character in difficult times. Remember James 1:2-3 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers when you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."

What is the application of this message? There are marriages that are going through rocky times. God is there. He sees it. It's worth it to stick it out. The greater the pain the greater the promise. The marriage that weathers the storm comes together with intense strength and promise. So many can't see this. They feel like "Hey, I want the Promised Land, not the wilderness!" And their heart begins to run away. What a tragedy to realize that running from the pain is running from the promise.

This applies to work situations. Some individuals live a life as a "victim" to their surroundings. Because of a difficult boss, or unfair treatment they look for another job based on the uncomfortable circumstances rather than on the voice of God. It may very well be that they are in that position for the very purpose of developing Godly character.

What happens when people "bail" from the painful situations? More often than not, the test is repeated. Remember that Jesus "for the joy set before him endured the cross." Such great pain, such enduring promise.

God is not a God of pain for the sake of pain. He created us for having an intimate relationship with Him. If you've ever gone through difficulty or tragedy, or trial, you know that these are the times that you learn to trust God as never before. This is where you rely on HIS strength, and not your own.

Whatever pain you are going through right now, understand that you are in the "gestation period" of promise. God is faithful to His Word. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He will carry you if you trust 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

12.17.11 "Where to Go"

"Where to Go"

Nahum 1:1-3:19
Revelation 8:1-13
Psalm 136:1-26
Proverbs 30:7-9

Just a simple thought this morning. "The Lord is good. When trouble comes, he is the place to go! And he knows everyone who trusts in him!" Nahum 1:7

The Lord is good. Too many people question that. There is a deep down lack of understanding of the goodness of God. He has our best interest in mind. It doesn't make a difference what circumstances are around us. Psalm 136:1 says, "Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his lovingkindness continues forever." This Psalm reiterates that phrase several times. No matter what happens around us, His love endures forever!

He knows that we are not healthy if we are limited to our comfort. "When" trouble comes... notice it doesn't say "if" trouble comes. There will be hard times. Every single difficulty is an opportunity to grow in our relationship with the Lord.

...he is the place to go! As we are trained in knowing God, we need to understand the principle of going to God. Too often we finally end up at God because nothing else worked. He needs to be our first location, our place of first instruction. When we don't go to him, we can too often make a bad situation horrible.

And he knows everyone who trusts in him. Does God know me? Does God know I trust in him? I've heard the great saying before: "You don't know God is all you need until He's all you have." I like that saying, but is that when you show you trust him? Is that when you develop that? No, it's each and every day. It's the discipline of getting into his word. It's knowing Him. Trusting him. Growing in him. Then when the trouble comes, you are ready. You already know where to go because you've been there. You know where to lead others to go.

Building the trusting relationship with the Lord is what strengthens the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship. It comes through being Empowered through Biblical Training.

What a privilege to have a place to go!


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 

11.22.11 "I'm Lost!!"

"I'm Lost!!"

Ezekiel 44:1-45:12
I Peter 1:1-13
Psalm 119:17-35
Proverbs 28:8-10

When you were a kid do you remember watching ants? When they would find food, they would somehow communicate with one another and soon there would be a line of them bringing food back home. In the animated movie, "A Bug's Life" one of the first scenes of the movie was depicting this. The ants were walking one behind the other bringing food back to the nest. Tragedy strikes when a leaf lands in the middle of the line, blocking the way for those following. The ant next to the leaf yells in complete despair, "I'm lost!" Yes, it loses some (or all) of it's humor in the translation, but what makes it so funny is that it's just a leaf, and all he needs to do is walk around it. Easy to see from our perspective.

Psalm 119:19 says, "I am but a pilgrim here on earth: how I need a map - and your commands are my chart and guide." The ant in the movie was lost as soon as the path was blocked. How many times are we, or someone we we know of, completely lost when an obstacle comes up. What's the right thing to do? How should I respond? Where am I going?

The answer is found in knowing God's Word. verse 20 says, "I long for your instructions more than I can tell." We don't even realize how much we need to be empowered through the Word. If we don't have the word, we are starving ourselves. We are dangerously walking in uncharted paths.

The word gives us counsel "Your laws are both my light and my counselors." vs. 24. So many people want to "talk through" their trials when the "leaf" blocks their path instead of getting into the Word. Sometimes they don't even want to know what the Word says because it's not what they want to hear. We must allow the Word to guide us.

Verse 25 says, "I am completely discouraged - I lie in the dust. Revive me by your Word." When discouragement comes for some reason, the Word is the last place people look for strength, but it is the only source of lasting strength.

Grieving? verse 28 says, "I weep with grief; my heart is heavy with sorrow; encourage and cheer me with your words."

I "lovingly" refer to discipleship as the "ministry of damage control". Often Jesus taught others by redirecting those who've strayed off the path. Many times people have come with problems and trials that are a direct result of straying away from the path God has laid out. Think of the trouble that could be averted by staying in the path of the Word.

"Keep me far from every wrong. Help me, undeserving as I am, to obey your laws, for I have chosen to do right. I cling to your commands and follow them as closely as I can. Lord, don't let me make a mess of things. If you will only help me to want your will, then I will follow your laws even more closely. Just tell me what to do and i will do it, Lord. As long as I live I'll wholeheartedly obey. Make me walk along the right paths for I know how delightful they really are." Ps 119:29-35

Why do we forget that Biblical Training REALLY Empowers us? Why are we so surprised when we are weak from not being in the Word. We laugh (I may be laughing alone) at the ant who is in such despair over a leaf because we can see the big picture. We see that it's not really that big of deal. I'm sure at times God would want to laugh (or at least get frustrated) at his people who drop everything and cry in despair over a leaf that blows in the path. We forget HE has the perspective to know it's just a leaf. The path is marked in his word. He wants to equip and empower us. Get into the Word today!


Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

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

11.17.11 "The Preciousness of Frustration"

"The Preciousness of Frustration"

Ezekiel 35:10-36:38
James 1:1-18
Psalm 116:1-19
Proverbs 27:23-27

Do you want to become who God has created you to be? It's a process. Do you know those struggles you face, those giants? They are actually not an obstacle to the victorious Christian life, they mark the path and give you the opportunity to live the victorious Christian life.

I've attached a chart that  relates to a teaching on the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship. I'm really hoping the attachment works ok, but you never know.

James 1 has one of the most important scriptures we need to understand. "Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. so let it grow, and don't try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete."

You know what I want? I want my patience to be in full bloom. I want to be ready for anything. I want to be strong in character. I want to be full and complete.

You know what I don't want? Trials. But, guess what? I can't get what I want (and what God wants for me) without going through things I don't "want" to go through.

In the NIV verse 2 says, "Consider it pure joy when you face trials of many kinds." That is so much easier said than done, but the more you do it, the more it becomes a habit and a part of the "lifestyle". It becomes part of who you are, and it transforms you.

Like the chart shows, when you face a trial, frustration, test, stress, hurt or whatever may set you off, you have options. You can avoid it (hope the giant goes away), blame someone else for it, talk to others about it, react in the flesh, or you can worship. Hmmm... I wonder which one is right....

Notice the path that each one of these take. With the exception of the response of worship, they all lead back to repeating the test. They also cause you to lose your motivation to worship.

Watch what happens when you worship. You hear God's voice. You receive direction. Now, if you disobey God's voice, you're back on the path of repeating the test. But, if you listen to his voice and obey, he WILL complete his work in you. You experience victory. Your faith increases. Yes, more "giants" will come, but you are more equipped to handle it in the right way. Responding to these situations from a lifestyle of worship and obedience.

James 1:5-8 says, "If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask him, and he will gladly tell you, for he is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask him; he will not resent it. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to tell you, for a doubtful mind will be as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind; and every decision you then make will be uncertain, as you turn first this way, and then that. If you don't ask with faith, don't expect the Lord to give you any solid answer."

How many believers do you know that are unsettled as a wave? how many that are tossed by the wind? Maybe you're looking at your life in that light. Wherever you're at, the pattern is clear. When difficulty comes, treat it as an opportunity to worship God. Treat it as an opportunity to hear his voice in a new situation.

He will then begin to renew your mind (Romans 12:2) and he will begin work on your character. It's not easy at times, but the more we get into this discipline, the more our faith grows and we are more able to do it the next time.

Psalm 116:10-11 says, "In my discouragement I thought, 'They are lying when they say I will recover.' But now what can I offer Jehovah for all he has done for me?" verse 17 says, "I will worship you and offer you a sacrifice of thanksgiving."

It doesn't make a difference where you are at. Worship God! He is Lord of ALL! He will bring you out!

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 

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 

11.9.11 "Speak Out!"

"Speak Out!" 

Ezekiel 20:1-49
Hebrew 9:13-28
Psalm 107:1-43
Proverbs 27:11

The study of the word is such an incredible way to get to know God. As we look at the full expanse of scripture we learn so much about his character. Too often we grab a "verse-for-the-day" to ease our conscience instead of taking the time to get into the word and get to know him! The only way you can get to know anyone is to spend time with them. What can be greater than spending time with God? Psalm 107 is a great chapter of encouragement to praise the Lord. 

"Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has saved you from your enemies." vs 2

"He brought the exiles back from the farthest corners of the earth. They were wandering homeless in the desert, hungry and thirsty and faint. "Lord, help!" they cried, and he did! He led them straight to safety and a place to live. Oh, that these men would praise the Lord for his loving-kindness, and for all of his wonderful deeds! For he satisfies the thirsty soul and fills the hungry soul with good." vs. 3-9

Have you been there? Thirsty of soul? Has God heard you?

"Who are these who sit in darkness, in the shadow of death, crushed by misery and slavery?... Then they cried to the Lord in their troubles, and he rescued them!... Oh, that these men would praise the Lord for his loving-kindness and for all his wonderful deeds! For he broke down their prison gates of brass and cut apart their iron bars." v.10,13-16

Have you been in the prison of bondage? Are you free?

"Others, the fools, were ill because of their sinful ways... then they cried to the Lord in their troubles, and he helped them and delivered them. He spoke, and they were healed - snatched from the door of death. Oh that these men would praise the Lord for his loving-kindness and for all of his wonderful deeds! Let them tell him "Thank you" as their sacrifice, and sing about his glorious deeds." vs. 17-22

Have you been in trouble because of your sin? 

"And there were the sailors sailing the seven seas, plying the trade routes of the world. They, too, observe the power of God in action. He calls to the storm winds; the waves rise high. Their ships are tossed to the heavens and sink again to the depths; the sailors cringe in terror. They reel and stagger like drunkards and are at their wit's end. then they cry to the Lord in their trouble, and he saves them. He calms the storm and stills the waves. What a blessing is that stillness, as he brings them safely into harbor! Oh that these men would praise the Lord for his loving-kindness and for all of his wonderful deeds! Let them praise him publicly before the congregation, and before the leaders of the nation." vs. 23-32

What's your story? What has God done for you? Anything? If so, Speak out! Have you ever heard a testimony that just made you wanna shout? Have you ever thought the fact that there's someone in your world who needs to hear your testimony? Your words could build their faith.

I was thinking that too often we think the "normal" thing is an easy-going life. Things should be all ok. Therefore, we don't rejoice in times of blessing. Trouble comes and we cry out to God, but the fact that we subconsciously think we deserve the blessing, or the freedom, or whatever, we don't rejoice the way we should. The truth is that in a life without God, TRIALS are normal! Stormy seas and bondage are a way of life. 

If we would only open our mouth and declare how God has delivered us, others could turn to him! One of the Resources of our life is our testimony. What are we doing with that resource? Think of your blessings today. Your home. Your family. Your children. Your job. Which one of those things did not have a crisis at some point? Did God come through? What did you do with that testimony? Did you bury it in the ground? If you put it to work by praising the Lord and telling of his greatness, it WILL come back with a return. God will use your testimony for his Glory. "Good men everywhere will see it and be glad, while evil men are stricken silent." vs.42

Think of the heathen of this world. Our silence gives them ammunition. It gives them voice. It drives me crazy every time I hear one of those "billions of years ago..." type of statements on TV. Were anybody to speak up to refute it, they seem weird. Why? Because it's not normal to hear of the greatness of God.

"Say 'Thank you' to the Lord for being so good, for always being so loving and kind. Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has saved you from your enemies." 



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

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

10.16.11 "With All your Heart"

"With All your Heart"

Jeremiah 28:1-29:32
I Timothy 1:1-20
Psalm 86:1-17
Proverbs 25:17

"I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jer. 29:11) This is one of my favorite scriptures because it's such an encouraging scripture. It's awesome to know that the God of the universe knows my name. He is concerned with my path. He's concerned with where I am.

It is extremely important to always remember the context of this verse, however. In Jeremiah 28 there is a "battle" of two prophetic messages. In Jer. 27, God instructed Jeremiah to wear a yoke on his neck as a symbol, and bring the message that God's people are headed into captivity. Things are going to be hard. This is a result of disobedience, and there will be consequence. In chapter 28, Hananiah, the son of the prophet Gibeon speaks to Jeremiah in front of everyone and says, in essence, "No THIS is the word of the Lord..." and breaks Jeremiah's yoke, and declares God's people free, and basically tells the people what they want to hear. Even Jeremiah responded, "Amen! May your prophecies come true! I hope the Lord does everything you say." (Jer. 28:6)

But, as great as Hananiah's message was, it wasn't the word of the Lord. God's plan was that Israel would be in captivity for 70 years. He told them Babylon would rule the world. He told them to submit to the process. He told them to build homes and plant trees. They're going to be in captivity for a while.

My personality is the type that wants to please people. It's in my nature to want to tell people what they want to hear. I want to be an encouragement. Because of that tendency, when someone comes with a trial, I WANT to say, "this will be over before you know it! Victory will come today!" While there may be times where that IS the word of the Lord, there are many times that is NOT the word of the Lord. It may be that the Lord is using this trial for a purpose that is far greater than we could understand.

So the question is: Is it worth it?

The Israelites would much more love to align themselves with Hananiah's message, but what good would that do them? Would their hearts change? No. The Lord commanded them to submit to their captivity, and to prosper where he had placed them.

The fact that they're in captivity doesn't change the fact that God has a plan for their life. In fact, the captivity serves to GIVE a future and a hope, not to be in the way of it. I think that's an important message to always remember, but the purpose of the captivity is found in verse 13: "You will find me when you seek me, if you look for me in earnest." The NIV says, "... when you seek me with all of your heart."

In the midst of the trial, God is found IF we seek him with all our heart. Sometimes we fall short because, "my boss isn't fair!... My spouse wont change... This hurts too bad..." We want the circumstance to show change before we're willing to allow our heart to change. What the Lord is saying is, the circumstance isn't changing anytime soon, so allow me to change your heart. Produce fruit where you are.

The objective is not rosy circumstances, it's a pure heart.

In I Timothy 1:5, Paul says, "What I am eager for is that all the Christians there will be filled with love that comes from pure hearts, and that their minds will be clean and their faith strong." in verse 19 he says, "cling tightly to your faith in Christ and always keep your conscience clear, doing what you know is right."

What's tying these all together? "... seek me with all your heart." "... love that comes from pure hearts... Minds clean..." "... conscience clear..."

We need to be giving God our all, all the time. What is the highest form of worship? Obedience. Ps. 86:11 says, "Tell me where you want me to go and I will go there. May every fiber of my being unite in reverence to your name."

"May every fiber of my being..." That is the intensity in which we will truly experience the "Dynamics" of the Lifestyle of Worship. Too often worship is an event. It's a sunday morning service. What a tragedy when our obedience is an "event". Just a moment where we were aligned to God's direction.

Give your all to him today. Serve Him with all of your heart. Give Him a pure mind. Choose to do right. Worship Him with every fiber of your being so that wherever He says to go, you will go there.



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

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

10.13.11 "Where the Fruit Trees Grow"

"Where the Fruit Trees Grow"

Jeremiah 23:21 - 25:38
2 Thessalonians 2:1-17
Psalm 84:1-12
Proverbs 25:15

I remember as a kid hearing the scripture about the "fruit of the Spirit", and seeing pretty pictures, and how sweet it was. Now growing up, I have a little better understanding of what it takes to make fruit grow. As I was reading today's Psalm, I was reminded of this. Galatians 5:22-23 isn't a part of today's reading from the One-Year Bible, but I thought it would be a good reminder:

"But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Gal. 5:22-23

Those are 9 good things to have aren't they? It would be great if you could just run to Pick-n-Save produce section, rip off a plastic bag, and fill it with what you're going to need for that day. "I'll take a dozen patience... let's see... the kids like kindness... i suppose i should have a bit of self-control..." 

It really doesn't work that way does it? Growing fruit is no easy process. It's not found at Pick-n-Save in fact, Psalm 84 gives us a bit of insight into where we can look. 

"Happy are those who are strong in the Lord, who want above all else to follow your steps. When they walk through the Valley of Weeping it will become a place of springs where pools of blessing and refreshment collect after rains! They will grow constantly in strength and each of them is invited to meet with the Lord in Zion." Ps 84:5-7

The Fruit of the Spirit is a necessary part of your growth in Christ. You need it. Guess what! Some of these trees grow in the Valley of Weeping. We all walk through this valley at one time or another. Unfortunately, sometimes we want to run through this valley. We close our eyes, cover our ears, and can't wait until we get out of it. We rush through it without ever opening our baskets to gather fruit. Our focus on self and concern that we've lost our comfort causes us to miss out on so much. We're frustrated at the rains that come, and miss the "pools of blessing and refreshment that collect after rains!" 

It's awesome to see God work in people's lives. I see individuals who have walked through the Valley & come out with a priceless treasure. Unfortunately I've seen those who come out bitter for having been there. The saddest part is knowing that the journey the Lord has for them can't be travelled without gaining the fruit that only grows in THAT valley. Somewhere down the line, there will be a sense of "repeating the test". 

Where do the fruit trees grow? I can tell you that the patience tree is not in a quiet place. It's on a freeway. or at a red light when you're late for work. (or trying to get one of the plastic bags apart at Pick and Save!) Self-control is right next to Krispy-Kreme. Joy is in a very dark place. Love... that's a hard one. This one grows in the most undeserving place. This is a valley of danger... risk... the potential for hurt is high. It would be great if this tree were in a Hallmark shop on Valentine's day, but not so. It takes a lot of "fertilizer" for this fruit to become what it needs to be. 

Remember the whole "Pure Joy" thing in James 1:2? You know, "consider it pure joy when you face trials..." Well, this is what it's about. This is why the armor goes on each day. It's for a purpose. It's not just to survive the Valley of Weeping. It's to come out better for it. 

Maybe right now you're in a pleasant part of the journey. No valleys, just beautiful meadows & mountain tops. But someone very close to you could be at the darkest point in the Valley. Their eyes are closed, and they want to scream. You've been through a valley before. Reach in your basket. Pull out the fruit. What you may not realize is that the fruit was never for you in the first place. It was to help someone else. As you bring kindness and gentleness to another, help them open their eyes and see the pools of blessing. There's refreshment there. 

Don't miss the most important part of these verses: "Happy are those who are strong in the Lord, who want above all else to follow your steps." The key to a successful journey is to follow in the steps the Lord has laid out. Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." Don't get worried when the path leads through a valley. It's all the more important to be Empowered through Biblical Training. Too often that's the first to go. "Too busy to read the Word... Too tired to go to church..." No wonder the valley gets so dark. There's no light.

Be refreshed today wherever you are at. The fruit is nearby.



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