"We Got What it Takes"
Hosea 1:1-3:5
I John 5:1-21
Psalm 124:1-8
Proverbs 29:5-8
You've heard the phrase "Attitude is Everything". There's a great deal of truth in that. When tackling a project it makes a big difference when you approach it as if it can be accomplished or not. Have you ever been involved in a project with someone who always says, "This is never going to work"? They're not much fun to be around, are they?
Too often in the Christian's life we walk around as if the task is too great. There's no way we can do this. It's the "Proximity Principle". It's how the giant seems biggest when you're close to it. We need to realize that even if we're standing eyeball to kneecap to the giant, we STILL have what it takes to win.
"Loving God means doing what he tells us to do, and really, that isn't hard at all; for every child of God can obey him, defeating sin and evil pleasure by trusting Christ to help him. But who could possibly fight and win this battle except by believing that Jesus is truly the Son of God?" (I John 5:3-5)
Don't you love that phrase, "...and really, that isn't hard at all..." If we are living the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship by walking in Obedience, we walk equipped. There's no doubt, no fear, no question. God has given us what we need.
We are equipped to live a fulfilling life. "So whoever has God's Son has life; whoever does not have his Son, does not have life." I John 5:12 There's no reason that the believer needs to walk around feeling sorry for himself. I need to look inside to the one who lives within me who has called me to do what I am doing, and realize that the giants in front of me are object lessons in my school of faith building.
So what if I'm tired. I need to be refreshed in the Spirit. So what if I'm sick. God will restore.
You know what else we are equipped for? Answered prayer. "And we are sure of this, that he will listen to us whenever we ask him for anything in line with his will. And if we really know he is listening when we talk to him and make our requests, then we can be sure that he will answer us." I John 5:14-15
We can't do anything in our own strength. "If the Lord had not been on our side (let all Israel admit it), if the Lord had not been on our side, we would have been swallowed alive by our enemies, destroyed by their anger." Psalm 124:1-3
Let's have a victorious day! A victorious week! A victorious life! We have what it takes to live the DREAM! We have Christ! We have the Power of the Spirit!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
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 Victory. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Victory. Show all posts
Monday, December 5, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
7.12.11 "Your Fight, or God's?"
"Your Fight, or God's?"
I Chronicles 12:19 - 14:17
Romans 1:1-17
Psalm 9:13-20
Proverbs 19:4-5
It isn't news to anyone that there are battles out there. What does tend to surprise many is that battles come even in the path of obedience. "Wait a minute! I'm doing what God wants me to do! Why is the enemy attacking?"
In 1 Chronicles 14 we're reading of David. He as now become king, and good things are happening. There is celebration, new palaces built, and verse 2 says, "David now realized why the Lord had made him king and why he had made his kingdom so great; it was for a special reason -- to give joy to God's people!" I like the way David understood it wasn't about him.
But in verse 8, the first challenge comes up. "When the Philistines heard that David was Israel's new king, they mobilized their forces to capture him..." David has an army of over 350,000 men who are completely devoted to him at this time. They had all gathered to bring David from Hebron to make David king. So David calls them together in reaction to the Philistines.
Then "David asked the Lord, 'If I go out and fight them, will you give me the victory?' and the Lord replied, 'Yes, I will.' So he attacked them..."
A small, seemingly unimportant portion of scripture, and yet in it is the key to life. Oh, it's not all rosy from there on out. Two verses later, "Later the Philistines raided the valley again..." The troubles/trials/tests show up again, "and again David asked God what to do."
This time, the Lord gives David a different approach to attacking the enemy. in verse 16, "So David did as the Lord commanded him; and he cut down the army of the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer. David's fame spread everywhere, and the Lord caused all the nations to fear him."
One of my favorite studies is Bruce Wilkinson's Vision of the Leader. It's a study of Nehemiah and his pursuit of God's plan for rebuilding the wall. One section is about "traffic signals" to pursuing God's vision for our lives. It's a series of checks along the way to determine if the timing is right to do what God has placed on our heart.
One of the major signs as to whether we should move ahead or not is related to how dependent on God we are. Do we find ourselves devoted to prayer, or do we find ourselves moving ahead in our own strength? One thing Bruce said was, "you may not even notice it happening, but there's a small fork in the road and you veer slightly off course when you cease to depend on God for every step. Yes, you're still moving in the right direction, but now it's become your vision, and not God's."
The same can happen with our battles. We know that God won it before when we did "A, B & C", so we do "A,B & C" without inquiring of the Lord.
The principle behind the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship is Obedience. To Live the DREAM, this pattern must be a regular and consistent part of our life.
1. Recognize trial/test/trouble
2. Inquire of the Lord
3. Receive instruction
4. Obey it.
Making this a LIFESTYLE is so important. What can happen so many times is that we do this for a couple situations, and God comes through. Then we think..."the last time this happened, I did this, so I'll do it again." We then skip over what David did in verse 14 when he AGAIN asks God what to do. Look at how well skipping that step works: Moses hit the rock the first time, but the second time was told to speak to it. He hit it... Samson said "I'll go out as before..."
It is so important that we develop a habit of checking in with God through every moment of every day. "What would you have me to do?" Man! that is so easy! The more you discipline yourself to walk in this lifestyle of worship, the more you recognize the voice of God, and some incredible victories become a way of life.
No, it's not always a quick "road to success", but when you realize it's not about you, life becomes a wonderful adventure.
Many people find it difficult to "get into" praise and worship. When you live a life of obedience, you can't help but rejoice in what God has done. There are those who view the Sunday worship service as a place to come so they can "get through the next week". When God's people are in the habit of seeking him & walking in obedience the worship service becomes a celebration of what God has done in the past week as His people have walked in obedience & experienced incredible victories.
Just a reminder today to Inquire of the Lord, and Obey His direction.
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
I Chronicles 12:19 - 14:17
Romans 1:1-17
Psalm 9:13-20
Proverbs 19:4-5
It isn't news to anyone that there are battles out there. What does tend to surprise many is that battles come even in the path of obedience. "Wait a minute! I'm doing what God wants me to do! Why is the enemy attacking?"
In 1 Chronicles 14 we're reading of David. He as now become king, and good things are happening. There is celebration, new palaces built, and verse 2 says, "David now realized why the Lord had made him king and why he had made his kingdom so great; it was for a special reason -- to give joy to God's people!" I like the way David understood it wasn't about him.
But in verse 8, the first challenge comes up. "When the Philistines heard that David was Israel's new king, they mobilized their forces to capture him..." David has an army of over 350,000 men who are completely devoted to him at this time. They had all gathered to bring David from Hebron to make David king. So David calls them together in reaction to the Philistines.
Then "David asked the Lord, 'If I go out and fight them, will you give me the victory?' and the Lord replied, 'Yes, I will.' So he attacked them..."
A small, seemingly unimportant portion of scripture, and yet in it is the key to life. Oh, it's not all rosy from there on out. Two verses later, "Later the Philistines raided the valley again..." The troubles/trials/tests show up again, "and again David asked God what to do."
This time, the Lord gives David a different approach to attacking the enemy. in verse 16, "So David did as the Lord commanded him; and he cut down the army of the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer. David's fame spread everywhere, and the Lord caused all the nations to fear him."
One of my favorite studies is Bruce Wilkinson's Vision of the Leader. It's a study of Nehemiah and his pursuit of God's plan for rebuilding the wall. One section is about "traffic signals" to pursuing God's vision for our lives. It's a series of checks along the way to determine if the timing is right to do what God has placed on our heart.
One of the major signs as to whether we should move ahead or not is related to how dependent on God we are. Do we find ourselves devoted to prayer, or do we find ourselves moving ahead in our own strength? One thing Bruce said was, "you may not even notice it happening, but there's a small fork in the road and you veer slightly off course when you cease to depend on God for every step. Yes, you're still moving in the right direction, but now it's become your vision, and not God's."
The same can happen with our battles. We know that God won it before when we did "A, B & C", so we do "A,B & C" without inquiring of the Lord.
The principle behind the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship is Obedience. To Live the DREAM, this pattern must be a regular and consistent part of our life.
1. Recognize trial/test/trouble
2. Inquire of the Lord
3. Receive instruction
4. Obey it.
Making this a LIFESTYLE is so important. What can happen so many times is that we do this for a couple situations, and God comes through. Then we think..."the last time this happened, I did this, so I'll do it again." We then skip over what David did in verse 14 when he AGAIN asks God what to do. Look at how well skipping that step works: Moses hit the rock the first time, but the second time was told to speak to it. He hit it... Samson said "I'll go out as before..."
It is so important that we develop a habit of checking in with God through every moment of every day. "What would you have me to do?" Man! that is so easy! The more you discipline yourself to walk in this lifestyle of worship, the more you recognize the voice of God, and some incredible victories become a way of life.
No, it's not always a quick "road to success", but when you realize it's not about you, life becomes a wonderful adventure.
Many people find it difficult to "get into" praise and worship. When you live a life of obedience, you can't help but rejoice in what God has done. There are those who view the Sunday worship service as a place to come so they can "get through the next week". When God's people are in the habit of seeking him & walking in obedience the worship service becomes a celebration of what God has done in the past week as His people have walked in obedience & experienced incredible victories.
Just a reminder today to Inquire of the Lord, and Obey His direction.
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, December 5, 2010
12.5.10 "We Got What it Takes"
"We Got What it Takes"
Hosea 1:1-3:5
I John 5:1-21
Psalm 124:1-8
Proverbs 29:5-8
You've heard the phrase "Attitude is Everything". There's a great deal of truth in that. When tackling a project it makes a big difference when you approach it as if it can be accomplished or not. Have you ever been involved in a project with someone who always says, "This is never going to work"? They're not much fun to be around, are they?
Too often in the Christian's life we walk around as if the task is too great. There's no way we can do this. It's the "Proximity Principle". It's how the giant seems biggest when you're close to it. We need to realize that even if we're standing eyeball to kneecap to the giant, we STILL have what it takes to win.
"Loving God means doing what he tells us to do, and really, that isn't hard at all; for every child of God can obey him, defeating sin and evil pleasure by trusting Christ to help him. But who could possibly fight and win this battle except by believing that Jesus is truly the Son of God?" (I John 5:3-5)
Don't you love that phrase, "...and really, that isn't hard at all..." If we are living the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship by walking in Obedience, we walk equipped. There's no doubt, no fear, no question. God has given us what we need.
We are equipped to live a fulfilling life. "So whoever has God's Son has life; whoever does not have his Son, does not have life." I John 5:12 There's no reason that the believer needs to walk around feeling sorry for himself. I need to look inside to the one who lives within me who has called me to do what I am doing, and realize that the giants in front of me are object lessons in my school of faith building.
So what if I'm tired. I need to be refreshed in the Spirit. So what if I'm sick. God will restore.
You know what else we are equipped for? Answered prayer. "And we are sure of this, that he will listen to us whenever we ask him for anything in line with his will. And if we really know he is listening when we talk to him and make our requests, then we can be sure that he will answer us." I John 5:14-15
We can't do anything in our own strength. "If the Lord had not been on our side (let all Israel admit it), if the Lord had not been on our side, we would have been swallowed alive by our enemies, destroyed by their anger." Psalm 124:1-3
Let's have a victorious day! A victorious week! A victorious life! We have what it takes to live the DREAM! We have Christ! We have the Power of the Spirit!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Hosea 1:1-3:5
I John 5:1-21
Psalm 124:1-8
Proverbs 29:5-8
You've heard the phrase "Attitude is Everything". There's a great deal of truth in that. When tackling a project it makes a big difference when you approach it as if it can be accomplished or not. Have you ever been involved in a project with someone who always says, "This is never going to work"? They're not much fun to be around, are they?
Too often in the Christian's life we walk around as if the task is too great. There's no way we can do this. It's the "Proximity Principle". It's how the giant seems biggest when you're close to it. We need to realize that even if we're standing eyeball to kneecap to the giant, we STILL have what it takes to win.
"Loving God means doing what he tells us to do, and really, that isn't hard at all; for every child of God can obey him, defeating sin and evil pleasure by trusting Christ to help him. But who could possibly fight and win this battle except by believing that Jesus is truly the Son of God?" (I John 5:3-5)
Don't you love that phrase, "...and really, that isn't hard at all..." If we are living the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship by walking in Obedience, we walk equipped. There's no doubt, no fear, no question. God has given us what we need.
We are equipped to live a fulfilling life. "So whoever has God's Son has life; whoever does not have his Son, does not have life." I John 5:12 There's no reason that the believer needs to walk around feeling sorry for himself. I need to look inside to the one who lives within me who has called me to do what I am doing, and realize that the giants in front of me are object lessons in my school of faith building.
So what if I'm tired. I need to be refreshed in the Spirit. So what if I'm sick. God will restore.
You know what else we are equipped for? Answered prayer. "And we are sure of this, that he will listen to us whenever we ask him for anything in line with his will. And if we really know he is listening when we talk to him and make our requests, then we can be sure that he will answer us." I John 5:14-15
We can't do anything in our own strength. "If the Lord had not been on our side (let all Israel admit it), if the Lord had not been on our side, we would have been swallowed alive by our enemies, destroyed by their anger." Psalm 124:1-3
Let's have a victorious day! A victorious week! A victorious life! We have what it takes to live the DREAM! We have Christ! We have the Power of the Spirit!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
7.27.10 "THIS is what Worship is All About"
"THIS is what Worship is All About"
2 Chronicles 19:1-20:37
Romans 10:13-11:12
Psalm 21:1-13
Proverbs 20:4-6
If you were to ask individuals to define worship, you'd get a wide variety of responses. You would probably get many responses that would have to do with music and songs. If you've been through any DREAM training classes, you'd say, worship is "obedience". While these are elements of worship, they don't really 'define' worship.
Worship is our response to the revelation of God. We can respond in song, shouts of praise, clapping hands, etc. The "highest" form of worship is obedience, but all of it is our response to experiencing God.
One of the best illustrations of the pattern for a lifestyle of worship can be found in 2 Chronicles 20. Take the time to read this chapter. This is a story about King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah. Jehoshaphat was a good king who had made a few poor decisions, but he tried to be faithful to God. In chapter 20, armies were gathering to attack Israel. 20:3 says, "Jehoshaphat was badly shaken by this news and determined to beg for help from the Lord." He then declared a fast for the people, and they waited to hear from God. They cried out to him and Jehoshaphat declared in verse 12 "We don't know what to do, but we are looking to you."
God then gave his answer to them. In verse 15, ""the Lord says,'Don't be afraid! Don't be paralyzed by this mighty army! For the battle is not yours, but God's!" His instruction said in 20:17, "But you will not need to fight! Take your places; stand quietly and see the incredible rescue operation God will perform for you..."
In verse 18-19 "Jehoshaphat fell to the ground with his face to the earth, and all the people did the same, worshiping the Lord. Then the Levites... stood to praise the Lord God of Israel with songs of praise that rang out strong and clear." They praised God for giving them instruction.
Then they went into battle in verse 21, "...he determined that there should be a choir leading the march... singing the song 'His Lovingkindness is Forever' as they walked along praising and thanking the Lord!"
In verse 22, "And at the moment they began to sing and to praise..." the enemy armies began to destroy one another. Verse 26 says "And how they praised the Lord!" (for those old enough to remember the Little Rascals... "And How!" :)
Then they went back to Jerusalem and REALLY had Church!
So how does that apply to you? What is the pattern for worship found here?
1. Troubles will come!
2. Determine in your heart to seek God first.
3. Acknowledge you are helpless, "I don't know what to do but my eyes are on you!"
4. Wait for an answer (EXPECTING an answer is key to this, as is WAITING till you get it!)
5. Praise God for the answer he gives you.
6. Walk in obedience with a heart of praise leading the way!
7. Rejoice in the victory he brings.
Imagine what church would be like Sunday morning if this was the pattern of God's people all the time! We probably wouldn't hear "I didn't get much out of worship today..." We'd be having a great stompin' on the devil party!
Try to apply these principles to your life and to the struggles that come. Then share your testimony! Verse 29 says, "And as had happened before, when the surrounding kingdoms heard that the Lord himself had fought against the enemies of Israel, the fear of God fell upon them." Your testimony will make a difference!
"Accept our praise, O Lord, for all your glorious power. We will write songs to celebrate your mighty acts!" Psalm 21:13
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
2 Chronicles 19:1-20:37
Romans 10:13-11:12
Psalm 21:1-13
Proverbs 20:4-6
If you were to ask individuals to define worship, you'd get a wide variety of responses. You would probably get many responses that would have to do with music and songs. If you've been through any DREAM training classes, you'd say, worship is "obedience". While these are elements of worship, they don't really 'define' worship.
Worship is our response to the revelation of God. We can respond in song, shouts of praise, clapping hands, etc. The "highest" form of worship is obedience, but all of it is our response to experiencing God.
One of the best illustrations of the pattern for a lifestyle of worship can be found in 2 Chronicles 20. Take the time to read this chapter. This is a story about King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah. Jehoshaphat was a good king who had made a few poor decisions, but he tried to be faithful to God. In chapter 20, armies were gathering to attack Israel. 20:3 says, "Jehoshaphat was badly shaken by this news and determined to beg for help from the Lord." He then declared a fast for the people, and they waited to hear from God. They cried out to him and Jehoshaphat declared in verse 12 "We don't know what to do, but we are looking to you."
God then gave his answer to them. In verse 15, ""the Lord says,'Don't be afraid! Don't be paralyzed by this mighty army! For the battle is not yours, but God's!" His instruction said in 20:17, "But you will not need to fight! Take your places; stand quietly and see the incredible rescue operation God will perform for you..."
In verse 18-19 "Jehoshaphat fell to the ground with his face to the earth, and all the people did the same, worshiping the Lord. Then the Levites... stood to praise the Lord God of Israel with songs of praise that rang out strong and clear." They praised God for giving them instruction.
Then they went into battle in verse 21, "...he determined that there should be a choir leading the march... singing the song 'His Lovingkindness is Forever' as they walked along praising and thanking the Lord!"
In verse 22, "And at the moment they began to sing and to praise..." the enemy armies began to destroy one another. Verse 26 says "And how they praised the Lord!" (for those old enough to remember the Little Rascals... "And How!" :)
Then they went back to Jerusalem and REALLY had Church!
So how does that apply to you? What is the pattern for worship found here?
1. Troubles will come!
2. Determine in your heart to seek God first.
3. Acknowledge you are helpless, "I don't know what to do but my eyes are on you!"
4. Wait for an answer (EXPECTING an answer is key to this, as is WAITING till you get it!)
5. Praise God for the answer he gives you.
6. Walk in obedience with a heart of praise leading the way!
7. Rejoice in the victory he brings.
Imagine what church would be like Sunday morning if this was the pattern of God's people all the time! We probably wouldn't hear "I didn't get much out of worship today..." We'd be having a great stompin' on the devil party!
Try to apply these principles to your life and to the struggles that come. Then share your testimony! Verse 29 says, "And as had happened before, when the surrounding kingdoms heard that the Lord himself had fought against the enemies of Israel, the fear of God fell upon them." Your testimony will make a difference!
"Accept our praise, O Lord, for all your glorious power. We will write songs to celebrate your mighty acts!" Psalm 21:13
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Thursday, June 24, 2010
6.24.10 "Our Army is Bigger than Theirs!"
"Our Army is Bigger than Theirs!"
2 Kings 6:1-7:20
Acts 15:32-16:15
Psalm 142:1-7
Proverbs 17:24-25
We are so limited by our human understanding. We look at life through natural eyes. Don't get me wrong. God gave us common sense for a very good reason, and he expects us to use it, but it takes an internal discipline to look through spiritual eyes.
In 2 Kings 6, The king of Syria is after Elisha. Starting in verse 14, "so one night the king of Syria sent a great army with many chariots and horses to surround the city. When the prophet's servant got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere.
"'Alas, my master, what shall we do now?' he cried out to Elisha.
"'Don't be afraid!' Elisha told him. 'For our army is bigger than theirs!'
"Then Elisha prayed, 'Lord, Open his eyes and let him see!' And the Lord opened the young man's eyes so that he could see horses of fire and chariots of fire everywhere upon the mountain!"
How different could you live each day if you knew that our army is bigger than theirs. Oh, I know we all know this, and we can say it in our best "sunday school" voice, but can you imagine REALLY living this way.
Be honest. When a challenge comes, our first reaction is more like the servant than it is Elisha. "what shall we do now?"
Many times we don't ask that of God, we ask that of a friend, or a family member, and we strategize about how we're going to get out of this mess. It seems so overwhelming... so trying. We MUST fix this. So, we react in our own strength, or worse yet, we give up in despair. Think of what would change if we change our mindset.
If instead we would discipline our thoughts to acknowledge and submit to the fact that our army is indeed bigger, we could experience a new level of victory through life's situations. Elisha has a bit of fun with this Syrian army. He asks God to strike them blind. Then he tells them they've gone to the wrong place. Then he brings them to the Israeli capital, and asks the Lord to open their eyes. Then they throw a feast for them and send them home.
Seems like a trite little story, but I think it's pretty cool. I really believe that as we discipline our thought and understanding to the greatness of God in every situation, we will have our eyes opened to a new level of creativity in dealing with situations that will bring about some incredible victories.
Walk with open eyes today. Indeed, the best is yet to come!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
2 Kings 6:1-7:20
Acts 15:32-16:15
Psalm 142:1-7
Proverbs 17:24-25
We are so limited by our human understanding. We look at life through natural eyes. Don't get me wrong. God gave us common sense for a very good reason, and he expects us to use it, but it takes an internal discipline to look through spiritual eyes.
In 2 Kings 6, The king of Syria is after Elisha. Starting in verse 14, "so one night the king of Syria sent a great army with many chariots and horses to surround the city. When the prophet's servant got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere.
"'Alas, my master, what shall we do now?' he cried out to Elisha.
"'Don't be afraid!' Elisha told him. 'For our army is bigger than theirs!'
"Then Elisha prayed, 'Lord, Open his eyes and let him see!' And the Lord opened the young man's eyes so that he could see horses of fire and chariots of fire everywhere upon the mountain!"
How different could you live each day if you knew that our army is bigger than theirs. Oh, I know we all know this, and we can say it in our best "sunday school" voice, but can you imagine REALLY living this way.
Be honest. When a challenge comes, our first reaction is more like the servant than it is Elisha. "what shall we do now?"
Many times we don't ask that of God, we ask that of a friend, or a family member, and we strategize about how we're going to get out of this mess. It seems so overwhelming... so trying. We MUST fix this. So, we react in our own strength, or worse yet, we give up in despair. Think of what would change if we change our mindset.
If instead we would discipline our thoughts to acknowledge and submit to the fact that our army is indeed bigger, we could experience a new level of victory through life's situations. Elisha has a bit of fun with this Syrian army. He asks God to strike them blind. Then he tells them they've gone to the wrong place. Then he brings them to the Israeli capital, and asks the Lord to open their eyes. Then they throw a feast for them and send them home.
Seems like a trite little story, but I think it's pretty cool. I really believe that as we discipline our thought and understanding to the greatness of God in every situation, we will have our eyes opened to a new level of creativity in dealing with situations that will bring about some incredible victories.
Walk with open eyes today. Indeed, the best is yet to come!
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, August 30, 2009
8.30.9 "Get Over Yourself"
8.
Job 34:1-36:33
2 Corinthians 4:1-12
Psalm 44:1-7
Proverbs 22:10-12
Think of that "impossible" thing God has put on your heart. Why haven't you moved ahead? It's probably some of the same reasons many of us are held back: "I'm not good enough", "There's no way I could do that", "The resources aren't there to accomplish this".... the list can go on.
What is it that keeps us from moving ahead in bold obedience? What keeps us from experiencing supernatural victories on a regular basis? I think that many times it's because we don't live in true acknowledgment of where the victory comes from. Of course, we know it as a Sunday School answer: our help comes from the Lord, etc..., but knowing it in our heads and putting it into everyday life can be two different things.
Our responses of our lack of ability, resources and the like reveal something about our belief process. If we respond this way, we must believe deep down that victory comes from us. We must think that what God wants to accomplish is because of our skill, value, etc. (Time to take the daily, "It's not about you." pill) If we truly believed in the truth of where victory was, we would be more faithful in stepping out in faith and obedience.
Psalm 44:1 says, "O God, we have heard of the glorious miracles you did in the days of long ago." Have you been there? Have you heard awesome testimonies, or seen what God has done or is doing and wanted so bad to be a part of that?
verse 3 says of the forefathers, "They did not conquer by their own strength and skill, but by your mighty power and because you smiled upon them and favored them." verse 5: "For it is only by your power and through your name that we tread down our enemies;" We need to remind ourselves of this consistently. We need the power of God. We need to understand and walk in His presence. that is the only source of strength and victory. Yes, it's a Sunday School answer, but why don't we walk in this in reality?
We need to daily acknowledge Psalm 44:6 "I do not trust my weapons. They could never save me." We need to live lives of desperate dependence. If we were to rest only on His strength, we would be quick to respond to his leading and experience victory as never before.
The presence of God is a valuable commodity. 2 Corinthians 4:7 says, "But his precious treasure - this light and power that now shine within us - is held in a perishable container, that is, in our weak bodies. Everyone can see that the glorious power within must be from God and is not our own."
Yes, "i'm not good enough." That's the point. The point is that the Almighty God, Creator of the universe, wants to complete his plan and his purpose in someone as simple and as frail as me. He's just waiting for me to "get over myself" and the insecurities, and move in His power and not my own.
Spend the day trusting in his power to save you. Rest in his strength. See what waters part. See what walls fall down. See what enemies scatter.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Job 34:1-36:33
2 Corinthians 4:1-12
Psalm 44:1-7
Proverbs 22:10-12
Think of that "impossible" thing God has put on your heart. Why haven't you moved ahead? It's probably some of the same reasons many of us are held back: "I'm not good enough", "There's no way I could do that", "The resources aren't there to accomplish this".... the list can go on.
What is it that keeps us from moving ahead in bold obedience? What keeps us from experiencing supernatural victories on a regular basis? I think that many times it's because we don't live in true acknowledgment of where the victory comes from. Of course, we know it as a Sunday School answer: our help comes from the Lord, etc..., but knowing it in our heads and putting it into everyday life can be two different things.
Our responses of our lack of ability, resources and the like reveal something about our belief process. If we respond this way, we must believe deep down that victory comes from us. We must think that what God wants to accomplish is because of our skill, value, etc. (Time to take the daily, "It's not about you." pill) If we truly believed in the truth of where victory was, we would be more faithful in stepping out in faith and obedience.
Psalm 44:1 says, "O God, we have heard of the glorious miracles you did in the days of long ago." Have you been there? Have you heard awesome testimonies, or seen what God has done or is doing and wanted so bad to be a part of that?
verse 3 says of the forefathers, "They did not conquer by their own strength and skill, but by your mighty power and because you smiled upon them and favored them." verse 5: "For it is only by your power and through your name that we tread down our enemies;" We need to remind ourselves of this consistently. We need the power of God. We need to understand and walk in His presence. that is the only source of strength and victory. Yes, it's a Sunday School answer, but why don't we walk in this in reality?
We need to daily acknowledge Psalm 44:6 "I do not trust my weapons. They could never save me." We need to live lives of desperate dependence. If we were to rest only on His strength, we would be quick to respond to his leading and experience victory as never before.
The presence of God is a valuable commodity. 2 Corinthians 4:7 says, "But his precious treasure - this light and power that now shine within us - is held in a perishable container, that is, in our weak bodies. Everyone can see that the glorious power within must be from God and is not our own."
Yes, "i'm not good enough." That's the point. The point is that the Almighty God, Creator of the universe, wants to complete his plan and his purpose in someone as simple and as frail as me. He's just waiting for me to "get over myself" and the insecurities, and move in His power and not my own.
Spend the day trusting in his power to save you. Rest in his strength. See what waters part. See what walls fall down. See what enemies scatter.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
6.24.9 "Our Army is Bigger than Theirs!"
"Our Army is Bigger than Theirs!"
2 Kings 6:1-7:20
Acts 15:32-16:15
Psalm 142:1-7
Proverbs 17:24-25
We are so limited by our human understanding. We look at life through natural eyes. Don't get me wrong. God gave us common sense for a very good reason, and he expects us to use it, but it takes an internal discipline to look through spiritual eyes.
In 2 Kings 6, The king of Syria is after Elisha. Starting in verse 14, "so one night the king of Syria sent a great army with many chariots and horses to surround the city. When the prophet's servant got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere.
"'Alas, my master, what shall we do now?' he cried out to Elisha.
"'Don't be afraid!' Elisha told him. 'For our army is bigger than theirs!'
"Then Elisha prayed, 'Lord, Open his eyes and let him see!' And the Lord opened the young man's eyes so that he could see horses of fire and chariots of fire everywhere upon the mountain!"
How different could you live each day if you knew that our army is bigger than theirs. Oh, I know we all know this, and we can say it in our best "sunday school" voice, but can you imagine REALLY living this way.
Be honest. When a challenge comes, our first reaction is more like the servant than it is Elisha. "what shall we do now?"
Many times we don't ask that of God, we ask that of a friend, or a family member, and we strategize about how we're going to get out of this mess. It seems so overwhelming... so trying. We MUST fix this. So, we react in our own strength, or worse yet, we give up in despair. Think of what would change if we change our mindset.
If instead we would discipline our thoughts to acknowledge and submit to the fact that our army is indeed bigger, we could experience a new level of victory through life's situations. Elisha has a bit of fun with this Syrian army. He asks God to strike them blind. Then he tells them they've gone to the wrong place. Then he brings them to the Israeli capital, and asks the Lord to open their eyes. Then they throw a feast for them and send them home.
Seems like a trite little story, but I think it's pretty cool. I really believe that as we discipline our thought and understanding to the greatness of God in every situation, we will have our eyes opened to a new level of creativity in dealing with situations that will bring about some incredible victories.
Walk with open eyes today. Indeed, the best is yet to come!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
2 Kings 6:1-7:20
Acts 15:32-16:15
Psalm 142:1-7
Proverbs 17:24-25
We are so limited by our human understanding. We look at life through natural eyes. Don't get me wrong. God gave us common sense for a very good reason, and he expects us to use it, but it takes an internal discipline to look through spiritual eyes.
In 2 Kings 6, The king of Syria is after Elisha. Starting in verse 14, "so one night the king of Syria sent a great army with many chariots and horses to surround the city. When the prophet's servant got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere.
"'Alas, my master, what shall we do now?' he cried out to Elisha.
"'Don't be afraid!' Elisha told him. 'For our army is bigger than theirs!'
"Then Elisha prayed, 'Lord, Open his eyes and let him see!' And the Lord opened the young man's eyes so that he could see horses of fire and chariots of fire everywhere upon the mountain!"
How different could you live each day if you knew that our army is bigger than theirs. Oh, I know we all know this, and we can say it in our best "sunday school" voice, but can you imagine REALLY living this way.
Be honest. When a challenge comes, our first reaction is more like the servant than it is Elisha. "what shall we do now?"
Many times we don't ask that of God, we ask that of a friend, or a family member, and we strategize about how we're going to get out of this mess. It seems so overwhelming... so trying. We MUST fix this. So, we react in our own strength, or worse yet, we give up in despair. Think of what would change if we change our mindset.
If instead we would discipline our thoughts to acknowledge and submit to the fact that our army is indeed bigger, we could experience a new level of victory through life's situations. Elisha has a bit of fun with this Syrian army. He asks God to strike them blind. Then he tells them they've gone to the wrong place. Then he brings them to the Israeli capital, and asks the Lord to open their eyes. Then they throw a feast for them and send them home.
Seems like a trite little story, but I think it's pretty cool. I really believe that as we discipline our thought and understanding to the greatness of God in every situation, we will have our eyes opened to a new level of creativity in dealing with situations that will bring about some incredible victories.
Walk with open eyes today. Indeed, the best is yet to come!
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, July 27, 2008
7.27.8 "THIS is what Worship is All About"
"THIS is what Worship is All About"
2 Chronicles 19:1-20:37
Romans 10:13-11:12
Psalm 21:1-13
Proverbs 20:4-6
If you were to ask individuals to define worship, you'd get a wide variety of responses. You would probably get many responses that would have to do with music and songs. If you've been through any DREAM training classes, you'd say, worship is "obedience". While these are elements of worship, they don't really 'define' worship.
Worship is our response to the revelation of God. We can respond in song, shouts of praise, clapping hands, etc. The "highest" form of worship is obedience, but all of it is our response to acknowledging God.
One of the best illustrations of the pattern for a lifestyle of worship can be found in 2 Chronicles 20. Take the time to read this chapter. This is a story about King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah. Jehoshaphat was a good king who had made a few poor decisions, but he tried to be faithful to God. In chapter 20, armies were gathering to attack Israel. 20:3 says, "Jehoshaphat was badly shaken by this news and determined to beg for help from the Lord." He then declared a fast for the people, and they waited to hear from God. They cried out to him and Jehoshaphat declared in verse 12 "We don't know what to do, but we are looking to you."
God then gave his answer to them. In verse 15, ""the Lord says,'Don't be afraid! Don't be paralyzed by this mighty army! For the battle is not yours, but God's!" His instruction said in 20:17, "But you will not need to fight! Take your places; stand quietly and see the incredible rescue operation God will perform for you..."
In verse 18-19 "Jehoshaphat fell to the ground with his face to the earth, and all the people did the same, worshiping the Lord. Then the Levites... stood to praise the Lord God of Israel with songs of praise that rang out strong and clear." They praised God for giving them instruction.
Then they went into battle in verse 21, "...he determined that there should be a choir leading the march... singing the song 'His Lovingkindness is Forever' as they walked along praising and thanking the Lord!"
In verse 22, "And at the moment they began to sing and to praise..." the enemy armies began to destroy one another. Verse 26 says "And how they praised the Lord!" (for those old enough to remember the Little Rascals... "And How!" :)
Then they went back to Jerusalem and REALLY had Church!
So how does that apply to you? What is the pattern for worship found here?
1. Troubles will come!
2. Determine in your heart to seek God
3. Acknowledge you are helpless, "I don't know what to do but my eyes are on you!"
4. Wait for an answer (EXPECTING an answer is key to this, as is WAITING till you get it!)
5. Praise God for the answer he gives you.
6. Walk in obedience with a heart of praise leading the way!
7. Rejoice in the victory he brings.
Imagine what church would be like Sunday morning if this was the pattern of God's people all the time! We probably wouldn't hear "I didn't get much out of worship today..." We'd be having a great stompin' on the devil party!
Try to apply these principles to your life and to the struggles that come. Then share your testimony! Verse 29 says, "And as had happened before, when the surrounding kingdoms heard that the Lord himself had fought against the enemies of Israel, the fear of God fell upon them." Your testimony will make a difference!
"Accept our praise, O Lord, for all your glorious power. We will write songs to celebrate your mighty acts!" Psalm 21:13
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
2 Chronicles 19:1-20:37
Romans 10:13-11:12
Psalm 21:1-13
Proverbs 20:4-6
If you were to ask individuals to define worship, you'd get a wide variety of responses. You would probably get many responses that would have to do with music and songs. If you've been through any DREAM training classes, you'd say, worship is "obedience". While these are elements of worship, they don't really 'define' worship.
Worship is our response to the revelation of God. We can respond in song, shouts of praise, clapping hands, etc. The "highest" form of worship is obedience, but all of it is our response to acknowledging God.
One of the best illustrations of the pattern for a lifestyle of worship can be found in 2 Chronicles 20. Take the time to read this chapter. This is a story about King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah. Jehoshaphat was a good king who had made a few poor decisions, but he tried to be faithful to God. In chapter 20, armies were gathering to attack Israel. 20:3 says, "Jehoshaphat was badly shaken by this news and determined to beg for help from the Lord." He then declared a fast for the people, and they waited to hear from God. They cried out to him and Jehoshaphat declared in verse 12 "We don't know what to do, but we are looking to you."
God then gave his answer to them. In verse 15, ""the Lord says,'Don't be afraid! Don't be paralyzed by this mighty army! For the battle is not yours, but God's!" His instruction said in 20:17, "But you will not need to fight! Take your places; stand quietly and see the incredible rescue operation God will perform for you..."
In verse 18-19 "Jehoshaphat fell to the ground with his face to the earth, and all the people did the same, worshiping the Lord. Then the Levites... stood to praise the Lord God of Israel with songs of praise that rang out strong and clear." They praised God for giving them instruction.
Then they went into battle in verse 21, "...he determined that there should be a choir leading the march... singing the song 'His Lovingkindness is Forever' as they walked along praising and thanking the Lord!"
In verse 22, "And at the moment they began to sing and to praise..." the enemy armies began to destroy one another. Verse 26 says "And how they praised the Lord!" (for those old enough to remember the Little Rascals... "And How!" :)
Then they went back to Jerusalem and REALLY had Church!
So how does that apply to you? What is the pattern for worship found here?
1. Troubles will come!
2. Determine in your heart to seek God
3. Acknowledge you are helpless, "I don't know what to do but my eyes are on you!"
4. Wait for an answer (EXPECTING an answer is key to this, as is WAITING till you get it!)
5. Praise God for the answer he gives you.
6. Walk in obedience with a heart of praise leading the way!
7. Rejoice in the victory he brings.
Imagine what church would be like Sunday morning if this was the pattern of God's people all the time! We probably wouldn't hear "I didn't get much out of worship today..." We'd be having a great stompin' on the devil party!
Try to apply these principles to your life and to the struggles that come. Then share your testimony! Verse 29 says, "And as had happened before, when the surrounding kingdoms heard that the Lord himself had fought against the enemies of Israel, the fear of God fell upon them." Your testimony will make a difference!
"Accept our praise, O Lord, for all your glorious power. We will write songs to celebrate your mighty acts!" Psalm 21:13
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, July 12, 2008
7.12.8 "Your Fight, or God's?"
"Your Fight, or God's?"
I Chronicles 12:19 - 14:17
Romans 1:1-17
Psalm 9:13-20
Proverbs 19:4-5
It isn't news to anyone that there are battles out there. What does tend to surprise many is that battles come even in the path of obedience. "Wait a minute! I'm doing what God want me to do! Why is the enemy attacking?"
In 1 Chronicles 14 we're reading of David. He as now become king, and good things are happening. There is celebration, new palaces built, and verse 2 says, "David now realized why the Lord had made him king and why he had made his kingdom so great; it was for a special reason -- to give joy to God's people!" I like the way David understood it wasn't about him.
But in verse 8, the first challenge comes up. "When the Philistines heard that David was Israel's new king, they mobilized their forces to capture him..." David has an army of over 350,000 men who are completely devoted to him at this time. They had all gathered to bring David from Hebron to make David king. So David calls them together in reaction to the Philistines.
Then "David asked the Lord, 'If I go out and fight them, will you give me the victory?' and the Lord replied, 'Yes, I will.' So he attacked them..."
A small, seemingly unimportant portion of scripture, and yet in it is the key to life. Oh, it's not all rosy from there on out. Two verses later, "Later the Philistines raided the valley again..." The troubles/trials/tests show up again, "and again David asked God what to do."
This time, the Lord gives David a different approach to attacking the enemy. in verse 16, "So David did as the Lord commanded him; and he cut down the army of the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer. David's fame spread everywhere, and the Lord caused all the nations to fear him."
One of my favorite studies is Bruce Wilkinson's Vision of the Leader. It's a study of Nehemiah and his pursuit of God's plan for rebuilding the wall. One section is about "traffic signals" to pursuing God's vision for our lives. It's a series of checks along the way to determine if the timing is right to do what God has placed on our heart.
One of the major signs as to whether we should move ahead or not is related to how dependent on God we are. Do we find ourselves devoted to prayer, or do we find ourselves moving ahead in our own strength? One thing Bruce said was, "you may not even notice it happening, but there's a small fork in the road and you veer slightly off course when you cease to depend on God for every step. Yes, you're still moving in the right direction, but now it's become your vision, and not God's."
The same can happen with our battles. We know that God won it before when we did "A, B & C", so we do "A,B & C" without inquiring of the Lord.
The principle behind the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship is Obedience. To Live the DREAM, this pattern must be a regular and consistent part of our life.
1. Recognize trial/test/trouble
2. Inquire of the Lord
3. Receive instruction
4. Obey it.
Making this a LIFESTYLE is so important. What can happen so many times is that we do this for a couple situations, and God comes through. Then we think..."the last time this happened, I did this, so I'll do it again." We then skip over what David did in verse 14 when he AGAIN asks God what to do. Look at how well skipping that step works: Moses hit the rock the first time, but the second time was told to speak to it. He hit it... Samson said "I'll go out as before..."
It is so important that we develop a habit of checking in with God through every moment of every day. "What would you have me to do?" Man! that is so easy! The more you discipline yourself to walk in this lifestyle of worship, the more you recognize the voice of God, and some incredible victories become a way of life.
No, it's not always a quick "road to success", but when you realize it's not about you, life becomes a wonderful adventure.
Many people find it difficult to "get into" praise and worship. When you live a life of obedience, you can't help but rejoice in what God has done. There are those who view the Sunday worship service as a place to come so they can "get through the next week". When God's people are in the habit of seeking him & walking in obedience the worship service becomes a celebration of what God has done in the past week as His people have walked in obedience & experienced incredible victories.
Just a reminder today to Inquire of the Lord, and Obey His direction.
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 Chronicles 12:19 - 14:17
Romans 1:1-17
Psalm 9:13-20
Proverbs 19:4-5
It isn't news to anyone that there are battles out there. What does tend to surprise many is that battles come even in the path of obedience. "Wait a minute! I'm doing what God want me to do! Why is the enemy attacking?"
In 1 Chronicles 14 we're reading of David. He as now become king, and good things are happening. There is celebration, new palaces built, and verse 2 says, "David now realized why the Lord had made him king and why he had made his kingdom so great; it was for a special reason -- to give joy to God's people!" I like the way David understood it wasn't about him.
But in verse 8, the first challenge comes up. "When the Philistines heard that David was Israel's new king, they mobilized their forces to capture him..." David has an army of over 350,000 men who are completely devoted to him at this time. They had all gathered to bring David from Hebron to make David king. So David calls them together in reaction to the Philistines.
Then "David asked the Lord, 'If I go out and fight them, will you give me the victory?' and the Lord replied, 'Yes, I will.' So he attacked them..."
A small, seemingly unimportant portion of scripture, and yet in it is the key to life. Oh, it's not all rosy from there on out. Two verses later, "Later the Philistines raided the valley again..." The troubles/trials/tests show up again, "and again David asked God what to do."
This time, the Lord gives David a different approach to attacking the enemy. in verse 16, "So David did as the Lord commanded him; and he cut down the army of the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer. David's fame spread everywhere, and the Lord caused all the nations to fear him."
One of my favorite studies is Bruce Wilkinson's Vision of the Leader. It's a study of Nehemiah and his pursuit of God's plan for rebuilding the wall. One section is about "traffic signals" to pursuing God's vision for our lives. It's a series of checks along the way to determine if the timing is right to do what God has placed on our heart.
One of the major signs as to whether we should move ahead or not is related to how dependent on God we are. Do we find ourselves devoted to prayer, or do we find ourselves moving ahead in our own strength? One thing Bruce said was, "you may not even notice it happening, but there's a small fork in the road and you veer slightly off course when you cease to depend on God for every step. Yes, you're still moving in the right direction, but now it's become your vision, and not God's."
The same can happen with our battles. We know that God won it before when we did "A, B & C", so we do "A,B & C" without inquiring of the Lord.
The principle behind the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship is Obedience. To Live the DREAM, this pattern must be a regular and consistent part of our life.
1. Recognize trial/test/trouble
2. Inquire of the Lord
3. Receive instruction
4. Obey it.
Making this a LIFESTYLE is so important. What can happen so many times is that we do this for a couple situations, and God comes through. Then we think..."the last time this happened, I did this, so I'll do it again." We then skip over what David did in verse 14 when he AGAIN asks God what to do. Look at how well skipping that step works: Moses hit the rock the first time, but the second time was told to speak to it. He hit it... Samson said "I'll go out as before..."
It is so important that we develop a habit of checking in with God through every moment of every day. "What would you have me to do?" Man! that is so easy! The more you discipline yourself to walk in this lifestyle of worship, the more you recognize the voice of God, and some incredible victories become a way of life.
No, it's not always a quick "road to success", but when you realize it's not about you, life becomes a wonderful adventure.
Many people find it difficult to "get into" praise and worship. When you live a life of obedience, you can't help but rejoice in what God has done. There are those who view the Sunday worship service as a place to come so they can "get through the next week". When God's people are in the habit of seeking him & walking in obedience the worship service becomes a celebration of what God has done in the past week as His people have walked in obedience & experienced incredible victories.
Just a reminder today to Inquire of the Lord, and Obey His direction.
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, June 24, 2008
6.24.8 "Our Army is Bigger than Theirs!"
"Our Army is Bigger than Theirs!"
2 Kings 6:1-7:20
Acts 15:32-16:15
Psalm 142:1-7
Proverbs 17:24-25
We are so limited by our human understanding. We look at life through natural eyes. Don't get me wrong. God gave us common sense for a very good reason, and he expects us to use it, but it takes an internal discipline to look through spiritual eyes.
In 2 Kings 6, The king of Syria is after Elisha. Starting in verse 14, "so one night the king of Syria sent a great army with many chariots and horses to surround the city. When the prophet's servant got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere.
"'Alas, my master, what shall we do now?' he cried out to Elisha.
"'Don't be afraid!' Elisha told him. 'For our army is bigger than theirs!'
"Then Elisha prayed, 'Lord, Open his eyes and let him see!' And the Lord opened the young man's eyes so that he could see horses of fire and chariots of fire everywhere upon the mountain!"
How different could you live each day if you knew that our army is bigger than theirs. Oh, I know we all know this, and we can say it in our best "sunday school" voice, but can you imagine REALLY living this way.
Be honest. When a challenge comes, our first reaction is more like the servant than it is Elisha. "what shall we do now?"
Many times we don't ask that of God, we ask that of a friend, or a family member, and we strategize about how we're going to get out of this mess. It seems so overwhelming... so trying. We MUST fix this. So, we react in our own strength, or worse yet, we give up in despair. Think of what would change if we change our mindset.
If instead we would discipline our thoughts to acknowledge and submit to the fact that our army is indeed bigger, we could experience a new level of victory through life's situations. Elisha has a bit of fun with this Syrian army. He asks God to strike them blind. Then he tells them they've gone to the wrong place. Then he brings them to the Israeli capital, and asks the Lord to open their eyes. Then they throw a feast for them and send them home.
Seems like a trite little story, but I think it's pretty cool. I really believe that as we discipline our thought and understanding to the greatness of God in every situation, we will have our eyes opened to a new level of creativity in dealing with situations that will bring about some incredible victories.
Walk with open eyes today. Indeed, the best is yet to come!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
2 Kings 6:1-7:20
Acts 15:32-16:15
Psalm 142:1-7
Proverbs 17:24-25
We are so limited by our human understanding. We look at life through natural eyes. Don't get me wrong. God gave us common sense for a very good reason, and he expects us to use it, but it takes an internal discipline to look through spiritual eyes.
In 2 Kings 6, The king of Syria is after Elisha. Starting in verse 14, "so one night the king of Syria sent a great army with many chariots and horses to surround the city. When the prophet's servant got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere.
"'Alas, my master, what shall we do now?' he cried out to Elisha.
"'Don't be afraid!' Elisha told him. 'For our army is bigger than theirs!'
"Then Elisha prayed, 'Lord, Open his eyes and let him see!' And the Lord opened the young man's eyes so that he could see horses of fire and chariots of fire everywhere upon the mountain!"
How different could you live each day if you knew that our army is bigger than theirs. Oh, I know we all know this, and we can say it in our best "sunday school" voice, but can you imagine REALLY living this way.
Be honest. When a challenge comes, our first reaction is more like the servant than it is Elisha. "what shall we do now?"
Many times we don't ask that of God, we ask that of a friend, or a family member, and we strategize about how we're going to get out of this mess. It seems so overwhelming... so trying. We MUST fix this. So, we react in our own strength, or worse yet, we give up in despair. Think of what would change if we change our mindset.
If instead we would discipline our thoughts to acknowledge and submit to the fact that our army is indeed bigger, we could experience a new level of victory through life's situations. Elisha has a bit of fun with this Syrian army. He asks God to strike them blind. Then he tells them they've gone to the wrong place. Then he brings them to the Israeli capital, and asks the Lord to open their eyes. Then they throw a feast for them and send them home.
Seems like a trite little story, but I think it's pretty cool. I really believe that as we discipline our thought and understanding to the greatness of God in every situation, we will have our eyes opened to a new level of creativity in dealing with situations that will bring about some incredible victories.
Walk with open eyes today. Indeed, the best is yet to come!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Saturday, March 22, 2008
3.22.8 "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 the bondage therein.
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 the bondage therein.
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
Sunday, January 20, 2008
1.20.8 "Know the Word"
"Know the Word"
Genesis 41:17-42:17
Matthew 13:24-46
Psalm 18:1-15
Proverbs 4:1-6
"Young men, listen to me as you would to your father. Listen, and grow wise, for I speak the truth - don't turn away... [My father] told me never to forget his words. 'If you follow them,' he said, 'you will have a long and happy life. Learn to be wise,' he said,' and develop good judgment and common sense! I cannot overemphasize this point.' Cling to wisdom - she will protect you. Love her - she will guard you." Prov. 4:1-6
Have you ever tried to convince someone the urgency of something and they just didn't get it? It can be as simple as, "if you don't put a coat on, you'll be sorry". Or, it can be more urgent. "I'd turn off the breaker before changing that light switch..."
Today's proverb uses the phrase, "I cannot overemphasize this point". We desperately need Godly wisdom. Godly wisdom comes from the Word. We must be Empowered Through Biblical Training. How are you doing with your bible reading? Most make some kind of commitment at the beginning of the year. Sometimes a day is missed, discouragement sets in, and the goal is given up.
To not be in the Word daily means that one doesn't understand the urgency.
We need to be sure of what the Word says because of the "thorns" around us. In Matthew, Jesus tells the parable of a farmer who has sown seed. His enemy came and planted thistles. "The farmer's men came and told him, 'Sir, the field where you planted that choice seed is full of thistles!... Shall we pull out the thistles?' 'No,' he replied. 'You'll hurt the wheat if you do. Let both grow together until the harvest, and I will tell the reapers to sort out the thistles and burn them...'"
Worldliness is all around us. Sometimes it's tough to tell what's "wheat" and what's "thistle". Knowing the Word brings clarity. Knowing the Word helps us know God. Jesus says in verses 40-43 "Just as in this story the thistles are separated and burned, so shall it be at the end of the world: I will send my angels and they will separate out of the Kingdom every temptation and all who are evil, and throw them into the furnace and burn them. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the godly shall shine as the sun in their Father's Kingdom. Let those with ears, listen!"
Knowing the future as revealed in the word should place upon our hearts the urgency to be in the word. The enemy doesn't want us in the word.
"Death bound me with chains, and the floods of ungodliness mounted a massive attack against me." Ps. 18:4
The word is our defense. What foolishness to think we can stand against that in our own strength. We need to be fortified in the Word.
Being Empowered Through Biblical Training produces fruit in every area of life. Through time in the word the power of the Spirit grows in us. After all Joseph had been through, listen to Pharaoh's comments about him. "As they discussed who should be appointed for the job, Pharaoh said, 'Who could do it better than Joseph? For he is a man who is obviously filled with the Spirit of God.'" (Gen 41:38)
As we become who God has created us to be, the world will see that we are "obviously filled with the Spirit of God."
This is a game "for keeps". This is a big deal. There are so many excuses of why not to read the word. They all pale in comparison to the real urgency of the situation. We need to KNOW God! We need to KNOW his Word!!
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 41:17-42:17
Matthew 13:24-46
Psalm 18:1-15
Proverbs 4:1-6
"Young men, listen to me as you would to your father. Listen, and grow wise, for I speak the truth - don't turn away... [My father] told me never to forget his words. 'If you follow them,' he said, 'you will have a long and happy life. Learn to be wise,' he said,' and develop good judgment and common sense! I cannot overemphasize this point.' Cling to wisdom - she will protect you. Love her - she will guard you." Prov. 4:1-6
Have you ever tried to convince someone the urgency of something and they just didn't get it? It can be as simple as, "if you don't put a coat on, you'll be sorry". Or, it can be more urgent. "I'd turn off the breaker before changing that light switch..."
Today's proverb uses the phrase, "I cannot overemphasize this point". We desperately need Godly wisdom. Godly wisdom comes from the Word. We must be Empowered Through Biblical Training. How are you doing with your bible reading? Most make some kind of commitment at the beginning of the year. Sometimes a day is missed, discouragement sets in, and the goal is given up.
To not be in the Word daily means that one doesn't understand the urgency.
We need to be sure of what the Word says because of the "thorns" around us. In Matthew, Jesus tells the parable of a farmer who has sown seed. His enemy came and planted thistles. "The farmer's men came and told him, 'Sir, the field where you planted that choice seed is full of thistles!... Shall we pull out the thistles?' 'No,' he replied. 'You'll hurt the wheat if you do. Let both grow together until the harvest, and I will tell the reapers to sort out the thistles and burn them...'"
Worldliness is all around us. Sometimes it's tough to tell what's "wheat" and what's "thistle". Knowing the Word brings clarity. Knowing the Word helps us know God. Jesus says in verses 40-43 "Just as in this story the thistles are separated and burned, so shall it be at the end of the world: I will send my angels and they will separate out of the Kingdom every temptation and all who are evil, and throw them into the furnace and burn them. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the godly shall shine as the sun in their Father's Kingdom. Let those with ears, listen!"
Knowing the future as revealed in the word should place upon our hearts the urgency to be in the word. The enemy doesn't want us in the word.
"Death bound me with chains, and the floods of ungodliness mounted a massive attack against me." Ps. 18:4
The word is our defense. What foolishness to think we can stand against that in our own strength. We need to be fortified in the Word.
Being Empowered Through Biblical Training produces fruit in every area of life. Through time in the word the power of the Spirit grows in us. After all Joseph had been through, listen to Pharaoh's comments about him. "As they discussed who should be appointed for the job, Pharaoh said, 'Who could do it better than Joseph? For he is a man who is obviously filled with the Spirit of God.'" (Gen 41:38)
As we become who God has created us to be, the world will see that we are "obviously filled with the Spirit of God."
This is a game "for keeps". This is a big deal. There are so many excuses of why not to read the word. They all pale in comparison to the real urgency of the situation. We need to KNOW God! We need to KNOW his Word!!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Thursday, August 30, 2007
8.30.7 "We've got the Power!"
Job 34:1-36:33
2 Corinthians 4:1-12
Psalm 44:1-7
Proverbs 22:10-12
Think of that "impossible" thing God has put on your heart. Why haven't you moved ahead? It's probably some of the same reasons many of us are held back: "I'm not good enough", "There's no way I could do that", "The resources aren't there to accomplish this".... the list can go on.
What is it that keeps us from moving ahead in bold obedience? What keeps us from experiencing supernatural victories on a regular basis? I think that many times it's because we don't live in true acknowledgment of where the victory comes from. Of course, we know it as a Sunday School answer (our help comes from the Lord, etc), but knowing it in our heads and putting it into everyday life can be two different things.
Our responses (excuses) reveal something about our belief process. If our response to the impossible is based on the nature of our own qualities, we must believe deep down that victory comes from us. We must think that what God wants to accomplish is because of our skill, value, etc. We must think that it's about who WE are instead of being about who God is. If we truly believed in the truth of where victory was, we would be more faithful in stepping out in faith and obedience.
Psalm 44:1 says, "O God, we have heard of the glorious miracles you did in the days of long ago." Have you been there? Have you heard awesome testimonies, or seen what God has done or is doing and wanted so bad to be a part of that?
verse 3 says of the forefathers, "They did not conquer by their own strength and skill, but by your mighty power and because you smiled upon them and favored them." verse 5: "For it is only by your power and through your name that we tread down our enemies;" We need to remind ourselves of this consistently. We need the power of God. We need to understand and walk in His presence. THAT is the only source of strength and victory. Yes, it's a Sunday School answer, but why don't we walk this in reality?
We need to daily acknowledge Psalm 44:6 "I do not trust my weapons. They could never save me." We need to live lives of desperate dependence. If we were to rest only on His strength, we would be quick to respond to his leading and experience victory as never before.
The presence of God is a valuable commodity. 2 Corinthians 4:7 says, "But his precious treasure - this light and power that now shine within us - is held in a perishable container, that is, in our weak bodies. Everyone can see that the glorious power within must be from God and is not our own."
Yes, "I'm not good enough." That's the point. The point is that the Almighty God, Creator of the universe, wants to complete his plan and his purpose in someone as simple and as frail as me. He's just waiting for me to "get over myself" and the insecurities, and move in His power and not my own.
Spend the day trusting in his power to save you. Rest in his strength. See what waters part. See what walls fall down. See what enemies scatter.
We've got the POWER of the Spirit!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
2 Corinthians 4:1-12
Psalm 44:1-7
Proverbs 22:10-12
Think of that "impossible" thing God has put on your heart. Why haven't you moved ahead? It's probably some of the same reasons many of us are held back: "I'm not good enough", "There's no way I could do that", "The resources aren't there to accomplish this".... the list can go on.
What is it that keeps us from moving ahead in bold obedience? What keeps us from experiencing supernatural victories on a regular basis? I think that many times it's because we don't live in true acknowledgment of where the victory comes from. Of course, we know it as a Sunday School answer (our help comes from the Lord, etc), but knowing it in our heads and putting it into everyday life can be two different things.
Our responses (excuses) reveal something about our belief process. If our response to the impossible is based on the nature of our own qualities, we must believe deep down that victory comes from us. We must think that what God wants to accomplish is because of our skill, value, etc. We must think that it's about who WE are instead of being about who God is. If we truly believed in the truth of where victory was, we would be more faithful in stepping out in faith and obedience.
Psalm 44:1 says, "O God, we have heard of the glorious miracles you did in the days of long ago." Have you been there? Have you heard awesome testimonies, or seen what God has done or is doing and wanted so bad to be a part of that?
verse 3 says of the forefathers, "They did not conquer by their own strength and skill, but by your mighty power and because you smiled upon them and favored them." verse 5: "For it is only by your power and through your name that we tread down our enemies;" We need to remind ourselves of this consistently. We need the power of God. We need to understand and walk in His presence. THAT is the only source of strength and victory. Yes, it's a Sunday School answer, but why don't we walk this in reality?
We need to daily acknowledge Psalm 44:6 "I do not trust my weapons. They could never save me." We need to live lives of desperate dependence. If we were to rest only on His strength, we would be quick to respond to his leading and experience victory as never before.
The presence of God is a valuable commodity. 2 Corinthians 4:7 says, "But his precious treasure - this light and power that now shine within us - is held in a perishable container, that is, in our weak bodies. Everyone can see that the glorious power within must be from God and is not our own."
Yes, "I'm not good enough." That's the point. The point is that the Almighty God, Creator of the universe, wants to complete his plan and his purpose in someone as simple and as frail as me. He's just waiting for me to "get over myself" and the insecurities, and move in His power and not my own.
Spend the day trusting in his power to save you. Rest in his strength. See what waters part. See what walls fall down. See what enemies scatter.
We've got the POWER of the Spirit!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
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