Showing posts with label Work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Work. Show all posts
Monday, October 17, 2011
10.17.11 "The DREAM Job"
"The DREAM Job"
Jeremiah 30:1-31:26
I Timothy 2:1-15
Psalm 87:1-7
Proverbs 25:18-19
As we put focused attention on living the DREAM, much of our scriptural application has been about what God is doing in our lives. It is very important that we do our part to grow in maturity, but it's not just an internal thing. It should be making a difference in every area of our life. Maturity is measured in how we treat other people.
I Timothy 2:1-3 says, "Here are my directions: Pray much for others; plead for God's mercy upon them; give thanks for all he is going to do for them. Pray in this way for kings and all others who are in authority over us, or are in places of high responsibility, so that we can live in peace and quietness, spending our time in godly living and thinking much about the Lord. This is good and pleases God our Savior, for he longs for all to be saved and to understand this truth".
We really need to be praying for those around us. Especially for those in authority over us. The "norm" in our society is that we complain about our boss, our working conditions, and others we work with. We tend to dwell on things that cause us to be irritated with personalities or practices that are different than the way WE think they should be.
Think about what prayer does. The obvious thing is that God answers prayer. As you pray for someone in authority over you or in a place of high responsibility, God moves. There are times when the answer is immediate and obvious, but there are other times it's more subtle, but in God's will and timing, it's answered.
But also think about what prayer does IN you. When you have those people who "fertilize" your "Fruit of the Spirit", and you begin to pray for them, you begin to see them as God does. Praying for one another puts us in a posture of humility. Like Paul says, we must "give thanks for all he is going to do for them." This helps us get our minds off our selfishness and off our opinions, and onto what God is trying to complete in those around us.
If you are Living the DREAM, you should be different than those around you. You should not be around the water cooler complaining and talking about others, you should be setting the temperature of encouragement. Today's proverbs puts it pretty clear: "Telling lies about someone is as harmful as hitting him with an axe, or wounding him with a sword, or shooting him with a sharp arrow." Prov. 25:18. It is WAY too often that Christians justify doing this type of behavior. We cannot take part in this activity. Sometimes I fear we think we can get away with it if we phrase it in a form of a prayer request. "Please pray with me for a co-worker who is an idiot." The arrow is shot.
We must understand that if we act improperly toward those we work for and those in authority over us, it undermines our integrity. WE become the weak link. That is NOT living the DREAM. Prov. 25:19 says, "Putting confidence in an unreliable man is like chewing with a sore tooth, or trying to run on a broken foot."
How does your authority view you? Can you be trusted? Do they know that you have their back? That you are guarding them? Or do they feel like they are running on a broken foot? We do a disservice to the Kingdom when a Christian is "high maintenance" in the work place. We need to be people of honor, integrity, and faithfulness. Whining is not a fruit of the Spirit, nor is it a principle of DREAM. Do you have trouble with someone? Stop whining and start praying. God will show you the path to reconciliation.
In 1 Timothy 2:5 the "truth" that God wants every one to understand is this: "That God is on one side and all the people on the other side, and Christ Jesus, himself man, is between them to bring them together, by giving his life for all mankind." Each one of us are part of this. We need to be pointing to Christ not creating an obstacle by being unreliable. This is our Mission. Reaching our World for Christ. You can't just turn it off. That's why you're doing what you're doing.
That's why you've got your DREAM job!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Monday, April 25, 2011
4.25.11 "It Might Get a Little Messy"
"It Might Get a Little Messy"
Judges 4:1-5:31
Luke 22:35-53
Psalm 94:1-23
Proverbs 14:3-4
Some people have a reputation for neatness. Me? not so much... A friend of mine, whom I choose not to implicate, has similar "organizational" skills to me. We've talked about collaborating to write a book on organizational systems. The premise is "none of it works". We've tried various types of organizers, daily planners, scented candles.... ok, not that far, but for some reason, no matter what, the desk gets messy. I've actually now brought in reinforcements, and am only able to keep neat with outside help.
With all of that in mind, I have a new favorite verse:
"An empty stable stays clean - but there is no income from an empty stable." (Prov. 14:4 TLB)
Of course, I'm joking about this being a verse to justify my mess, but I do feel there is a great truth in this short passage.
The NLT says, "Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest." Excuse the metaphor, but it is saying in essence, "if you want a harvest, you also need a shovel."
I often allude to the danger of this place called "Comfort Zone". It's lure can subtly paralyze the believer from living up to the potential that God has for them. It would be so great if life could be "neat & clean" all the time. It would be great if there were no unexpected turns, and no giants in the path... No "irritating" people. Imagine the thrill that would be...
I believe this verse shows a principle of "Active Ministry Involvement". When we take the risk to use the time, talent, and resources God has given us for his glory, we have to understand that sometimes there's residue on the stable floor. Serving God takes work. We have to make sure, however that the fact that there might be some mess, and maybe even a little smell, we can't think "this must not be God's will... this is supposed to be easy!" We have to constantly remind ourselves that we are doing what God has called us to do. Our faithfulness and responsibility shouldn't falter because of circumstances.
This verse also applies to "Relationships Devoted to Unity". As we mature in Christ and are in the process of discipling one another as well as being discipled, there will be times that interpersonal conflict arises. This can be with friends, leaders, and those you lead. We must understand that this is a necessary part of the process of harvest. The situations in life bring our character issues to the surface so they can be dealt with. That happens for others, too. We need to help one another through that.
Sometimes the conflict comes from "getting in trouble". Psalm 94:12 says, "Joyful are those you discipline, Lord, those you teach with your instructions." We need to always remember that discipline brings us into alignment. This is all a part of the great harvest to come!
Don't focus on the mess on the stable floor. Look to the fields at what God is doing through your labors. It can be tough to see when all you've got is rubber boots and a shovel, but know that God is completing his work in you and through you in ALL things.
Don't fear the smell! Live the DREAM!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Judges 4:1-5:31
Luke 22:35-53
Psalm 94:1-23
Proverbs 14:3-4
Some people have a reputation for neatness. Me? not so much... A friend of mine, whom I choose not to implicate, has similar "organizational" skills to me. We've talked about collaborating to write a book on organizational systems. The premise is "none of it works". We've tried various types of organizers, daily planners, scented candles.... ok, not that far, but for some reason, no matter what, the desk gets messy. I've actually now brought in reinforcements, and am only able to keep neat with outside help.
With all of that in mind, I have a new favorite verse:
"An empty stable stays clean - but there is no income from an empty stable." (Prov. 14:4 TLB)
Of course, I'm joking about this being a verse to justify my mess, but I do feel there is a great truth in this short passage.
The NLT says, "Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest." Excuse the metaphor, but it is saying in essence, "if you want a harvest, you also need a shovel."
I often allude to the danger of this place called "Comfort Zone". It's lure can subtly paralyze the believer from living up to the potential that God has for them. It would be so great if life could be "neat & clean" all the time. It would be great if there were no unexpected turns, and no giants in the path... No "irritating" people. Imagine the thrill that would be...
I believe this verse shows a principle of "Active Ministry Involvement". When we take the risk to use the time, talent, and resources God has given us for his glory, we have to understand that sometimes there's residue on the stable floor. Serving God takes work. We have to make sure, however that the fact that there might be some mess, and maybe even a little smell, we can't think "this must not be God's will... this is supposed to be easy!" We have to constantly remind ourselves that we are doing what God has called us to do. Our faithfulness and responsibility shouldn't falter because of circumstances.
This verse also applies to "Relationships Devoted to Unity". As we mature in Christ and are in the process of discipling one another as well as being discipled, there will be times that interpersonal conflict arises. This can be with friends, leaders, and those you lead. We must understand that this is a necessary part of the process of harvest. The situations in life bring our character issues to the surface so they can be dealt with. That happens for others, too. We need to help one another through that.
Sometimes the conflict comes from "getting in trouble". Psalm 94:12 says, "Joyful are those you discipline, Lord, those you teach with your instructions." We need to always remember that discipline brings us into alignment. This is all a part of the great harvest to come!
Don't focus on the mess on the stable floor. Look to the fields at what God is doing through your labors. It can be tough to see when all you've got is rubber boots and a shovel, but know that God is completing his work in you and through you in ALL things.
Don't fear the smell! Live the DREAM!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Monday, November 29, 2010
11.29.10 "The Godly Life"
"The Godly Life"
Daniel 6:1-28
2 Peter 3:1-18
Psalm 119:132-155
Proverbs 28:21-22
Reading through the Bible is such a powerful process of getting to know who God is. The pages of scriptures each reveal a different element of his character; a different angle of what he desires; a picture of his heart. I'm finding as I read through some of the bible stories that I can remember hearing from being a little boy, there are such tremendous nuggets of truth that are new for today.
Today's reading is the story of Daniel in the lions' den. I'm sure we could all tell the story. In reading the Word, we could also very easily skip over it as if it were a "re-run" on TV Land. "Oh, I've seen this one... there's nothing new here..."
Take a look at the Godly life of Daniel. Daniel is working for his 3rd king, King Darius. I find it interesting that Daniel remains in a position of honor for 3 administrations. I don't know about the politics of Babylon, but to me that says something about his character. King Darius made him one of 3 presidents who were in charge of 120 governors.
"Daniel soon proved himself more capable than all the other presidents and governors, for he had great ability, and the king began to think of placing him over the entire empire as his administrative officer." Dan. 6:3
This should be our goal. No, not to rule over the empire, but that we do our job to the absolute best of our ability. Not that we are "better" than other people, but we should be working hard to live up to our full potential and to be people of integrity and honor. This brings such incredible honor to God. This path isn't easy however.
"This made the other presidents and governors very jealous, and they began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling his affairs so that they could complain to the king about him. But they couldn't find anything to criticize! He was faithful and honest, and made no mistakes." Dan. 6:4
What an incredible testimony. What if everyone at your workplace decided they were going to watch your life looking for a chance to complain about you? What kind of ammunition does your life give them? Are they able to complain about the way you talk about your superiors, the way you take too long of a lunch break, or how you waste time?
A Godly life brings glory to God. Wouldn't it be great if those around us would have to say, "Our only chance is his religion!" (Dan. 6:5) Oh that my greatest fault was my love for God.
We know the story, the other leaders plot against Daniel, make a law about praying, he prays, and he's in the lions den. Listen to what King Darius says of Daniel's "Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship" when he is thrown into the den: "The king said to him, 'May your God, whom you worship continually, deliver you.'" (Dan. 6:16) The next day King Darius rushes to the den and says, "O Daniel, servant of the Living God, was your God, whom you worship continually, able to deliver you from the lions?" (Dan. 6:20) That should be our trademark. We should be known as people who "Worship Continually". It's not enough for them to say, "hey, don't you go to that church?"
We need to live lives of complete devotion and worship of God. This points others to God in an incredible way. King Darius' decree to his entire empire at the end of the chapter is: "Greetings! I decree that everyone shall tremble and fear before the God of Daniel in every part of my kingdom. For his God is the living, unchanging God whose kingdom shall never be destroyed and whose power shall never end. He delivers his people, preserving them from harm; he does great miracles in heaven and earth; it is he who delivered Daniel from the power of the lions."
In 2 Peter 3, Peter is talking about the coming of the Lord. He says in verse 11, "And so since everything around us is going to melt away, what holy, godly lives we should be living!" Verse 14 &15 say, "Dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen and for him to come, try hard to live without sinning, and be at peace with everyone so that he will be pleased with you when he returns. And remember why he is waiting. He is giving us time to get his message of salvation out to others."
It is so important that our lives point to God. The integrity of our lifestyle preaches far more than words. We don't work hard to make it "look like" we love God, we Love God! The fruit of that is our integrity and hard work. This is the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship.
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
Daniel 6:1-28
2 Peter 3:1-18
Psalm 119:132-155
Proverbs 28:21-22
Reading through the Bible is such a powerful process of getting to know who God is. The pages of scriptures each reveal a different element of his character; a different angle of what he desires; a picture of his heart. I'm finding as I read through some of the bible stories that I can remember hearing from being a little boy, there are such tremendous nuggets of truth that are new for today.
Today's reading is the story of Daniel in the lions' den. I'm sure we could all tell the story. In reading the Word, we could also very easily skip over it as if it were a "re-run" on TV Land. "Oh, I've seen this one... there's nothing new here..."
Take a look at the Godly life of Daniel. Daniel is working for his 3rd king, King Darius. I find it interesting that Daniel remains in a position of honor for 3 administrations. I don't know about the politics of Babylon, but to me that says something about his character. King Darius made him one of 3 presidents who were in charge of 120 governors.
"Daniel soon proved himself more capable than all the other presidents and governors, for he had great ability, and the king began to think of placing him over the entire empire as his administrative officer." Dan. 6:3
This should be our goal. No, not to rule over the empire, but that we do our job to the absolute best of our ability. Not that we are "better" than other people, but we should be working hard to live up to our full potential and to be people of integrity and honor. This brings such incredible honor to God. This path isn't easy however.
"This made the other presidents and governors very jealous, and they began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling his affairs so that they could complain to the king about him. But they couldn't find anything to criticize! He was faithful and honest, and made no mistakes." Dan. 6:4
What an incredible testimony. What if everyone at your workplace decided they were going to watch your life looking for a chance to complain about you? What kind of ammunition does your life give them? Are they able to complain about the way you talk about your superiors, the way you take too long of a lunch break, or how you waste time?
A Godly life brings glory to God. Wouldn't it be great if those around us would have to say, "Our only chance is his religion!" (Dan. 6:5) Oh that my greatest fault was my love for God.
We know the story, the other leaders plot against Daniel, make a law about praying, he prays, and he's in the lions den. Listen to what King Darius says of Daniel's "Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship" when he is thrown into the den: "The king said to him, 'May your God, whom you worship continually, deliver you.'" (Dan. 6:16) The next day King Darius rushes to the den and says, "O Daniel, servant of the Living God, was your God, whom you worship continually, able to deliver you from the lions?" (Dan. 6:20) That should be our trademark. We should be known as people who "Worship Continually". It's not enough for them to say, "hey, don't you go to that church?"
We need to live lives of complete devotion and worship of God. This points others to God in an incredible way. King Darius' decree to his entire empire at the end of the chapter is: "Greetings! I decree that everyone shall tremble and fear before the God of Daniel in every part of my kingdom. For his God is the living, unchanging God whose kingdom shall never be destroyed and whose power shall never end. He delivers his people, preserving them from harm; he does great miracles in heaven and earth; it is he who delivered Daniel from the power of the lions."
In 2 Peter 3, Peter is talking about the coming of the Lord. He says in verse 11, "And so since everything around us is going to melt away, what holy, godly lives we should be living!" Verse 14 &15 say, "Dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen and for him to come, try hard to live without sinning, and be at peace with everyone so that he will be pleased with you when he returns. And remember why he is waiting. He is giving us time to get his message of salvation out to others."
It is so important that our lives point to God. The integrity of our lifestyle preaches far more than words. We don't work hard to make it "look like" we love God, we Love God! The fruit of that is our integrity and hard work. This is the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Friday, October 15, 2010
10.15.10 "Get to Work!"
"Get to Work!"
Jeremiah 26:1-27:22
2 Thessalonians 3:1-18
Psalm 85:1-13
Proverbs 25:16
"Now here is a command, dear brothers, given in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ by his authority:..."
Got your ears perked up? This must be big. Paul has been talking about the coming of Christ in 2 Thes, and now he makes this statement in 2 Thes. 3:6. It must be important. What could it be?
Here it is: "Stay away from any Christian who spends his days in laziness and does not follow the ideal of hard work we set up for you." What do you think of that? Sounds harsh doesn't it?
As we spend time studying scripture, we begin to discover in a new light, the things that are really important to God. When you look at this verse, what DREAM principle applies? Is it a lesson on "Relationships devoted to Unity"? Not this verse. A few verses later that comes in.
This scripture shows the importance God places on Active Ministry Involvement. As we've discussed before, the principle of AMI is Responsibility. As with the other principles, this is not just a good idea. It's a necessary element in the way God created us. It's something we must activate in our lives to grow in our Christian walk... To Live the DREAM.
It may be easy for some to think, "Well, I'm in the choir. I'm living the 'A' of DREAM." or "I got that covered, I'm an usher..." We have to come to terms with the fact that it's not just about being a part of a group. It's about applying the principle of Responsibility to every area of life.
An individual who is not properly Empowered Through Biblical Training can read this verse and take it upon themselves to go around and judge how hard each one is working, and then form division in the church based on those judgments, destroying unity. This isn't the point. In verse 15 it says, "Don't think of him as an enemy, but speak to him as you would to a brother who needs to be warned." This is where "Relationships Devoted to Unity" kicks in: You show you care about me enough to talk to me when you feel I am not being responsible with the resources God has given me.
What Paul is showing by saying "stay away" from the lazy ones is that it is really easy to get lured into their mindset. Verse 11 says, "Yet we hear that some of you are living in laziness, refusing to work, and wasting your time in gossiping." A gossip needs someone to talk to. It's very easy to get drawn into that trap. There's a lure to it that is dangerous. The same is true with laziness. Individuals who are not being good stewards of their resources often will say, "Why work so hard? Come on over Sunday night. Let's watch TV..." It has the appearance of a comfortable lifestyle, but comfort is not a scriptural principle. Responsibility is.
Let's encourage one another to "quiet down, get to work" (I Thess. 3:12) and also to "never be tired of doing right." (3:13) Make sure you are being Responsible with what God has given you.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Jeremiah 26:1-27:22
2 Thessalonians 3:1-18
Psalm 85:1-13
Proverbs 25:16
"Now here is a command, dear brothers, given in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ by his authority:..."
Got your ears perked up? This must be big. Paul has been talking about the coming of Christ in 2 Thes, and now he makes this statement in 2 Thes. 3:6. It must be important. What could it be?
Here it is: "Stay away from any Christian who spends his days in laziness and does not follow the ideal of hard work we set up for you." What do you think of that? Sounds harsh doesn't it?
As we spend time studying scripture, we begin to discover in a new light, the things that are really important to God. When you look at this verse, what DREAM principle applies? Is it a lesson on "Relationships devoted to Unity"? Not this verse. A few verses later that comes in.
This scripture shows the importance God places on Active Ministry Involvement. As we've discussed before, the principle of AMI is Responsibility. As with the other principles, this is not just a good idea. It's a necessary element in the way God created us. It's something we must activate in our lives to grow in our Christian walk... To Live the DREAM.
It may be easy for some to think, "Well, I'm in the choir. I'm living the 'A' of DREAM." or "I got that covered, I'm an usher..." We have to come to terms with the fact that it's not just about being a part of a group. It's about applying the principle of Responsibility to every area of life.
An individual who is not properly Empowered Through Biblical Training can read this verse and take it upon themselves to go around and judge how hard each one is working, and then form division in the church based on those judgments, destroying unity. This isn't the point. In verse 15 it says, "Don't think of him as an enemy, but speak to him as you would to a brother who needs to be warned." This is where "Relationships Devoted to Unity" kicks in: You show you care about me enough to talk to me when you feel I am not being responsible with the resources God has given me.
What Paul is showing by saying "stay away" from the lazy ones is that it is really easy to get lured into their mindset. Verse 11 says, "Yet we hear that some of you are living in laziness, refusing to work, and wasting your time in gossiping." A gossip needs someone to talk to. It's very easy to get drawn into that trap. There's a lure to it that is dangerous. The same is true with laziness. Individuals who are not being good stewards of their resources often will say, "Why work so hard? Come on over Sunday night. Let's watch TV..." It has the appearance of a comfortable lifestyle, but comfort is not a scriptural principle. Responsibility is.
Let's encourage one another to "quiet down, get to work" (I Thess. 3:12) and also to "never be tired of doing right." (3:13) Make sure you are being Responsible with what God has given you.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
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, November 29, 2009
11.29.9 "The Godly Life"
"The Godly Life"
Daniel 6:1-28
2 Peter 3:1-18
Psalm 119:132-155
Proverbs 28:21-22
Reading through the Bible is such a powerful process of getting to know who God is. The pages of scriptures each reveal a different element of his character; a different angle of what he desires; a picture of his heart. I'm finding as I read through some of the bible stories that I can remember hearing from being a little boy, there are such tremendous nuggets of truth that are new for today.
Today's reading is the story of Daniel in the lions' den. I'm sure we could all tell the story. In reading the Word, we could also very easily skip over it as if it were a "re-run" on TV Land. "Oh, I've seen this one... there's nothing new here..."
Take a look at the Godly life of Daniel. Daniel is working for his 3rd king, King Darius. I find it interesting that Daniel remains in a position of honor for 3 administrations. I don't know about the politics of Babylon, but to me that says something about his character. King Darius made him one of 3 presidents who were in charge of 120 governors.
"Daniel soon proved himself more capable than all the other presidents and governors, for he had great ability, and the king began to think of placing him over the entire empire as his administrative officer." Dan. 6:3
This should be our goal. No, not to rule over the empire, but that we do our job to the absolute best of our ability. Not that we are "better" than other people, but we should be working hard to live up to our full potential and to be people of integrity and honor. This brings such incredible honor to God. This path isn't easy however.
"This made the other presidents and governors very jealous, and they began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling his affairs so that they could complain to the king about him. But they couldn't find anything to criticize! He was faithful and honest, and made no mistakes." Dan. 6:4
What an incredible testimony. What if everyone at your workplace decided they were going to watch your life looking for a chance to complain about you? What kind of ammunition does your life give them? Are they able to complain about the way you talk about your superiors, the way you take too long of a lunch break, or how you waste time?
A Godly life brings glory to God. Wouldn't it be great if those around us would have to say, "Our only chance is his religion!" (Dan. 6:5) Oh that my greatest fault was my love for God.
We know the story, the other leaders plot against Daniel, make a law about praying, he prays, and he's in the lions den. Listen to what King Darius says of Daniel's "Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship" when he is thrown into the den: "The king said to him, 'May your God, whom you worship continually, deliver you.'" (Dan. 6:16) The next day King Darius rushes to the den and says, "O Daniel, servant of the Living God, was your God, whom you worship continually, able to deliver you from the lions?" (Dan. 6:20) That should be our trademark. We should be known as people who "Worship Continually". It's not enough for them to say, "hey, don't you go to that church?"
We need to live lives of complete devotion and worship of God. This points others to God in an incredible way. King Darius' decree to his entire empire at the end of the chapter is: "Greetings! I decree that everyone shall tremble and fear before the God of Daniel in every part of my kingdom. For his God is the living, unchanging God whose kingdom shall never be destroyed and whose power shall never end. He delivers his people, preserving them from harm; he does great miracles in heaven and earth; it is he who delivered Daniel from the power of the lions."
In 2 Peter 3, Peter is talking about the coming of the Lord. He says in verse 11, "And so since everything around us is going to melt away, what holy, godly lives we should be living!" Verse 14 &15 say, "Dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen and for him to come, try hard to live without sinning, and be at peace with everyone so that he will be pleased with you when he returns. And remember why he is waiting. He is giving us time to get his message of salvation out to others."
It is so important that our lives point to God. The integrity of our lifestyle preaches far more than words. We don't work hard to make it "look like" we love God, we Love God! The fruit of that is our integrity and hard work. This is the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship.
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
Daniel 6:1-28
2 Peter 3:1-18
Psalm 119:132-155
Proverbs 28:21-22
Reading through the Bible is such a powerful process of getting to know who God is. The pages of scriptures each reveal a different element of his character; a different angle of what he desires; a picture of his heart. I'm finding as I read through some of the bible stories that I can remember hearing from being a little boy, there are such tremendous nuggets of truth that are new for today.
Today's reading is the story of Daniel in the lions' den. I'm sure we could all tell the story. In reading the Word, we could also very easily skip over it as if it were a "re-run" on TV Land. "Oh, I've seen this one... there's nothing new here..."
Take a look at the Godly life of Daniel. Daniel is working for his 3rd king, King Darius. I find it interesting that Daniel remains in a position of honor for 3 administrations. I don't know about the politics of Babylon, but to me that says something about his character. King Darius made him one of 3 presidents who were in charge of 120 governors.
"Daniel soon proved himself more capable than all the other presidents and governors, for he had great ability, and the king began to think of placing him over the entire empire as his administrative officer." Dan. 6:3
This should be our goal. No, not to rule over the empire, but that we do our job to the absolute best of our ability. Not that we are "better" than other people, but we should be working hard to live up to our full potential and to be people of integrity and honor. This brings such incredible honor to God. This path isn't easy however.
"This made the other presidents and governors very jealous, and they began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling his affairs so that they could complain to the king about him. But they couldn't find anything to criticize! He was faithful and honest, and made no mistakes." Dan. 6:4
What an incredible testimony. What if everyone at your workplace decided they were going to watch your life looking for a chance to complain about you? What kind of ammunition does your life give them? Are they able to complain about the way you talk about your superiors, the way you take too long of a lunch break, or how you waste time?
A Godly life brings glory to God. Wouldn't it be great if those around us would have to say, "Our only chance is his religion!" (Dan. 6:5) Oh that my greatest fault was my love for God.
We know the story, the other leaders plot against Daniel, make a law about praying, he prays, and he's in the lions den. Listen to what King Darius says of Daniel's "Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship" when he is thrown into the den: "The king said to him, 'May your God, whom you worship continually, deliver you.'" (Dan. 6:16) The next day King Darius rushes to the den and says, "O Daniel, servant of the Living God, was your God, whom you worship continually, able to deliver you from the lions?" (Dan. 6:20) That should be our trademark. We should be known as people who "Worship Continually". It's not enough for them to say, "hey, don't you go to that church?"
We need to live lives of complete devotion and worship of God. This points others to God in an incredible way. King Darius' decree to his entire empire at the end of the chapter is: "Greetings! I decree that everyone shall tremble and fear before the God of Daniel in every part of my kingdom. For his God is the living, unchanging God whose kingdom shall never be destroyed and whose power shall never end. He delivers his people, preserving them from harm; he does great miracles in heaven and earth; it is he who delivered Daniel from the power of the lions."
In 2 Peter 3, Peter is talking about the coming of the Lord. He says in verse 11, "And so since everything around us is going to melt away, what holy, godly lives we should be living!" Verse 14 &15 say, "Dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen and for him to come, try hard to live without sinning, and be at peace with everyone so that he will be pleased with you when he returns. And remember why he is waiting. He is giving us time to get his message of salvation out to others."
It is so important that our lives point to God. The integrity of our lifestyle preaches far more than words. We don't work hard to make it "look like" we love God, we Love God! The fruit of that is our integrity and hard work. This is the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Friday, October 23, 2009
10.23.9 "A Soldier, an Athlete and a Farmer"
"A Soldier, an Athlete and a Farmer"
Jeremiah 42:1-44:23
2 Timothy 2:1-21
Psalm 92:1-93:5
Proverbs 26:3-5
"Take your share of suffering as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, just as I do, and as Christ's soldier do not let yourself become tied up in worldly affairs, for then you cannot satisfy the one who has enlisted you in his army. Follow the Lord's rules for doing his work, just as an athlete either follows the rules or is disqualified and wins no prize. Work hard, like a farmer who gets paid well if he raises a large crop. Think over these three illustrations, and may the Lord help you to understand how they apply to you." 2 Timothy 2:3-7
Let's do what it says in verse 7 today: "Think over these three illustrations and may the Lord help you to understand how they apply to you."
1. A soldier: When I think of a soldier, I think of how trained he is. Knowing the value of his future, he has committed himself to the training that will help him survive. He will obey every order from his commanding officer. He is completely devoted to the men in his unit. They would never let a fellow soldier stand alone. The mission is always in mind. He has been trained so that suffering will not throw him off course. He will endure to the end. He will give his life.
How does that apply to the Christian life? I must obey the Lord. I must intensely follow the training set out by my spiritual leaders knowing they have my well-being in mind. I must devote myself to fellow believers. I must help them so they don't stand alone. I must endure suffering to the very end.
2. An Athlete: When I think of an athlete I first think of the discipline necessary for them to be successful. The greatest opponent they have ever faced is the one within. As Paul says, they must follow the rules lest they be disqualified. I think of how there is a goal: winning the prize.
As a Christian I must constantly keep focused on keeping my body under subjection. I cannot win battles on the outside unless I win them on the inside first. I need to understand that there are rules of competition in the Word of God. I must be faithful to all he commands keeping the goal in mind: winning the prize the Lord has laid out for me.
3. A Farmer: When I think of a farmer I think of HARD WORK! I think of how there are no "days off". A farmer rises early each day to take care of stock and crops. He must faithfully attend to every situation at hand, thinking ahead to potential threats on his livestock, and on his crops. He builds fences to protect that which he's been entrusted. I think of the amount of time it takes to bring forth a harvest. I think of the harvest and how all hands are on deck to bring it in.
As a Christian, I must build fences against anything that would threaten what is entrusted to my care. There is no "day off" to being a believer. It must be a part of who I am. Each morning i must wake up with the mindset that the harvest is coming. I must give everything I have to bring the harvest in. I know that the harvest is coming!
As you live the DREAM today, remember as Paul instructs Timothy: the Soldier, the Athlete and the Farmer. Live the Christian life with this intensity.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Jeremiah 42:1-44:23
2 Timothy 2:1-21
Psalm 92:1-93:5
Proverbs 26:3-5
"Take your share of suffering as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, just as I do, and as Christ's soldier do not let yourself become tied up in worldly affairs, for then you cannot satisfy the one who has enlisted you in his army. Follow the Lord's rules for doing his work, just as an athlete either follows the rules or is disqualified and wins no prize. Work hard, like a farmer who gets paid well if he raises a large crop. Think over these three illustrations, and may the Lord help you to understand how they apply to you." 2 Timothy 2:3-7
Let's do what it says in verse 7 today: "Think over these three illustrations and may the Lord help you to understand how they apply to you."
1. A soldier: When I think of a soldier, I think of how trained he is. Knowing the value of his future, he has committed himself to the training that will help him survive. He will obey every order from his commanding officer. He is completely devoted to the men in his unit. They would never let a fellow soldier stand alone. The mission is always in mind. He has been trained so that suffering will not throw him off course. He will endure to the end. He will give his life.
How does that apply to the Christian life? I must obey the Lord. I must intensely follow the training set out by my spiritual leaders knowing they have my well-being in mind. I must devote myself to fellow believers. I must help them so they don't stand alone. I must endure suffering to the very end.
2. An Athlete: When I think of an athlete I first think of the discipline necessary for them to be successful. The greatest opponent they have ever faced is the one within. As Paul says, they must follow the rules lest they be disqualified. I think of how there is a goal: winning the prize.
As a Christian I must constantly keep focused on keeping my body under subjection. I cannot win battles on the outside unless I win them on the inside first. I need to understand that there are rules of competition in the Word of God. I must be faithful to all he commands keeping the goal in mind: winning the prize the Lord has laid out for me.
3. A Farmer: When I think of a farmer I think of HARD WORK! I think of how there are no "days off". A farmer rises early each day to take care of stock and crops. He must faithfully attend to every situation at hand, thinking ahead to potential threats on his livestock, and on his crops. He builds fences to protect that which he's been entrusted. I think of the amount of time it takes to bring forth a harvest. I think of the harvest and how all hands are on deck to bring it in.
As a Christian, I must build fences against anything that would threaten what is entrusted to my care. There is no "day off" to being a believer. It must be a part of who I am. Each morning i must wake up with the mindset that the harvest is coming. I must give everything I have to bring the harvest in. I know that the harvest is coming!
As you live the DREAM today, remember as Paul instructs Timothy: the Soldier, the Athlete and the Farmer. Live the Christian life with this intensity.
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, October 8, 2009
10.8.9 "Life is a Paid Gig"
"Life is a Paid Gig"
Jeremiah 10:1-11:23
Colossians 3:18-4:18
Psalm 78:59-72
Proverbs 24:28-29
The music majors in college had quite a variety of goals. Some wanted to go into recording, some into teaching, and some into performing. Some wanted to go into teaching because they loved it, and others, because of all the options, teaching was the safest choice. It was the safest choice because it was a pretty secure "paid gig". I remember some friends getting their first paid gig. They would play in an orchestra, or with a band and actually get a check. It was pretty cool.
We often have a different mindset when we're involved in something that we're paid to do versus something that we've just "volunteered" for. If there's cash involved, you can be sure we'll be on time. You can be sure that the work will be done. But hey, if I'm just volunteering, I'm doing you such a favor, that it's a bonus if I show up at all... right?
This type of "volunteer mentality" has no place in the Christian walk. If you view yourself as a volunteer, you develop an unhealthy mindset. You don't have to show up for commitments, because you're "just a volunteer". You don't go the extra mile. You act as if you're doing the organization a favor.
Paul addresses this pretty directly. "Work hard and cheerfully at all you do, just as though you were working for the Lord and not merely for your masters, remembering that it is the Lord Christ who is going to pay you, giving you your full portion of all he owns. He is the one you are really working for. And if you don't do your best for him, he will pay you in a way that you won't like - for he has no special favorites who can get away with shirking." Col. 3:23-25
We are created for Active Ministry Involvement. We have a Responsibility to use our gifts to serve others. When we develop the understanding that this is not optional, we put intensity into what we're doing. There is something incredible about the way the Lord takes our efforts and places his blessings upon them. There is fruit. We have to understand that this is an unchanging principle. We ARE being paid. One way or another. Remember the parable of the talents. We will be rewarded, or chastised for what we've done with what we've been given.
So much of our culture is based on the paycheck: getting the raise... payday, etc. We forget how temporary that is. It will not last. The reward of the Lord, however is eternal. He's watching! Work with all your might. There are no circumstances or relational issues that excuse you from this principle. Too many times people get "offended" into doing a bad job. If a church leader or someone at work says something that we take personally or take offense at, we "take our toys and go home." How do think the Lord looks at that? He's watching. And accounting.
The Responsibility of Active Ministry Involvement is universal. It applies in all circumstances no matter how difficult or easy. This is the "A" DREAM. We can't grow in maturity without getting this. To live with a volunteer mentality is like putting a glass ceiling on the maturing process in your life.
Work as if this is a paid gig... because it is!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Jeremiah 10:1-11:23
Colossians 3:18-4:18
Psalm 78:59-72
Proverbs 24:28-29
The music majors in college had quite a variety of goals. Some wanted to go into recording, some into teaching, and some into performing. Some wanted to go into teaching because they loved it, and others, because of all the options, teaching was the safest choice. It was the safest choice because it was a pretty secure "paid gig". I remember some friends getting their first paid gig. They would play in an orchestra, or with a band and actually get a check. It was pretty cool.
We often have a different mindset when we're involved in something that we're paid to do versus something that we've just "volunteered" for. If there's cash involved, you can be sure we'll be on time. You can be sure that the work will be done. But hey, if I'm just volunteering, I'm doing you such a favor, that it's a bonus if I show up at all... right?
This type of "volunteer mentality" has no place in the Christian walk. If you view yourself as a volunteer, you develop an unhealthy mindset. You don't have to show up for commitments, because you're "just a volunteer". You don't go the extra mile. You act as if you're doing the organization a favor.
Paul addresses this pretty directly. "Work hard and cheerfully at all you do, just as though you were working for the Lord and not merely for your masters, remembering that it is the Lord Christ who is going to pay you, giving you your full portion of all he owns. He is the one you are really working for. And if you don't do your best for him, he will pay you in a way that you won't like - for he has no special favorites who can get away with shirking." Col. 3:23-25
We are created for Active Ministry Involvement. We have a Responsibility to use our gifts to serve others. When we develop the understanding that this is not optional, we put intensity into what we're doing. There is something incredible about the way the Lord takes our efforts and places his blessings upon them. There is fruit. We have to understand that this is an unchanging principle. We ARE being paid. One way or another. Remember the parable of the talents. We will be rewarded, or chastised for what we've done with what we've been given.
So much of our culture is based on the paycheck: getting the raise... payday, etc. We forget how temporary that is. It will not last. The reward of the Lord, however is eternal. He's watching! Work with all your might. There are no circumstances or relational issues that excuse you from this principle. Too many times people get "offended" into doing a bad job. If a church leader or someone at work says something that we take personally or take offense at, we "take our toys and go home." How do think the Lord looks at that? He's watching. And accounting.
The Responsibility of Active Ministry Involvement is universal. It applies in all circumstances no matter how difficult or easy. This is the "A" DREAM. We can't grow in maturity without getting this. To live with a volunteer mentality is like putting a glass ceiling on the maturing process in your life.
Work as if this is a paid gig... because it is!
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, April 4, 2009
4.4.9 "Distracted by Details"
"Distracted by Details"
Deuteronomy 26:1-27:26
Luke 10:38-11:13
Psalm 76:1-12
Proverbs 12:15-17
It is so easy to get so caught up in doing really good things that we forget what is truly important. Martha had invited Jesus into her home. "Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord's feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, 'Lord, doesn't it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.'
"But the Lord said to her, 'My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.'" (Luke 10:39-42)
Reading the story of Mary & Martha, one can take a couple different angles on it. What should Martha have done? Gone and sat at Jesus' feet? I don't know that that is the correct message from this passage. I believe it is more of an issue of her being "worried and upset". There's also the issue of "fairness" that she brings up. There's the thought, "Look how she just sits there while I do all this work..."
The work that Martha is doing is extremely important. Hospitality is a biblical principle. Were we to take the wrong interpretation from these verses, and base our theology on it, we'd all be inviting people over & not feeding them. We'd all just be sitting around. That's not sound doctrine.
What Jesus is saying is in essence, "Don't lose sight of why you are working. You invited me into your home. This is why you did that in the first place: to experience my presence. Don't let your hard work lose it's focus. The reason you're working hard is so someone can sit at my feet."
Right now we're in the middle of a very busy season preparing and presenting our Easter Musical outreach. There are hundreds of people involved with thousands of "man-hours" put into the presentation. Doing musicals is one of our greatest opportunities to engage people in ministry while reaching our community. Last night was a Friday night, and the stage was filled with activity with people getting the set ready for the presentation, some having put in an 18 hour day there yesterday. Incredible work!
Reading this scripture makes me think of the thousands who will attend the outreaches. They come and sit at Jesus' feet with no real understanding of the sacrifices that have been made by those who've been "working in the kitchen" to prepare this outreach.
But that's ok. Jesus said, "Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her."
Whatever it is at your hand that you are working on, do not lose sight of why you do what you do. Jesus said, "whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matt. 25:40) While the details may be important, don't ever forget WHY you are working.
In the course of everything you do, make sure you do take time to sit at Jesus' feet every day. You may have much work to do, but if you don't take that kind of time, you WILL lose your perspective.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Deuteronomy 26:1-27:26
Luke 10:38-11:13
Psalm 76:1-12
Proverbs 12:15-17
It is so easy to get so caught up in doing really good things that we forget what is truly important. Martha had invited Jesus into her home. "Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord's feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, 'Lord, doesn't it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.'
"But the Lord said to her, 'My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.'" (Luke 10:39-42)
Reading the story of Mary & Martha, one can take a couple different angles on it. What should Martha have done? Gone and sat at Jesus' feet? I don't know that that is the correct message from this passage. I believe it is more of an issue of her being "worried and upset". There's also the issue of "fairness" that she brings up. There's the thought, "Look how she just sits there while I do all this work..."
The work that Martha is doing is extremely important. Hospitality is a biblical principle. Were we to take the wrong interpretation from these verses, and base our theology on it, we'd all be inviting people over & not feeding them. We'd all just be sitting around. That's not sound doctrine.
What Jesus is saying is in essence, "Don't lose sight of why you are working. You invited me into your home. This is why you did that in the first place: to experience my presence. Don't let your hard work lose it's focus. The reason you're working hard is so someone can sit at my feet."
Right now we're in the middle of a very busy season preparing and presenting our Easter Musical outreach. There are hundreds of people involved with thousands of "man-hours" put into the presentation. Doing musicals is one of our greatest opportunities to engage people in ministry while reaching our community. Last night was a Friday night, and the stage was filled with activity with people getting the set ready for the presentation, some having put in an 18 hour day there yesterday. Incredible work!
Reading this scripture makes me think of the thousands who will attend the outreaches. They come and sit at Jesus' feet with no real understanding of the sacrifices that have been made by those who've been "working in the kitchen" to prepare this outreach.
But that's ok. Jesus said, "Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her."
Whatever it is at your hand that you are working on, do not lose sight of why you do what you do. Jesus said, "whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matt. 25:40) While the details may be important, don't ever forget WHY you are working.
In the course of everything you do, make sure you do take time to sit at Jesus' feet every day. You may have much work to do, but if you don't take that kind of time, you WILL lose your perspective.
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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