"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.
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!
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 hospitality. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hospitality. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
4.7.10 "Real Life and Real Living"
"Real Life and Real Living"
Deuteronomy 31:1-32:27
Luke 12:8-34
Psalm 78:32-55
Proverbs 12:21-23
"Beware! don't always be wishing for what you don't have. For real life and real living are not related to how rich we are." (Luke 12:15)
Finances, wealth and possessions can be a touchy subject. Whether or not we would like to admit it, it is one of the highest priorities in the life of an American. Consider advertising. Advertisers wouldn't be focusing on things that don't matter to people. They're targeting what they know people want. They focus on looks and possessions. Even Christian talk radio I like to listen to has many ads that say, "Make money from home... have what you've always wanted..."
Understand that money is not evil. Possessions are not bad things. But to Live the DREAM, we need to have a healthy picture and understanding of what our goal is. Our goal is to be good stewards of what we do have. This is what Active Ministry Involvement is all about. As I've explained before, It would be easy to look at the phrase "Active Ministry Involvement" and compartmentalize that into "church life". That's not what living the DREAM is all about. This should be a practical tool to apply to daily living.
So what is "Real Life and Real Living" in terms of Active Ministry Involvement?
Well let's look first at what it's not:
"A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. In fact, his barns were full to overflowing - he couldn't get everything in. He thought about his problem, and finally exclaimed, 'I know - i'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones! Then I'll have room enough. And I'll sit back and say to myself, 'Friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Wine, women, and song for you!' But God said to him, 'Fool! Tonight you die. Then who will get it all?'" (vs. 16-19)
How does this apply to our lives? We have to find balance in the stewardship of the resources God has given us. We must find the balance between wasting money foolishly and hoarding it for selfish gain. Establishing a retirement account is great. Establishing it for the purpose of getting rich and making it all about the possessions is not. At the same time, remember that Jesus told the parable of the prodigal son who squandered all his inheritance. That isn't God's plan either.
The principle of Active Ministry Involvement is "Responsibility". Take what you have and put it to work. Remember, we don't have money for the purpose of "getting" more, we have it for the purpose of "giving" more.
Blessing follows obedience. If you are obeying God, you WILL be successful. I know some of you probably cringed with that statement. It's important to know that it doesn't necessarily mean you will be "Rich". That is not the goal. The goal is to allow God to do as much as he can through all that you have.
We get so bent out of shape about financial things. We worry about having enough. "Then turning to his disciples he said, 'Don't worry about whether you have enough food to eat or clothes to wear. For life consists of far more than food and clothes. Look at the ravens - they don't plant or harvest or have barns to store away their food, and yet they get along all right - for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds!
"'And besides, what's the use of worrying? What good does it do? Will it add a single day to your life? Of course not! And if worry can't even do such little things as that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?'" (22-26)
It is hard to get a healthy perspective on all of this when when we are surrounded by a culture that is so contrary to this. The message we hear is "If you WANT it, you NEED it." I don't even remember what it's about, but there's a commercial out now that has this huge red line painted on the ground. It says something like, "There's a line we all eventually cross. It's where we move from what we want to what we have." That's the goal of our society. That's the goal of your flesh. It's the goal of my flesh.
That's why it's so important to die to the flesh and live spiritually minded. Jesus said, "Yes, every man is a fool who gets rich on earth but not in heaven." (vs.21)
God WANTS to bless his people! Jesus lays out the mindset we should have. "So don't be afraid, little flock, For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. Sell what you have and give to those in need. This will fatten your purses in heaven! And the purses of heaven have no rips or holes in them. Your treasures there will never disappear; no thief can steal them; no moth can destroy them." (vs.32-34)
Don't you love that line? The purses of heaven have no rips or holes in them! That's awesome! A tag line from a radio show says, "aren't your tired of having more month at the end of your money?" When we are struggling in the area of stewardship, it's like there's a hole in the purse. It runs out so fast!
Don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to teach a prosperity doctrine that is out of balance. What I AM saying is that God HAS A PLAN for the way we deal with ALL of our resources, NOT JUST MONEY. These principles apply to time, talent, and everything at our disposal. Do you have a house big enough for entertaining? Why aren't you hosting a home fellowship group? Do you have the gift of baking cookies? Why don't you make sure you welcome new people to your neighborhood with a fresh plate?
What is at your disposal? We all have an income of some sort, and we all have time and talent. What are we doing with it? Are we "squirreling" it away for selfish gain?
"Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be." (vs. 34)
God's Word is challenging us to put what he has given us to work for his glory.
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 31:1-32:27
Luke 12:8-34
Psalm 78:32-55
Proverbs 12:21-23
"Beware! don't always be wishing for what you don't have. For real life and real living are not related to how rich we are." (Luke 12:15)
Finances, wealth and possessions can be a touchy subject. Whether or not we would like to admit it, it is one of the highest priorities in the life of an American. Consider advertising. Advertisers wouldn't be focusing on things that don't matter to people. They're targeting what they know people want. They focus on looks and possessions. Even Christian talk radio I like to listen to has many ads that say, "Make money from home... have what you've always wanted..."
Understand that money is not evil. Possessions are not bad things. But to Live the DREAM, we need to have a healthy picture and understanding of what our goal is. Our goal is to be good stewards of what we do have. This is what Active Ministry Involvement is all about. As I've explained before, It would be easy to look at the phrase "Active Ministry Involvement" and compartmentalize that into "church life". That's not what living the DREAM is all about. This should be a practical tool to apply to daily living.
So what is "Real Life and Real Living" in terms of Active Ministry Involvement?
Well let's look first at what it's not:
"A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. In fact, his barns were full to overflowing - he couldn't get everything in. He thought about his problem, and finally exclaimed, 'I know - i'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones! Then I'll have room enough. And I'll sit back and say to myself, 'Friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Wine, women, and song for you!' But God said to him, 'Fool! Tonight you die. Then who will get it all?'" (vs. 16-19)
How does this apply to our lives? We have to find balance in the stewardship of the resources God has given us. We must find the balance between wasting money foolishly and hoarding it for selfish gain. Establishing a retirement account is great. Establishing it for the purpose of getting rich and making it all about the possessions is not. At the same time, remember that Jesus told the parable of the prodigal son who squandered all his inheritance. That isn't God's plan either.
The principle of Active Ministry Involvement is "Responsibility". Take what you have and put it to work. Remember, we don't have money for the purpose of "getting" more, we have it for the purpose of "giving" more.
Blessing follows obedience. If you are obeying God, you WILL be successful. I know some of you probably cringed with that statement. It's important to know that it doesn't necessarily mean you will be "Rich". That is not the goal. The goal is to allow God to do as much as he can through all that you have.
We get so bent out of shape about financial things. We worry about having enough. "Then turning to his disciples he said, 'Don't worry about whether you have enough food to eat or clothes to wear. For life consists of far more than food and clothes. Look at the ravens - they don't plant or harvest or have barns to store away their food, and yet they get along all right - for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds!
"'And besides, what's the use of worrying? What good does it do? Will it add a single day to your life? Of course not! And if worry can't even do such little things as that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?'" (22-26)
It is hard to get a healthy perspective on all of this when when we are surrounded by a culture that is so contrary to this. The message we hear is "If you WANT it, you NEED it." I don't even remember what it's about, but there's a commercial out now that has this huge red line painted on the ground. It says something like, "There's a line we all eventually cross. It's where we move from what we want to what we have." That's the goal of our society. That's the goal of your flesh. It's the goal of my flesh.
That's why it's so important to die to the flesh and live spiritually minded. Jesus said, "Yes, every man is a fool who gets rich on earth but not in heaven." (vs.21)
God WANTS to bless his people! Jesus lays out the mindset we should have. "So don't be afraid, little flock, For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. Sell what you have and give to those in need. This will fatten your purses in heaven! And the purses of heaven have no rips or holes in them. Your treasures there will never disappear; no thief can steal them; no moth can destroy them." (vs.32-34)
Don't you love that line? The purses of heaven have no rips or holes in them! That's awesome! A tag line from a radio show says, "aren't your tired of having more month at the end of your money?" When we are struggling in the area of stewardship, it's like there's a hole in the purse. It runs out so fast!
Don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to teach a prosperity doctrine that is out of balance. What I AM saying is that God HAS A PLAN for the way we deal with ALL of our resources, NOT JUST MONEY. These principles apply to time, talent, and everything at our disposal. Do you have a house big enough for entertaining? Why aren't you hosting a home fellowship group? Do you have the gift of baking cookies? Why don't you make sure you welcome new people to your neighborhood with a fresh plate?
What is at your disposal? We all have an income of some sort, and we all have time and talent. What are we doing with it? Are we "squirreling" it away for selfish gain?
"Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be." (vs. 34)
God's Word is challenging us to put what he has given us to work for his glory.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Monday, September 7, 2009
9.7.9 "Are your Deeds as Good as your Doctrine?"
"Are your Deeds as Good as your Doctrine?"
Song of Solomon 5:1-8:14
2 Corinthians 9:1-15
Psalm 51:1-19
Proverbs 22:24-25
How blessed are you? Take a moment and think about it. You may have had some financial challenges, maybe even some employment issues, but how blessed are you? Have you ever thought about WHY you've been given what you have been given? Is it because you deserve it? Is it because God likes you better? What is the point of your blessing?
2 Cor. 9:11 says, "Yes, God will give you much so that you can give away much". That pretty much sums up the point.
As much as we like to have "stuff," we must understand that the point is not so that we "have" stuff. The point is that we "use" stuff to minister to people. Our family is greatly blessed with our home. We love it. We've put a great deal of work over the past couple years trying to get a yard in, finish the basement, build a deck, do landscaping... But the purpose in all of this is not for us. It's so we can use this home to practice hospitality and minister to others. Following my father-in-law's stroke, my mother-in-law has come to live with us. This is the purpose for our home at this time.
This is a principle of Active Ministry Involvement: There is a Responsibility to GIVE because it's been given to you. There is a purpose in this. verse 12-13 say, "So, two good things happen as a result of your gifts - those in need are helped, and they overflow with thanks to God. Those you help will be glad not only because of your generous gifts to themselves and to others, but they will praise God for this proof that your deeds are as good as your doctrine."
That's a pretty powerful statement. "... your deeds are as good as your doctrine." What is that saying? It's saying that you cannot be who God created you to be without the principle of giving in your life. You must be giving of your time, talent, and resources. Otherwise, your deeds do not line up with your doctrine. By not giving, your are hurting your testimony. This detracts from glory that should be going to God.
This is a big deal. I'm not really a generous person by nature. I might be more so with time & service, but not with giving gifts. Not because I don't like to give, but just because I usually don't think about it. It's not in my natural "wiring". While it might not naturally be a part of who I am, it should be a part of my evident maturity. It's a part of living the DREAM.
Don't get me wrong. This is not about throwing away money to every need that comes along. All must be in balance. We must be good stewards of what we've been given. Giving should be God-directed. When giving in good stewardship, "God is able to make it up to you by giving you everything you need and more, so that there will not only be enough for your own needs, but plenty left over to give joyfully to others." (2 Cor. 9:8)
God has put in place an incredible principle. Verse 6 says, "But remember this - if you give a little, you will get little. A farmer who plants just a few seeds will get only a small crop, but if he plants much, he will reap much." In that light it makes sense. As I mentioned, we've been working (with varying success) for the past couple years to get grass growing. I'm learning the key is over-seeding. If I want a thick lawn, I can't "sow sparingly". That makes sense to me. So, why can't I understand this when it comes to giving of time, talent & resources? It's the same principle. Sometimes we don't have enough time because of our selfish attitude about time. We shouldn't want a thick pocket book so we can have "stuff", but rather we should want to be able to act when the Lord presents a need.
We don't give to get, we give to get more to give. I need to really learn that. Imagine the change in our lifestyles if all believers lived this way. It would be almost like our deeds lined up with our doctrine!!
THAT'S why you have what you have!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Song of Solomon 5:1-8:14
2 Corinthians 9:1-15
Psalm 51:1-19
Proverbs 22:24-25
How blessed are you? Take a moment and think about it. You may have had some financial challenges, maybe even some employment issues, but how blessed are you? Have you ever thought about WHY you've been given what you have been given? Is it because you deserve it? Is it because God likes you better? What is the point of your blessing?
2 Cor. 9:11 says, "Yes, God will give you much so that you can give away much". That pretty much sums up the point.
As much as we like to have "stuff," we must understand that the point is not so that we "have" stuff. The point is that we "use" stuff to minister to people. Our family is greatly blessed with our home. We love it. We've put a great deal of work over the past couple years trying to get a yard in, finish the basement, build a deck, do landscaping... But the purpose in all of this is not for us. It's so we can use this home to practice hospitality and minister to others. Following my father-in-law's stroke, my mother-in-law has come to live with us. This is the purpose for our home at this time.
This is a principle of Active Ministry Involvement: There is a Responsibility to GIVE because it's been given to you. There is a purpose in this. verse 12-13 say, "So, two good things happen as a result of your gifts - those in need are helped, and they overflow with thanks to God. Those you help will be glad not only because of your generous gifts to themselves and to others, but they will praise God for this proof that your deeds are as good as your doctrine."
That's a pretty powerful statement. "... your deeds are as good as your doctrine." What is that saying? It's saying that you cannot be who God created you to be without the principle of giving in your life. You must be giving of your time, talent, and resources. Otherwise, your deeds do not line up with your doctrine. By not giving, your are hurting your testimony. This detracts from glory that should be going to God.
This is a big deal. I'm not really a generous person by nature. I might be more so with time & service, but not with giving gifts. Not because I don't like to give, but just because I usually don't think about it. It's not in my natural "wiring". While it might not naturally be a part of who I am, it should be a part of my evident maturity. It's a part of living the DREAM.
Don't get me wrong. This is not about throwing away money to every need that comes along. All must be in balance. We must be good stewards of what we've been given. Giving should be God-directed. When giving in good stewardship, "God is able to make it up to you by giving you everything you need and more, so that there will not only be enough for your own needs, but plenty left over to give joyfully to others." (2 Cor. 9:8)
God has put in place an incredible principle. Verse 6 says, "But remember this - if you give a little, you will get little. A farmer who plants just a few seeds will get only a small crop, but if he plants much, he will reap much." In that light it makes sense. As I mentioned, we've been working (with varying success) for the past couple years to get grass growing. I'm learning the key is over-seeding. If I want a thick lawn, I can't "sow sparingly". That makes sense to me. So, why can't I understand this when it comes to giving of time, talent & resources? It's the same principle. Sometimes we don't have enough time because of our selfish attitude about time. We shouldn't want a thick pocket book so we can have "stuff", but rather we should want to be able to act when the Lord presents a need.
We don't give to get, we give to get more to give. I need to really learn that. Imagine the change in our lifestyles if all believers lived this way. It would be almost like our deeds lined up with our doctrine!!
THAT'S why you have what you have!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
