"What are you waiting for?"
Jeremiah 8:8 - 9:26
Colossians 3:1-17
Psalm 78:26-58
Proverbs 24:27
Yesterday our family joined another and went to an apple orchard. We took a hayride, picked apples, made carmel apples... it was a lot of fun. I consumed more apples yesterday than I had to this point this year! The workers there were saying that next week will probably be the last weekend of harvest for these apples. While there were many trees picked over, you could see there was plenty more work to be done. Many apples had already fallen to the ground and were placed in this HUGE pile. It probably would take 3 of those large dump trucks to haul it away.
Jeremiah 8:20 paints an incredible picture: "The harvest is finished; the summer is over and we are not saved." How sad is that?
So often we plan to do, and yet put off the most important things in life. "I really should read my bible every day, but if i could just get through this busy season, then I'll start." "as soon as I pay off these bills, then i'll focus on spending more time with the family..." "I really should call Sam, because I can see he's in trouble, but I don't have a lot of time..."
In fact, let me lay out the procrastination in DREAM format:
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship - "I know there are things that God is wanting me to surrender to him, but I'm not ready to. I will soon, though..."
Relationships Devoted to Unity - "Yeah, we need to patch that up, but I'm surely not going to be the one to apologize first!"
Empowered through Biblical Training - "Sunday's our 'family' day. We don't want to waste it in sunday school or evening service. maybe when the kids are older."
Active Ministry Involvement - "I'd like to use my gifts in the way I know I should, but the schedule's too busy right now..."
Mission to Reach Our World For Christ - "i know I'm supposed to reach out to my neighbor, but I don't want them to think I'm weird..."
"the harvest is finished; the summer is over and we are not saved."
We so often are wasting away the incredible opportunities we have. Scripture commands us to "Make the MOST of every opportunity", not to squander it.
First, don't waste time getting right with God. "Away then with sinful, earthly things; deaden the evil desires lurking within you; have nothing to do with sexual sin, impurity, lust and shameful desires; don't worship the good things of life, for that is idolatry. God's terrible anger is upon those who do such things. You used to do them when your life was still part of this world; but now is the time to cast off and throw away all these rotten garments of anger, hatred, cursing, and dirty language. Don't tell lies to each other; it was your old life with all its wickedness that did that sort of thing; now it is dead and gone. You are living a brand new kind of life that is continually learning more and more of what is right, and trying constantly to be more and more like Christ who created this new life within you." Col. 3:5-10
Don't waste time delaying in making things right with others. "Be gentle and ready to forgive; never hold grudges. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others." Col 3:13
Get into the word. "Remember what Christ taught and let his words enrich you lives and make you wise." Col 3:16
Use what he's given you for HIS glory. "Now set your sights on the rich treasures and joys of heaven... Let heaven fill your thoughts; don't spend your time worrying about things down here. You should have as little desire for this world as a dead person does. Your real life is in heaven with Christ and God." Col. 3:1-3
And put every effort into bringing in the harvest while it is still in season!
What are you waiting for?
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, October 7, 2007
Saturday, October 6, 2007
10.6.7 "How About a Little Stability?"
"How About a Little Stability?"
Jeremiah 6:15-8:7
Colossians 2:8-23
Psalm 78:1-25
Proverbs 24:26
"Don't let others spoil your faith and joy with their philosophies, their wrong and shallow answers built on men's thoughts and ideas, instead of on what Christ has said. For in Christ there is all of God in a human body; so you have everything when you have Christ, and you are filled with God through your union with Christ."
Our number one goal needs to be to mature in Christ. Stability should be a direct result of Christian maturity. Paul speaks of this in Ephesians 4:14 when he says, "Then we will no longer be like children, forever changing our minds about what we believe because someone has told us something different, or has cleverly lied to us and made the lie sound like the truth. Instead, we will lovingly follow the truth at all times..."
I think too often people think Christianity is a "reactionary" life: The circumstances of life dictate actions, beliefs, mood, and decisions. Why don't we recognize that this is not part of the Balanced Christian Life? I've seen individuals who go into each day not knowing what they'll be like at the end of it because of not knowing what may "happen" to them.
Wouldn't it be great if WE would "happen" to circumstances, rather than circumstances happening to us? The reason we are on this earth is to make a difference. I have a thermometer outside my dining room window. It's not making a difference in the world. It's reflecting the temperature. I have a thermostat on my wall. It's making a difference. It sets the temperature for my home. When it's too cold, it decides it's time to make a difference.
As a believer in Christ, we need to look at trials and struggles as a signal that it's time to make a difference. A friend on this list emailed me a quote from Henry Blackaby: "If society as a whole seems to be getting darker and darker, it is not the problem of the darkness: the darkness is just acting like its nature. But it is that the light no longer dispels the darkness, and the salt no longer preserves. It time for the light to say, if things are darker, the problem is with us."
Can you see how a reactionary Christianity renders us ineffective? In the Reactionary Christian Life, we can only witness to someone if the circumstances are perfect. Basically, an unbeliever has to come to us. We have to be in the right mood. We have to have the perfect flyer inviting them to a Christian event that we're sure has a message that we approve of. If any of these things are out of whack, "It just wasn't God's timing."
In the Balanced Christian Life, we view struggles, trials and opposition as an opportunity for God to make his name great. Our joy is not affected by false doctrine. We don't react selfishly when those living in darkness speak offensively. We react as Christ would. We love them into the kingdom.
As we grow in maturity, we need to realize the fact that we have Christ IN us. He is the hope for all generations. The very power of God is available to us. He has authority over EVERY OTHER power!
I John 4:4 says, "... the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." Do we believe this? Do we live like it? What does it take to live like it?
It takes discipline. We need to guard our thought life against discouraging thoughts that cause us to lose the joy we've been given. We need to be disciplined in getting into the word so we know when someone is speaking words that do not line up with Godly principles. We need to be disciplined to keep our hearts in tune with the Spirit's direction.
Yeah, it takes work, but THIS life is a whole lot better that being knocked around all the time. The world around you is looking for someone who "has it together". No, I'm not talking about perfection, but I'm talking about someone who knows how to weather a storm. Whining about the rain is not weathering the storm. When people in your world are going through a trial, do they come to you for prayer? If they do, why? It's because they see what a difference it's made for you. If they don't come to you, why is that?? is it because they see you being knocked around by your circumstances? They wouldn't want what you have.
Let's recognize struggles, trials, even words of discouragement and false doctrine as an opportunity to let the power of God and the Light of His Word shine through our lives. This is what living the DREAM is all about.
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 6:15-8:7
Colossians 2:8-23
Psalm 78:1-25
Proverbs 24:26
"Don't let others spoil your faith and joy with their philosophies, their wrong and shallow answers built on men's thoughts and ideas, instead of on what Christ has said. For in Christ there is all of God in a human body; so you have everything when you have Christ, and you are filled with God through your union with Christ."
Our number one goal needs to be to mature in Christ. Stability should be a direct result of Christian maturity. Paul speaks of this in Ephesians 4:14 when he says, "Then we will no longer be like children, forever changing our minds about what we believe because someone has told us something different, or has cleverly lied to us and made the lie sound like the truth. Instead, we will lovingly follow the truth at all times..."
I think too often people think Christianity is a "reactionary" life: The circumstances of life dictate actions, beliefs, mood, and decisions. Why don't we recognize that this is not part of the Balanced Christian Life? I've seen individuals who go into each day not knowing what they'll be like at the end of it because of not knowing what may "happen" to them.
Wouldn't it be great if WE would "happen" to circumstances, rather than circumstances happening to us? The reason we are on this earth is to make a difference. I have a thermometer outside my dining room window. It's not making a difference in the world. It's reflecting the temperature. I have a thermostat on my wall. It's making a difference. It sets the temperature for my home. When it's too cold, it decides it's time to make a difference.
As a believer in Christ, we need to look at trials and struggles as a signal that it's time to make a difference. A friend on this list emailed me a quote from Henry Blackaby: "If society as a whole seems to be getting darker and darker, it is not the problem of the darkness: the darkness is just acting like its nature. But it is that the light no longer dispels the darkness, and the salt no longer preserves. It time for the light to say, if things are darker, the problem is with us."
Can you see how a reactionary Christianity renders us ineffective? In the Reactionary Christian Life, we can only witness to someone if the circumstances are perfect. Basically, an unbeliever has to come to us. We have to be in the right mood. We have to have the perfect flyer inviting them to a Christian event that we're sure has a message that we approve of. If any of these things are out of whack, "It just wasn't God's timing."
In the Balanced Christian Life, we view struggles, trials and opposition as an opportunity for God to make his name great. Our joy is not affected by false doctrine. We don't react selfishly when those living in darkness speak offensively. We react as Christ would. We love them into the kingdom.
As we grow in maturity, we need to realize the fact that we have Christ IN us. He is the hope for all generations. The very power of God is available to us. He has authority over EVERY OTHER power!
I John 4:4 says, "... the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." Do we believe this? Do we live like it? What does it take to live like it?
It takes discipline. We need to guard our thought life against discouraging thoughts that cause us to lose the joy we've been given. We need to be disciplined in getting into the word so we know when someone is speaking words that do not line up with Godly principles. We need to be disciplined to keep our hearts in tune with the Spirit's direction.
Yeah, it takes work, but THIS life is a whole lot better that being knocked around all the time. The world around you is looking for someone who "has it together". No, I'm not talking about perfection, but I'm talking about someone who knows how to weather a storm. Whining about the rain is not weathering the storm. When people in your world are going through a trial, do they come to you for prayer? If they do, why? It's because they see what a difference it's made for you. If they don't come to you, why is that?? is it because they see you being knocked around by your circumstances? They wouldn't want what you have.
Let's recognize struggles, trials, even words of discouragement and false doctrine as an opportunity to let the power of God and the Light of His Word shine through our lives. This is what living the DREAM is all about.
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 5, 2007
10.5.7 "The Elephant in the Room"
"The Elephant in the Room"
Jeremiah 4:19 - 6:14
Colossians 1:20-2:7
Psalm 77:1-20
Proverbs 24:23-25
Have you been in the situation where you feel like you're walking on eggshells? Like there's something wrong, but it's too uncomfortable to deal with?
In today's reading from the One Year Bible there's a little phrase that sticks out to me. It's Jeremiah 6:14. "You can't heal a wound by saying it's not there!" It's a very simple verse, and yet it's quite challenging. What does it say to you? I find myself considering quite a few different things.
The first thing I think of is my gift of procrastination. I keep looking for a bible translation that lists it as one of the spiritual gifts, but I can't find it anywhere. Sometimes I think my motto is "Why do anything today you can put off until tomorrow!" Applying today's scripture to my life, though, means "you can't get anything done by not doing anything!" Isn't it amazing how you have to do something to accomplish something?
Stress avoidance can be a way of life. It's like a child covering the ears saying, "nah, nah, nah, I can't hear you!" There's times we just wish things would go away.
Maybe it's past hurt. We think of something we've said or done that embarrasses us and we are ashamed. If we don't think about it, if no one brings it up, it's ok, right? It will disappear... wont it?
Many times our hands are over our spiritual ears and we're running from the voice of God. Jeremiah 6:10 says, "But who will listen when I warn them? Their ears are closed and they refuse to hear. The word of God has angered them; they don't want it at all." Running from the voice of God does not mean that he hasn't spoken.
Do you ever feel like you're repeating a test? Like the same problems keep coming up? Like there are recurring issues related to something in the past? Maturity in Christ cannot occur until we surrender to him all areas, including wounds that may be there. Saying the wound is not there doesn't mean it is healed.
Sometimes we can hang on to bitterness so long. For some reason we feel we can justify it. It's like a tumor. It stresses us out to think about it, so we just ignore it, expecting that it will go away. After all, no one can see it, right? Maybe it's our image we're worried about. What will people think of me if they see what I'm struggling with? Just because they can't see it doesn't mean it wont kill you.
I feel the scope of today's message is so broad, it can cover everything from hurts of the past to hidden sin. As we mature in Christ, it is inevitable that the Light of His Word will shine on these wounds. He wants to heal them.
We don't realize that the reason some of these things keep resurfacing is so that God can heal us. This is why he died. It's by his stripes we are healed. To ignore the "tumor" is like saying, "Thanks for dying on the cross, but you don't understand. I don't want to deal with my hurt. I don't think what you did is enough for me. I've lived with this so long, I'm just going to keep on going as I have."
What we also fail to realize is that a stance like that actually stunts the maturing process. It almost puts a "glass ceiling" over our growth. We enter a land of stagnation. We repeat the test. We start to get somewhere, and it comes up again. and again. and again.
Today's reading in Colossians 2:7 it says, "let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him. See that you go on growing in the Lord, and become strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught."
Inevitably as our roots grow in Christ, they will tap into a part of the word that will begin to work on this wound. There may be a burning sensation as the Lord brings it to light. Our response needs to be to allow God to complete his work. further response depends on the nature of your wound. You may need to repent, to forgive, to obey. In all things, it will always be to surrender.
God has a plan for your life. He desires to complete his work in you. "You can't heal a wound by saying it's not there!" Surrender all to him to day.
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 4:19 - 6:14
Colossians 1:20-2:7
Psalm 77:1-20
Proverbs 24:23-25
Have you been in the situation where you feel like you're walking on eggshells? Like there's something wrong, but it's too uncomfortable to deal with?
In today's reading from the One Year Bible there's a little phrase that sticks out to me. It's Jeremiah 6:14. "You can't heal a wound by saying it's not there!" It's a very simple verse, and yet it's quite challenging. What does it say to you? I find myself considering quite a few different things.
The first thing I think of is my gift of procrastination. I keep looking for a bible translation that lists it as one of the spiritual gifts, but I can't find it anywhere. Sometimes I think my motto is "Why do anything today you can put off until tomorrow!" Applying today's scripture to my life, though, means "you can't get anything done by not doing anything!" Isn't it amazing how you have to do something to accomplish something?
Stress avoidance can be a way of life. It's like a child covering the ears saying, "nah, nah, nah, I can't hear you!" There's times we just wish things would go away.
Maybe it's past hurt. We think of something we've said or done that embarrasses us and we are ashamed. If we don't think about it, if no one brings it up, it's ok, right? It will disappear... wont it?
Many times our hands are over our spiritual ears and we're running from the voice of God. Jeremiah 6:10 says, "But who will listen when I warn them? Their ears are closed and they refuse to hear. The word of God has angered them; they don't want it at all." Running from the voice of God does not mean that he hasn't spoken.
Do you ever feel like you're repeating a test? Like the same problems keep coming up? Like there are recurring issues related to something in the past? Maturity in Christ cannot occur until we surrender to him all areas, including wounds that may be there. Saying the wound is not there doesn't mean it is healed.
Sometimes we can hang on to bitterness so long. For some reason we feel we can justify it. It's like a tumor. It stresses us out to think about it, so we just ignore it, expecting that it will go away. After all, no one can see it, right? Maybe it's our image we're worried about. What will people think of me if they see what I'm struggling with? Just because they can't see it doesn't mean it wont kill you.
I feel the scope of today's message is so broad, it can cover everything from hurts of the past to hidden sin. As we mature in Christ, it is inevitable that the Light of His Word will shine on these wounds. He wants to heal them.
We don't realize that the reason some of these things keep resurfacing is so that God can heal us. This is why he died. It's by his stripes we are healed. To ignore the "tumor" is like saying, "Thanks for dying on the cross, but you don't understand. I don't want to deal with my hurt. I don't think what you did is enough for me. I've lived with this so long, I'm just going to keep on going as I have."
What we also fail to realize is that a stance like that actually stunts the maturing process. It almost puts a "glass ceiling" over our growth. We enter a land of stagnation. We repeat the test. We start to get somewhere, and it comes up again. and again. and again.
Today's reading in Colossians 2:7 it says, "let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him. See that you go on growing in the Lord, and become strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught."
Inevitably as our roots grow in Christ, they will tap into a part of the word that will begin to work on this wound. There may be a burning sensation as the Lord brings it to light. Our response needs to be to allow God to complete his work. further response depends on the nature of your wound. You may need to repent, to forgive, to obey. In all things, it will always be to surrender.
God has a plan for your life. He desires to complete his work in you. "You can't heal a wound by saying it's not there!" Surrender all to him to day.
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 4, 2007
10.4.7 "Protecting Purity"
"Protecting Purity"
Jeremiah 2:31- 4:18
Colossians 1:1-19
Psalm 76:1-12
Proverbs 24:21-22
There are many "subtle killers" out there. Carbon Monoxide is one. You don't see it, you don't smell it, and yet if you work with a gas powered engine in an enclosed area, it will overtake you. Hypothermia is considered another subtle killer. When you're trapped in the cold it lulls you to sleep and takes your life.
Spiritual compromise is a subtle killer. Minor steps of disobedience at the onset seem like no big deal, but they numb the conscience ever so gradually, that an individual begins to feel that involvement in sin is nothing more than a matter of priorities that need adjustment, or just a minor offense. In the same way a mountain climber might just want to "take a short rest" in the snow, the compromising believer will close his eyes to purity only to find the spiritual fire has gone out.
In Jeremiah we see how God feels about this. God views our relationship with him as a marriage. He desires that we are intimately committed to Him. So what does that say about our little compromises or indulgences? "is there a single spot in all the land where you haven't been defiled by your adulteries - your worshiping these other gods? You sit like a prostitute beside the road waiting for a client!" Jer 3:2
In verse 9 the Lord says, "She treated it all so lightly - to her it was nothing at all that she should worship idols made of wood and stone. And so the land was greatly polluted and defiled."
The marriage relationship is something to be protected and guarded. The intensity with which we guard it depends on how valuable we think it is. In other words, if we understand how important purity is in our marriage relationship, we will make every effort to intensely protect it. If we don't value it, how hard do we work to protect it?
How valuable is your relationship to God? How intensely do you protect it? Too often we treat it casually, and approach God saying, "'O Father, you have always been my Friend; surely you won't be angry about such a little thing! Surely you will just forget it?' So you talk, and keep right on doing all the evil that you can." (Jer. 3:4-5)
This is a Big Deal! If you can imagine the pain of adultery and a broken marriage, that is how God views our lack of faithfulness to him. In the same way God wants our earthly marriages to be pure to be a testimony to the world, He wants our pure relationship with him to be a sign to the world. Jeremiah 4:1-2 says, "O Israel, if you will truly return to me and absolutely discard your idols, and if you will swear by me alone, the living God, and begin to live good, honest, clean lives, then you will be a testimony to the nations of the World and they will come to me and glorify my name."
Put your every effort into living a life of purity. Put your efforts and energy into the value of your relationship with Christ. if you will value it, you will lock the doors of your heart to anything that would compromise the purity the Lord desires. Protect your purity!
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 2:31- 4:18
Colossians 1:1-19
Psalm 76:1-12
Proverbs 24:21-22
There are many "subtle killers" out there. Carbon Monoxide is one. You don't see it, you don't smell it, and yet if you work with a gas powered engine in an enclosed area, it will overtake you. Hypothermia is considered another subtle killer. When you're trapped in the cold it lulls you to sleep and takes your life.
Spiritual compromise is a subtle killer. Minor steps of disobedience at the onset seem like no big deal, but they numb the conscience ever so gradually, that an individual begins to feel that involvement in sin is nothing more than a matter of priorities that need adjustment, or just a minor offense. In the same way a mountain climber might just want to "take a short rest" in the snow, the compromising believer will close his eyes to purity only to find the spiritual fire has gone out.
In Jeremiah we see how God feels about this. God views our relationship with him as a marriage. He desires that we are intimately committed to Him. So what does that say about our little compromises or indulgences? "is there a single spot in all the land where you haven't been defiled by your adulteries - your worshiping these other gods? You sit like a prostitute beside the road waiting for a client!" Jer 3:2
In verse 9 the Lord says, "She treated it all so lightly - to her it was nothing at all that she should worship idols made of wood and stone. And so the land was greatly polluted and defiled."
The marriage relationship is something to be protected and guarded. The intensity with which we guard it depends on how valuable we think it is. In other words, if we understand how important purity is in our marriage relationship, we will make every effort to intensely protect it. If we don't value it, how hard do we work to protect it?
How valuable is your relationship to God? How intensely do you protect it? Too often we treat it casually, and approach God saying, "'O Father, you have always been my Friend; surely you won't be angry about such a little thing! Surely you will just forget it?' So you talk, and keep right on doing all the evil that you can." (Jer. 3:4-5)
This is a Big Deal! If you can imagine the pain of adultery and a broken marriage, that is how God views our lack of faithfulness to him. In the same way God wants our earthly marriages to be pure to be a testimony to the world, He wants our pure relationship with him to be a sign to the world. Jeremiah 4:1-2 says, "O Israel, if you will truly return to me and absolutely discard your idols, and if you will swear by me alone, the living God, and begin to live good, honest, clean lives, then you will be a testimony to the nations of the World and they will come to me and glorify my name."
Put your every effort into living a life of purity. Put your efforts and energy into the value of your relationship with Christ. if you will value it, you will lock the doors of your heart to anything that would compromise the purity the Lord desires. Protect your purity!
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, October 3, 2007
10.3.7 "Simple Words"
"Simple Words"
Jeremiah 1:1-2:30
Philippians 4:1-23
Psalm 75:1-10
Proverbs 24:17-20
Have you ever had what someone said to you linger in your mind? "Have you lost weight?" "You look really good in that color..." Sometimes the most simple words or phrases can have a profound and lasting impact. "Why don't you give up. you know you're not good enough." "Looks like you could use some exercise..." "I'm disappointed in you."
Often our life is directed and motivated by the simple words we've heard. I think the choices we make depend on which words we choose to dwell on.
As I was reading the first chapter of Jeremiah this morning, there were some phrases that stood out from the scriptures. Each phrase caused me to pause and meditate on the impact and meaning. I would encourage you to spend time considering the words of the Lord today.
"I knew you..."
"I formed you..."
"I set you apart and appointed you..."
"go wherever I send you"
"say whatever I tell you."
"I will be with you and will protect you."
"I have put my words in your mouth."
"I appoint you to stand up..."
"I am watching..."
"I will certainly carry out all my plans..."
"I am calling"
"I, the Lord, have spoken"
"Get up..."
"Prepare for action..."
"Go out and tell them everything I tell you to say..."
"Do not be afraid..."
"I have made you strong..."
"You will stand..."
"I am with you..."
"I will take care of you..."
"I, the Lord, have spoken!"
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
Visit DevoDREAM.Blogspot.com
Jeremiah 1:1-2:30
Philippians 4:1-23
Psalm 75:1-10
Proverbs 24:17-20
Have you ever had what someone said to you linger in your mind? "Have you lost weight?" "You look really good in that color..." Sometimes the most simple words or phrases can have a profound and lasting impact. "Why don't you give up. you know you're not good enough." "Looks like you could use some exercise..." "I'm disappointed in you."
Often our life is directed and motivated by the simple words we've heard. I think the choices we make depend on which words we choose to dwell on.
As I was reading the first chapter of Jeremiah this morning, there were some phrases that stood out from the scriptures. Each phrase caused me to pause and meditate on the impact and meaning. I would encourage you to spend time considering the words of the Lord today.
"I knew you..."
"I formed you..."
"I set you apart and appointed you..."
"go wherever I send you"
"say whatever I tell you."
"I will be with you and will protect you."
"I have put my words in your mouth."
"I appoint you to stand up..."
"I am watching..."
"I will certainly carry out all my plans..."
"I am calling"
"I, the Lord, have spoken"
"Get up..."
"Prepare for action..."
"Go out and tell them everything I tell you to say..."
"Do not be afraid..."
"I have made you strong..."
"You will stand..."
"I am with you..."
"I will take care of you..."
"I, the Lord, have spoken!"
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
Visit DevoDREAM.Blogspot.com
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
10.2.7 "What Are You Hungry For?"
"What Are You Hungry For?"
Isaiah 66:1-24
Philippians 3:4-21
Psalm 74:1-23
Proverbs 24:15-16
Have you ever really been in the mood for pizza? I'm a mood eater. I want to eat what I'm hungry for. It's amazing that what I'm in the mood for isn't really good for me. It's usually fried, grease-laden, and involves some form of cheese.
In Philippians Paul speaks of those who have a similar problem. "For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth." (Phil 3:18-19)
In the same way that it's dangerous to eat only what your hungry for, it's treacherous to live that way spiritually. When we live life only to please our appetite there is a selfishness that begins to take over. Our motivation ceases to be "How can I please Christ?" It becomes "how can I please me? how can I me more comfortable?" This appetite becomes more and more insatiable and the desire for the things of this world increases. This road leads to destruction.
Paul shows us how we must suppress that appetite into what it should be. "I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him." (Phil. 3:7-9)
That kind of a thought process doesn't just "happen" to you. It's a discipline of will and consistent denial of fleshly appetites that brings us into alignment with mature Christian living. Paul acknowledges that it is a process. "No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus is calling us. Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. But we must hold on to the progress we have already made." (Phil 3:13-16)
So, how has your appetite been? What have you been feeding?
"I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead." Phil 3:10
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
Visit DevoDREAM.blogspot.com
Isaiah 66:1-24
Philippians 3:4-21
Psalm 74:1-23
Proverbs 24:15-16
Have you ever really been in the mood for pizza? I'm a mood eater. I want to eat what I'm hungry for. It's amazing that what I'm in the mood for isn't really good for me. It's usually fried, grease-laden, and involves some form of cheese.
In Philippians Paul speaks of those who have a similar problem. "For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth." (Phil 3:18-19)
In the same way that it's dangerous to eat only what your hungry for, it's treacherous to live that way spiritually. When we live life only to please our appetite there is a selfishness that begins to take over. Our motivation ceases to be "How can I please Christ?" It becomes "how can I please me? how can I me more comfortable?" This appetite becomes more and more insatiable and the desire for the things of this world increases. This road leads to destruction.
Paul shows us how we must suppress that appetite into what it should be. "I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him." (Phil. 3:7-9)
That kind of a thought process doesn't just "happen" to you. It's a discipline of will and consistent denial of fleshly appetites that brings us into alignment with mature Christian living. Paul acknowledges that it is a process. "No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus is calling us. Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. But we must hold on to the progress we have already made." (Phil 3:13-16)
So, how has your appetite been? What have you been feeding?
"I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead." Phil 3:10
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
Visit DevoDREAM.blogspot.com
Monday, October 1, 2007
10.1.7 "Why Take the Trouble to Be Pure?"
"Why Take the Trouble to Be Pure?"
Isaiah 62:7-65:25
Philippians 2:19-3:3
Psalm 73:1-28
Proverbs 24:13-14
Don't get all righteous and act like that thought never passed your mind!
Psalm 73 is a Psalm of Asaph. I almost laugh as I read it because I'm like, "man, I've wondered the same thing!" Listen to this: "For I was envious of the prosperity of the proud and wicked. Yes all through life their road is smooth! They grow sleek and fat. They aren't always in trouble and plagued with problems like everyone else, so their pride sparkles like a jeweled necklace, and their clothing is woven of cruelty! These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for!" (Ps 73:3-7)
It doesn't seem fair to us. There are some really evil people that seem to have it made. I saw some glamorous Hollywood homes on TV the other day. One was the home of someone who had made their millions basically shaking their fist at God. I'm like Asaph says in verse 10-12: "And so God's people are dismayed and confused, and drink it all in. 'Does God realize what is going on?' they ask. 'Look at these men of arrogance; they never have to lift a finger - theirs is a life of ease; and all the time their riches multiply.'"
Have you been there? Have you been like verse 13-14, "Have I been wasting my time? Why take the trouble to be pure? All I get out of it is trouble and woe - everyday and all day long!"
This thought process is a very tempting one to dwell on. It's also VERY dangerous. There's a lure to these thoughts that can very easily drag us into sin. Spending too much time lingering on things like this can very easily drag us into the prison of undisciplined thought. This is what Asaph thought in verse 2 & 3: "But as for me, I came so close to the edge of the cliff! My feet were slipping and I was almost gone. For I was envious of the prosperity of the proud and wicked."
Envy of the ungodly is like quicksand. the more you get into it, the more stuck you are. So, how do you get out of this thought cycle?? Yep, you guessed it. There's a "DREAM" answer: Empowered Through Biblical Training! Listen to verse 17: "Then one day I went into God's sanctuary to meditate, and thought about the future of these evil men."
As unhealthy thoughts grow in the incubator of undiscipline, they grow in strength and power over us. The only way to break this is through the power of God's Word. Time in His presence and in his house, and seeking him empowers us to see things as they really are. Look at what happens when the thoughts become aligned to God's word in the next verses: "What a slippery path they are on - suddenly God will send them sliding over the edge of the cliff and down to their destruction: an instant end to all their happiness, and eternity of terror."
THIS is reality! Listen to verse 20 - "Their present life is only a dream! They will awaken to the truth as one awakens from a dream of things that never really were!"
How horrible for those who have it "so good" right now. The ones who have prospered through evil means. For those who have grown "fat" and "comfortable" in this life without the knowledge of God. THIS is reality! If they don't acknowledge God, they will be in torment... waking up from the dream of this life to the reality of eternity!
If we stay tethered to the Word of God, we will be more aware of this consistently. It keeps our perspective in check. It humbles us to know how great God is. "When I saw this, what turmoil filled my heart! I saw myself so stupid and so ignorant; I must seem like an animal to you, O God. But even so, you love me! You are holding my right hand! You will keep on guiding me all my life with your wisdom and counsel; and afterwards receive me into the glories of heaven!" Ps 73:21-24
We've got to get this! We cannot survive without the strength of God's presence. We must take verse 26 to heart: "My health fails; my spirits droop, yet God remains! He is the strength of my heart; he is mine forever!" Hang on to God!
Realize the reality of verse 27: "But those refusing to worship God will perish, for he destroys those serving other gods."
We must take it to heart and put it into action. Here's how Asaph closes this Psalm in verse 28: "But as for me, I get as close to him as I can! I have chosen him and I will tell everyone about the wonderful ways he rescues me."
Don't get caught in the abyss of undisciplined thought and envy of the wicked and how easy their life seems. Find your strength in the Word. It will keep your perspective aligned to the true reality!
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
Isaiah 62:7-65:25
Philippians 2:19-3:3
Psalm 73:1-28
Proverbs 24:13-14
Don't get all righteous and act like that thought never passed your mind!
Psalm 73 is a Psalm of Asaph. I almost laugh as I read it because I'm like, "man, I've wondered the same thing!" Listen to this: "For I was envious of the prosperity of the proud and wicked. Yes all through life their road is smooth! They grow sleek and fat. They aren't always in trouble and plagued with problems like everyone else, so their pride sparkles like a jeweled necklace, and their clothing is woven of cruelty! These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for!" (Ps 73:3-7)
It doesn't seem fair to us. There are some really evil people that seem to have it made. I saw some glamorous Hollywood homes on TV the other day. One was the home of someone who had made their millions basically shaking their fist at God. I'm like Asaph says in verse 10-12: "And so God's people are dismayed and confused, and drink it all in. 'Does God realize what is going on?' they ask. 'Look at these men of arrogance; they never have to lift a finger - theirs is a life of ease; and all the time their riches multiply.'"
Have you been there? Have you been like verse 13-14, "Have I been wasting my time? Why take the trouble to be pure? All I get out of it is trouble and woe - everyday and all day long!"
This thought process is a very tempting one to dwell on. It's also VERY dangerous. There's a lure to these thoughts that can very easily drag us into sin. Spending too much time lingering on things like this can very easily drag us into the prison of undisciplined thought. This is what Asaph thought in verse 2 & 3: "But as for me, I came so close to the edge of the cliff! My feet were slipping and I was almost gone. For I was envious of the prosperity of the proud and wicked."
Envy of the ungodly is like quicksand. the more you get into it, the more stuck you are. So, how do you get out of this thought cycle?? Yep, you guessed it. There's a "DREAM" answer: Empowered Through Biblical Training! Listen to verse 17: "Then one day I went into God's sanctuary to meditate, and thought about the future of these evil men."
As unhealthy thoughts grow in the incubator of undiscipline, they grow in strength and power over us. The only way to break this is through the power of God's Word. Time in His presence and in his house, and seeking him empowers us to see things as they really are. Look at what happens when the thoughts become aligned to God's word in the next verses: "What a slippery path they are on - suddenly God will send them sliding over the edge of the cliff and down to their destruction: an instant end to all their happiness, and eternity of terror."
THIS is reality! Listen to verse 20 - "Their present life is only a dream! They will awaken to the truth as one awakens from a dream of things that never really were!"
How horrible for those who have it "so good" right now. The ones who have prospered through evil means. For those who have grown "fat" and "comfortable" in this life without the knowledge of God. THIS is reality! If they don't acknowledge God, they will be in torment... waking up from the dream of this life to the reality of eternity!
If we stay tethered to the Word of God, we will be more aware of this consistently. It keeps our perspective in check. It humbles us to know how great God is. "When I saw this, what turmoil filled my heart! I saw myself so stupid and so ignorant; I must seem like an animal to you, O God. But even so, you love me! You are holding my right hand! You will keep on guiding me all my life with your wisdom and counsel; and afterwards receive me into the glories of heaven!" Ps 73:21-24
We've got to get this! We cannot survive without the strength of God's presence. We must take verse 26 to heart: "My health fails; my spirits droop, yet God remains! He is the strength of my heart; he is mine forever!" Hang on to God!
Realize the reality of verse 27: "But those refusing to worship God will perish, for he destroys those serving other gods."
We must take it to heart and put it into action. Here's how Asaph closes this Psalm in verse 28: "But as for me, I get as close to him as I can! I have chosen him and I will tell everyone about the wonderful ways he rescues me."
Don't get caught in the abyss of undisciplined thought and envy of the wicked and how easy their life seems. Find your strength in the Word. It will keep your perspective aligned to the true reality!
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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