"What's it all about anyway?"
Jonah 1:1-4:11
Revelation 5:1-14
Psalm 133:1-3
Proverbs 29:26-27
The story of Jonah is an interesting story. Because it's one we've heard as kids, we can kind of gloss over it with a "yeah, I've heard that before" thought going through our mind. The great thing about the Spirit of God is that he brings out different flavors for us each time we read his word. Here's a few points from today's reading.
The first thing is in verse 2. God calls Jonah: "Go to the great city of Nineveh, and give them this announcement from the Lord: 'I am going to destroy you, for your wickedness rises before me; it smells to highest heaven.'" I find it interesting that our sin stinks to "highest heaven".
We all know what happens next. "But Jonah was afraid to go and ran away from the Lord." There's something I had never connected in the years I had heard it. I thought it was merely that he was chicken. Yes, it says he was "afraid to go", but we find out the real reason in chapter 4:2 "This is exactly what I thought you'd do, Lord, when I was there in my own country and you first told me to come here. That's why I ran away to Tarshish. For I knew you were a gracious God, merciful, slow to get angry, and full of kindness; I knew how easily you could cancel your plans for destroying these people."
You talk about a stinky attitude! He didn't want to be proven wrong with his prophecy. in 4:3 he says, "Please kill me, Lord; I'd rather be dead than alive [when nothing that I told them happens]."
Jonah's big problem? It's all about him. He's living his life as if God's direction is for the benefit of his comfort or reputation. Good thing we're not that way? Right?
What about when God gives us direction? Is it about what he wants to accomplish, or is it about us? We think Jonah's so bad in his decision making. We think we would never do that, but in little things we don't follow God's leading. Why? because it doesn't fit into our comfort zone? Because we don't think the results will be the way WE think they should?
When you think of being 3 days & nights in a belly of the whale, we think of the big open cavern like Pinnochio was in. If you've ever cleaned a fish, you know it's not like that. It's a cramped, stinky place. That's what it took to bring Jonah to obedience. He cries out to God.
It brought him to obedience, but his character "shone" through at the end with his attitude. His conduct was obedient, but his heart was selfish.
What do you think God wants of us? He wants obedience with an attitude of worship. We are not responsible for the results of obedience. That's his part. We may think we are involved in something for the purpose of affecting great change. That may not be his plan. He may just have us in something just for the purpose of refining our character, or leading someone to Christ.
Either way, the important thing is that we must be obedient. It's NOT about you! It's about what God wants to do, in you, and through 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
Friday, December 14, 2007
Thursday, December 13, 2007
12.13.7 "The Trap"
"The Trap"
Obadiah 1:1-21
Revelation 4:1-11
Psalm 132:1-18
Proverbs 29:24-25
If you had to pinpoint one of the main things that keeps one from living a life of radical obedience, what would it be? What keeps you from boldly doing what God has called you to do?
I'd have to guess that most of the time it's the fear of what people think. Prov. 29:25 says, "Fear of man is a dangerous trap, but to trust in God means safety."
What is so dangerous about the trap of fear of man? It is a subtle lure into the Mediocre Christian Life. Scripture says that God is looking for anyone through whom to make his name great. Many times, though, we hear God leading us, but we reason it out in our mind. "You don't want me to speak to that one, God, they'll think I'm weird..." This fear of rejection causes us to miss an opportunity to make His name great.
In all actuality, the fear of man leads to a "victim" mentality. We ultimately are motivated by what others may or may not "do" to us. Therefore we measure our success and failure by what man may think.
Trusting in God is a different story. When trusting in God, the results are totally different. The only question we have to answer is: Was I obedient? The results may vary. In tomorrow's One-Year-Bible reading we read about Jonah. There's a story of obedience and disobedience. Sure there are times when obedience may cause us to "drop in the polls" of man's opinion, but there is safety in knowing we are right with God.
One thing you notice from a believer who lives a life of radical obedience. The truly obedient believer gains favor with God AND man. The life of obedience is marked with humility. Humility is NOT a "low self-esteem". Humility is proper understanding of who we are in Christ. It's not an "i'm not good enough" attitude, it's an "I can do all things through Christ attitude."
What safety there is in trusting God. We know that all we have to worry about is walking in obedience to him. The rest will all fall into place. This makes the Lifestyle of Worship Dynamic!
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
Obadiah 1:1-21
Revelation 4:1-11
Psalm 132:1-18
Proverbs 29:24-25
If you had to pinpoint one of the main things that keeps one from living a life of radical obedience, what would it be? What keeps you from boldly doing what God has called you to do?
I'd have to guess that most of the time it's the fear of what people think. Prov. 29:25 says, "Fear of man is a dangerous trap, but to trust in God means safety."
What is so dangerous about the trap of fear of man? It is a subtle lure into the Mediocre Christian Life. Scripture says that God is looking for anyone through whom to make his name great. Many times, though, we hear God leading us, but we reason it out in our mind. "You don't want me to speak to that one, God, they'll think I'm weird..." This fear of rejection causes us to miss an opportunity to make His name great.
In all actuality, the fear of man leads to a "victim" mentality. We ultimately are motivated by what others may or may not "do" to us. Therefore we measure our success and failure by what man may think.
Trusting in God is a different story. When trusting in God, the results are totally different. The only question we have to answer is: Was I obedient? The results may vary. In tomorrow's One-Year-Bible reading we read about Jonah. There's a story of obedience and disobedience. Sure there are times when obedience may cause us to "drop in the polls" of man's opinion, but there is safety in knowing we are right with God.
One thing you notice from a believer who lives a life of radical obedience. The truly obedient believer gains favor with God AND man. The life of obedience is marked with humility. Humility is NOT a "low self-esteem". Humility is proper understanding of who we are in Christ. It's not an "i'm not good enough" attitude, it's an "I can do all things through Christ attitude."
What safety there is in trusting God. We know that all we have to worry about is walking in obedience to him. The rest will all fall into place. This makes the Lifestyle of Worship Dynamic!
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, December 12, 2007
12.12.7 "I Know You Well"
"I Know You Well"
Amos 7:1-9:15
Revelation 3:7-22
Psalm 131:1-3
Proverbs 29:23
In Revelation chapters 2 & 3, John is instructed to write a letter to 7 churches. Here is a quick synopsis of what is written to each:
1. Ephesus - I know how many good things you are doing. I have watched your hard work and your patience.... Yet there is one thing wrong; you don't love me as at first!... Rev. 2:2-4
2. Smyrna - I know how much you suffer for the Lord... Stop being afraid of what you are about to suffer... Remain faithful. Rev. 2:9-10
3. Pergamos - I am fully aware that you live in the city where Satan's throne is... yet you have remained loyal to me... And yet I have a few things against you... change your mind and attitude... Rev. 2:13-14
4. Thyatira - I am aware of all your good deeds - I know your love and faith and patience, and I can see your constant improvement in all these things... Yet I have this against you: You are permitting that woman Jezebel...to teach... I will give to each of you whatever you deserve... Rev. 2:19-23
5. Sardis - I know your reputation as a live and active church, but you are dead, Now wake up! Strengthen what little remains... Rev. 3:1-2
6. Philadelphia - I know you well: you aren't strong, but you have tried to obey... Rev 3:8
7. Laodicea - I know you well - you are neither hot nor cold; I wish you were one or the other! But since you are merely lukewarm, I will spit you out of my mouth!
As I read the portion of scripture to the last 2 churches today, the phrase, "I know you well" really stood out to me. Each of these churches has a different personality. A unique struggle. One thing is consistent. God knows what's going on.
I was thinking this morning about the "8th Letter". What if that one was addressed to me? What would it say?
"To my dearest [insert your name here], I know you well. I know how you... ______________. But this is what I hold against you _____________."
What would it say?
In the past we've done a DREAM inventory for ourselves. What if we were to have the Lord fill out the inventory for us? Let's take time to do that.
How is your Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship?
How are your Relationships Devoted to Unity?
Are you Empowered Through Biblical Training?
Are you faithful in Active Ministry Involvement?
Are you living your Mission to Reach your World For Christ?
How would the Lord fill this out for you today? For me... well, let's just say he's encouraging me to strengthen an area or two... He knows me well!
The Lord is longing to make a difference in our lives if we will only allow him. "Look! I have been standing at the door and I am constantly knocking. If anyone hears me calling him and opens the door, I will come in and fellowship with him and he with me." Rev. 3:20
Let's invite him in, fellowship with Him, and allow him to complete his work in our lives.
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
Amos 7:1-9:15
Revelation 3:7-22
Psalm 131:1-3
Proverbs 29:23
In Revelation chapters 2 & 3, John is instructed to write a letter to 7 churches. Here is a quick synopsis of what is written to each:
1. Ephesus - I know how many good things you are doing. I have watched your hard work and your patience.... Yet there is one thing wrong; you don't love me as at first!... Rev. 2:2-4
2. Smyrna - I know how much you suffer for the Lord... Stop being afraid of what you are about to suffer... Remain faithful. Rev. 2:9-10
3. Pergamos - I am fully aware that you live in the city where Satan's throne is... yet you have remained loyal to me... And yet I have a few things against you... change your mind and attitude... Rev. 2:13-14
4. Thyatira - I am aware of all your good deeds - I know your love and faith and patience, and I can see your constant improvement in all these things... Yet I have this against you: You are permitting that woman Jezebel...to teach... I will give to each of you whatever you deserve... Rev. 2:19-23
5. Sardis - I know your reputation as a live and active church, but you are dead, Now wake up! Strengthen what little remains... Rev. 3:1-2
6. Philadelphia - I know you well: you aren't strong, but you have tried to obey... Rev 3:8
7. Laodicea - I know you well - you are neither hot nor cold; I wish you were one or the other! But since you are merely lukewarm, I will spit you out of my mouth!
As I read the portion of scripture to the last 2 churches today, the phrase, "I know you well" really stood out to me. Each of these churches has a different personality. A unique struggle. One thing is consistent. God knows what's going on.
I was thinking this morning about the "8th Letter". What if that one was addressed to me? What would it say?
"To my dearest [insert your name here], I know you well. I know how you... ______________. But this is what I hold against you _____________."
What would it say?
In the past we've done a DREAM inventory for ourselves. What if we were to have the Lord fill out the inventory for us? Let's take time to do that.
How is your Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship?
How are your Relationships Devoted to Unity?
Are you Empowered Through Biblical Training?
Are you faithful in Active Ministry Involvement?
Are you living your Mission to Reach your World For Christ?
How would the Lord fill this out for you today? For me... well, let's just say he's encouraging me to strengthen an area or two... He knows me well!
The Lord is longing to make a difference in our lives if we will only allow him. "Look! I have been standing at the door and I am constantly knocking. If anyone hears me calling him and opens the door, I will come in and fellowship with him and he with me." Rev. 3:20
Let's invite him in, fellowship with Him, and allow him to complete his work in our lives.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
12.11.7 "Seek Me and Live"
"Seek Me and Live"
Amos 4:1-6:14
Revelation 2:18-3:6
Psalm 130:1-8
Proverbs 29:21-22
"The Lord says to the people of Israel, 'Seek me - and live. don't seek the idols of Bethel, Gilgal, or Beer-sheeba; for the people of Gilgal will be carried off to exile, and those of Bethel shall surely come to grief."
This portion of scripture may seem unassuming, but it was one of the most impacting scriptures in my Christian growth. It was 18 years ago. I was a student at North Central Bible College. (now NCU). It was a morning that I was going to skip chapel service because I was tired. For some reason, I ended up going, and the guest speaker was Pam Seward. She was a tiny lady who was (and still is, I believe) a missionary to the country of Nepal. She had an unbelievable testimony that I wish I had time to pass on to you. I feel like I just heard it yesterday. I truly believe that in heaven she will be mentioned in the ranks of those as the apostle Paul.
Beside Pam's incredible testimony, she challenged us with this scripture. The challenge rings true for all of us today. We need to seek God and Live!
Don't seek the idols of Bethel. Bethel represents the house of God. It's where Abraham built his second altar, it's where Jacob had his vision. How does that apply to us? We need to make sure that we seek God, and not "church". Your relationship with the Lord is not about the ritual of Christian actions. It's about seeking God. When you seek God, your commitment to church will be a natural result. The fruit of the healthy relationship is that commitment. But too often many try to make it "look" like the relationship is healthy by pursuing the busyness of the Christian life.
Don't seek the idols of Gilgal. Gilgal was the Israelites' first camping place after crossing the Jordan. It represents what God has done in the past. I'm sure everyone reading this DEVO has a testimony of what God has done. If we look back, there are great things that we can testify about. As great as those testimonies can be, our relationship with God can't be only about what he's done in the past. We can't be constantly looking back at the past hoping God will "do it again." We need to seek him for who he is.
Don't seek the idols of Beer-sheeba. Beer-sheeba is a place of promises. Abraham made an oath there. Our love for God can't be based only on what he has promised us. "ok, God, i'll serve you if you come through like you said you would..." God's promises are awesome, but we don't seek him for his hand. We need to seek his face. It's not about what he can do for us. It's about who he is.
You wanna live? Seek God.
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
Amos 4:1-6:14
Revelation 2:18-3:6
Psalm 130:1-8
Proverbs 29:21-22
"The Lord says to the people of Israel, 'Seek me - and live. don't seek the idols of Bethel, Gilgal, or Beer-sheeba; for the people of Gilgal will be carried off to exile, and those of Bethel shall surely come to grief."
This portion of scripture may seem unassuming, but it was one of the most impacting scriptures in my Christian growth. It was 18 years ago. I was a student at North Central Bible College. (now NCU). It was a morning that I was going to skip chapel service because I was tired. For some reason, I ended up going, and the guest speaker was Pam Seward. She was a tiny lady who was (and still is, I believe) a missionary to the country of Nepal. She had an unbelievable testimony that I wish I had time to pass on to you. I feel like I just heard it yesterday. I truly believe that in heaven she will be mentioned in the ranks of those as the apostle Paul.
Beside Pam's incredible testimony, she challenged us with this scripture. The challenge rings true for all of us today. We need to seek God and Live!
Don't seek the idols of Bethel. Bethel represents the house of God. It's where Abraham built his second altar, it's where Jacob had his vision. How does that apply to us? We need to make sure that we seek God, and not "church". Your relationship with the Lord is not about the ritual of Christian actions. It's about seeking God. When you seek God, your commitment to church will be a natural result. The fruit of the healthy relationship is that commitment. But too often many try to make it "look" like the relationship is healthy by pursuing the busyness of the Christian life.
Don't seek the idols of Gilgal. Gilgal was the Israelites' first camping place after crossing the Jordan. It represents what God has done in the past. I'm sure everyone reading this DEVO has a testimony of what God has done. If we look back, there are great things that we can testify about. As great as those testimonies can be, our relationship with God can't be only about what he's done in the past. We can't be constantly looking back at the past hoping God will "do it again." We need to seek him for who he is.
Don't seek the idols of Beer-sheeba. Beer-sheeba is a place of promises. Abraham made an oath there. Our love for God can't be based only on what he has promised us. "ok, God, i'll serve you if you come through like you said you would..." God's promises are awesome, but we don't seek him for his hand. We need to seek his face. It's not about what he can do for us. It's about who he is.
You wanna live? Seek God.
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, December 10, 2007
12.10.7 "All Spokes and No Hub"
"All Spokes and No Hub"
Amos 1:1-3:15
Revelation 2:1-17
Psalm 129:1-8
Proverbs 29:19-20
To Live the DREAM means to live the Balanced Christian Life. I tried to copy a visual below, but it may not have worked. If you think of it as a wheel, the "tire" is our purpose - our Mission to reach our World for Christ. It's where the "rubber meets the road" so to speak. There are 3 spokes: Relationships Devoted to Unity, Empowered Through Biblical Training, and Active Ministry Involvement. The Hub of the wheel is the "Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship".
The Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship (DLOW) represents our relationship with the Lord. It must be the center of all we do. It must be healthy.
In Revelations 2, John is instructed to write a letters to the Churches. The Ephesian Church has a pretty good looking wheel, but has a significant problem.
"I know how many Good things you are doing. I have watched your hard work and your patience; (Active Ministry Involvement) I know you don't tolerate sin among your members, (Relationships Devoted to Unity) and you have carefully examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but aren't. You have found out how they lie. (Empowered Through Biblical Training)." Rev. 2:2
You could think things are going pretty good from this review. But, here it comes: "yet there is one thing wrong; you don't love me as at first! Think about those times of your first love (how different now!) and turn back to me again and work as you did before; or else I will come and remove your candlestick from its place among the churches." Rev. 2:4-5
The problem is that they're all spokes and no hub. As we live the balanced Christian life, we need to make sure that our relationship with Christ is the central focus. Great "spokes" should be part of our life, but we can't forget what holds us together.
Notice that the church was not told to get rid of their "spokes". They were told to "turn back to me again and work as you did before." So many times I hear someone tell me they have to throw their spokes away because their hub has lost it's focus. That isn't the point. The point is that we need to be in healthy relationship with Christ in all things.
It's BECAUSE I love Christ that I am devoted to unity. It's BECAUSE I love Christ that I'm Empowered through his Word & I'm Actively using my gifts. The manifestation of all these things is reaching our World for Christ.
It's great to desire balance. That's what we're shooting for. But we can never forget that in order to find balance, we must have the right thing in the center!
Let's get our wheel in order as we live the DREAM!
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
Amos 1:1-3:15
Revelation 2:1-17
Psalm 129:1-8
Proverbs 29:19-20
To Live the DREAM means to live the Balanced Christian Life. I tried to copy a visual below, but it may not have worked. If you think of it as a wheel, the "tire" is our purpose - our Mission to reach our World for Christ. It's where the "rubber meets the road" so to speak. There are 3 spokes: Relationships Devoted to Unity, Empowered Through Biblical Training, and Active Ministry Involvement. The Hub of the wheel is the "Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship".
The Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship (DLOW) represents our relationship with the Lord. It must be the center of all we do. It must be healthy.
In Revelations 2, John is instructed to write a letters to the Churches. The Ephesian Church has a pretty good looking wheel, but has a significant problem.
"I know how many Good things you are doing. I have watched your hard work and your patience; (Active Ministry Involvement) I know you don't tolerate sin among your members, (Relationships Devoted to Unity) and you have carefully examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but aren't. You have found out how they lie. (Empowered Through Biblical Training)." Rev. 2:2
You could think things are going pretty good from this review. But, here it comes: "yet there is one thing wrong; you don't love me as at first! Think about those times of your first love (how different now!) and turn back to me again and work as you did before; or else I will come and remove your candlestick from its place among the churches." Rev. 2:4-5
The problem is that they're all spokes and no hub. As we live the balanced Christian life, we need to make sure that our relationship with Christ is the central focus. Great "spokes" should be part of our life, but we can't forget what holds us together.
Notice that the church was not told to get rid of their "spokes". They were told to "turn back to me again and work as you did before." So many times I hear someone tell me they have to throw their spokes away because their hub has lost it's focus. That isn't the point. The point is that we need to be in healthy relationship with Christ in all things.
It's BECAUSE I love Christ that I am devoted to unity. It's BECAUSE I love Christ that I'm Empowered through his Word & I'm Actively using my gifts. The manifestation of all these things is reaching our World for Christ.
It's great to desire balance. That's what we're shooting for. But we can never forget that in order to find balance, we must have the right thing in the center!
Let's get our wheel in order as we live the DREAM!
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, December 9, 2007
12.9.7 "Positioned to Hear"
"Positioned to Hear"
Joel 1:1-3:21
Revelation 1:1-20
Psalm 128:1-6
Proverbs 29:18
"I was on the island of Patmos, exiled for preaching the Word of God, and for telling what I knew about Jesus Christ. It was the Lord's Day and I was worshiping, when suddenly I heard a loud voice behind me, a voice that sounded like a trumpet blast".
This is a familiar scripture. I'm sure you've heard it many times. I know I have. What struck me is something that we all need to remember. We never know when God is going to speak to us, but we need to be in a position to hear him.
John is on this prison island in exile. Yet that doesn't change the fact that he is worshiping the Lord on the Lord's Day. In fleshly reason, it's easy to say, "you know what, John, you've had it rough. You deserve to skip church today...." Yet, on the Lord's Day, he's worshiping the Lord.
Too often we create an excuse for our lack of discipline in time with the Lord. "I'm tired, I'm too busy..." We skip time in God's house, We skip our morning devotions. Of course it's for good reason. I'm sure God understands...
And then we wonder why we don't hear from God. There's no revelation. Empowered Through Biblical Training is a Discipline. Discipline prepares us to be where we need to be when God needs to speak to us and to use us. I'm sure it's sad from God's perspective to have something he really desires to place in our heart, and i'm too busy & I run out the door. What he wanted to show me would greatly equip me for the day. Then I struggle through the day in my own strength. Then when I get home, I blame Him for how bad it went.
I may have shared this before, but when I was in college, I heard a great analogy from this little missionary lady from Napal. Her name was Pam Seward. She told of how the Napali government was given a satellite dish for communications. The way it works is that a motor on the dish moves it to follow wherever the satellite went. Well they were happy to have received this for free, but they began thinking that if they used it to much it may wear out & they would have to fix it. So they decided to turn the motor off when they weren't using it. You can guess what happened. When they'd fire it up, it spent way more energy trying to search out the satellite. It would have been so much more efficient to keep it in tune with the satellite all the time.
The same is true for us. we need to daily be in tune with the voice of the Holy Spirit. Then we can clearly recognize the still small voice whenever and wherever it speaks. He's often telling us very simple practical steps that when obeyed, have the potential to change the world.
We are more desperate for the Lord than we realize. Every day we need to take the time to hear from God. It shouldn't be optional. It's vital to do this to discover and become who God created us to be. The "revelation" may not happen the first day, the first week, or when we want it. But, regardless, we need to be in position to hear him no matter the circumstance.
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
Joel 1:1-3:21
Revelation 1:1-20
Psalm 128:1-6
Proverbs 29:18
"I was on the island of Patmos, exiled for preaching the Word of God, and for telling what I knew about Jesus Christ. It was the Lord's Day and I was worshiping, when suddenly I heard a loud voice behind me, a voice that sounded like a trumpet blast".
This is a familiar scripture. I'm sure you've heard it many times. I know I have. What struck me is something that we all need to remember. We never know when God is going to speak to us, but we need to be in a position to hear him.
John is on this prison island in exile. Yet that doesn't change the fact that he is worshiping the Lord on the Lord's Day. In fleshly reason, it's easy to say, "you know what, John, you've had it rough. You deserve to skip church today...." Yet, on the Lord's Day, he's worshiping the Lord.
Too often we create an excuse for our lack of discipline in time with the Lord. "I'm tired, I'm too busy..." We skip time in God's house, We skip our morning devotions. Of course it's for good reason. I'm sure God understands...
And then we wonder why we don't hear from God. There's no revelation. Empowered Through Biblical Training is a Discipline. Discipline prepares us to be where we need to be when God needs to speak to us and to use us. I'm sure it's sad from God's perspective to have something he really desires to place in our heart, and i'm too busy & I run out the door. What he wanted to show me would greatly equip me for the day. Then I struggle through the day in my own strength. Then when I get home, I blame Him for how bad it went.
I may have shared this before, but when I was in college, I heard a great analogy from this little missionary lady from Napal. Her name was Pam Seward. She told of how the Napali government was given a satellite dish for communications. The way it works is that a motor on the dish moves it to follow wherever the satellite went. Well they were happy to have received this for free, but they began thinking that if they used it to much it may wear out & they would have to fix it. So they decided to turn the motor off when they weren't using it. You can guess what happened. When they'd fire it up, it spent way more energy trying to search out the satellite. It would have been so much more efficient to keep it in tune with the satellite all the time.
The same is true for us. we need to daily be in tune with the voice of the Holy Spirit. Then we can clearly recognize the still small voice whenever and wherever it speaks. He's often telling us very simple practical steps that when obeyed, have the potential to change the world.
We are more desperate for the Lord than we realize. Every day we need to take the time to hear from God. It shouldn't be optional. It's vital to do this to discover and become who God created us to be. The "revelation" may not happen the first day, the first week, or when we want it. But, regardless, we need to be in position to hear him no matter the circumstance.
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, December 8, 2007
12.8.7 "Keep it Between the Lines"
"Keep it Between the Lines"
Hosea 10:1-14:9
Jude 1:1-25
Psalm 127:1-5
Proverbs 29:15-17
We have a four-way stop near our house. I stop most of the time, but if I'm in a hurry, I go through right away because everybody else stops.
A couple of years ago on there was a major traffic delay on my side of the freeway. I noticed there was no traffic at all on the other side, so I took the next exit crossed the bridge, and drove onto the other side of the freeway. It was great. Sure it was the wrong direction, but it sure was fun waving to all those losers who were stuck in traffic....
How do you feel about my actions? Well, don't worry, those things never happened. However, I think more people would be upset about the traffic offenses than they would be about how some Christians live their life.
We live in an age of grace. We know that. We are thankful for the cross. It is a wonderful gift. We fail to understand that the power of the cross constrains us to do the right thing. Jude 1:4 says, "I say this because some godless teachers have wormed their way in among you, saying that after we become Christians we can do just as we like without fear of God's punishment..."
Unfortunately, there's an errant theology that can creep in that says we can make the choices we want to make, do what we want & everything will work out in the end. That is more dangerous than driving 65 miles an hour down a freeway in the wrong direction. Sure, you might survive...
We MUST understand the character of God. His love for us is the most intense force in the universe. Jude 1:21 says, "Stay always within the boundaries where God's love can reach and bless you." WHAT?? what do you mean where the love can reach... isn't it the most powerful?
Yes, it is, but when we willfully step out from the umbrella of God's grace, we are in very serious danger. The world really wants to trick us into believing we can make the choices we want to make, right or wrong, with no consequence. Is that a godly principle? Heres Jude's reply:
"My answer to them is: Remember this fact - which you know already - that the Lord saved a whole nation of people out of the land of Egypt, and then killed every one of them who did not trust and obey him... And I remind you of those angels who were once pure and holy, but turned to a life of sin." Jude 1:5
When learning to drive, one thing that's really important is keeping your car in your lane. For the safety of everyone you need to keep it between the lines.
We must do the same thing as believers. there is a structure and a plan that God has for us. Our love for him should constrain us to keep to the path he has laid out. Hosea 14:9 says, "Whoever is wise, let him understand these things. Whoever is intelligent, let him listen. For the paths of the Lord are true and right, and good men walk along them. But sinners trying it will fail."
So many around live as if they will not reap the fruit of what they plant. Hosea 10:12-14 say, "Plant the good seeds of righteousness and you will reap a crop of my love; plow the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and shower salvation upon you. but you have cultivated wickedness and raised a thriving crop of sins. You have earned the full reward of trusting in a lie - believing that military might and great armies can make a nation safe! Therefore the terrors of war shall rise among your people, and all your forts will fall..."
This is not sounding like a real encouraging word, is it? It's a word we need to be reminded of. I don't only need to hear this myself, there are those in my world who do, and I owe it to those I care for to help them stay the course. Proverbs 29:15 & 17 say, "Scolding and spanking a child helps him to learn. Left to himself, he brings shame to his mother... Discipline your son and he will give you happiness and peace of mind." Discipline is not a punishment of wrath. It's an act of love to help one stay the course; to keep it between the lines.
God does not want us to be left to our own devices. He loves us enough to constrain us to do the right thing. We must be urgent about this.
"But you, dear friends, must build up your lives ever more strongly upon the foundation of our holy faith, learning to pray in the power and strength of the Holy Spirit. Stay always within the boundaries where God's love can reach and bless you. Wait patiently for the eternal life that our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy is going to give you. Try to help those who argue against you. Be merciful to those who doubt. Save some by snatching them as from the very flames of hell itself. And as for others, help them to find the Lord by being kind to them, but be careful that you yourselves aren't pulled along into their sins. Hate every trace of their sin while being merciful to them as sinners." Jude 1:20-23
We must discipline ourselves to be Empowered through Biblical Training this is how we break up the ground of our heart. Yes, sometimes it takes work, and many times we don't "feel" like it. However, this is what produces the fruit of a godly life. We can't think that we can plant selfishness and reap something else. It doesn't work that way.
Keep it between the lines of God's word!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Hosea 10:1-14:9
Jude 1:1-25
Psalm 127:1-5
Proverbs 29:15-17
We have a four-way stop near our house. I stop most of the time, but if I'm in a hurry, I go through right away because everybody else stops.
A couple of years ago on there was a major traffic delay on my side of the freeway. I noticed there was no traffic at all on the other side, so I took the next exit crossed the bridge, and drove onto the other side of the freeway. It was great. Sure it was the wrong direction, but it sure was fun waving to all those losers who were stuck in traffic....
How do you feel about my actions? Well, don't worry, those things never happened. However, I think more people would be upset about the traffic offenses than they would be about how some Christians live their life.
We live in an age of grace. We know that. We are thankful for the cross. It is a wonderful gift. We fail to understand that the power of the cross constrains us to do the right thing. Jude 1:4 says, "I say this because some godless teachers have wormed their way in among you, saying that after we become Christians we can do just as we like without fear of God's punishment..."
Unfortunately, there's an errant theology that can creep in that says we can make the choices we want to make, do what we want & everything will work out in the end. That is more dangerous than driving 65 miles an hour down a freeway in the wrong direction. Sure, you might survive...
We MUST understand the character of God. His love for us is the most intense force in the universe. Jude 1:21 says, "Stay always within the boundaries where God's love can reach and bless you." WHAT?? what do you mean where the love can reach... isn't it the most powerful?
Yes, it is, but when we willfully step out from the umbrella of God's grace, we are in very serious danger. The world really wants to trick us into believing we can make the choices we want to make, right or wrong, with no consequence. Is that a godly principle? Heres Jude's reply:
"My answer to them is: Remember this fact - which you know already - that the Lord saved a whole nation of people out of the land of Egypt, and then killed every one of them who did not trust and obey him... And I remind you of those angels who were once pure and holy, but turned to a life of sin." Jude 1:5
When learning to drive, one thing that's really important is keeping your car in your lane. For the safety of everyone you need to keep it between the lines.
We must do the same thing as believers. there is a structure and a plan that God has for us. Our love for him should constrain us to keep to the path he has laid out. Hosea 14:9 says, "Whoever is wise, let him understand these things. Whoever is intelligent, let him listen. For the paths of the Lord are true and right, and good men walk along them. But sinners trying it will fail."
So many around live as if they will not reap the fruit of what they plant. Hosea 10:12-14 say, "Plant the good seeds of righteousness and you will reap a crop of my love; plow the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and shower salvation upon you. but you have cultivated wickedness and raised a thriving crop of sins. You have earned the full reward of trusting in a lie - believing that military might and great armies can make a nation safe! Therefore the terrors of war shall rise among your people, and all your forts will fall..."
This is not sounding like a real encouraging word, is it? It's a word we need to be reminded of. I don't only need to hear this myself, there are those in my world who do, and I owe it to those I care for to help them stay the course. Proverbs 29:15 & 17 say, "Scolding and spanking a child helps him to learn. Left to himself, he brings shame to his mother... Discipline your son and he will give you happiness and peace of mind." Discipline is not a punishment of wrath. It's an act of love to help one stay the course; to keep it between the lines.
God does not want us to be left to our own devices. He loves us enough to constrain us to do the right thing. We must be urgent about this.
"But you, dear friends, must build up your lives ever more strongly upon the foundation of our holy faith, learning to pray in the power and strength of the Holy Spirit. Stay always within the boundaries where God's love can reach and bless you. Wait patiently for the eternal life that our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy is going to give you. Try to help those who argue against you. Be merciful to those who doubt. Save some by snatching them as from the very flames of hell itself. And as for others, help them to find the Lord by being kind to them, but be careful that you yourselves aren't pulled along into their sins. Hate every trace of their sin while being merciful to them as sinners." Jude 1:20-23
We must discipline ourselves to be Empowered through Biblical Training this is how we break up the ground of our heart. Yes, sometimes it takes work, and many times we don't "feel" like it. However, this is what produces the fruit of a godly life. We can't think that we can plant selfishness and reap something else. It doesn't work that way.
Keep it between the lines of God's word!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
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