"Why be Faithful in Small Things"
Exodus 26:1-27:21
Matthew 25:1-30
Psalm 31:1-8
Proverbs 8:1-11
In December of 2004 the choir was preparing for the musical outreach. As usual, I had about three pages of notes of things that need tweaking. There was everything from keeping quiet in the hallways, to set movement, and how lines were said. I paused for a moment to look at the list. I thought, "Is this stuff really that important?" I felt the Lord speak to my heart. "it is because I have big plans." For the rest of that musical we all encouraged each other with these words: "Why be faithful in small things? Because God has BIG plans!"
This is something that needs to get in the heart of every believer. It aligns with the "Responsibility" principle of Active Ministry Involvement.
Today's reading is the story of the Master who went on a journey and entrusted money to his servants. One received $5000, one $2000, and one $1000. (The talent is actually a monetary unit valued at about $1000).
You know the story. Each was given according to his ability. You know who was faithful and who wasn't. Verse 16 says, "the man who received the $5000 began immediately to buy and sell with it and soon earned another $5000." Listen to what the Master says in verse 21. "his master praised him for good work. 'you have been faithful in handling this small amount,' he told him, 'so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Begin the joyous tasks I have assigned to you.'" He was faithful in small things, equipping him for God's big plans.
One thing that stands out in the Living Bible is the statement of the "wicked" servant who only received the one. he said, "Sir, I knew you were a hard man and I was afraid you would rob me of what I earned, so I hid your money in the earth and here it is!" (verse 25)
Notice how he speaks of the money as his own. He's connected to it. This is something we must guard intensely. ALL that we have is God's.
I'm going to jump a different direction here. Sometimes what we've been given isn't even $1000 dollars. Sometimes it can even be a painful experience. Sometimes it's an unimaginable heartache. Now the same question is asked. "What did you do with what I gave you?"
The enemy wants to take hurt and use it to destroy us. He wants us to burry it in the ground of bitterness and despair so that when the Master returns we will be found lacking.
No matter how small or great the hurt, when put in the hands of God, there is great return. When the most horrible of circumstances occurs, it is still possible to put that to work for God's glory. Oh, it isn't easy. There is a dying to self that will go deeper than anything ever has. It will go to the very core. Our flesh wants to react like the wicked servant. "Look what you've done to me!!!" The sentiments are self-centered. The hurts are real, but they don't have to be ours. He bore our griefs. Carried our sorrows. They are all upon Him.
When we learn the lessons of faithfulness in ALL things, the Master will return to see what has been done. We want him to say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant".
What are you holding in your hand? Is it blessing, talent, joy, sorrow, pain, hurt? Whatever it is, God asks that you be faithful. He has big plans.
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, February 7, 2008
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
2.6.8 "6:53 tonight"
"6:53 tonight"
Exodus 23:14-25:40
Matthew 24:29-51
Psalm 30:1-12
Proverbs 7:24-27
As I'm writing this we've got a bunch of snow coming down. If forecasts are accurate, we'll get a foot to 18" of snow today. Schools are cancelled, there's closings everywhere. I heard it referred to yesterday as the "snowpocalypse" and "stormmaggedon". I think it was more tongue in cheek than anything, making fun of all the "hype" that's out there about this snow "disaster" (Remember that where I grew up, this is nothing!) Often, these forecasts have been inaccuarate. Last week the 1-2" of snow turned out to be 8". Not much fun when it comes to a big driveway. Tough to trust forecasts too much.
So.... 6:53 tonight....
Jesus is coming.
ok, i realize that Matthew 24:36 says, "However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows." So I'm being somewhat facetious here.
What if it was 6:53 tonight? Would you be prepared? We spoke of clean clothes a day or so ago. Would you be found without "spot or wrinkle"? If you knew it was on the calendar for this evening, with what kind of intensity would you live this day?
"So you, too, must keep watch! For you don't know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the son of Man will come when least expected." Matt. 24:42-44
Jesus could come today. (if he did, it would be great if it was before i had to get all this snow off my driveway!) But I MUST be ready all the time! There's urgency to the moment! We must structure our lives that we are on guard against the enemy sneaking into our lives and staining us with the soil of worldliness, and complacency.
Look out your window. How many people can you see who need Christ? Look around your office... If Jesus comes at 6:53, what will 6:54 be like for them?
Have we been living with our mission in mind? verse 46 says, "If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward." verse 48 says, "But what if the servant is evil and thinks, 'My master won't be back for a while,'..." Complacency is evil. We have a mission to reach our world for Christ. We have a mandate to walk in obedience, and to be good stewards of all we've been given charge of.
THIS is what it means to Live the DREAM! Be prepared! This forecast is true: Jesus is coming! We may not make it to 6:53 tonight!
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
Exodus 23:14-25:40
Matthew 24:29-51
Psalm 30:1-12
Proverbs 7:24-27
As I'm writing this we've got a bunch of snow coming down. If forecasts are accurate, we'll get a foot to 18" of snow today. Schools are cancelled, there's closings everywhere. I heard it referred to yesterday as the "snowpocalypse" and "stormmaggedon". I think it was more tongue in cheek than anything, making fun of all the "hype" that's out there about this snow "disaster" (Remember that where I grew up, this is nothing!) Often, these forecasts have been inaccuarate. Last week the 1-2" of snow turned out to be 8". Not much fun when it comes to a big driveway. Tough to trust forecasts too much.
So.... 6:53 tonight....
Jesus is coming.
ok, i realize that Matthew 24:36 says, "However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows." So I'm being somewhat facetious here.
What if it was 6:53 tonight? Would you be prepared? We spoke of clean clothes a day or so ago. Would you be found without "spot or wrinkle"? If you knew it was on the calendar for this evening, with what kind of intensity would you live this day?
"So you, too, must keep watch! For you don't know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the son of Man will come when least expected." Matt. 24:42-44
Jesus could come today. (if he did, it would be great if it was before i had to get all this snow off my driveway!) But I MUST be ready all the time! There's urgency to the moment! We must structure our lives that we are on guard against the enemy sneaking into our lives and staining us with the soil of worldliness, and complacency.
Look out your window. How many people can you see who need Christ? Look around your office... If Jesus comes at 6:53, what will 6:54 be like for them?
Have we been living with our mission in mind? verse 46 says, "If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward." verse 48 says, "But what if the servant is evil and thinks, 'My master won't be back for a while,'..." Complacency is evil. We have a mission to reach our world for Christ. We have a mandate to walk in obedience, and to be good stewards of all we've been given charge of.
THIS is what it means to Live the DREAM! Be prepared! This forecast is true: Jesus is coming! We may not make it to 6:53 tonight!
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, February 5, 2008
2.5.8 "Death Trap"
"Death Trap"
Exodus 21:22-23:13
Matthew 24:1-28
Psalm 29:1-11
Proverbs 7:6-23
When I was in college I had a Toyota Corolla that was quite the piece of work. It started great (which is a major point in northern MN!) and it ran great. It just has some rust issues. When you'd open the trunk you would just see the ground and gas tank. On the drivers side, it was just the carpet between your feet and the ground. (on it's way to being a Flintstone car!) It was a beautiful "primer gray", and when i sold it I was thrilled that i got over $300 for it. It was referred to by some as a death trap.
Proverbs 7 speaks of a "death trap"
"He was like a stag caught in a trap, awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart. He was like a bird flying into a snare, little knowing it would cost him his life." Proverbs. 7:22-23
What is this trap? It's a young man who is "lacking common sense, walking at twilight down the street to the house of this wayward girl, a prostitute."
Sin has a "fate awaiting". There's such a deceptive trap in sin. It becomes so powerful, because there's no "electric fence" instantly zapping the sinner for their waywardness. The consequences are many times delayed, but as subtle as the consequences may seem, the results are devastating.
What is the consequence? When thinking in Sunday School terms, "you go to hell". Well, there's truth to that, but what Jesus says in Matthew 24 really stood out to me today. He is talking about the end times. He speaks of false prophets and wars. Those seem so obvious. But in verse 12 he says, "Sin will be rampant everywhere and will cool the love of many."
Sin numbs us to the love of God. So many times I've heard in marriage counseling, "I just don't love him anymore." No one can point to a day where love stopped, it's just a gradual "loss". This happens spiritually. Small compromises gradually kill the fire for God. A little sin here & there may go unnoticed. There's no lightning from heaven. Nobody knows. Things must be ok, right?
There is a fate awaiting. The most horrible fate is to separated from God. Daily people make sinful decisions and think "I'm still ok." A deep rooted cancer of rebellion against God takes hold and begins the internal mission to kill love for God. Then one day there's a realization, "I don't love him anymore."
We'd want to think "that could never happen to me. I can beat this thing that lures me..." Yet we don't realize that our willingness to allow sin to remain in our life is a death trap.... little knowing it will cost us our lives.
"Praise the Lord, you angels of his; praise his glory and his strength. Praise him for his majestic glory, the glory of his name. Come before him clothed in sacred garments." Psalm 29:1-2
If you were to stand in the light of God's glory at this very second, what stains would appear on your clothing? Are your garments sacred? Would you run in shame trying to hide the stain, and attempt to scrub it out with your own strength and determination? The truth is, He's the only one with the "detergent" that will was our stain away. It's the blood of Jesus shed for us.
Be clean before him today. Be pure. Allow him to cleanse you. And stay away from the "death trap"
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
Exodus 21:22-23:13
Matthew 24:1-28
Psalm 29:1-11
Proverbs 7:6-23
When I was in college I had a Toyota Corolla that was quite the piece of work. It started great (which is a major point in northern MN!) and it ran great. It just has some rust issues. When you'd open the trunk you would just see the ground and gas tank. On the drivers side, it was just the carpet between your feet and the ground. (on it's way to being a Flintstone car!) It was a beautiful "primer gray", and when i sold it I was thrilled that i got over $300 for it. It was referred to by some as a death trap.
Proverbs 7 speaks of a "death trap"
"He was like a stag caught in a trap, awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart. He was like a bird flying into a snare, little knowing it would cost him his life." Proverbs. 7:22-23
What is this trap? It's a young man who is "lacking common sense, walking at twilight down the street to the house of this wayward girl, a prostitute."
Sin has a "fate awaiting". There's such a deceptive trap in sin. It becomes so powerful, because there's no "electric fence" instantly zapping the sinner for their waywardness. The consequences are many times delayed, but as subtle as the consequences may seem, the results are devastating.
What is the consequence? When thinking in Sunday School terms, "you go to hell". Well, there's truth to that, but what Jesus says in Matthew 24 really stood out to me today. He is talking about the end times. He speaks of false prophets and wars. Those seem so obvious. But in verse 12 he says, "Sin will be rampant everywhere and will cool the love of many."
Sin numbs us to the love of God. So many times I've heard in marriage counseling, "I just don't love him anymore." No one can point to a day where love stopped, it's just a gradual "loss". This happens spiritually. Small compromises gradually kill the fire for God. A little sin here & there may go unnoticed. There's no lightning from heaven. Nobody knows. Things must be ok, right?
There is a fate awaiting. The most horrible fate is to separated from God. Daily people make sinful decisions and think "I'm still ok." A deep rooted cancer of rebellion against God takes hold and begins the internal mission to kill love for God. Then one day there's a realization, "I don't love him anymore."
We'd want to think "that could never happen to me. I can beat this thing that lures me..." Yet we don't realize that our willingness to allow sin to remain in our life is a death trap.... little knowing it will cost us our lives.
"Praise the Lord, you angels of his; praise his glory and his strength. Praise him for his majestic glory, the glory of his name. Come before him clothed in sacred garments." Psalm 29:1-2
If you were to stand in the light of God's glory at this very second, what stains would appear on your clothing? Are your garments sacred? Would you run in shame trying to hide the stain, and attempt to scrub it out with your own strength and determination? The truth is, He's the only one with the "detergent" that will was our stain away. It's the blood of Jesus shed for us.
Be clean before him today. Be pure. Allow him to cleanse you. And stay away from the "death trap"
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, February 4, 2008
2.4.8 "The Power of God Revealed"
"The Power of God Revealed"
Exodus 19:16-21:21
Matthew 23:13-39
Psalm 28:1-9
Proverbs 7:1-5
This is it. God has brought the people to the wilderness to meet with him. He's instructed them to consecrate themselves to prepare for this.
All Mt. Sinai was covered with smoke because Jehovah descended upon it in the form of fire; the smoke billowed into the sky as from a furnace, and the whole mountain shook with a violent earthquake. As the trumpet blast grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and God thundered his reply. So the Lord came down upon the top of Mt. Sinai and called Moses up to the top of the mountain, and Moses ascended to God." Ex 19:18-20
Can you imagine being there? It's like standing at the bottom of an erupting volcano. What was this all about? It was about God's passion for his people. He needed to tell them something. Here's what he needed to tell them:
1. You may worship no other god than me.
2. You shall not make yourselves any idols.
3. You shall not use the name of Jehovah your God irreverently.
4. Remember to observe the Sabbath day as a holy day.
5. Honor your father and mother.
6. You must not murder.
7. You must not commit adultery.
8. You must not steal.
9. You must not lie
10. You must not be be envious of your neighbor's house.
We know them as the 10 commandments. We have them as sunday school lessons and decorations in homes, and fight whether or not they should be in public buildings. We've become very casual about them.
Remember how they came:
"All the people saw the lightning and the smoke billowing from the mountain, and heard the thunder and the long, frightening trumpet blast; and they stood at a distance, shaking with fear." Ex. 20:18
Above all, remember how important all this is. Moses said to them, "God has come in this way to show you his awesome power, so that from now on you will be afraid to sin against him!" Ex. 20:20
When God's power is revealed, his commands come forth. There is one thing required of us: obedience. It is the highest form of worship.
Let's obey him this 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
Exodus 19:16-21:21
Matthew 23:13-39
Psalm 28:1-9
Proverbs 7:1-5
This is it. God has brought the people to the wilderness to meet with him. He's instructed them to consecrate themselves to prepare for this.
All Mt. Sinai was covered with smoke because Jehovah descended upon it in the form of fire; the smoke billowed into the sky as from a furnace, and the whole mountain shook with a violent earthquake. As the trumpet blast grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and God thundered his reply. So the Lord came down upon the top of Mt. Sinai and called Moses up to the top of the mountain, and Moses ascended to God." Ex 19:18-20
Can you imagine being there? It's like standing at the bottom of an erupting volcano. What was this all about? It was about God's passion for his people. He needed to tell them something. Here's what he needed to tell them:
1. You may worship no other god than me.
2. You shall not make yourselves any idols.
3. You shall not use the name of Jehovah your God irreverently.
4. Remember to observe the Sabbath day as a holy day.
5. Honor your father and mother.
6. You must not murder.
7. You must not commit adultery.
8. You must not steal.
9. You must not lie
10. You must not be be envious of your neighbor's house.
We know them as the 10 commandments. We have them as sunday school lessons and decorations in homes, and fight whether or not they should be in public buildings. We've become very casual about them.
Remember how they came:
"All the people saw the lightning and the smoke billowing from the mountain, and heard the thunder and the long, frightening trumpet blast; and they stood at a distance, shaking with fear." Ex. 20:18
Above all, remember how important all this is. Moses said to them, "God has come in this way to show you his awesome power, so that from now on you will be afraid to sin against him!" Ex. 20:20
When God's power is revealed, his commands come forth. There is one thing required of us: obedience. It is the highest form of worship.
Let's obey him this 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
Sunday, February 3, 2008
2.3.8 "Godly Leadership Principles"
"Godly Leadership Principles"
Exodus 17:8-19:15
Matthew 22:34-23:12
Psalm 27:7-14
Proverbs 6:27-35
There are a couple of stories in today's reading that have been the source of many books on leadership. It's difficult to reduce the treasure of content down to a morning devotional.
The first story is the story of Moses, Aaron and Hur and the battle with the Amalekites. You may remember this from sunday school classes. The story is that Moses & Aaron and Hur were on a hill overlooking the battle. "And as long as Moses held up the rod in his hands, Israel was winning. Moses' arms finally became too tired to hold up the rod any longer; so Aaron and Hur rolled a stone for him to sit on, and they stood on each side, holding up his hands until sunset. As a result, Joshua and his troops crushed the army of Amalek, putting them to the sword." Ex. 17:11-13
Here's a few principles from this one.
-Wherever you are at, you have a leader.
-Your number one job is to make your leader successful.
-What can you do to roll a stone and help lift the arms of your leader?
-Notice that Aaron and Hur did not take the "rod" themselves. Sometimes it's in our nature to want to grab the rod and run with our own agenda. We must meet the need of our leader, not usurp the authority.
The next story deals with some of the same principles, but from a different angle.
Moses' father-in-law, Jethro is visiting, and notices how much time Moses was spending listening to people's complaints. He asked why he was trying to do this alone. "'Well, because the people come to me with their disputes, to ask for God's decisions,' Moses told him. 'I am their judge, deciding who is right and who is wrong, and instructing them in God's ways. I apply the laws of God to their particular disputes.'
"'It's not right!' his father-in-law exclaimed. 'You're going to wear yourself out - and if you do, what will happen to the people? Moses, this job is too heavy a burden for you to try to handle all by yourself. Now listen, and let me give you a word of advice, and God will bless you: Be these people's lawyer - their representative before God - bringing him their questions to decide; you will tell them his decisions, teaching them God's laws, and showing them the principles of godly living.
"'Find some capable, godly, honest men who hate bribes, and appoint them as judges, one judge for each 1000 people; he in turn will have ten judges under him, each in charge of a hundred; and under each of them will be two judges each responsible for the affairs of fifty people; and each of these will have five judges beneath him, each counseling ten person. Let these men be responsible to serve the people with justice at all times. Anything that is too important or complicated can be brought to you. But the smaller matters they can take care of themselves. That way it will be easier for you because you will share the burden with them. If you follow this advice, and if the Lord agrees, you will be able to endure the pressures, and there will be peace and harmony in the camp." Ex. 19:15-23
Here are a few of the many principles from this one:
-Wherever you are, you have leadership responsibilities.
-Each one of us has a unique "intensity" of responsibility, but we are all responsible for someone nonetheless.
-We must be good stewards of our responsibilities.
-We must be careful with "stress". We can't let things get to the point where we are worn out.
-HOWEVER, notice that in dealing with the stress according to Jethro's plan, Moses doesn't shirk the responsibility. In other words, he doesn't quit. He is STILL responsible for all of the people. Too often people feel the stress coming on, and they "pull back". That's not really a godly principle. in other words,
-God doesn't call us to do "less", he calls us to do "more" properly.
-If you are at the "edge" as far as what you feel you can handle, you probably want to back off. You are actually more than likely in the place to "step it up" a bit. Sounds crazy doesn't it?
-Many times our responsibilities increase for the purpose of us raising others up to be who God has created them to be.
-Don't just delegate to make life easier on yourself. Delegate for the purpose of meeting the need better. Notice how much more the justice is available to the people when there are more involved in the leadership process.
-As you delegate responsibilities (whether it's to your kids, or high levels in a corporation) make sure that you take the time to qualify the people for the job. Moses was instructed to find "capable, godly, honest men" to do this. There were qualifications. To not do it this way can lead to trouble down the road.
There are many more things to be pulled from that story, but for the sake of time, i need to jump to the last story.
"Then Jesus said to the crowds, and to his disciples, 'You would think these Jewish leaders and these Pharisees were Moses, the way they keep making up so many laws! And of course you should obey their every whim! It may be all right to do what they say, but above anything else, don't follow their example. For they don't do what they tell you to do." Matt. 21:1-3
The following verses go on to talk more about hypocritical leadership. The points from this are important to get as well:
-Notice that Jesus commands them to follow the instructions of the leadership, even if it seems it is poor leadership. This is very hard for people to understand. Most people feel that a leader's mistake negates the necessity to submit to their leadership.
-When there is a mistake or poor leadership, obey what you can, but take note to not follow the example.
This story is wrapped up in verse 11. "The more lowly your service to others, the greater you are. To be the greatest, be a servant. But those who think themselves great shall be disappointed and humbled; and those who humble themselves shall be exalted."
-Be a servant leader
Does all of this have anything to do with Living the DREAM? Absolutely! These leadership lessons have to do with Relationships Devoted to Unity (submission) and Active Ministry Involvement (Responsibility), and the element of discipline that is applied to study these principles is Empowered Through Biblical Training. The truth of God's word needs to invade our very being and transform us in Godly leadership.
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
Exodus 17:8-19:15
Matthew 22:34-23:12
Psalm 27:7-14
Proverbs 6:27-35
There are a couple of stories in today's reading that have been the source of many books on leadership. It's difficult to reduce the treasure of content down to a morning devotional.
The first story is the story of Moses, Aaron and Hur and the battle with the Amalekites. You may remember this from sunday school classes. The story is that Moses & Aaron and Hur were on a hill overlooking the battle. "And as long as Moses held up the rod in his hands, Israel was winning. Moses' arms finally became too tired to hold up the rod any longer; so Aaron and Hur rolled a stone for him to sit on, and they stood on each side, holding up his hands until sunset. As a result, Joshua and his troops crushed the army of Amalek, putting them to the sword." Ex. 17:11-13
Here's a few principles from this one.
-Wherever you are at, you have a leader.
-Your number one job is to make your leader successful.
-What can you do to roll a stone and help lift the arms of your leader?
-Notice that Aaron and Hur did not take the "rod" themselves. Sometimes it's in our nature to want to grab the rod and run with our own agenda. We must meet the need of our leader, not usurp the authority.
The next story deals with some of the same principles, but from a different angle.
Moses' father-in-law, Jethro is visiting, and notices how much time Moses was spending listening to people's complaints. He asked why he was trying to do this alone. "'Well, because the people come to me with their disputes, to ask for God's decisions,' Moses told him. 'I am their judge, deciding who is right and who is wrong, and instructing them in God's ways. I apply the laws of God to their particular disputes.'
"'It's not right!' his father-in-law exclaimed. 'You're going to wear yourself out - and if you do, what will happen to the people? Moses, this job is too heavy a burden for you to try to handle all by yourself. Now listen, and let me give you a word of advice, and God will bless you: Be these people's lawyer - their representative before God - bringing him their questions to decide; you will tell them his decisions, teaching them God's laws, and showing them the principles of godly living.
"'Find some capable, godly, honest men who hate bribes, and appoint them as judges, one judge for each 1000 people; he in turn will have ten judges under him, each in charge of a hundred; and under each of them will be two judges each responsible for the affairs of fifty people; and each of these will have five judges beneath him, each counseling ten person. Let these men be responsible to serve the people with justice at all times. Anything that is too important or complicated can be brought to you. But the smaller matters they can take care of themselves. That way it will be easier for you because you will share the burden with them. If you follow this advice, and if the Lord agrees, you will be able to endure the pressures, and there will be peace and harmony in the camp." Ex. 19:15-23
Here are a few of the many principles from this one:
-Wherever you are, you have leadership responsibilities.
-Each one of us has a unique "intensity" of responsibility, but we are all responsible for someone nonetheless.
-We must be good stewards of our responsibilities.
-We must be careful with "stress". We can't let things get to the point where we are worn out.
-HOWEVER, notice that in dealing with the stress according to Jethro's plan, Moses doesn't shirk the responsibility. In other words, he doesn't quit. He is STILL responsible for all of the people. Too often people feel the stress coming on, and they "pull back". That's not really a godly principle. in other words,
-God doesn't call us to do "less", he calls us to do "more" properly.
-If you are at the "edge" as far as what you feel you can handle, you probably want to back off. You are actually more than likely in the place to "step it up" a bit. Sounds crazy doesn't it?
-Many times our responsibilities increase for the purpose of us raising others up to be who God has created them to be.
-Don't just delegate to make life easier on yourself. Delegate for the purpose of meeting the need better. Notice how much more the justice is available to the people when there are more involved in the leadership process.
-As you delegate responsibilities (whether it's to your kids, or high levels in a corporation) make sure that you take the time to qualify the people for the job. Moses was instructed to find "capable, godly, honest men" to do this. There were qualifications. To not do it this way can lead to trouble down the road.
There are many more things to be pulled from that story, but for the sake of time, i need to jump to the last story.
"Then Jesus said to the crowds, and to his disciples, 'You would think these Jewish leaders and these Pharisees were Moses, the way they keep making up so many laws! And of course you should obey their every whim! It may be all right to do what they say, but above anything else, don't follow their example. For they don't do what they tell you to do." Matt. 21:1-3
The following verses go on to talk more about hypocritical leadership. The points from this are important to get as well:
-Notice that Jesus commands them to follow the instructions of the leadership, even if it seems it is poor leadership. This is very hard for people to understand. Most people feel that a leader's mistake negates the necessity to submit to their leadership.
-When there is a mistake or poor leadership, obey what you can, but take note to not follow the example.
This story is wrapped up in verse 11. "The more lowly your service to others, the greater you are. To be the greatest, be a servant. But those who think themselves great shall be disappointed and humbled; and those who humble themselves shall be exalted."
-Be a servant leader
Does all of this have anything to do with Living the DREAM? Absolutely! These leadership lessons have to do with Relationships Devoted to Unity (submission) and Active Ministry Involvement (Responsibility), and the element of discipline that is applied to study these principles is Empowered Through Biblical Training. The truth of God's word needs to invade our very being and transform us in Godly leadership.
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, February 2, 2008
2.2.8 "Pencils Down"
"Pencils Down"
Exodus 15:19-17:7
Matthew 22:1-33
Psalm 27:1-6
Proverbs 6:20-26
How does it make you feel when you hear that phrase? There's a part of me that feels instant stress. Those are words that are spoken when the "time is up" when taking a test. As those words were spoken I remember my mind moving so fast, "ooh, i have to answer one more.... I hope I got number 7 right.... i hope i didn't skip any...." At that moment you know the test is done. You had your chance... This test has proven what I know.
When the Israelites left Egypt, they encountered many different circumstances, many of them which were less than comfortable. There were many times of frustration. They were in need. "Then the people complained and turned against Moses." Ex. 15:24 "There, too, the whole community of Israel complained about Moses and Aaron." (Ex. 16:2) "Then Moses told them, 'Do not keep any of it until morning.' But some of them didn't listen and kept some of it until morning." (ex. 16:19-20)
What's with all of this?
"It was there at Marah that the Lord set before them the following decree as a standard to test their faithfulness to him." Ex. 15:25 "I will test them in this to see whether or not they will follow my instructions." Ex. 16:4
"Pencils Down!" so, how did the Israelites do? They had their test. How did they respond? I find it interesting that usually their first line of attack is toward their leader. From yesterday's reading, when the Egyptians are in hot pursuit, "...they said to Moses, 'Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren't there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt? Didn't we tell you this would happen while we were still in Egypt? We said, "Leave us alone!..."'" (Ex. 14:11-12)
Wow! What's with the whining? "are we there yet? are we there yet?"
I think we too easily forget that the challenges in our lives are for the purpose of testing us. They are for the purpose of refining us. This testing "proves" what's inside us. Do we believe what we believe? Do we believe what we know? Remember that God was using the challenges of the wilderness to increase the faith of the Israelites, and to teach them the priceless value of living in obedience. Our experiences are for the same purpose.
Jesus says in Matthew 22: "The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a king who prepared a great wedding feast for his son. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servants to notify those who were invited. But they all refused to come!" (Matt. 22:2-3)
The story goes on and in verse 11 it says, "But when the king came in to meet the guests, he noticed a man who wasn't wearing the proper clothes for a wedding. 'Friend,' he asked,'how is it that you are here without wedding clothes?' But the man had no reply. Then the king said to his aides, 'Bind his hands and feet and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'"
Pencils down.
A time is coming soon, and it's more real than we think. The trumpet will sound "The Pencils Down March", and we will have had our chance. We will have had every opportunity to respond in a Godly way. We will have had every chance to live the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship. We will have had the opportunity to live in Relationships Devoted to Unity, or to complain against our leaders. To be Empowered through Biblical Training, or to skip church and devotions, and live the undisciplined life. To live Active Ministry Involvement or to squander the gifts we've been given. To live out our Mission to reach our World for Christ, or to ramble aimlessly without bringing Glory to God.
What's your test score going to look like?
Pencils Down.
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
Exodus 15:19-17:7
Matthew 22:1-33
Psalm 27:1-6
Proverbs 6:20-26
How does it make you feel when you hear that phrase? There's a part of me that feels instant stress. Those are words that are spoken when the "time is up" when taking a test. As those words were spoken I remember my mind moving so fast, "ooh, i have to answer one more.... I hope I got number 7 right.... i hope i didn't skip any...." At that moment you know the test is done. You had your chance... This test has proven what I know.
When the Israelites left Egypt, they encountered many different circumstances, many of them which were less than comfortable. There were many times of frustration. They were in need. "Then the people complained and turned against Moses." Ex. 15:24 "There, too, the whole community of Israel complained about Moses and Aaron." (Ex. 16:2) "Then Moses told them, 'Do not keep any of it until morning.' But some of them didn't listen and kept some of it until morning." (ex. 16:19-20)
What's with all of this?
"It was there at Marah that the Lord set before them the following decree as a standard to test their faithfulness to him." Ex. 15:25 "I will test them in this to see whether or not they will follow my instructions." Ex. 16:4
"Pencils Down!" so, how did the Israelites do? They had their test. How did they respond? I find it interesting that usually their first line of attack is toward their leader. From yesterday's reading, when the Egyptians are in hot pursuit, "...they said to Moses, 'Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren't there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt? Didn't we tell you this would happen while we were still in Egypt? We said, "Leave us alone!..."'" (Ex. 14:11-12)
Wow! What's with the whining? "are we there yet? are we there yet?"
I think we too easily forget that the challenges in our lives are for the purpose of testing us. They are for the purpose of refining us. This testing "proves" what's inside us. Do we believe what we believe? Do we believe what we know? Remember that God was using the challenges of the wilderness to increase the faith of the Israelites, and to teach them the priceless value of living in obedience. Our experiences are for the same purpose.
Jesus says in Matthew 22: "The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a king who prepared a great wedding feast for his son. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servants to notify those who were invited. But they all refused to come!" (Matt. 22:2-3)
The story goes on and in verse 11 it says, "But when the king came in to meet the guests, he noticed a man who wasn't wearing the proper clothes for a wedding. 'Friend,' he asked,'how is it that you are here without wedding clothes?' But the man had no reply. Then the king said to his aides, 'Bind his hands and feet and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'"
Pencils down.
A time is coming soon, and it's more real than we think. The trumpet will sound "The Pencils Down March", and we will have had our chance. We will have had every opportunity to respond in a Godly way. We will have had every chance to live the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship. We will have had the opportunity to live in Relationships Devoted to Unity, or to complain against our leaders. To be Empowered through Biblical Training, or to skip church and devotions, and live the undisciplined life. To live Active Ministry Involvement or to squander the gifts we've been given. To live out our Mission to reach our World for Christ, or to ramble aimlessly without bringing Glory to God.
What's your test score going to look like?
Pencils Down.
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, February 1, 2008
2.1.8 "The Shortest Route"
"The Shortest Route"
Exodus 13:17-15:18
Matthew 21:23-46
Psalm 26:1-12
Proverbs 6:16-19
Exodus 13:17 say, "God did not lead them through the land of the Philistines, although that was the most direct route from Egypt to the Promised Land."
We really need to grab hold of the fact that God has a perfect plan that is not necessarily the shortest route. Whatever situation you may be in, there may be a point of frustration in your life, or a future plan that God has called you to that you feel is taking "too long" to get to.
We want the shortest route. We want the easy way. I've felt at different times in my life that the road I'm on has taken me so close to whatever "Promised Land" I'm hoping for that I can actually see it in the distance. Then there's a bend in the road, or a detour that in my mind brings me in the opposite direction. In the flesh it can be so frustrating.
When you drive from Milwaukee to Chicago, there's a point where you first see the Chicago skyline. You only see it for a bit, and then you take a curve. After that it seems like FOREVER before you see it again. In fact you don't see it until you're practically right there. This is often the type of scenario in our pursuit of God's plan for our lives.
Why does God do this? In verse 18 it says, "The reason was that God felt the people might become discouraged by having to fight their way through... he thought they might return to Egypt."
Yes, God has a plan for our lives. Yes, he places visions and dreams within us. He gives us goals. But he also knows that were he to drop them in our lap, we would ruin the plan if we have not spent the time with him in the wilderness.
Egypt is biblical example of the sinful life. Leaving Egypt is "getting saved". Too many "get saved" for the purpose of the "easy life", or the Promised Land. The word of God is very clear that there is a transformation that must occur inside the life of EVERY believer. How does transformation happen? Well, it's not found in a bowl of Cold Stone Creamery ice cream. (unfortunately!) Transformation happens in the wilderness.
I joined a gym a year ago. Over the past few months, they've been very disciplined in charging my account for the membership. My shape hasn't changed, though... To experience transformation, I must engage in the process of discipline, sweat, and wilderness. Joining the gym was a great step toward health, but it happens through perseverance, not just signing up.
The journey the Lord has us on is for the purpose of getting us to sweat off a few pounds of human nature. Yes, you have to get up earlier. Yes, you have to increase your intensity of purpose. Stop whining & realize that's how it happens!
Today's reading in Psalm 26:2 says, "Cross-examine me, O Lord, and see that this is so; test my motives and affections too." In the wilderness our motives and affections are refined. They are refined through opportunities to make his name great. To us, they look alot like obstacles.
When they got to the Red Sea with the Egyptians coming at them, the Israelites' motives were revealed. "And they turned against Moses, whining, 'Have you brought us out here to die in the desert?... Why did you make us leave Egypt?'" Ex. 14:11
God has a purpose in all this. "I have planned this to gain great honor and glory over Pharoah and all his armies, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord." Ex. 14:4
Don't think that God has forgotten you. Understand that there is a reason you are not on the shortest route. He needs to complete his work in you. He needs to show himself great to you and through you. Allow him to have his way. If you don't you will repeat the test.
In the wilderness is where you truly understand how to live the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship. "When the people of Israel saw the mighty miracle the Lord had done for them against the Egyptians, they were afraid and revered the Lord, and believed in him and in his servant Moses." Ex. 14:31
Allow God to complete his work in you on this journey.
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
Exodus 13:17-15:18
Matthew 21:23-46
Psalm 26:1-12
Proverbs 6:16-19
Exodus 13:17 say, "God did not lead them through the land of the Philistines, although that was the most direct route from Egypt to the Promised Land."
We really need to grab hold of the fact that God has a perfect plan that is not necessarily the shortest route. Whatever situation you may be in, there may be a point of frustration in your life, or a future plan that God has called you to that you feel is taking "too long" to get to.
We want the shortest route. We want the easy way. I've felt at different times in my life that the road I'm on has taken me so close to whatever "Promised Land" I'm hoping for that I can actually see it in the distance. Then there's a bend in the road, or a detour that in my mind brings me in the opposite direction. In the flesh it can be so frustrating.
When you drive from Milwaukee to Chicago, there's a point where you first see the Chicago skyline. You only see it for a bit, and then you take a curve. After that it seems like FOREVER before you see it again. In fact you don't see it until you're practically right there. This is often the type of scenario in our pursuit of God's plan for our lives.
Why does God do this? In verse 18 it says, "The reason was that God felt the people might become discouraged by having to fight their way through... he thought they might return to Egypt."
Yes, God has a plan for our lives. Yes, he places visions and dreams within us. He gives us goals. But he also knows that were he to drop them in our lap, we would ruin the plan if we have not spent the time with him in the wilderness.
Egypt is biblical example of the sinful life. Leaving Egypt is "getting saved". Too many "get saved" for the purpose of the "easy life", or the Promised Land. The word of God is very clear that there is a transformation that must occur inside the life of EVERY believer. How does transformation happen? Well, it's not found in a bowl of Cold Stone Creamery ice cream. (unfortunately!) Transformation happens in the wilderness.
I joined a gym a year ago. Over the past few months, they've been very disciplined in charging my account for the membership. My shape hasn't changed, though... To experience transformation, I must engage in the process of discipline, sweat, and wilderness. Joining the gym was a great step toward health, but it happens through perseverance, not just signing up.
The journey the Lord has us on is for the purpose of getting us to sweat off a few pounds of human nature. Yes, you have to get up earlier. Yes, you have to increase your intensity of purpose. Stop whining & realize that's how it happens!
Today's reading in Psalm 26:2 says, "Cross-examine me, O Lord, and see that this is so; test my motives and affections too." In the wilderness our motives and affections are refined. They are refined through opportunities to make his name great. To us, they look alot like obstacles.
When they got to the Red Sea with the Egyptians coming at them, the Israelites' motives were revealed. "And they turned against Moses, whining, 'Have you brought us out here to die in the desert?... Why did you make us leave Egypt?'" Ex. 14:11
God has a purpose in all this. "I have planned this to gain great honor and glory over Pharoah and all his armies, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord." Ex. 14:4
Don't think that God has forgotten you. Understand that there is a reason you are not on the shortest route. He needs to complete his work in you. He needs to show himself great to you and through you. Allow him to have his way. If you don't you will repeat the test.
In the wilderness is where you truly understand how to live the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship. "When the people of Israel saw the mighty miracle the Lord had done for them against the Egyptians, they were afraid and revered the Lord, and believed in him and in his servant Moses." Ex. 14:31
Allow God to complete his work in you on this journey.
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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