"Take Action"
Ezekiel 16:43-17:24
Hebrews 8:1-13
Psalm 106:13-31
Proverbs 27.7-9
How do you feel about resolutions? I can't say I'm a big fan of resolutions. I've broken enough over the years to be pretty realistic about change. That being said, this morning was my 2nd day at the gym in '09. A while back, I was "in the groove" of going to the gym, and I think I even enjoyed it. Let's just say getting started again would be tough to call "fun". So why do it?
There's a reality involved here, that if you want to experience change, you will have to take action. As much as I wish my gym membership was enough to get in shape, it isn't going to affect any chance on my body unless I actually engage myself in the process of going to the gym and doing something when I get there.
If I sit around waiting for "in shape" to happen to me, the shape I end up in wont be what I was hoping for.
Today's reading in Proverbs has some great "action" words. "My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God." Prov. 2:1-5
"Listen" to what I say - have you ever talked to someone who heard you but wasn't "listening"? It's frustrating. There's no reception because they are not taking the action of listening.
"Treasure" my commands - What do you do with treasure? You protect it. You care for it. You take steps to make sure that it's in good keeping.
"Tune your ears" to wisdom. If you've ever listened to AM radio late at night, it can be a mess. The AM signals travel farther at night which means your radio is getting a lot of noise. You have to focus in on what you're seeking. There's a lot of noise in our lives, and we need to "Tune" our ears to Godly wisdom.
"Concentrate" on understanding. We must press through the distraction and focus.
"Cry out" for insight. Take steps in Asking God for insight into situations.
"Ask" for understanding.
"Search" for them as you would for silver. This isn't referring to using a metal detector at the beach. Mining for silver is a big job!
"Seek" them like hidden treasures.
"THEN" you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain the knowledge of God.
As much as I've "invested" in going to the gym this week, I can't expect to be in shape. The same is true of my Christian maturity. A couple minutes in the morning is not going to cut it as far as knowing God goes. I need to PURSUE him. I need to "Take Action".
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, January 7, 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
1.6.9 "It's Not Fair!"
"It's Not Fair!"
Genesis 13:5-15:21
Matthew 5:27-48
Psalm 6:1-10
Proverbs 1:29-33
"It's not fair!" How many times have you heard that in your life? It's usually followed with "Life is not fair!" What is it about fairness that drives us? The moment that someone seems like they got a smaller portion, or if they didn't get a fair shake, there's a cry for justice.
Jesus says, "You have heard the law that says, 'Love your neighbor' and hate your enemy. but i say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven." (Matt. 5:43-45)
Hold it a minute. That's not Fair!
Acting as true children of our Father in heaven is such a stark contrast to acting like everyone else. Imagine how believers would stand out from the rest if we made this point a part of our DNA. The cry for fairness is rooted in a "victim mentality" - I can't succeed because... (fill in the blank). What Jesus is saying is that there is no excuse for you not to exhibit the nature of Christ. ESPECIALLY when it's not fair!
How can you apply this today? How can you care for someone who stands against you? How can you act as a true child of your Father in heaven?
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
Genesis 13:5-15:21
Matthew 5:27-48
Psalm 6:1-10
Proverbs 1:29-33
"It's not fair!" How many times have you heard that in your life? It's usually followed with "Life is not fair!" What is it about fairness that drives us? The moment that someone seems like they got a smaller portion, or if they didn't get a fair shake, there's a cry for justice.
Jesus says, "You have heard the law that says, 'Love your neighbor' and hate your enemy. but i say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven." (Matt. 5:43-45)
Hold it a minute. That's not Fair!
Acting as true children of our Father in heaven is such a stark contrast to acting like everyone else. Imagine how believers would stand out from the rest if we made this point a part of our DNA. The cry for fairness is rooted in a "victim mentality" - I can't succeed because... (fill in the blank). What Jesus is saying is that there is no excuse for you not to exhibit the nature of Christ. ESPECIALLY when it's not fair!
How can you apply this today? How can you care for someone who stands against you? How can you act as a true child of your Father in heaven?
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, January 5, 2009
1.5.9 "Salt and Light"
"Salt and Light"
Genesis 11:1-13:4
Matthew 5:1-26
Psalm 5:1-12
Proverbs 1:24-28
Being the beginning of a new year, It's a good idea to get a fresh understanding of what it means to "Live the DREAM".
In Matthew 5, Jesus is giving the "Sermon on the Mount". Through this whole discourse Jesus is building a picture of who believers are supposed to be. Notice that I didn't say a picture of "what believers are supposed to DO." throughout the chapter he uses words such as "hearts are pure", etc.
In Living the DREAM, each element of the DREAM works together in helping the believer live the Balanced Christian Life. It can be visualized like a wheel. The "Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship" is the hub. It represents our relationship with Christ. It needs to be at the center of everything. A wheel without the 'hub' in the center cannot be balanced. Relationships Devoted to Unity, Empowered through Biblical Training and Active Ministry Involvement are the "spokes". They all work together for balance. Mission to Reach our World for Christ is where "the rubber meets the road". I've attached a simple diagram to illustrate.
In today's selected verses, Jesus is talking about where the rubber meets the road. "You are the world's seasoning, to make it tolerable. If you lose your flavor, what will happen to the world? And you yourselves will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the world's light - a city on a hill, glowing in the night for all to see. Don't hide your light! Let it shine for all; let your good deeds glow for all to see, so that they will praise your heavenly Father." Matt. 5:13-16
We must understand the "integrity" of our mission. Jesus is speaking of our purpose. He's speaking of why we are here. He wants us to be in right relationship to him, as living in right relationship will draw others to him. He doesn't say, "Make it look like you are the world's seasoning." Baking soda may kind of look like salt, but believe me, you taste the difference! My wife got this refill of liquid green hand soap for our bathroom dispenser. It's in a bottle that is shaped just like the mouth wash. Believe me when I tell you that it's more important what something is, than what it looks like.
We are here to impact the world. When we draw close to Christ, his light shines in us and through us. We can't hide it because it's part of who we are. The way we deal with unbelievers around us is a part of our being, not something on our "to-do" list.
What is the world's biggest complaint about Christians? Hypocrisy. They spend their efforts on looking like salt instead of being salt. They sign petitions and boycotts, but sue their neighbor. They tell people they need Jesus, but don't reach out to those in need. The problem is looking at our Mission as something we "do" rather than it being a natural part of who we "are".
To be the light, we must have Christ dwelling within us. He desires a dwelling place. He WANTS to live in us.
Verse 16 doesn't say, "Let your bumper stickers, pins, & t-shirts glow for all to see so that they will praise your heavenly Father." It says, "Let your good deeds..." When we live like we should, we are salt and light. I'm not saying we shouldn't impact the world through all available means, but we must make sure it begins in our heart.
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
Genesis 11:1-13:4
Matthew 5:1-26
Psalm 5:1-12
Proverbs 1:24-28
Being the beginning of a new year, It's a good idea to get a fresh understanding of what it means to "Live the DREAM".
In Matthew 5, Jesus is giving the "Sermon on the Mount". Through this whole discourse Jesus is building a picture of who believers are supposed to be. Notice that I didn't say a picture of "what believers are supposed to DO." throughout the chapter he uses words such as "hearts are pure", etc.
In Living the DREAM, each element of the DREAM works together in helping the believer live the Balanced Christian Life. It can be visualized like a wheel. The "Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship" is the hub. It represents our relationship with Christ. It needs to be at the center of everything. A wheel without the 'hub' in the center cannot be balanced. Relationships Devoted to Unity, Empowered through Biblical Training and Active Ministry Involvement are the "spokes". They all work together for balance. Mission to Reach our World for Christ is where "the rubber meets the road". I've attached a simple diagram to illustrate.
In today's selected verses, Jesus is talking about where the rubber meets the road. "You are the world's seasoning, to make it tolerable. If you lose your flavor, what will happen to the world? And you yourselves will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the world's light - a city on a hill, glowing in the night for all to see. Don't hide your light! Let it shine for all; let your good deeds glow for all to see, so that they will praise your heavenly Father." Matt. 5:13-16
We must understand the "integrity" of our mission. Jesus is speaking of our purpose. He's speaking of why we are here. He wants us to be in right relationship to him, as living in right relationship will draw others to him. He doesn't say, "Make it look like you are the world's seasoning." Baking soda may kind of look like salt, but believe me, you taste the difference! My wife got this refill of liquid green hand soap for our bathroom dispenser. It's in a bottle that is shaped just like the mouth wash. Believe me when I tell you that it's more important what something is, than what it looks like.
We are here to impact the world. When we draw close to Christ, his light shines in us and through us. We can't hide it because it's part of who we are. The way we deal with unbelievers around us is a part of our being, not something on our "to-do" list.
What is the world's biggest complaint about Christians? Hypocrisy. They spend their efforts on looking like salt instead of being salt. They sign petitions and boycotts, but sue their neighbor. They tell people they need Jesus, but don't reach out to those in need. The problem is looking at our Mission as something we "do" rather than it being a natural part of who we "are".
To be the light, we must have Christ dwelling within us. He desires a dwelling place. He WANTS to live in us.
Verse 16 doesn't say, "Let your bumper stickers, pins, & t-shirts glow for all to see so that they will praise your heavenly Father." It says, "Let your good deeds..." When we live like we should, we are salt and light. I'm not saying we shouldn't impact the world through all available means, but we must make sure it begins in our heart.
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, January 4, 2009
1.4.9 "Gotta or Wanna?"
"Gotta or Wanna?"
Genesis 8:1-10:32
Matthew 4:12-25
Psalm 4:1-8
Proverbs 1:20-23
A mother woke her son up on Sunday morning and told him he needed to get ready to go to church. The son replied to his mother that he didn't want to go to church this morning. She told him nonsense he should get up and go to church.
"But mom" he replied, "Everybody hates me, the sermons are boring and none of my friends ever come."
His mother replied, "Now, son...! First, everybody doesn't hate you, only a couple of bullies and you just have to stand up to them. Second, the sermons mean a lot to many people. If you listened to them, you'd be surprised at how good they are in helping people. Third, you have lots of friends at church. They are always having you over to their house. And finally, you have to go, you're the pastor!!"
I'm typing this on a Sunday morning. It would be interesting to have a live feed into many homes of Christian families today. I'm sure there's a few "Do I have to go??" statements made.
Psalm 4:5 "Offer sacrifices in the right spirit, and trust the Lord." I think there are many times that we miss out on some great things just because our attitude is one of obligation, or duty, and not with a joyful heart. It may be in just getting to church, or it may be in getting to choir practice, or helping a neighbor, or even getting up in time to spend time in the Word.
Amazing things happen when we align our hearts with the heart of God. When we offer sacrifices with the right spirit, and trust him, we will find that the joy of the Lord truly IS our strength.
Trust the Lord today! (because you WANNA!)
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
Genesis 8:1-10:32
Matthew 4:12-25
Psalm 4:1-8
Proverbs 1:20-23
A mother woke her son up on Sunday morning and told him he needed to get ready to go to church. The son replied to his mother that he didn't want to go to church this morning. She told him nonsense he should get up and go to church.
"But mom" he replied, "Everybody hates me, the sermons are boring and none of my friends ever come."
His mother replied, "Now, son...! First, everybody doesn't hate you, only a couple of bullies and you just have to stand up to them. Second, the sermons mean a lot to many people. If you listened to them, you'd be surprised at how good they are in helping people. Third, you have lots of friends at church. They are always having you over to their house. And finally, you have to go, you're the pastor!!"
I'm typing this on a Sunday morning. It would be interesting to have a live feed into many homes of Christian families today. I'm sure there's a few "Do I have to go??" statements made.
Psalm 4:5 "Offer sacrifices in the right spirit, and trust the Lord." I think there are many times that we miss out on some great things just because our attitude is one of obligation, or duty, and not with a joyful heart. It may be in just getting to church, or it may be in getting to choir practice, or helping a neighbor, or even getting up in time to spend time in the Word.
Amazing things happen when we align our hearts with the heart of God. When we offer sacrifices with the right spirit, and trust him, we will find that the joy of the Lord truly IS our strength.
Trust the Lord today! (because you WANNA!)
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, January 3, 2009
1.3.9 "Safe!"
"Safe!"
Genesis 5:1-7:24
Matthew 3:7-4:11
Psalm 3:1-8
Proverbs 1:10-19
I'm not a huge baseball fan, but i enjoy watching it occasionally. One of the most exciting plays in baseball, at least to me is when there's a play at home. There's a cloud of dust as the runner hits the dirt, maybe a collision as the catcher tries to guard the plate, and the umpire, who's dreamed all his life about making the big call spreads out his arm and yells, "Safe!" Great stuff.
As kids we would play games of tag where you're running for your life (or so it seems), and right when you're about to get tagged, you touch the tree which is "home", and the tag is too late! Whew! Your heart is pounding like crazy! Real excitement!
Sometimes in life, we can run through trials and difficulties as if we're being chased. Our heart is pounding, and we're scrambling for "home", and not sure where going to make it.
While it is true that we are in a battle, the truth is that we can have the confidence that we are "safe" wherever we are. Psalms 3 says, "O Lord, I have so many enemies; so many are against me. So many are saying, 'God will never rescue him!' But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high. I cried out to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy mountain. I lay down and slept yet I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me. I'm not afraid of ten thousand enemies who surround me on every side."
What confidence that when we are with the Lord, We are SAFE! When there are storms & trials we can know that the Lord is our Sheild!
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
Genesis 5:1-7:24
Matthew 3:7-4:11
Psalm 3:1-8
Proverbs 1:10-19
I'm not a huge baseball fan, but i enjoy watching it occasionally. One of the most exciting plays in baseball, at least to me is when there's a play at home. There's a cloud of dust as the runner hits the dirt, maybe a collision as the catcher tries to guard the plate, and the umpire, who's dreamed all his life about making the big call spreads out his arm and yells, "Safe!" Great stuff.
As kids we would play games of tag where you're running for your life (or so it seems), and right when you're about to get tagged, you touch the tree which is "home", and the tag is too late! Whew! Your heart is pounding like crazy! Real excitement!
Sometimes in life, we can run through trials and difficulties as if we're being chased. Our heart is pounding, and we're scrambling for "home", and not sure where going to make it.
While it is true that we are in a battle, the truth is that we can have the confidence that we are "safe" wherever we are. Psalms 3 says, "O Lord, I have so many enemies; so many are against me. So many are saying, 'God will never rescue him!' But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high. I cried out to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy mountain. I lay down and slept yet I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me. I'm not afraid of ten thousand enemies who surround me on every side."
What confidence that when we are with the Lord, We are SAFE! When there are storms & trials we can know that the Lord is our Sheild!
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, January 2, 2009
1.2.9 "The Foundation"
"The Foundation"
Genesis 3:1-4:26
Matthew 2:13-3:6
Psalm 2:1-12
Proverbs 1:7-9
The beginning of a new year is always exciting to me. In reality the passing of these days is not any different than going from April 17th to April 18th, but I think God has wired us with the sense that we need to take time to evaluate, take an inventory, and get our focus where it needs to be.
In the theme of getting this year going right, Proverbs 1:7 says, "Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." We need to be consistently aware that our source of wisdom comes in fearing the Lord. He is our maker, and he loves us, and he has great things in store for us. We need to trust in him.
Psalm 2:11 says, "Serve the Lord with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling." We need to depend on him, and submit to his Lordship in our lives. It is disrespectful to NOT trust God. To live in fear of the Lord means that we trust that HE is in control, not us, and that he will lead us and guide us in all things.
Walk in the Fear of the Lord!
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
Genesis 3:1-4:26
Matthew 2:13-3:6
Psalm 2:1-12
Proverbs 1:7-9
The beginning of a new year is always exciting to me. In reality the passing of these days is not any different than going from April 17th to April 18th, but I think God has wired us with the sense that we need to take time to evaluate, take an inventory, and get our focus where it needs to be.
In the theme of getting this year going right, Proverbs 1:7 says, "Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." We need to be consistently aware that our source of wisdom comes in fearing the Lord. He is our maker, and he loves us, and he has great things in store for us. We need to trust in him.
Psalm 2:11 says, "Serve the Lord with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling." We need to depend on him, and submit to his Lordship in our lives. It is disrespectful to NOT trust God. To live in fear of the Lord means that we trust that HE is in control, not us, and that he will lead us and guide us in all things.
Walk in the Fear of the Lord!
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, January 1, 2009
1.1.9 "Right Foot First!"
"Right Foot First!"
Genesis 1:1-2:25
Matthew 1:1-2:12
Psalm 1:1-6
Proverbs 1:1-6
Happy New Year!
We're standing on the edge of the pool of 2009 and ready to jump in! Who knows what the Lord has in store for us this year!
Today's reading in Proverbs (1:1-6) opens this new year: "These are the proverbs of Solomon, David's son, king of Israel. Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young. Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles."
Reading this introduction to the book of Proverbs really compels us to understand the need we have to prioritize scripture in this new year. If we want to grow in Christian maturity, and weather any storm, we must be in the word daily.
For the past 5 months of 2008 my mother in law has come to live with us. She's aging, and not too mobile, and she has some memory challenges. Going up steps can be a real obstacle. Because her right leg is stronger than her left, we always remind her before taking a step up. "Right foot first!" When she gets started on the right foot, the task is much easier.
As we head into this year of opportunity, make sure to get started on the right foot.
"Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do." (Ps. 1:1-3)
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
Genesis 1:1-2:25
Matthew 1:1-2:12
Psalm 1:1-6
Proverbs 1:1-6
Happy New Year!
We're standing on the edge of the pool of 2009 and ready to jump in! Who knows what the Lord has in store for us this year!
Today's reading in Proverbs (1:1-6) opens this new year: "These are the proverbs of Solomon, David's son, king of Israel. Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young. Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles."
Reading this introduction to the book of Proverbs really compels us to understand the need we have to prioritize scripture in this new year. If we want to grow in Christian maturity, and weather any storm, we must be in the word daily.
For the past 5 months of 2008 my mother in law has come to live with us. She's aging, and not too mobile, and she has some memory challenges. Going up steps can be a real obstacle. Because her right leg is stronger than her left, we always remind her before taking a step up. "Right foot first!" When she gets started on the right foot, the task is much easier.
As we head into this year of opportunity, make sure to get started on the right foot.
"Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do." (Ps. 1:1-3)
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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