"Brought to the Border of Blessing"
Deuteronomy 32:28-52
Luke 12:35-59
Psalm 78:56-64
Proverbs 12:24
Have you ever been in the place where you really wanted to complain? Have you ever wanted to say, "ugh this is just not worth it..." What's hard to realize is that in that moment, we could be standing on the edge of incredible blessing and promise.
"But he led forth his own people like a flock, guiding them safely through the wilderness. He kept them safe, so they were not afraid. But the Sea closed in upon their enemies and overwhelmed them. He brought them to the border of his land of blessing, to this land of hills he made for them." (Ps. 78:52-54)
God did great things for the people of Israel. He set them free. He gave them provision in the wilderness. He brought them to the border of the land of blessing.
"Yet though he did all this for them, they still rebelled against the God above all gods, and refused to follow his commands. They turned back... and disobeyed... Like a crooked arrow, they missed the target of God's will." (vs. 56-57)
What a sad statement. "They missed the target of God's will." Do you think that is true of believers today? I can look back at times in my own life when I've been disobedient. I've turned to sin instead of hitting the target of God's will for me. I didn't even realize in those times that I was at the Border of God's Blessing.
Listen to the powerful words of Deuteronomy 32:47. "These laws are not mere words - they are your life!"
To live the DREAM, we must have an understanding of what it means to live by Godly principles. We need to be genuinely Empowered Through Biblical Training. That takes discipline.
I think often we brush off the fact that we struggle in the area of "discipline". "Yeah, I'm pretty undisciplined... My bible reading is 'hit & miss'... Yeah, I know God wants me to do this, but I'm not ready to go there." Because of that lack of discipline, we fail in the area of Obedience which is our primary form of worship. Then we need to understand that if we're not living the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship, we have a PROBLEM!
There is always more at stake than we realize when we are tempted. So many times we think it's an issue of self-control, or just a "minor" offense, or a "struggle". God's commands are not mere words, they are LIFE. That means to disobey them means DEATH.
Too often I believe we are turned back at the Border of Blessing because we wont follow through in complete obedience. I picture the "Border of Blessing Checkpoint". "Passport please..." Our passports have only one page. It must be stamped "Obedient". If it isn't.... "I'm sorry, you're going to have to take a detour." And like a broken arrow, we miss the target of God's will.
I want life. I want blessing. I must be obedient. When temptation comes, when trials come, I must make sure that I don't sacrifice what God has for me. I don't want to miss the "obedient" stamp in my passport. I must discipline myself to be in the Word. I must discipline myself to obey. This discipline must happen in daily life. If we wait until the climax of the testing, we can't say "Ok, NOW I want to be disciplined!! No, it must happen on a daily basis. Then, what has been done will be revealed in the testing.
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, April 8, 2010
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
4.7.10 "Real Life and Real Living"
"Real Life and Real Living"
Deuteronomy 31:1-32:27
Luke 12:8-34
Psalm 78:32-55
Proverbs 12:21-23
"Beware! don't always be wishing for what you don't have. For real life and real living are not related to how rich we are." (Luke 12:15)
Finances, wealth and possessions can be a touchy subject. Whether or not we would like to admit it, it is one of the highest priorities in the life of an American. Consider advertising. Advertisers wouldn't be focusing on things that don't matter to people. They're targeting what they know people want. They focus on looks and possessions. Even Christian talk radio I like to listen to has many ads that say, "Make money from home... have what you've always wanted..."
Understand that money is not evil. Possessions are not bad things. But to Live the DREAM, we need to have a healthy picture and understanding of what our goal is. Our goal is to be good stewards of what we do have. This is what Active Ministry Involvement is all about. As I've explained before, It would be easy to look at the phrase "Active Ministry Involvement" and compartmentalize that into "church life". That's not what living the DREAM is all about. This should be a practical tool to apply to daily living.
So what is "Real Life and Real Living" in terms of Active Ministry Involvement?
Well let's look first at what it's not:
"A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. In fact, his barns were full to overflowing - he couldn't get everything in. He thought about his problem, and finally exclaimed, 'I know - i'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones! Then I'll have room enough. And I'll sit back and say to myself, 'Friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Wine, women, and song for you!' But God said to him, 'Fool! Tonight you die. Then who will get it all?'" (vs. 16-19)
How does this apply to our lives? We have to find balance in the stewardship of the resources God has given us. We must find the balance between wasting money foolishly and hoarding it for selfish gain. Establishing a retirement account is great. Establishing it for the purpose of getting rich and making it all about the possessions is not. At the same time, remember that Jesus told the parable of the prodigal son who squandered all his inheritance. That isn't God's plan either.
The principle of Active Ministry Involvement is "Responsibility". Take what you have and put it to work. Remember, we don't have money for the purpose of "getting" more, we have it for the purpose of "giving" more.
Blessing follows obedience. If you are obeying God, you WILL be successful. I know some of you probably cringed with that statement. It's important to know that it doesn't necessarily mean you will be "Rich". That is not the goal. The goal is to allow God to do as much as he can through all that you have.
We get so bent out of shape about financial things. We worry about having enough. "Then turning to his disciples he said, 'Don't worry about whether you have enough food to eat or clothes to wear. For life consists of far more than food and clothes. Look at the ravens - they don't plant or harvest or have barns to store away their food, and yet they get along all right - for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds!
"'And besides, what's the use of worrying? What good does it do? Will it add a single day to your life? Of course not! And if worry can't even do such little things as that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?'" (22-26)
It is hard to get a healthy perspective on all of this when when we are surrounded by a culture that is so contrary to this. The message we hear is "If you WANT it, you NEED it." I don't even remember what it's about, but there's a commercial out now that has this huge red line painted on the ground. It says something like, "There's a line we all eventually cross. It's where we move from what we want to what we have." That's the goal of our society. That's the goal of your flesh. It's the goal of my flesh.
That's why it's so important to die to the flesh and live spiritually minded. Jesus said, "Yes, every man is a fool who gets rich on earth but not in heaven." (vs.21)
God WANTS to bless his people! Jesus lays out the mindset we should have. "So don't be afraid, little flock, For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. Sell what you have and give to those in need. This will fatten your purses in heaven! And the purses of heaven have no rips or holes in them. Your treasures there will never disappear; no thief can steal them; no moth can destroy them." (vs.32-34)
Don't you love that line? The purses of heaven have no rips or holes in them! That's awesome! A tag line from a radio show says, "aren't your tired of having more month at the end of your money?" When we are struggling in the area of stewardship, it's like there's a hole in the purse. It runs out so fast!
Don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to teach a prosperity doctrine that is out of balance. What I AM saying is that God HAS A PLAN for the way we deal with ALL of our resources, NOT JUST MONEY. These principles apply to time, talent, and everything at our disposal. Do you have a house big enough for entertaining? Why aren't you hosting a home fellowship group? Do you have the gift of baking cookies? Why don't you make sure you welcome new people to your neighborhood with a fresh plate?
What is at your disposal? We all have an income of some sort, and we all have time and talent. What are we doing with it? Are we "squirreling" it away for selfish gain?
"Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be." (vs. 34)
God's Word is challenging us to put what he has given us to work for his glory.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Deuteronomy 31:1-32:27
Luke 12:8-34
Psalm 78:32-55
Proverbs 12:21-23
"Beware! don't always be wishing for what you don't have. For real life and real living are not related to how rich we are." (Luke 12:15)
Finances, wealth and possessions can be a touchy subject. Whether or not we would like to admit it, it is one of the highest priorities in the life of an American. Consider advertising. Advertisers wouldn't be focusing on things that don't matter to people. They're targeting what they know people want. They focus on looks and possessions. Even Christian talk radio I like to listen to has many ads that say, "Make money from home... have what you've always wanted..."
Understand that money is not evil. Possessions are not bad things. But to Live the DREAM, we need to have a healthy picture and understanding of what our goal is. Our goal is to be good stewards of what we do have. This is what Active Ministry Involvement is all about. As I've explained before, It would be easy to look at the phrase "Active Ministry Involvement" and compartmentalize that into "church life". That's not what living the DREAM is all about. This should be a practical tool to apply to daily living.
So what is "Real Life and Real Living" in terms of Active Ministry Involvement?
Well let's look first at what it's not:
"A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. In fact, his barns were full to overflowing - he couldn't get everything in. He thought about his problem, and finally exclaimed, 'I know - i'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones! Then I'll have room enough. And I'll sit back and say to myself, 'Friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Wine, women, and song for you!' But God said to him, 'Fool! Tonight you die. Then who will get it all?'" (vs. 16-19)
How does this apply to our lives? We have to find balance in the stewardship of the resources God has given us. We must find the balance between wasting money foolishly and hoarding it for selfish gain. Establishing a retirement account is great. Establishing it for the purpose of getting rich and making it all about the possessions is not. At the same time, remember that Jesus told the parable of the prodigal son who squandered all his inheritance. That isn't God's plan either.
The principle of Active Ministry Involvement is "Responsibility". Take what you have and put it to work. Remember, we don't have money for the purpose of "getting" more, we have it for the purpose of "giving" more.
Blessing follows obedience. If you are obeying God, you WILL be successful. I know some of you probably cringed with that statement. It's important to know that it doesn't necessarily mean you will be "Rich". That is not the goal. The goal is to allow God to do as much as he can through all that you have.
We get so bent out of shape about financial things. We worry about having enough. "Then turning to his disciples he said, 'Don't worry about whether you have enough food to eat or clothes to wear. For life consists of far more than food and clothes. Look at the ravens - they don't plant or harvest or have barns to store away their food, and yet they get along all right - for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds!
"'And besides, what's the use of worrying? What good does it do? Will it add a single day to your life? Of course not! And if worry can't even do such little things as that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?'" (22-26)
It is hard to get a healthy perspective on all of this when when we are surrounded by a culture that is so contrary to this. The message we hear is "If you WANT it, you NEED it." I don't even remember what it's about, but there's a commercial out now that has this huge red line painted on the ground. It says something like, "There's a line we all eventually cross. It's where we move from what we want to what we have." That's the goal of our society. That's the goal of your flesh. It's the goal of my flesh.
That's why it's so important to die to the flesh and live spiritually minded. Jesus said, "Yes, every man is a fool who gets rich on earth but not in heaven." (vs.21)
God WANTS to bless his people! Jesus lays out the mindset we should have. "So don't be afraid, little flock, For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. Sell what you have and give to those in need. This will fatten your purses in heaven! And the purses of heaven have no rips or holes in them. Your treasures there will never disappear; no thief can steal them; no moth can destroy them." (vs.32-34)
Don't you love that line? The purses of heaven have no rips or holes in them! That's awesome! A tag line from a radio show says, "aren't your tired of having more month at the end of your money?" When we are struggling in the area of stewardship, it's like there's a hole in the purse. It runs out so fast!
Don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to teach a prosperity doctrine that is out of balance. What I AM saying is that God HAS A PLAN for the way we deal with ALL of our resources, NOT JUST MONEY. These principles apply to time, talent, and everything at our disposal. Do you have a house big enough for entertaining? Why aren't you hosting a home fellowship group? Do you have the gift of baking cookies? Why don't you make sure you welcome new people to your neighborhood with a fresh plate?
What is at your disposal? We all have an income of some sort, and we all have time and talent. What are we doing with it? Are we "squirreling" it away for selfish gain?
"Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be." (vs. 34)
God's Word is challenging us to put what he has given us to work for his glory.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
4.6.10 "Sometimes it Has to Be Impossible"
"Sometimes it Has to Be Impossible"
Deuteronomy 29:1-30:20
Luke 11:37-12:7
Psalm 78:1-31
Proverbs 12:19-20
How long does a pair of shoes last for you? Being the high-end shoe shopper that I am, I usually wear my Payless shoes a bit longer than they last. But i'm usually pretty good for at least a year or so on a pair of shoes. How about those Israelites? Wandering in the desert for 40 years!
"For forty years God has led you through the wilderness, yet your clothes haven't become old, and your shoes haven't worn out!" (Deut. 29:5)
Pretty incredible, isn't it? These wanderers were Gellin'! (don't take out your greek dictionary.... that's from a commercial!)
So what's this all about? check out the next verse:
"The reason he hasn't let you settle down... is so that you would realize that it is the Lord your God who has been caring for you." (29:6)
Sometimes in life we find ourselves in impossible situations. Sure the example of clothes and shoes may not seem like a huge deal, but there's a deeper principle here we need to look at. We serve a powerful God. At the same time, we have a "rebellious" nature that wants to do it's own thing. Verse 19 says, "Let no one blithely think... 'I shall prosper even though I walk in my own stubborn way!'" (by the way, "blithely" means casual indifference)
When circumstances around us seem impossible, they actually can serve to put us in a place of a proper perspective. "I can't do this on my own!" is exactly the place to be. We too often don't understand or realize the incredible danger of walking through life with the tumor of self-sufficiency growing in us. Left unchecked and unchallenged by truth, this tumor will eventually blind the eye to the need for relationship with God. It's danger can't be overstated.
Impossible circumstances serve to prove the greatness of our God. However, even though the circumstances seem impossible, God never demands of us impossible things. He only asks that we obey him. Yet sometimes in our mind we build obedience to be this monstrous impossible thing. It never is.
"Obeying these commandments is not something beyond your strength and reach; for these laws are not in the far heavens, so distant that you can't hear and obey them, and with no one to bring them down to you; nor are they beyond the ocean, so far that no one can bring you their message; but they are very close at hand - in your hearts and on your lips - so obey them." (Deut. 30:11-14)
God isn't asking us to take impossible steps. He's already laid out steps before us in his word that are within our grasp. It's often not the "huge" things we struggle with. It's the very simple steps of obedience that we fail to follow through on. We fail to recognize the danger therein.
"Look, today I have set before you life and death, depending on whether you obey or disobey... Oh, that you would choose life; that you and your children might live! Choose to love the Lord your God and to obey him and cling to him, for he is your life and the length of your days." (30:15, 19-20)
This is the heart of our God. If we do the right thing by taking the small steps of obedience, He comes through in impossible situations. Man's concept of "religion" twists this all around. People think that to live "religious" is impossible. In fact, too often there are "religious" people who twist the truth into something 'impossible'.
The teachers of the law were doing that in Jesus' day. Needless to say, he didn't take too kindly to it.
"Woe to you experts in religion! For you hide the truth from the people. You wont accept it for yourselves, and you prevent others from having a chance to believe it." (Luke 11:52)
I'd hate to be on the "woe" end of a conversation with Jesus. We need to understand the profound simplicity of walking with God. Following him is a great adventure. As we seek his will we find that those impossible situations are nothing more than props in "rubber monster" movie. They are nothing in the presence of God!
Walk in obedience.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Deuteronomy 29:1-30:20
Luke 11:37-12:7
Psalm 78:1-31
Proverbs 12:19-20
How long does a pair of shoes last for you? Being the high-end shoe shopper that I am, I usually wear my Payless shoes a bit longer than they last. But i'm usually pretty good for at least a year or so on a pair of shoes. How about those Israelites? Wandering in the desert for 40 years!
"For forty years God has led you through the wilderness, yet your clothes haven't become old, and your shoes haven't worn out!" (Deut. 29:5)
Pretty incredible, isn't it? These wanderers were Gellin'! (don't take out your greek dictionary.... that's from a commercial!)
So what's this all about? check out the next verse:
"The reason he hasn't let you settle down... is so that you would realize that it is the Lord your God who has been caring for you." (29:6)
Sometimes in life we find ourselves in impossible situations. Sure the example of clothes and shoes may not seem like a huge deal, but there's a deeper principle here we need to look at. We serve a powerful God. At the same time, we have a "rebellious" nature that wants to do it's own thing. Verse 19 says, "Let no one blithely think... 'I shall prosper even though I walk in my own stubborn way!'" (by the way, "blithely" means casual indifference)
When circumstances around us seem impossible, they actually can serve to put us in a place of a proper perspective. "I can't do this on my own!" is exactly the place to be. We too often don't understand or realize the incredible danger of walking through life with the tumor of self-sufficiency growing in us. Left unchecked and unchallenged by truth, this tumor will eventually blind the eye to the need for relationship with God. It's danger can't be overstated.
Impossible circumstances serve to prove the greatness of our God. However, even though the circumstances seem impossible, God never demands of us impossible things. He only asks that we obey him. Yet sometimes in our mind we build obedience to be this monstrous impossible thing. It never is.
"Obeying these commandments is not something beyond your strength and reach; for these laws are not in the far heavens, so distant that you can't hear and obey them, and with no one to bring them down to you; nor are they beyond the ocean, so far that no one can bring you their message; but they are very close at hand - in your hearts and on your lips - so obey them." (Deut. 30:11-14)
God isn't asking us to take impossible steps. He's already laid out steps before us in his word that are within our grasp. It's often not the "huge" things we struggle with. It's the very simple steps of obedience that we fail to follow through on. We fail to recognize the danger therein.
"Look, today I have set before you life and death, depending on whether you obey or disobey... Oh, that you would choose life; that you and your children might live! Choose to love the Lord your God and to obey him and cling to him, for he is your life and the length of your days." (30:15, 19-20)
This is the heart of our God. If we do the right thing by taking the small steps of obedience, He comes through in impossible situations. Man's concept of "religion" twists this all around. People think that to live "religious" is impossible. In fact, too often there are "religious" people who twist the truth into something 'impossible'.
The teachers of the law were doing that in Jesus' day. Needless to say, he didn't take too kindly to it.
"Woe to you experts in religion! For you hide the truth from the people. You wont accept it for yourselves, and you prevent others from having a chance to believe it." (Luke 11:52)
I'd hate to be on the "woe" end of a conversation with Jesus. We need to understand the profound simplicity of walking with God. Following him is a great adventure. As we seek his will we find that those impossible situations are nothing more than props in "rubber monster" movie. They are nothing in the presence of God!
Walk in obedience.
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, April 5, 2010
4.5.10 "I Can See Clearly Now!"
"I Can See Clearly Now!"
Deuteronomy 28:1-68
Luke 11:14-36
Psalm 77:1-20
Proverbs 12:18
Every now & then I just enjoy getting a song stuck in your head!
"No one lights a lamp and hides it! Instead, he puts it on a lamp stand to give light to all who enter the room. Your eyes light up your inward being. A pure eye lets sunshine into your soul. A lustful eye shuts out the light and plunges you into darkness. So watch out that the sunshine isn't blotted out. If you are filled with light within, with no dark corners, then your face will be radiant too, as though a floodlight is beamed upon you." (Luke 11:33-36)
Your world is desperate for you to be who God has created you to be. We are to be the light of the world. How are we the light of the world? Because the presence of God dwells within us. How does that happen? "A pure eye lets sunshine into your soul."
You want to shine bright? Guard against the lustful eye that "shuts out the light and plunges you into darkness."
I've heard that those who later in life get glasses for the first time are shocked at how clear things are. The vision loss that has occurred is so gradual that one doesn't even know they aren't seeing clearly. The same thing can happen with sin. What we mistakenly think of as "itty bitty" sin begins to cloud the vision, and the light is not shining clearly, and it can be so gradual that there's no concern because you don't notice the change.
"So watch out that the sunshine isn't blotted out." When we set our eyes on the things of God and we look into His Word and keep our eyes from evil, the Son begins to shine in us. His Presence dwells in us in brilliance. Then guess what... We SHINE!
You can't help but be the light of the world when God dwells in you. I need to make sure that sin does not cast a shadow on the light in my inward being.
In case the song wasn't in your head yet, here are the lyrics to "I Can See Clearly Now":
I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.
I think I can make it now, the pain is gone
All of the bad feelings have disappeared
Here is the rainbow I’ve been prayin' for
It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.
While the author of this song may have not had this application in mind, it does illustrate how we should be looking at life. We must cast out the dark clouds of sin that can blind. Focus on the Lord today. Get the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship in gear for the Mission to Reach our World for Christ!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Deuteronomy 28:1-68
Luke 11:14-36
Psalm 77:1-20
Proverbs 12:18
Every now & then I just enjoy getting a song stuck in your head!
"No one lights a lamp and hides it! Instead, he puts it on a lamp stand to give light to all who enter the room. Your eyes light up your inward being. A pure eye lets sunshine into your soul. A lustful eye shuts out the light and plunges you into darkness. So watch out that the sunshine isn't blotted out. If you are filled with light within, with no dark corners, then your face will be radiant too, as though a floodlight is beamed upon you." (Luke 11:33-36)
Your world is desperate for you to be who God has created you to be. We are to be the light of the world. How are we the light of the world? Because the presence of God dwells within us. How does that happen? "A pure eye lets sunshine into your soul."
You want to shine bright? Guard against the lustful eye that "shuts out the light and plunges you into darkness."
I've heard that those who later in life get glasses for the first time are shocked at how clear things are. The vision loss that has occurred is so gradual that one doesn't even know they aren't seeing clearly. The same thing can happen with sin. What we mistakenly think of as "itty bitty" sin begins to cloud the vision, and the light is not shining clearly, and it can be so gradual that there's no concern because you don't notice the change.
"So watch out that the sunshine isn't blotted out." When we set our eyes on the things of God and we look into His Word and keep our eyes from evil, the Son begins to shine in us. His Presence dwells in us in brilliance. Then guess what... We SHINE!
You can't help but be the light of the world when God dwells in you. I need to make sure that sin does not cast a shadow on the light in my inward being.
In case the song wasn't in your head yet, here are the lyrics to "I Can See Clearly Now":
I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.
I think I can make it now, the pain is gone
All of the bad feelings have disappeared
Here is the rainbow I’ve been prayin' for
It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.
While the author of this song may have not had this application in mind, it does illustrate how we should be looking at life. We must cast out the dark clouds of sin that can blind. Focus on the Lord today. Get the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship in gear for the Mission to Reach our World for Christ!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Saturday, April 3, 2010
4.3.10 "Meet 'em Where They're At"
"Meet 'em Where They're At"
Deuteronomy 23:1-25:19
Luke 10:13-37
Psalm 75:1-10
Proverbs 12:12-14
The story of the good Samaritan is one of those that we all know.. It's told in Sunday School classes from very early on. Even though we've heard it so many times, have you ever noted the context in which Jesus tells it?
"One day an expert on Moses' laws came to test Jesus' orthodoxy by asking him this question: 'Teacher, what does a man need to do to live forever in heaven?'" (Luke 10:25)
There's nothing profound about the fact that an expert in the law was questioning Jesus. That is a common occurrence. What stood out to me is the fact that Jesus answers with a question. That's not too unusual either, but listen to the exchange.
"Jesus replied, 'What does Moses' law say about it?' 'It says,' he replied, 'that you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind. And you must love your neighbor just as much as you love yourself.' 'Right! Jesus told him. 'Do this and you shall live!'
"The man wanted to justify (his lack of love for some kinds of people), so he asked, 'Which neighbors?'" (10:26-30)
What has happened here is that Jesus knew what kind of person he was talking to. He knew the piety this expert in the law had. He knew the prejudice. The story of the Samaritan is not just about kindness, Jesus is also dealing with the issue of racism the Jews had against the Samaritans.
So many times we are confronted by, or come across individuals who have an issue of sin, or misdirected, or maybe even trying to trap us. Often we kick into the "light of the world" mode and fire up the 1000watt halogen arc lamps, and shine on their sin. What happens when you shine a bright light in someone's face? They shut their eyes and turn away.
Jesus had that opportunity. When initially asked by this man what it took to live forever, Jesus could have said, "stop being a racist pig". Those around may have cheered, said a big "attaboy, Jesus, you tell 'em!" It's easy as modern day Christians to get caught in the trap of thinking we are doing effective evangelism when we walk around slapping people in the face for their sin.
That's not what Jesus did. He met them where they were at. He gave us some great guidelines for ministering to people.
1. Establish common ground. He asked the man, "what does Moses' law say?" The man answers. It's important that we don't get caught in the "blog-o-sphere" of opinions and just banter back and forth. We need to dig for truth. If someone is asking the question in the first place, there's truth somewhere in the background. When someone asks what you believe, instead of firing up the spotlight, figure out where they're at. What's their back ground?
2. Reaffirm the truth. Jesus said, "Right!... Do this and you shall live!" Once common ground is found, encourage that. It may be going back to the 10 commandments. I was told once, "I don't believe in the whole bible, just the 10 commandments." I told him, "That's fine. Let's talk about the first one."
3. Draw them to understanding. People don't necessarily need to be "told" the truth. They need to be led to discover it. Jesus disarmed this man by telling him the truth in a "3rd party" sort of way. He told him a story where the truth could be discovered and applied in the man's own mind and heart. We need to draw people to understanding, not jam it down their throat.
I think often we view every conversation as the "only chance we'll ever have", and that stresses us into a panic of "If they don't say the sinners' prayer now, they'll be forever lost!" That's often not the case. Often we may be just planting the initial seed, or watering, or whatever. We just need to be sensitive to the Spirit, and meet them where they're at.
Pray that the Lord will guide you today as you live your Mission to Reach our World for Christ!
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
--
Posted By P Greg to DEVO DREAM at 4/03/2009 04:21:00 AM
Deuteronomy 23:1-25:19
Luke 10:13-37
Psalm 75:1-10
Proverbs 12:12-14
The story of the good Samaritan is one of those that we all know.. It's told in Sunday School classes from very early on. Even though we've heard it so many times, have you ever noted the context in which Jesus tells it?
"One day an expert on Moses' laws came to test Jesus' orthodoxy by asking him this question: 'Teacher, what does a man need to do to live forever in heaven?'" (Luke 10:25)
There's nothing profound about the fact that an expert in the law was questioning Jesus. That is a common occurrence. What stood out to me is the fact that Jesus answers with a question. That's not too unusual either, but listen to the exchange.
"Jesus replied, 'What does Moses' law say about it?' 'It says,' he replied, 'that you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind. And you must love your neighbor just as much as you love yourself.' 'Right! Jesus told him. 'Do this and you shall live!'
"The man wanted to justify (his lack of love for some kinds of people), so he asked, 'Which neighbors?'" (10:26-30)
What has happened here is that Jesus knew what kind of person he was talking to. He knew the piety this expert in the law had. He knew the prejudice. The story of the Samaritan is not just about kindness, Jesus is also dealing with the issue of racism the Jews had against the Samaritans.
So many times we are confronted by, or come across individuals who have an issue of sin, or misdirected, or maybe even trying to trap us. Often we kick into the "light of the world" mode and fire up the 1000watt halogen arc lamps, and shine on their sin. What happens when you shine a bright light in someone's face? They shut their eyes and turn away.
Jesus had that opportunity. When initially asked by this man what it took to live forever, Jesus could have said, "stop being a racist pig". Those around may have cheered, said a big "attaboy, Jesus, you tell 'em!" It's easy as modern day Christians to get caught in the trap of thinking we are doing effective evangelism when we walk around slapping people in the face for their sin.
That's not what Jesus did. He met them where they were at. He gave us some great guidelines for ministering to people.
1. Establish common ground. He asked the man, "what does Moses' law say?" The man answers. It's important that we don't get caught in the "blog-o-sphere" of opinions and just banter back and forth. We need to dig for truth. If someone is asking the question in the first place, there's truth somewhere in the background. When someone asks what you believe, instead of firing up the spotlight, figure out where they're at. What's their back ground?
2. Reaffirm the truth. Jesus said, "Right!... Do this and you shall live!" Once common ground is found, encourage that. It may be going back to the 10 commandments. I was told once, "I don't believe in the whole bible, just the 10 commandments." I told him, "That's fine. Let's talk about the first one."
3. Draw them to understanding. People don't necessarily need to be "told" the truth. They need to be led to discover it. Jesus disarmed this man by telling him the truth in a "3rd party" sort of way. He told him a story where the truth could be discovered and applied in the man's own mind and heart. We need to draw people to understanding, not jam it down their throat.
I think often we view every conversation as the "only chance we'll ever have", and that stresses us into a panic of "If they don't say the sinners' prayer now, they'll be forever lost!" That's often not the case. Often we may be just planting the initial seed, or watering, or whatever. We just need to be sensitive to the Spirit, and meet them where they're at.
Pray that the Lord will guide you today as you live your Mission to Reach our World for Christ!
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
--
Posted By P Greg to DEVO DREAM at 4/03/2009 04:21:00 AM
Friday, April 2, 2010
4.2.10 "Go and Help!"
"Go and Help!"
Deuteronomy 21:1-22:30
Luke 9:51-10:12
Psalm 74:1-23
Proverbs 12:11
It's so easy to get caught up in our own world of schedules, to-do lists, and concerns that we lose sight of the whole "Relationships Devoted to Unity" thing. Because it's in our human nature to be self-centered, we can very easily slip into the trap of independence, and forget that God has created his people for "interdependence".
It's a simple verse that brought this to mind today. "If you see someone trying to get an ox or donkey onto its feet when it has slipped beneath its load, don't look the other way. Go and help!" (Deut. 22:4)
This verse is in the middle of some pretty heavy stuff. In the chapter before and the verses following there are guidelines that carry the penalty of death if not followed. What we need to understand from that is that it is REALLY important to God that we look out for one another.
Have you ever been in that place where you "look the other way"? You may be in a hurry to get somewhere. You may be "on a mission", and you pass someone who is crying or has a flat tire. There are many things that we can "look the other way" to. There are "good" things. We have kids. We have family time. We have ministry. But we also have unity. We must take the time to serve the needs of one another.
What does it take to help someone out? It takes submission. Sometimes you submit your agenda to the need, other times it may be a submission of resources to help another through a difficult time.
Whatever the case, we have to understand the value of unity. We cannot live the Balanced Christian Life without it. We may be walking in obedience, studying the word, and very busy in ministry, but if we are not living out unity, we are out of balance. This needs to be on our priority list.
Look for opportunities to help someone today. Go out and help!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Deuteronomy 21:1-22:30
Luke 9:51-10:12
Psalm 74:1-23
Proverbs 12:11
It's so easy to get caught up in our own world of schedules, to-do lists, and concerns that we lose sight of the whole "Relationships Devoted to Unity" thing. Because it's in our human nature to be self-centered, we can very easily slip into the trap of independence, and forget that God has created his people for "interdependence".
It's a simple verse that brought this to mind today. "If you see someone trying to get an ox or donkey onto its feet when it has slipped beneath its load, don't look the other way. Go and help!" (Deut. 22:4)
This verse is in the middle of some pretty heavy stuff. In the chapter before and the verses following there are guidelines that carry the penalty of death if not followed. What we need to understand from that is that it is REALLY important to God that we look out for one another.
Have you ever been in that place where you "look the other way"? You may be in a hurry to get somewhere. You may be "on a mission", and you pass someone who is crying or has a flat tire. There are many things that we can "look the other way" to. There are "good" things. We have kids. We have family time. We have ministry. But we also have unity. We must take the time to serve the needs of one another.
What does it take to help someone out? It takes submission. Sometimes you submit your agenda to the need, other times it may be a submission of resources to help another through a difficult time.
Whatever the case, we have to understand the value of unity. We cannot live the Balanced Christian Life without it. We may be walking in obedience, studying the word, and very busy in ministry, but if we are not living out unity, we are out of balance. This needs to be on our priority list.
Look for opportunities to help someone today. Go out and help!
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, April 1, 2010
4.1.10 "One of those Days!"
"One of those Days!"
Deuteronomy 18:1-20:20
Luke 9:28-50
Psalm 73:1-28
Proverbs 12:10
There are days when it seems like there's nothing the devil throws at you can touch you. The storm rages around, but you're joyful, filled with peace, and faith, and excited about what God is doing.
Then there are those "other" days! There are those days where we just about slide off the edge into the "pit of despair". I don't really need to describe them any better than the Psalmist did:
"How good God is to Israel -- to those whose hearts are pure. But as for me, I came so close to the edge of the cliff! My feet were slipping and I was almost gone. For I was envious of the prosperity of the proud and wicked. Yes, all through life their road is smooth! They grow sleek and fat. They aren't always in trouble and plagued with problems like everyone else, so their pride sparkles like a jeweled necklace, and their clothing is woven of cruelty! These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for! They scoff at God and threaten his people. How proudly they speak! They boast against the very heavens, and their words strut through the earth.
"And so God's people are dismayed and confused, and drink it all in. 'Does God realize what is going on?' they ask. 'Look at these men of arrogance; they never have to lift a finger - theirs is a life of ease; and all the time their riches multiply.'" (Ps 73:1-12)
Have ya been there?
"Have I been wasting my time? Why take the trouble to be pure? All I get out of it is trouble and woe - everyday and all day long! If I had really said that, I would have been a traitor to your people. Yet it is so hard to explain it - this prosperity of those who hate the Lord." (v.13-16)
If you're like me, I feel really guilty when I'm having one of "those" days. It is like a trap. When you start thinking like that, you get snared by self-pity. There's a draw to it. Why take the trouble to be pure?
Listen to where the healthy perspective comes from:
"Then one day I went into God's sanctuary to meditate, and thought about the future of these evil men. What a slippery path they are on - suddenly God will send them sliding over the edge of the cliff and down to their destruction: an instant end to all their happiness, an eternity of terror. Their present life is only a dream! They will awaken to the truth as one awakens from a dream of things that never really were! " (vs. 17-20)
The importance of meditating in God's sanctuary cannot be overstated. We gain understanding, truth and balance from spending time with God. He gives us the perspective we need. Often when we do that we see things as they really are.
"When I saw this, what turmoil filled my heart! I saw myself so stupid and so ignorant; I must seem like an animal to you, O God. But even so, you love me! You are holding my right hand! You will keep on guiding me all my life with your wisdom and counsel; and afterwards receive me into the glories of heaven! Whom have I in heaven but you? And I desire no one on earth as much as you! My health fails; my spirits droop, yet God remains! he is the strength of my heart he is mine forever!
"But those refusing to worship God will perish, for he destroys those serving other gods.
"But as for me, I get as close to him as I can! I have chosen him and I will tell everyone about the wonderful ways he rescues me." (vs.21-28)
It doesn't make a difference how the wicked prosper. God's truth remains. His love for us is ever-abounding in spite of our moments of ignorance.
Gain the proper perspective by spending time with him today! Be Empowered through Biblical Training! Walk in Obedience and live the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship, and do it all with your purpose in mind: Mission to Reach our World for Christ!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Deuteronomy 18:1-20:20
Luke 9:28-50
Psalm 73:1-28
Proverbs 12:10
There are days when it seems like there's nothing the devil throws at you can touch you. The storm rages around, but you're joyful, filled with peace, and faith, and excited about what God is doing.
Then there are those "other" days! There are those days where we just about slide off the edge into the "pit of despair". I don't really need to describe them any better than the Psalmist did:
"How good God is to Israel -- to those whose hearts are pure. But as for me, I came so close to the edge of the cliff! My feet were slipping and I was almost gone. For I was envious of the prosperity of the proud and wicked. Yes, all through life their road is smooth! They grow sleek and fat. They aren't always in trouble and plagued with problems like everyone else, so their pride sparkles like a jeweled necklace, and their clothing is woven of cruelty! These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for! They scoff at God and threaten his people. How proudly they speak! They boast against the very heavens, and their words strut through the earth.
"And so God's people are dismayed and confused, and drink it all in. 'Does God realize what is going on?' they ask. 'Look at these men of arrogance; they never have to lift a finger - theirs is a life of ease; and all the time their riches multiply.'" (Ps 73:1-12)
Have ya been there?
"Have I been wasting my time? Why take the trouble to be pure? All I get out of it is trouble and woe - everyday and all day long! If I had really said that, I would have been a traitor to your people. Yet it is so hard to explain it - this prosperity of those who hate the Lord." (v.13-16)
If you're like me, I feel really guilty when I'm having one of "those" days. It is like a trap. When you start thinking like that, you get snared by self-pity. There's a draw to it. Why take the trouble to be pure?
Listen to where the healthy perspective comes from:
"Then one day I went into God's sanctuary to meditate, and thought about the future of these evil men. What a slippery path they are on - suddenly God will send them sliding over the edge of the cliff and down to their destruction: an instant end to all their happiness, an eternity of terror. Their present life is only a dream! They will awaken to the truth as one awakens from a dream of things that never really were! " (vs. 17-20)
The importance of meditating in God's sanctuary cannot be overstated. We gain understanding, truth and balance from spending time with God. He gives us the perspective we need. Often when we do that we see things as they really are.
"When I saw this, what turmoil filled my heart! I saw myself so stupid and so ignorant; I must seem like an animal to you, O God. But even so, you love me! You are holding my right hand! You will keep on guiding me all my life with your wisdom and counsel; and afterwards receive me into the glories of heaven! Whom have I in heaven but you? And I desire no one on earth as much as you! My health fails; my spirits droop, yet God remains! he is the strength of my heart he is mine forever!
"But those refusing to worship God will perish, for he destroys those serving other gods.
"But as for me, I get as close to him as I can! I have chosen him and I will tell everyone about the wonderful ways he rescues me." (vs.21-28)
It doesn't make a difference how the wicked prosper. God's truth remains. His love for us is ever-abounding in spite of our moments of ignorance.
Gain the proper perspective by spending time with him today! Be Empowered through Biblical Training! Walk in Obedience and live the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship, and do it all with your purpose in mind: Mission to Reach our World for Christ!
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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