"This Life"
I Kings 2:1 - 3:2
Acts 5:1-42
Psalm 125:1-5
Proverbs 16:25
The book of Acts tells the story of the birth of the Christian church. Things are quite interesting from the get-go for these early believers.
"The High Priest and his relatives and friends among the Sadducees reacted with violent jealousy and arrested the apostles, and put them in the public jail. But an angel of the Lord came at night, opened the gates of the jail and brought them out. Then he told them, 'Go over to the Temple and preach about this Life!" (Acts 5:17-20)
"Preach about this Life!" What a great phrase! Do you realize that everyday you preach about this Life? What's your story? What's your life? If people were to look at you, and listen to your words and watch the way you live, what would they see?
I take this as a personal challenge. What does my life look like? Is it motivated by the circumstances around me? Are my "moods" influenced by minor occurrences or do my words and actions reveal an inner strength that has been developed by the working of the Spirit in me?
Peter had a "Life" to tell about. "Sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that at least Peter's shadow would fall across some of them as he went by! And crowds came in from the Jerusalem suburbs, bringing their sick folk and those possessed by demons; and every one of them was healed." (Acts 5:15-16)
So "this Life" that Peter had... is it available to us? You bet it is! We have been given the Holy Spirit, and he is as ready and able to work through us today as he was then. What's the difference? Us.
I think one of the biggest hinderances to the full experience of "This Life" is shown in Psalm 125:1, "Those who trust the the Lord are steady as Mount Zion, unmoved by any circumstance." I think too often the people of God have this story to tell: "George 'says' he trusts the Lord, but is kicked around by every circumstance."
The apostles of the early church knew God in such an intimate way that they could see the big picture. They weren't affected by what was seen on the outside. The beatings they received not only did not push them off course, it gave them motivation to live the Life! "The [Jewish] Council... called in the apostles, had them beaten, and then told them never again to speak in the name of Jesus, and finally let them go. They left the Council chamber rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer dishonor for his name." (Acts 5:40-41)
Did you catch that? It does something inside of me to realize that the "beating" and the "rejoicing" are intertwined. Too often for us, it's "I'm not in the mood to worship today because I had a flat tire." When we are truly full of the Holy Spirit, and we walk in surrendered lives, we can experience "This Life" in an incredible way. The Holy Spirit can only be hindered by each one of us. When he moves on our heart and leads us to lay down areas of our life that are sinful, we quench his power when we cease to surrender. We must walk in daily surrender. We must be consistent in the word and in studying together. This is what it means to be Empowered through Biblical Training.
"And every day, in the temple and in their home Bible classes, they continued to teach and preach that Jesus is the Messiah." (Acts 5:42)
You wanna live this Life? Then LIVE it! When we have the power of the Holy Spirit working in us and through us, and we put scriptural application of the DREAM principles to our lives each and every day, we are positioning ourselves for the miraculous. God desires to heal and deliver, and bust out of prison, and move mountains. He's just waiting for us to let him.
Go preach about this Life!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
"The Undisciplined Heart"
I Kings 1:1-53
Acts 4:1-37
Psalm 124:1-8
Proverbs 16:24
King David is now very old. He has not yet appointed his successor, although those close to him knew that he desired that it would be his son Solomon.
"At about that time, David's son Adonijah... decided to crown himself king in place of his aged father. So he hired chariots and drivers and recruited fifty men to run down the streets before him as royal footmen. Now his father, King David, had never disciplined him at any time - not so much as by a single scolding! He was a very handsome man, and was Absalom's younger brother." (I Kings 1:5-6)
Is there anything that stands out to you in those verses? One thing sure caught my attention. Why would it mention that he had never been disciplined? I know why. Because it's important!
Discipline is a godly principle. To live in health spiritually, physically, emotionally, and in every way, the principle of discipline must be present. It is the root word of discipleship. It is the foundational principle of Empowered Through Biblical Training.
As we grow in Christ, we must INCREASE our strength in the area of Discipline.
I like to illustrate this point with a diagram called the Triangle of Development. It represents how the R,E & A of DREAM need to work together for growth in the Christian walk. The left side of the triangle represents Relationships Devoted to Unity (Submission), the right side Empowered through Biblical Training (Discipline), and the bottom line Active Ministry Involvement (Responsibility). A basic explanation would be that as our responsibility increases, our submission and Discipline must also increase.
Take Adonijah as an example. He appointed himself king. I'd put that at the "5" level of responsibility. However, he did so without the discipline necessary to equip him for the position. He also did not apply the unity principle of submission. He did not consult his father, and tried to hide all of this from those closest to his father. So the level of his "R" & "E" was at best "1". The result? it all fell apart for him.
So what's the point of all of this? We need to understand how each and every day all of these principles work together in our life. This triangle is in a constant state of growth for each one of us. Each area will be challenged at different times.
For example, If you are extremely disciplined in the area of biblical study, and know God's word, but don't increase your responsibilities, you will be out of balance. The knowledge of scripture should translate into you putting it into action. Maybe you WANT more responsibility, and have the discipline to handle it, but you are lacking in devotion to unity and are rebellious, or unwilling to serve your leaders, or even lack the understanding that you need to meet the needs of those around you. If that's the case, you may find that you're not advancing in position the way you desire.
This is a difficult concept to communicate in a format such as this, but long story short, WE MUST HAVE DISCIPLINE IN OUR LIVES. Hebrews 12:5-11(NAS) says, "'My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by him; for those whom the Lord loves he disciplines, and he scourges every son whom he receives.' It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom {his} father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He {disciplines us} for {our} good, so that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness."
We often equate discipline with punishment, but I feel it is more accurately defined as "alignment". We need to allow ourselves to be aligned to God's word. We need to follow his commands and his direction. With an undisciplined heart, we are headed for disaster.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
I Kings 1:1-53
Acts 4:1-37
Psalm 124:1-8
Proverbs 16:24
King David is now very old. He has not yet appointed his successor, although those close to him knew that he desired that it would be his son Solomon.
"At about that time, David's son Adonijah... decided to crown himself king in place of his aged father. So he hired chariots and drivers and recruited fifty men to run down the streets before him as royal footmen. Now his father, King David, had never disciplined him at any time - not so much as by a single scolding! He was a very handsome man, and was Absalom's younger brother." (I Kings 1:5-6)
Is there anything that stands out to you in those verses? One thing sure caught my attention. Why would it mention that he had never been disciplined? I know why. Because it's important!
Discipline is a godly principle. To live in health spiritually, physically, emotionally, and in every way, the principle of discipline must be present. It is the root word of discipleship. It is the foundational principle of Empowered Through Biblical Training.
As we grow in Christ, we must INCREASE our strength in the area of Discipline.
I like to illustrate this point with a diagram called the Triangle of Development. It represents how the R,E & A of DREAM need to work together for growth in the Christian walk. The left side of the triangle represents Relationships Devoted to Unity (Submission), the right side Empowered through Biblical Training (Discipline), and the bottom line Active Ministry Involvement (Responsibility). A basic explanation would be that as our responsibility increases, our submission and Discipline must also increase.
Take Adonijah as an example. He appointed himself king. I'd put that at the "5" level of responsibility. However, he did so without the discipline necessary to equip him for the position. He also did not apply the unity principle of submission. He did not consult his father, and tried to hide all of this from those closest to his father. So the level of his "R" & "E" was at best "1". The result? it all fell apart for him.
So what's the point of all of this? We need to understand how each and every day all of these principles work together in our life. This triangle is in a constant state of growth for each one of us. Each area will be challenged at different times.
For example, If you are extremely disciplined in the area of biblical study, and know God's word, but don't increase your responsibilities, you will be out of balance. The knowledge of scripture should translate into you putting it into action. Maybe you WANT more responsibility, and have the discipline to handle it, but you are lacking in devotion to unity and are rebellious, or unwilling to serve your leaders, or even lack the understanding that you need to meet the needs of those around you. If that's the case, you may find that you're not advancing in position the way you desire.
This is a difficult concept to communicate in a format such as this, but long story short, WE MUST HAVE DISCIPLINE IN OUR LIVES. Hebrews 12:5-11(NAS) says, "'My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by him; for those whom the Lord loves he disciplines, and he scourges every son whom he receives.' It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom {his} father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He {disciplines us} for {our} good, so that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness."
We often equate discipline with punishment, but I feel it is more accurately defined as "alignment". We need to allow ourselves to be aligned to God's word. We need to follow his commands and his direction. With an undisciplined heart, we are headed for disaster.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Sunday, June 5, 2011
6.5.11 "How Much Does it Cost?"
"How Much Does it Cost?"
2 Samuel 23:24-24:25
Acts 3:1-26
Psalm 123:1-4
Proverbs 16:21-23
"i don't want to offer to the Lord my God burnt offerings that have cost me nothing." 2 Samuel 24:24
Why not? Why not do the minimum God requires? God had instructed David to offer a sacrifice. This was in repentance of his taking a census. The only thing God told him to do was offer the sacrifice on the threshing floor of Araunah. God didn't specifically say, "go pay for it.", so what's the big deal?
The difference is the big picture. It's knowing what God wants to complete in you. Forgiveness is free, but Repentance costs. Too many times what we think is repentance is merely a ritual of confession with no cost attached. To illustrate this point, I asked a friend to stand next to me while I was teaching a class. I kept slapping him & saying "I'm sorry." He was kind enough to stand there and not pummel me. I would confess my sin to him when I'd slap him, but there wasn't any repentance because I just kept on doing it. There's probably alot of Christians out there who think the apology of "I'm sorry" is repentance.
How much does "I'm sorry" cost? I guess that depends on the level of pride. It can be tough to be the first to apologize sometimes, but to repent... that's another price bracket. There needs to be a turning, an intentional effort that must be placed on establishing a "landmark" that this wont happen again. (build an altar).
When the Lord addresses sin in my life, I need to check on whether my "i'm sorry" is an act of ritual confession, or true repentance. What will it cost me to repent? What landmark will I place on my heart to make sure I don't go there again?
As we mature as believers we must not lose the concept of the cost of repentance. Treating repentance casually opens the door to habitual sin, compromise, idolatry, sin in the camp, etc.
Peter says to the Jewish people near the temple, "Now change your mind and attitude to God and turn to him so he can cleanse away your sins and send you wonderful times of refreshment from the presence of the Lord." (Acts 3:19)
We must turn away from anything that doesn't please God. We must work to cleanse our attitudes so that we can turn toward him, and allow his presence to fill us. Allow him to forgive our sin and purify us. Then we must discipline ourselves to stay the course and not go back the way we came.
The highest form of worship is obedience. We can't have the attitude that "i will obey as long as it costs me nothing." We must have the heart that drives us to say, "I will obey no matter what the cost."
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
2 Samuel 23:24-24:25
Acts 3:1-26
Psalm 123:1-4
Proverbs 16:21-23
"i don't want to offer to the Lord my God burnt offerings that have cost me nothing." 2 Samuel 24:24
Why not? Why not do the minimum God requires? God had instructed David to offer a sacrifice. This was in repentance of his taking a census. The only thing God told him to do was offer the sacrifice on the threshing floor of Araunah. God didn't specifically say, "go pay for it.", so what's the big deal?
The difference is the big picture. It's knowing what God wants to complete in you. Forgiveness is free, but Repentance costs. Too many times what we think is repentance is merely a ritual of confession with no cost attached. To illustrate this point, I asked a friend to stand next to me while I was teaching a class. I kept slapping him & saying "I'm sorry." He was kind enough to stand there and not pummel me. I would confess my sin to him when I'd slap him, but there wasn't any repentance because I just kept on doing it. There's probably alot of Christians out there who think the apology of "I'm sorry" is repentance.
How much does "I'm sorry" cost? I guess that depends on the level of pride. It can be tough to be the first to apologize sometimes, but to repent... that's another price bracket. There needs to be a turning, an intentional effort that must be placed on establishing a "landmark" that this wont happen again. (build an altar).
When the Lord addresses sin in my life, I need to check on whether my "i'm sorry" is an act of ritual confession, or true repentance. What will it cost me to repent? What landmark will I place on my heart to make sure I don't go there again?
As we mature as believers we must not lose the concept of the cost of repentance. Treating repentance casually opens the door to habitual sin, compromise, idolatry, sin in the camp, etc.
Peter says to the Jewish people near the temple, "Now change your mind and attitude to God and turn to him so he can cleanse away your sins and send you wonderful times of refreshment from the presence of the Lord." (Acts 3:19)
We must turn away from anything that doesn't please God. We must work to cleanse our attitudes so that we can turn toward him, and allow his presence to fill us. Allow him to forgive our sin and purify us. Then we must discipline ourselves to stay the course and not go back the way we came.
The highest form of worship is obedience. We can't have the attitude that "i will obey as long as it costs me nothing." We must have the heart that drives us to say, "I will obey no matter what the cost."
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Saturday, June 4, 2011
"The DREAM Church"
2 Samuel 22:21-23:23
Acts 2:1-47
Psalm 122:1-9
Proverbs 16:19-20
Acts 2 tells the story of the birth of the church. We're very familiar with the story of the upper room, and Peter's sermon to the thousands. We see how the first altar call was answered by 3,000. In verses 42-47 we find a description of this early church.
"They joined with the other believers in regular attendance at the apostles' teaching sessions and at the communion services and prayer meetings. A deep sense of awe was on them all, and the apostles did many miracles. And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything with each other, selling their possessions and dividing with those in need. They worshiped together regularly at the temple each day, met in small groups in homes for Communion, and shared their meals with great joy and thankfulness, praising God. The whole city was favorable to them and each day God added to them all who were being saved." (Acts 2:42-47)
This church is a DREAM Church. Check it out:
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship - "Communion services and prayer meetings... a deep sense of awe was on them all, and the apostles did many miracles... They worshiped together... great joy and thankfulness."
Relationships Devoted to Unity - "They joined with the other believers... All the believers met together constantly and shared everything with each other... met in small groups and homes..."
Empowered Through Biblical Training - "... in regular attendance at the apostles' teaching sessions... They worshiped together regularly at the Temple each day..."
Active Ministry Involvement - "... shared everything with each other, selling their possessions and dividing with those in need."
Mission to Reach our World for Christ - "The whole city was favorable to them, and each day God added to them all who were being saved."
We need to be a church that Lives the DREAM. The church can Live the DREAM when each of its members are living the DREAM. We must realize that this description of the early church FOLLOWED experiencing the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
As we draw together to seek God, his presence will fill us, refresh us, and His Spirit will empower us to apply Godly principles to every area of our life. We will function with purpose. We will experience miracles. We will be the DREAM Church!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
2 Samuel 22:21-23:23
Acts 2:1-47
Psalm 122:1-9
Proverbs 16:19-20
Acts 2 tells the story of the birth of the church. We're very familiar with the story of the upper room, and Peter's sermon to the thousands. We see how the first altar call was answered by 3,000. In verses 42-47 we find a description of this early church.
"They joined with the other believers in regular attendance at the apostles' teaching sessions and at the communion services and prayer meetings. A deep sense of awe was on them all, and the apostles did many miracles. And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything with each other, selling their possessions and dividing with those in need. They worshiped together regularly at the temple each day, met in small groups in homes for Communion, and shared their meals with great joy and thankfulness, praising God. The whole city was favorable to them and each day God added to them all who were being saved." (Acts 2:42-47)
This church is a DREAM Church. Check it out:
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship - "Communion services and prayer meetings... a deep sense of awe was on them all, and the apostles did many miracles... They worshiped together... great joy and thankfulness."
Relationships Devoted to Unity - "They joined with the other believers... All the believers met together constantly and shared everything with each other... met in small groups and homes..."
Empowered Through Biblical Training - "... in regular attendance at the apostles' teaching sessions... They worshiped together regularly at the Temple each day..."
Active Ministry Involvement - "... shared everything with each other, selling their possessions and dividing with those in need."
Mission to Reach our World for Christ - "The whole city was favorable to them, and each day God added to them all who were being saved."
We need to be a church that Lives the DREAM. The church can Live the DREAM when each of its members are living the DREAM. We must realize that this description of the early church FOLLOWED experiencing the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
As we draw together to seek God, his presence will fill us, refresh us, and His Spirit will empower us to apply Godly principles to every area of our life. We will function with purpose. We will experience miracles. We will be the DREAM Church!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Friday, June 3, 2011
6.3.11 "Songs of Praise from Times of Trouble"
"Songs of Praise from Times of Trouble"
2 Samuel 20:14- 22:20
Acts 1:1-26
Psalm 121:1-8
Proverbs 16:18
Today we're going to have a little music lesson. We'll call it "Songwriting 101". Did you know that you are a song writer? Each day your song is being written. Everything that happens within you becomes melodies transfered to a page.
In 2 Samuel 22, David writes a song. "David sang this song to the Lord after he had rescued him from Saul and from all his other enemies:
"Jehovah is my rock, My fortress and my Savior.
I will hide in God, who is my rock and my refuge.
He is my shield and my salvation,
My refuge and high tower.
Thank you, O my Savior, For saving me from all my enemies.
I will call upon the Lord, Who is worthy to be praised;
He will save me from all my enemies.
The waves of death surrounded me; Floods of evil burst upon me;
I was trapped, and bound by hell and death;
But I called upon the Lord in my distress,
And he heard me from his Temple. My cry reached his ears." (2 Sam. 22:1-7)
I gave this chapter my own title: "Songs of Praise from Times of Trouble".
Whether or not you have a musical background, an important thing to remember is that music can only be effective if there is tension and release. A melody grows as it moves away from the "root" tone, and then works its way back. Based on how it does that is the effectiveness of the song. Many times the greater the tension before the release, the more moving the song is.
How true in the Christian walk. The greatest melodies are from the greatest leaps of faith. The greatest joys contrasted from the tension of sorrow. The greatest miracles can only be realized when in the deepest need. Where does the song come from?
We all know individuals who stay "safe" (in their mind) from the tensions of life. The "Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship" isn't so dynamic because there's not a commitment to step out in obedience in whatever direction God leads. It may be that "Comfort Zone" has become a boundary line that will never be crossed. The sad truth is that it may also be that there is a song left unwritten.
Don't get me wrong. This doesn't that mean that we look for trouble so we can write a song. Not at all. What this means is that we simply look AT trouble in a different light. As we walk in obedience in our Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship, we will experience trials. Some of these will be spear wielding giants. But we must understand that as trials come we are gaining new pitches and rhythms that are being weaved together to form the melody of praise that is unique to each one of us. It's MY song. It will sound different then yours. The Lord desires these songs to be weaved together to form this symphony that draws all men unto him.
When we run from the trial, we run from the song. When we allow the trial to cause our hearts to become bitter, we bring in an out-of-tune instrument that sours the sweet song of victory. But when we run through trials in obedience, we experience joy that can come in no other way.
"Jehovah himself is caring for you! He is your defender. He protects you day and night. He keeps you from all evil, and preserves your life. He keeps his eye upon you as you come and go, and always guards you." (Ps 121:1-8)
Let your life be a sweet song to our Savior today! Allow the tensions of the past to be released into a glorious symphony of praise!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
2 Samuel 20:14- 22:20
Acts 1:1-26
Psalm 121:1-8
Proverbs 16:18
Today we're going to have a little music lesson. We'll call it "Songwriting 101". Did you know that you are a song writer? Each day your song is being written. Everything that happens within you becomes melodies transfered to a page.
In 2 Samuel 22, David writes a song. "David sang this song to the Lord after he had rescued him from Saul and from all his other enemies:
"Jehovah is my rock, My fortress and my Savior.
I will hide in God, who is my rock and my refuge.
He is my shield and my salvation,
My refuge and high tower.
Thank you, O my Savior, For saving me from all my enemies.
I will call upon the Lord, Who is worthy to be praised;
He will save me from all my enemies.
The waves of death surrounded me; Floods of evil burst upon me;
I was trapped, and bound by hell and death;
But I called upon the Lord in my distress,
And he heard me from his Temple. My cry reached his ears." (2 Sam. 22:1-7)
I gave this chapter my own title: "Songs of Praise from Times of Trouble".
Whether or not you have a musical background, an important thing to remember is that music can only be effective if there is tension and release. A melody grows as it moves away from the "root" tone, and then works its way back. Based on how it does that is the effectiveness of the song. Many times the greater the tension before the release, the more moving the song is.
How true in the Christian walk. The greatest melodies are from the greatest leaps of faith. The greatest joys contrasted from the tension of sorrow. The greatest miracles can only be realized when in the deepest need. Where does the song come from?
We all know individuals who stay "safe" (in their mind) from the tensions of life. The "Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship" isn't so dynamic because there's not a commitment to step out in obedience in whatever direction God leads. It may be that "Comfort Zone" has become a boundary line that will never be crossed. The sad truth is that it may also be that there is a song left unwritten.
Don't get me wrong. This doesn't that mean that we look for trouble so we can write a song. Not at all. What this means is that we simply look AT trouble in a different light. As we walk in obedience in our Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship, we will experience trials. Some of these will be spear wielding giants. But we must understand that as trials come we are gaining new pitches and rhythms that are being weaved together to form the melody of praise that is unique to each one of us. It's MY song. It will sound different then yours. The Lord desires these songs to be weaved together to form this symphony that draws all men unto him.
When we run from the trial, we run from the song. When we allow the trial to cause our hearts to become bitter, we bring in an out-of-tune instrument that sours the sweet song of victory. But when we run through trials in obedience, we experience joy that can come in no other way.
"Jehovah himself is caring for you! He is your defender. He protects you day and night. He keeps you from all evil, and preserves your life. He keeps his eye upon you as you come and go, and always guards you." (Ps 121:1-8)
Let your life be a sweet song to our Savior today! Allow the tensions of the past to be released into a glorious symphony of praise!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Thursday, June 2, 2011
6.2.11 "Where are You Going?"
"Where are You Going?"
2 Samuel 19:10b-20:13
John 21:1-25
Psalm 120:1-7
Proverbs 16:16-17
"The path of the godly leads away from evil; he who follows that path is safe." (Prov. 16:17)
What of this "path of the godly"? Here are a few thoughts:
When flesh is at the helm, it doesn't desire the path of the godly. Flesh desires to be "free" to wander off course into territories that from the distance seem so enticing. Yet these lands contain dangers that are beyond measure.
These territories are the lure of the desires of the flesh. They advertise confections that appeal to the "needs" of the flesh.
The flesh says, "I haven't been appreciated," and is drawn to a territory filled with those who "give me what I've always wanted." In this realm the hurts of the past, whether they be great or small are subtly transformed into bitterness that bores itself deep in the soul. This transformation serves as mutiny in the life of the traveler. Command of the course is further usurped by the flesh. The path of the godly grows unclear. Sure, at first it can be seen nearby, but unknowingly, the right path is no longer in view of the natural eye.
Be there many territories that lure the godly off course, there is none so dangerous as the rolling pastures of "comfort". In the pursuit of righteousness, many pause along the way to "rest". The unknowing traveler entertains such passing thoughts as "I deserve this", or "I've worked hard to get here." The most dangerous of these seductive thoughts must be this one: "God wants me to be happy doesn't he?"
So what of this path of the godly?
It most assuredly is not the easiest path. It requires one to journey past the beckoning vendors that offer so conveniently the flavors that whet the appetite, and look so pleasing.
It most assuredly is not the most popular path. The traveler on this path is met by those who are armed with the toys of the leisurely life. They are on their way to the beach. In their hands they carry the beverages of the world that "help" them have a great time. If the traveler is not careful, he finds himself with his lips parched, and desiring to give in to the invitation of all those around.
Many times the traveler on the path of the godly finds himself traveling alone... or at least that's his perception. But of all the paths to travel on, the one who journeys here is NEVER alone.
No, the path of the godly is not full of ease, it's not full of leisure, it's not concerned with comfort. But one must see the greatest benefit. It is the safest. It is the most free.
For those who have found themselves off the path of the godly have met a new friend. He may be exceptionally disguised, but his name reveals his nature. His name is Death. His goal is always the same. He is bent on drawing the godly off course. Sure, he would love to kill their flesh, but his greatest satisfaction is to kill the spirit. For if he can blind the eyes of one's spirit, he knows each traveler will walk deeper into his territory. He knows that before long the path of the godly can no longer be seen. He knows that even though the intent of the traveler is just to "stop for a while", the traveler will soon lose even the desire to walk that "other" path.
The paths that are before us are not clearly marked in a way that a traveler can sojourn in a way that "looks good." No, the traveler must discover the truth found only in the Map. This manual for life has been written to express the very heart of the One who also walks along the path of the godly. He is himself all that is right, all that is good, all that is godly, and all that is safe. Though there be valleys that seem so dark, and mountains that must be moved, his hand is always outstretched to empower the steps of the traveler who is willing to walk the path.
Find your strength in the word today. Be Empowered Through Biblical Training.
"The path of the godly leads away from evil; he who follows that path is safe." (Prov. 16:17)
Where are you going?
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
2 Samuel 19:10b-20:13
John 21:1-25
Psalm 120:1-7
Proverbs 16:16-17
"The path of the godly leads away from evil; he who follows that path is safe." (Prov. 16:17)
What of this "path of the godly"? Here are a few thoughts:
When flesh is at the helm, it doesn't desire the path of the godly. Flesh desires to be "free" to wander off course into territories that from the distance seem so enticing. Yet these lands contain dangers that are beyond measure.
These territories are the lure of the desires of the flesh. They advertise confections that appeal to the "needs" of the flesh.
The flesh says, "I haven't been appreciated," and is drawn to a territory filled with those who "give me what I've always wanted." In this realm the hurts of the past, whether they be great or small are subtly transformed into bitterness that bores itself deep in the soul. This transformation serves as mutiny in the life of the traveler. Command of the course is further usurped by the flesh. The path of the godly grows unclear. Sure, at first it can be seen nearby, but unknowingly, the right path is no longer in view of the natural eye.
Be there many territories that lure the godly off course, there is none so dangerous as the rolling pastures of "comfort". In the pursuit of righteousness, many pause along the way to "rest". The unknowing traveler entertains such passing thoughts as "I deserve this", or "I've worked hard to get here." The most dangerous of these seductive thoughts must be this one: "God wants me to be happy doesn't he?"
So what of this path of the godly?
It most assuredly is not the easiest path. It requires one to journey past the beckoning vendors that offer so conveniently the flavors that whet the appetite, and look so pleasing.
It most assuredly is not the most popular path. The traveler on this path is met by those who are armed with the toys of the leisurely life. They are on their way to the beach. In their hands they carry the beverages of the world that "help" them have a great time. If the traveler is not careful, he finds himself with his lips parched, and desiring to give in to the invitation of all those around.
Many times the traveler on the path of the godly finds himself traveling alone... or at least that's his perception. But of all the paths to travel on, the one who journeys here is NEVER alone.
No, the path of the godly is not full of ease, it's not full of leisure, it's not concerned with comfort. But one must see the greatest benefit. It is the safest. It is the most free.
For those who have found themselves off the path of the godly have met a new friend. He may be exceptionally disguised, but his name reveals his nature. His name is Death. His goal is always the same. He is bent on drawing the godly off course. Sure, he would love to kill their flesh, but his greatest satisfaction is to kill the spirit. For if he can blind the eyes of one's spirit, he knows each traveler will walk deeper into his territory. He knows that before long the path of the godly can no longer be seen. He knows that even though the intent of the traveler is just to "stop for a while", the traveler will soon lose even the desire to walk that "other" path.
The paths that are before us are not clearly marked in a way that a traveler can sojourn in a way that "looks good." No, the traveler must discover the truth found only in the Map. This manual for life has been written to express the very heart of the One who also walks along the path of the godly. He is himself all that is right, all that is good, all that is godly, and all that is safe. Though there be valleys that seem so dark, and mountains that must be moved, his hand is always outstretched to empower the steps of the traveler who is willing to walk the path.
Find your strength in the word today. Be Empowered Through Biblical Training.
"The path of the godly leads away from evil; he who follows that path is safe." (Prov. 16:17)
Where are you going?
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
6.1.11 "The Breathalyzer"
"The Breathalyzer"
2 Samuel 18:1-19:10a
John 20:1-31
Psalm 119:156-176
Proverbs 16:14-15
What does your breath smell like right now? How's that for a great thought for the day? Our breath actually tells a lot about us. It can reveal what we just ate. My mother-in-law used to make a spaghetti sauce that seems like for every pound of meat you put in a pound of garlic. You know for a couple days that you ate that! Impurities actually come out in our breath as well. As we sleep there are impurities in our body that are released, and manifest themselves in some pretty amazing odors in the morning.
When pulling over a driver who is suspected of drinking, the police give the breathalyzer. It determines whether or not an individual has been drinking too much. I have no experience in this matter, but I believe it's a test you can't beat. Your breath reveals what you've been doing. Once I had a meeting with a young engaged couple. They looked lovingly into each other's eyes. Then she blew into his face, "I ate your favorite... dill pickle chips..." I guess romance is in the eye (or nose) of the beholder...
The verses that captured my thoughts this morning are from John 20. Jesus has died and has risen. He's already appeared to Mary in the garden.
"That evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors, in fear of the Jewish leaders, when suddenly Jesus was standing there among them! After greeting them, he showed them his hands and side. And how wonderful was their Joy as they saw their Lord!
"He spoke to them again and said, 'As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.' Then he breathed on them and told them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.'" (John 20:19-22)
Jesus breathed on them. Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit. It was on his breath. We need to connect a few dots here to our own lives. First, notice that receiving the Holy Spirit is connected to being sent. We all have a purpose. We have a mission to reach our world for Christ. We must fulfill this mission in the power of the Holy Spirit, not in our own strength. We need to be in a position of receiving the Holy Spirit. We must accept the gift he has given us. Let him fill us, refresh us, renew us, and empower us.
The other thought is that we should have the Holy Spirit on our breath. OK, there's no actual Holy Ghost mouthwash that we can use to obtain this, but It should be our desire that every word we speak is given under the direction of the Holy Spirit, and that our minds have been so transformed that our actions and our words exude the fragrance of Christ.
The only way to get to this point is to die to the flesh. We have to submit our lives to his transforming power and the refining process. It isn't easy when death is involved. We need to be a "Dead Man Walking" just as Christ was. He defeated the power of death. He defeated the sinful nature. He walked in victory.
Smell like Christ today!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
2 Samuel 18:1-19:10a
John 20:1-31
Psalm 119:156-176
Proverbs 16:14-15
What does your breath smell like right now? How's that for a great thought for the day? Our breath actually tells a lot about us. It can reveal what we just ate. My mother-in-law used to make a spaghetti sauce that seems like for every pound of meat you put in a pound of garlic. You know for a couple days that you ate that! Impurities actually come out in our breath as well. As we sleep there are impurities in our body that are released, and manifest themselves in some pretty amazing odors in the morning.
When pulling over a driver who is suspected of drinking, the police give the breathalyzer. It determines whether or not an individual has been drinking too much. I have no experience in this matter, but I believe it's a test you can't beat. Your breath reveals what you've been doing. Once I had a meeting with a young engaged couple. They looked lovingly into each other's eyes. Then she blew into his face, "I ate your favorite... dill pickle chips..." I guess romance is in the eye (or nose) of the beholder...
The verses that captured my thoughts this morning are from John 20. Jesus has died and has risen. He's already appeared to Mary in the garden.
"That evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors, in fear of the Jewish leaders, when suddenly Jesus was standing there among them! After greeting them, he showed them his hands and side. And how wonderful was their Joy as they saw their Lord!
"He spoke to them again and said, 'As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.' Then he breathed on them and told them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.'" (John 20:19-22)
Jesus breathed on them. Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit. It was on his breath. We need to connect a few dots here to our own lives. First, notice that receiving the Holy Spirit is connected to being sent. We all have a purpose. We have a mission to reach our world for Christ. We must fulfill this mission in the power of the Holy Spirit, not in our own strength. We need to be in a position of receiving the Holy Spirit. We must accept the gift he has given us. Let him fill us, refresh us, renew us, and empower us.
The other thought is that we should have the Holy Spirit on our breath. OK, there's no actual Holy Ghost mouthwash that we can use to obtain this, but It should be our desire that every word we speak is given under the direction of the Holy Spirit, and that our minds have been so transformed that our actions and our words exude the fragrance of Christ.
The only way to get to this point is to die to the flesh. We have to submit our lives to his transforming power and the refining process. It isn't easy when death is involved. We need to be a "Dead Man Walking" just as Christ was. He defeated the power of death. He defeated the sinful nature. He walked in victory.
Smell like Christ today!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
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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