"Turn the Light on!"
Ezra 7:1 - 8:20
I Corinthians 4:1-21
Psalm 30:1-12
Proverbs 20:28-30
"When the Lord comes, he will turn on the light so that everyone can see exactly what each one of us is really like, deep down in our hearts. Then everyone will know why we have been doing the Lord's work. At that time God will give to each one whatever praise is coming to him." (I Cor. 4:5)
That is a great verse! A few days ago we looked at Psalm 26:2 and how the Lord tests our motives and affections. This is one of the deepest elements of the Christian walk. Often, because people see what we are like on the outside, that is what we put all our effort into. The truth of the matter is that God is not as concerned with what people are thinking of us as he is about who we are inside.
Erwin McManus, pastor of Mosaic, a ministry in California made this statement. "We must be careful to run as fast as our character is deepening, and not as fast as our talent goes wide or high." He was speaking to pastors, and he said this as well, "Because we have a job in professional ministry based on talent, we may have never walked that lonely road with Christ to develop the kind of character that will handle the conflict and spiritual warfare that leadership requires."
This applies to every one of us whether or not we are in "professional" ministry. The focus of our life needs to be to allow God to shine his light on what's on the inside. That needs to be formed under the direction of the Holy Spirit. When that happens, not only are we not concerned with what others may see, we are more equipped to handle whatever may come our way.
When we are living the Spirit - empowered life, we have an internal drive that will navigate through any situation. If we don't have this working inside, we're like a nice looking car with no engine. we "coast" through life. The problem with coasting is that where you go is completely dependent on external forces. Things are great when we're zooming down hill, but when it's time to climb the mountain, there's nothing inside.
Paul says in verse 20, "The Kingdom of God is not just talking; it is living by God's power." Just because you look like you're living the DREAM doesn't mean you are. There needs to be a Spirit transformation that brings it about.
"What are you so puffed up about? What do you have that God hasn't given you? And if all you have is from God, why act as though you are so great, and as though you have accomplished something on your own?" (I Cor. 4:7)
The Psalm today can be applied as well. "In my prosperity I said, 'This is forever; nothing can stop me now! The Lord has shown me his favor. He has made me steady as a mountain.' Then, Lord, you turned your face away from me and cut off your river of blessings. Suddenly my courage was gone; I was terrified and panic-stricken." (Psalm 30:6-7)
It's easy for our human nature to convince us that if we "look" like we're who God created us to be we don't have to go through the refining process. That's not the case. That's a dangerous game to play. We need to allow him to make us into who he's created us to be. Then we wont have to be worried about what people see, because it's taken care of.
Allow God to turn the light on today!
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, August 8, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
8.7.9 "What are you building?"
"What are you building?"
Ezra 4:24-6:22
I Cor. 3:5-23
Psalm 29:1-11
Proverbs 20:26-27
"Does God give vision to disciplined people, or does God give vision so people develop discipline?"
It probably works both ways. I tend to often find myself in the second group. I am by nature an undisciplined person. For example, I've never really fully developed my musical abilities to what they could be for this very reason: I don't put the time into practice. The times I have really grown musically have been when there's been an event like a CD project or something that I've had to get in shape for. When I would see the value, I'd match it with the preparation. I'm not saying that's a good thing, that's just my nature. This relates to growth in Christ.
We can view maturity in Christ as a personal building project. When we give our life to Christ, he is the foundation. "And no one can ever lay any other real foundation that the one we already have - Jesus Christ." I Cor. 3:11. Everyone starts from the same point. But from here on, each has control over the building materials used.
What are you building "God's building" out of? "There are various kinds of materials that can be used to build on that foundation." (3:12) What is your time spent on? What are you doing when you expend your greatest energies? "there is going to come a time of testing at Christ's Judgment Day to see what kind of material each builder has used. Everyone's work will be put through the fire so that all can see whether or not it keeps its value, and what was really accomplished." (3:13) Will your materials pass the test?
A man working for a contractor was about to retire, his boss told him to build a house. He was told to spare no expense, but he wanted to get done quickly, so he cut corners, used cheap materials, etc. When it was finished, the contractor told the man that the house was his retirement gift. Well, you can imagine his disappointment in himself. If he had had known, he would have probably been more disciplined in the project.
Too often we run through life cutting corners, using cheap materials, etc. We're in a hurry to get on to other things. We need to see what a tragedy that is. "But if the house he has built burns up, he will have a great loss." (3:15) I don't want to suffer that.
When you understand the value of the building you are working on, and how God has such a tremendous purpose for it's use, you become increasingly disciplined in material usage. "Empowered through Biblical Training" is the "Home Depot" of this building project. This is where you get your materials. We must become increasingly disciplined in the word, and faithful to corporate study and worship. Then we will find the process of disciplining thought and action begin to grow. This is the "gold and silver and jewels" that is talked about in verse 12.
You WILL be tried by fire. You wont know the full effect of the purpose for this building called your "life", but know that it is for GOD'S purpose, and he desires to complete his work in you! Make sure you give him great materials to work with!
Run the race to build on a godly foundation today!
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
Ezra 4:24-6:22
I Cor. 3:5-23
Psalm 29:1-11
Proverbs 20:26-27
"Does God give vision to disciplined people, or does God give vision so people develop discipline?"
It probably works both ways. I tend to often find myself in the second group. I am by nature an undisciplined person. For example, I've never really fully developed my musical abilities to what they could be for this very reason: I don't put the time into practice. The times I have really grown musically have been when there's been an event like a CD project or something that I've had to get in shape for. When I would see the value, I'd match it with the preparation. I'm not saying that's a good thing, that's just my nature. This relates to growth in Christ.
We can view maturity in Christ as a personal building project. When we give our life to Christ, he is the foundation. "And no one can ever lay any other real foundation that the one we already have - Jesus Christ." I Cor. 3:11. Everyone starts from the same point. But from here on, each has control over the building materials used.
What are you building "God's building" out of? "There are various kinds of materials that can be used to build on that foundation." (3:12) What is your time spent on? What are you doing when you expend your greatest energies? "there is going to come a time of testing at Christ's Judgment Day to see what kind of material each builder has used. Everyone's work will be put through the fire so that all can see whether or not it keeps its value, and what was really accomplished." (3:13) Will your materials pass the test?
A man working for a contractor was about to retire, his boss told him to build a house. He was told to spare no expense, but he wanted to get done quickly, so he cut corners, used cheap materials, etc. When it was finished, the contractor told the man that the house was his retirement gift. Well, you can imagine his disappointment in himself. If he had had known, he would have probably been more disciplined in the project.
Too often we run through life cutting corners, using cheap materials, etc. We're in a hurry to get on to other things. We need to see what a tragedy that is. "But if the house he has built burns up, he will have a great loss." (3:15) I don't want to suffer that.
When you understand the value of the building you are working on, and how God has such a tremendous purpose for it's use, you become increasingly disciplined in material usage. "Empowered through Biblical Training" is the "Home Depot" of this building project. This is where you get your materials. We must become increasingly disciplined in the word, and faithful to corporate study and worship. Then we will find the process of disciplining thought and action begin to grow. This is the "gold and silver and jewels" that is talked about in verse 12.
You WILL be tried by fire. You wont know the full effect of the purpose for this building called your "life", but know that it is for GOD'S purpose, and he desires to complete his work in you! Make sure you give him great materials to work with!
Run the race to build on a godly foundation today!
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, August 6, 2009
8.6.9 "God's Puzzle"
"God's Puzzle"
Ezra 3:1-4:24
I Corinthians 2:6-3:4
Psalm 28:1-9
Proverbs 20:24-25
I Corinthians 2:9 "...no mere man has ever seen, heard or even imagined what wonderful things God has ready for those who love the Lord."
Proverbs 20:24 "Since the Lord is directing our steps, why try to understand everything that happens along the way?"
God has a purpose for your life. This is not just a passing thought. You may have heard this a thousand times, but it this should be something that burns within you. God has a plan for you!
So many times we get caught in the trap of trying to figure out this plan in our own terms. Trying to manipulate it. Trying to "understand everything that happens along the way." There is no way we can fathom what God is trying to do. One thing is for certain. He's trying to change someone's world through you.
I would imagine that God would get frustrated. He has this great plan for us, and for it to be completed, many things need to happen.
He looks down upon his people and sees all of the pieces of the puzzle before him. He just needs them to allow him to put them in place. There are pieces that need to be reshaped a bit in order to fit. So, the Spirit begins to mold. But for some reason the piece decides it doesn't want to be shaped that way. Either the shaping process is too uncomfortable or it wants to be a different shape, This puzzle piece stops the process. it's no longer available.
Another piece is going through the shaping process just fine, but isn't happy with the piece that it's connected with. That piece said something it didn't like. This one actually disconnected itself and decided to be part of a different puzzle.
All the while I imagine God's excitement for this masterpiece waning as he watches each piece trying to "understand everything that happens along the way."
It's a good thing God isn't like me. There have been times I would have thrown the puzzle on the floor. His patience and his mercy are unfathomable. I've worked on some interesting projects.... built a deck... finished a basement... tried to replace an ignition cylinder in my truck... All of these projects were tough enough in their own right. I can't imagine if my materials and tools began to develop a mind of their own... Any problems I have in those projects I know are a result of my own workmanship. With God, the only thing keeping him from completing his work is his people who think they've got it figured out, and just begin to do their own thing. We need to just be pliable.
Do you love the Lord? Then walk in obedience. Don't question the shaping process, don't try to figure out why the difficulties have to be the way they are. Just know that God's plan is more than you could ever imagine. Trust Him to complete it. Be the puzzle piece that is available, moldable, and completely devoted to do his will.
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
Ezra 3:1-4:24
I Corinthians 2:6-3:4
Psalm 28:1-9
Proverbs 20:24-25
I Corinthians 2:9 "...no mere man has ever seen, heard or even imagined what wonderful things God has ready for those who love the Lord."
Proverbs 20:24 "Since the Lord is directing our steps, why try to understand everything that happens along the way?"
God has a purpose for your life. This is not just a passing thought. You may have heard this a thousand times, but it this should be something that burns within you. God has a plan for you!
So many times we get caught in the trap of trying to figure out this plan in our own terms. Trying to manipulate it. Trying to "understand everything that happens along the way." There is no way we can fathom what God is trying to do. One thing is for certain. He's trying to change someone's world through you.
I would imagine that God would get frustrated. He has this great plan for us, and for it to be completed, many things need to happen.
He looks down upon his people and sees all of the pieces of the puzzle before him. He just needs them to allow him to put them in place. There are pieces that need to be reshaped a bit in order to fit. So, the Spirit begins to mold. But for some reason the piece decides it doesn't want to be shaped that way. Either the shaping process is too uncomfortable or it wants to be a different shape, This puzzle piece stops the process. it's no longer available.
Another piece is going through the shaping process just fine, but isn't happy with the piece that it's connected with. That piece said something it didn't like. This one actually disconnected itself and decided to be part of a different puzzle.
All the while I imagine God's excitement for this masterpiece waning as he watches each piece trying to "understand everything that happens along the way."
It's a good thing God isn't like me. There have been times I would have thrown the puzzle on the floor. His patience and his mercy are unfathomable. I've worked on some interesting projects.... built a deck... finished a basement... tried to replace an ignition cylinder in my truck... All of these projects were tough enough in their own right. I can't imagine if my materials and tools began to develop a mind of their own... Any problems I have in those projects I know are a result of my own workmanship. With God, the only thing keeping him from completing his work is his people who think they've got it figured out, and just begin to do their own thing. We need to just be pliable.
Do you love the Lord? Then walk in obedience. Don't question the shaping process, don't try to figure out why the difficulties have to be the way they are. Just know that God's plan is more than you could ever imagine. Trust Him to complete it. Be the puzzle piece that is available, moldable, and completely devoted to do his will.
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
8.6.9 "God's Puzzle"
"God's Puzzle"
Ezra 3:1-4:24
I Corinthians 2:6-3:4
Psalm 28:1-9
Proverbs 20:24-25
I Corinthians 2:9 "...no mere man has ever seen, heard or even imagined what wonderful things God has ready for those who love the Lord."
Proverbs 20:24 "Since the Lord is directing our steps, why try to understand everything that happens along the way?"
God has a purpose for your life. This is not just a passing thought. You may have heard this a thousand times, but it this should be something that burns within you. God has a plan for you!
So many times we get caught in the trap of trying to figure out this plan in our own terms. Trying to manipulate it. Trying to "understand everything that happens along the way." There is no way we can fathom what God is trying to do. One thing is for certain. He's trying to change someone's world through you.
I would imagine that God would get frustrated. He has this great plan for us, and for it to be completed, many things need to happen.
He looks down upon his people and sees all of the pieces of the puzzle before him. He just needs them to allow him to put them in place. There are pieces that need to be reshaped a bit in order to fit. So, the Spirit begins to mold. But for some reason the piece decides it doesn't want to be shaped that way. Either the shaping process is too uncomfortable or it wants to be a different shape, This puzzle piece stops the process. it's no longer available.
Another piece is going through the shaping process just fine, but isn't happy with the piece that it's connected with. That piece said something it didn't like. This one actually disconnected itself and decided to be part of a different puzzle.
All the while I imagine God's excitement for this masterpiece waning as he watches each piece trying to "understand everything that happens along the way."
It's a good thing God isn't like me. There have been times I would have thrown the puzzle on the floor. His patience and his mercy are unfathomable. I've worked on some interesting projects.... built a deck... finished a basement... tried to replace an ignition cylinder in my truck... All of these projects were tough enough in their own right. I can't imagine if my materials and tools began to develop a mind of their own... Any problems I have in those projects I know are a result of my own workmanship. With God, the only thing keeping him from completing his work is his people who think they've got it figured out, and just begin to do their own thing. We need to just be pliable.
Do you love the Lord? Then walk in obedience. Don't question the shaping process, don't try to figure out why the difficulties have to be the way they are. Just know that God's plan is more than you could ever imagine. Trust Him to complete it. Be the puzzle piece that is available, moldable, and completely devoted to do his will.
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
Ezra 3:1-4:24
I Corinthians 2:6-3:4
Psalm 28:1-9
Proverbs 20:24-25
I Corinthians 2:9 "...no mere man has ever seen, heard or even imagined what wonderful things God has ready for those who love the Lord."
Proverbs 20:24 "Since the Lord is directing our steps, why try to understand everything that happens along the way?"
God has a purpose for your life. This is not just a passing thought. You may have heard this a thousand times, but it this should be something that burns within you. God has a plan for you!
So many times we get caught in the trap of trying to figure out this plan in our own terms. Trying to manipulate it. Trying to "understand everything that happens along the way." There is no way we can fathom what God is trying to do. One thing is for certain. He's trying to change someone's world through you.
I would imagine that God would get frustrated. He has this great plan for us, and for it to be completed, many things need to happen.
He looks down upon his people and sees all of the pieces of the puzzle before him. He just needs them to allow him to put them in place. There are pieces that need to be reshaped a bit in order to fit. So, the Spirit begins to mold. But for some reason the piece decides it doesn't want to be shaped that way. Either the shaping process is too uncomfortable or it wants to be a different shape, This puzzle piece stops the process. it's no longer available.
Another piece is going through the shaping process just fine, but isn't happy with the piece that it's connected with. That piece said something it didn't like. This one actually disconnected itself and decided to be part of a different puzzle.
All the while I imagine God's excitement for this masterpiece waning as he watches each piece trying to "understand everything that happens along the way."
It's a good thing God isn't like me. There have been times I would have thrown the puzzle on the floor. His patience and his mercy are unfathomable. I've worked on some interesting projects.... built a deck... finished a basement... tried to replace an ignition cylinder in my truck... All of these projects were tough enough in their own right. I can't imagine if my materials and tools began to develop a mind of their own... Any problems I have in those projects I know are a result of my own workmanship. With God, the only thing keeping him from completing his work is his people who think they've got it figured out, and just begin to do their own thing. We need to just be pliable.
Do you love the Lord? Then walk in obedience. Don't question the shaping process, don't try to figure out why the difficulties have to be the way they are. Just know that God's plan is more than you could ever imagine. Trust Him to complete it. Be the puzzle piece that is available, moldable, and completely devoted to do his will.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
8.5.9 "Who's Making You Who You Are?"
"Who's Making You Who You Are?"
Ezra 1:1-2:70
I Corinthians 1:18-2:5
Psalm 27:7-14
Proverbs 20:22-23
"For it is from God alone that you have your life through Christ Jesus. He showed us God's plan of salvation; he was the one who made us acceptable to God; he made us pure and holy and gave himself to purchase our salvation. As it says in the Scriptures, "If anyone is going to boast, let him boast only of what the Lord has done."" I Cor. 1:30-31
Can you remember this past January's New Year's resolution? How are you doing on that? It's not often we're asked that in August. Why do resolutions rarely work? I think it's because at some level, Our resolutions are our attempt to mold our character. Yes, most of them have to do with our conduct, but most of the time that conduct is a result of a character issue. Changing our character is not something we can do in our own strength.
Are you maturing in Christ? If you're not, why not? If you are, how are you doing it?
If we're not maturing in Christ, it may be a result of trying to do it in our own strength. We're trying to fix ourselves before coming to God. As we mature in Christ, sometimes we can too easily and unintentionally slip into thinking that it's something we've done. We don't mean for this to happen, it's just natural for our human nature to be bent that way. There is a sense of accomplishment in the steps of maturity, and it's difficult at times to keep the progress in perspective.
It's like we've got the spiritual equivalent of our Girl Scout sashes & Boy Scout uniforms on, and we get these patches, these steps of accomplishment. (don't worry, I support the badges!) And we forget where the progress comes from.
As verse 30 says, "...it is from God alone that you have your life..." We need to consistently acknowledge the source of our strength and progress in the Christian walk. It is only through the power of the Spirit. The personal stake in this process is getting out of the way to let the Spirit do his work. The "bragging" is in doing nothing, which is of course, nothing to brag about.
I'm a person who enjoys puzzles, so I like to "solve" things. When situations arise, and even when I sense God working in my life, I want to "figure it out". I want to "find the solution", and sometimes I find myself attempting to manipulate the hand of God. When the Spirit convicts me, I try to fix myself before allowing him to change me. In essence, I'm trying to "get cleaned up before taking a bath". Sometimes I think that that's how we "grow weary in doing good." We try to work the plan of God in our own strength.
The formula should be this simple: The Spirit moves, we get out of the way, God completes his work.
This habit of getting out of the way, this posture of humility, this life of dependance.... THAT'S maturing in Christ. Then, what do we have to boast about? "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."
Todays Psalm 27:8 says, "My heart has heard you say, 'Come and talk with me, O my people.' And my heart responds, 'Lord, I am coming.'" That's what it's all about.
Lord, I feel your Spirit calling me. Forgive me for trying to fix things in my own strength. My heart hears you, and it responds by saying "do your work!"
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
Ezra 1:1-2:70
I Corinthians 1:18-2:5
Psalm 27:7-14
Proverbs 20:22-23
"For it is from God alone that you have your life through Christ Jesus. He showed us God's plan of salvation; he was the one who made us acceptable to God; he made us pure and holy and gave himself to purchase our salvation. As it says in the Scriptures, "If anyone is going to boast, let him boast only of what the Lord has done."" I Cor. 1:30-31
Can you remember this past January's New Year's resolution? How are you doing on that? It's not often we're asked that in August. Why do resolutions rarely work? I think it's because at some level, Our resolutions are our attempt to mold our character. Yes, most of them have to do with our conduct, but most of the time that conduct is a result of a character issue. Changing our character is not something we can do in our own strength.
Are you maturing in Christ? If you're not, why not? If you are, how are you doing it?
If we're not maturing in Christ, it may be a result of trying to do it in our own strength. We're trying to fix ourselves before coming to God. As we mature in Christ, sometimes we can too easily and unintentionally slip into thinking that it's something we've done. We don't mean for this to happen, it's just natural for our human nature to be bent that way. There is a sense of accomplishment in the steps of maturity, and it's difficult at times to keep the progress in perspective.
It's like we've got the spiritual equivalent of our Girl Scout sashes & Boy Scout uniforms on, and we get these patches, these steps of accomplishment. (don't worry, I support the badges!) And we forget where the progress comes from.
As verse 30 says, "...it is from God alone that you have your life..." We need to consistently acknowledge the source of our strength and progress in the Christian walk. It is only through the power of the Spirit. The personal stake in this process is getting out of the way to let the Spirit do his work. The "bragging" is in doing nothing, which is of course, nothing to brag about.
I'm a person who enjoys puzzles, so I like to "solve" things. When situations arise, and even when I sense God working in my life, I want to "figure it out". I want to "find the solution", and sometimes I find myself attempting to manipulate the hand of God. When the Spirit convicts me, I try to fix myself before allowing him to change me. In essence, I'm trying to "get cleaned up before taking a bath". Sometimes I think that that's how we "grow weary in doing good." We try to work the plan of God in our own strength.
The formula should be this simple: The Spirit moves, we get out of the way, God completes his work.
This habit of getting out of the way, this posture of humility, this life of dependance.... THAT'S maturing in Christ. Then, what do we have to boast about? "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."
Todays Psalm 27:8 says, "My heart has heard you say, 'Come and talk with me, O my people.' And my heart responds, 'Lord, I am coming.'" That's what it's all about.
Lord, I feel your Spirit calling me. Forgive me for trying to fix things in my own strength. My heart hears you, and it responds by saying "do your work!"
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, August 4, 2009
8.4.9 "The Priority of Unity"
"The Priority of Unity"
2 Chronicles 35:1-36:23
I Corinthians 1:1-17
Psalm 27:1-6
Proverbs 20:20-21
Have you noticed the priority of unity in scriptures? This should be a constant priority in everything we do. In today's reading Paul speaks of his joy that the church is growing. In verse 7 he says, "Now you have every grace and blessing; every spiritual gift and power for doing his will are yours..." Think about that! What a joy!
So many times we inflict the self paralysis of feeling unequipped to do what God has called us to do. We need to get it into our head: God has given us everything we need to walk in obedience to his direction. We need to live with this confidence!
In the next breath Paul says, "But, dear brothers, I beg you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to stop arguing among yourselves. Let there be real harmony so that there won't be splits in the church. I plead with you to be of one mind, united in thought and purpose." I Cor.1:10.
Imagine if the Body of Christ gets this. Unity PRECEDES revival. You see it in Acts chapter 2. They were in one accord when the Holy Spirit came. The irony is that sometimes even the desire for the Holy Spirit can be divisive in the church. Everyone wants it their way. How should it be? We should "be of one mind, united in thought and purpose."
The Mission of Oak Creek Assembly of God is "Reaching our world for Christ as we lead individuals to Discover and Become who God has created them to be." Who has God created them to be? Individuals who, through the Power of the Spirit, Live the DREAM. A vital element of DREAM is the "R" - Relationships Devoted to Unity.
When the Body of Christ functions healthily, injury and offenses are "absorbed". In effect, one member comes to the aid of another for the purpose of building the body. Unfortunately, what can often happen is, "I agree that Pastor Greg treated you poorly. You have a right to be angry. We should go to another church." How's that for devotion to unity? We can mistakenly think, "well that's submission to the need of the individual... " Not at all. When dealing with one another we need to constantly acknowledge our purpose as a body and look past the superficial and into what the true need is. We are in the ministry of Reconciliation.
So many times someone will say something that sounds a little wrong, even divisive, but we don't want to correct it because, "well, that takes too much work." "I don't want to cause an argument..." There's a misconception that Unity is absence of conflict. That's not true at all. Unity is conflict with Purpose! Discipleship is conflict with purpose. Maturing in Christ is conflict with purpose. It's a battle with the flesh. It's a battle against human nature.
"Now wait a minute! Paul just told us to stop arguing, and you're telling us that conflict is good!"
Arguing about issues of opinion and selfish ambition are divisive (see Romans 15). But if you are about to walk off the edge of a cliff, my devotion to unity is going to keep you from doing it, even if I have to throw you to the ground to save you. (I sound tough don't I!)
Don't forget about balance. We need to make unity a high priority, but not at the expense of obedience (worship), biblical training(discipleship), ministry involvement, and the great commission. We need to increase our intensity in all of these areas.
Look through "unity goggles" today. What opportunities do you have to build the body of Christ? See what happens.
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
2 Chronicles 35:1-36:23
I Corinthians 1:1-17
Psalm 27:1-6
Proverbs 20:20-21
Have you noticed the priority of unity in scriptures? This should be a constant priority in everything we do. In today's reading Paul speaks of his joy that the church is growing. In verse 7 he says, "Now you have every grace and blessing; every spiritual gift and power for doing his will are yours..." Think about that! What a joy!
So many times we inflict the self paralysis of feeling unequipped to do what God has called us to do. We need to get it into our head: God has given us everything we need to walk in obedience to his direction. We need to live with this confidence!
In the next breath Paul says, "But, dear brothers, I beg you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to stop arguing among yourselves. Let there be real harmony so that there won't be splits in the church. I plead with you to be of one mind, united in thought and purpose." I Cor.1:10.
Imagine if the Body of Christ gets this. Unity PRECEDES revival. You see it in Acts chapter 2. They were in one accord when the Holy Spirit came. The irony is that sometimes even the desire for the Holy Spirit can be divisive in the church. Everyone wants it their way. How should it be? We should "be of one mind, united in thought and purpose."
The Mission of Oak Creek Assembly of God is "Reaching our world for Christ as we lead individuals to Discover and Become who God has created them to be." Who has God created them to be? Individuals who, through the Power of the Spirit, Live the DREAM. A vital element of DREAM is the "R" - Relationships Devoted to Unity.
When the Body of Christ functions healthily, injury and offenses are "absorbed". In effect, one member comes to the aid of another for the purpose of building the body. Unfortunately, what can often happen is, "I agree that Pastor Greg treated you poorly. You have a right to be angry. We should go to another church." How's that for devotion to unity? We can mistakenly think, "well that's submission to the need of the individual... " Not at all. When dealing with one another we need to constantly acknowledge our purpose as a body and look past the superficial and into what the true need is. We are in the ministry of Reconciliation.
So many times someone will say something that sounds a little wrong, even divisive, but we don't want to correct it because, "well, that takes too much work." "I don't want to cause an argument..." There's a misconception that Unity is absence of conflict. That's not true at all. Unity is conflict with Purpose! Discipleship is conflict with purpose. Maturing in Christ is conflict with purpose. It's a battle with the flesh. It's a battle against human nature.
"Now wait a minute! Paul just told us to stop arguing, and you're telling us that conflict is good!"
Arguing about issues of opinion and selfish ambition are divisive (see Romans 15). But if you are about to walk off the edge of a cliff, my devotion to unity is going to keep you from doing it, even if I have to throw you to the ground to save you. (I sound tough don't I!)
Don't forget about balance. We need to make unity a high priority, but not at the expense of obedience (worship), biblical training(discipleship), ministry involvement, and the great commission. We need to increase our intensity in all of these areas.
Look through "unity goggles" today. What opportunities do you have to build the body of Christ? See what happens.
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, August 3, 2009
8.3.9 "Motives and Affections"
"Motives and Affections"
2 Chronicles 33:14 - 34:33
Romans 16:8-27
Psalm 26:1-12
Proverbs 20:19
Psalm 26:2 says, "Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind." (NIV) The Living Bible says, "Cross-examine me, O Lord, and see that this is so; test my motives and affections too."
I don't know if you've ever had someone come to help clean your house, or help decorate, but you learn some things about yourself in the process. You really appreciate the help until they start moving things you don't want moved. "Hey, wait a minute don't touch my singing fish plaque!"
As we discover and become who God has created us to be, we will go through a refining process. If we make this Psalm of David our prayer today, what comes to the surface? God desires to mold us, and that process can get interesting sometimes. In his leadership series, "The Vision of the Leader", Bruce Wilkinson speaks of 3 levels of refining that God does in us. The first is Conduct, the second is Character, and the third is Core.
In the same way we're more than willing to have someone dust and help with dishes, we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us to shape our Conduct. We agreeably allow him to change our talk, and our behaviors that we know are not the way believers should talk and act.
Then we begin to allow him to work on our character. This is a deeper process, and we're not as moldable as we were with the conduct issues, but we know there's a need to be changed. It's been said "your character is who you are when no one is watching." This is where we begin to "be" Christians, instead of "doing" Christianity. It's the "walk the talk" stage. It's the next step in maturity. Character will ultimately reveal itself, and we need to prioritize the Lord shaping our character.
The next level of "house cleaning" is pretty intimate. It goes deeper than the conduct or character. No one may EVER see this part. This is the Core of who you are. This is your motives, affections and ambitions. This is your heart. It is the essence of your being. This is even more precious to you than the "singing fish". When your motives are challenged, it's very personal.
If Basic Christianity could be summed up in "doing the right thing", Maturity in Christ is "doing the right thing with the right motives." For example, I've enjoyed writing these DEVOs. But why am I doing it? Is it to look good to you? Is to try to impress you? Am I trying to sound smart? Am I trying to be more disciplined? Am I trying to cast vision? Even in doing "good" things, we have to allow God to refine the motives of doing them.
Apply this to your workplace, or a ministry your involved in, or your attitude toward an individual. Why are you concerned with proving your point? What are your motives? Are they pure? Have you noticed them changing?
This is where Psalm 26:2 comes in. "Test me God". This is an area that only the Lord can develop. There are times that our motives and affections are so deep we haven't even identified what our motives are. As we allow God to test them, he will mold them.
You know what? Many times people will NEVER see what God is doing in your motives and affections. They may notice down the road that you've become more "balanced", that you don't seem to fly off the handle... that you're not so attached to the singing fish.
This doesn't happen in a day. This is a process. Allow God in to test you. Allow the Spirit to refine you. What's interesting in all of us is that our maturity is revealed in stressful times. We may want people to evaluate our Christian maturity by what they see in us on a Sunday morning with our cute little outfit on, but it's actually more revealed in crisis, and challenge, and in a meeting that's going too long, and even when driving! THAT'S when the "true you" comes out.
God's got some work to do in me! "Purify my heart. Let me be as gold and precious silver... Refiner's fire, my heart's one desire is to be holy. I choose to be holy. Set apart for you Lord... ready to do your will."
As we allow God to do his work, we are more equipped to Live the DREAM. We are more equipped to walk in confident 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
2 Chronicles 33:14 - 34:33
Romans 16:8-27
Psalm 26:1-12
Proverbs 20:19
Psalm 26:2 says, "Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind." (NIV) The Living Bible says, "Cross-examine me, O Lord, and see that this is so; test my motives and affections too."
I don't know if you've ever had someone come to help clean your house, or help decorate, but you learn some things about yourself in the process. You really appreciate the help until they start moving things you don't want moved. "Hey, wait a minute don't touch my singing fish plaque!"
As we discover and become who God has created us to be, we will go through a refining process. If we make this Psalm of David our prayer today, what comes to the surface? God desires to mold us, and that process can get interesting sometimes. In his leadership series, "The Vision of the Leader", Bruce Wilkinson speaks of 3 levels of refining that God does in us. The first is Conduct, the second is Character, and the third is Core.
In the same way we're more than willing to have someone dust and help with dishes, we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us to shape our Conduct. We agreeably allow him to change our talk, and our behaviors that we know are not the way believers should talk and act.
Then we begin to allow him to work on our character. This is a deeper process, and we're not as moldable as we were with the conduct issues, but we know there's a need to be changed. It's been said "your character is who you are when no one is watching." This is where we begin to "be" Christians, instead of "doing" Christianity. It's the "walk the talk" stage. It's the next step in maturity. Character will ultimately reveal itself, and we need to prioritize the Lord shaping our character.
The next level of "house cleaning" is pretty intimate. It goes deeper than the conduct or character. No one may EVER see this part. This is the Core of who you are. This is your motives, affections and ambitions. This is your heart. It is the essence of your being. This is even more precious to you than the "singing fish". When your motives are challenged, it's very personal.
If Basic Christianity could be summed up in "doing the right thing", Maturity in Christ is "doing the right thing with the right motives." For example, I've enjoyed writing these DEVOs. But why am I doing it? Is it to look good to you? Is to try to impress you? Am I trying to sound smart? Am I trying to be more disciplined? Am I trying to cast vision? Even in doing "good" things, we have to allow God to refine the motives of doing them.
Apply this to your workplace, or a ministry your involved in, or your attitude toward an individual. Why are you concerned with proving your point? What are your motives? Are they pure? Have you noticed them changing?
This is where Psalm 26:2 comes in. "Test me God". This is an area that only the Lord can develop. There are times that our motives and affections are so deep we haven't even identified what our motives are. As we allow God to test them, he will mold them.
You know what? Many times people will NEVER see what God is doing in your motives and affections. They may notice down the road that you've become more "balanced", that you don't seem to fly off the handle... that you're not so attached to the singing fish.
This doesn't happen in a day. This is a process. Allow God in to test you. Allow the Spirit to refine you. What's interesting in all of us is that our maturity is revealed in stressful times. We may want people to evaluate our Christian maturity by what they see in us on a Sunday morning with our cute little outfit on, but it's actually more revealed in crisis, and challenge, and in a meeting that's going too long, and even
God's got some work to do in me! "Purify my heart. Let me be as gold and precious silver... Refiner's fire, my heart's one desire is to be holy. I choose to be holy. Set apart for you Lord... ready to do your will."
As we allow God to do his work, we are more equipped to Live the DREAM. We are more equipped to walk in confident 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
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