"The Components of God's Plan"
I Chronicles 1:1-2:17
Acts 23:11-35
Psalm 3:1-8
Proverbs 18:14-15
By now it should not surprise you. God's ways are not our ways. I'm sure there are times when we know in our heart what God wants to see happen, but the way it comes about is completely different than we thought. And many times it has stretched us in ways we weren't planning on.
In Acts 22 & 23, Paul has been going through some intense trials in Jerusalem. Paul has been mobbed, nearly killed, arrested, and brought before the council. In front of the council he gave his testimony, and a riot started again. Now he's back in prison. 23:11 "That night the Lord stood beside Paul and said, 'Don't worry, Paul; just as you have told the people about me here in Jerusalem, so you must also in Rome.'"
A couple notes from this verse:
-That night the Lord stood beside Paul -- what a powerful thing. You know what? There have probably been some times that the Lord has stood beside each one of us in the midst of a trial. I'm afraid that sometimes I get too self absorbed to notice he's there. Don't forget to take time each night to listen as he stands beside you.
-The rest of the verse is almost funny. "Don't worry... JUST as you have told..." Paul was only in Jerusalem for about a week before being thrown into prison. To me this does not paint a rosy picture of the trip to Rome if it's going to be the same kind of stuff. "Don't worry... you're gonna get a chance to go through more of this..."
How Paul gets to Rome is what really catches my attention. Here's the progression of the rest of Acts 23:
1. The Lord stands beside Paul & tells him he's going to rome
2. More than 40 Jews get together and vow to not eat until they have killed Paul
3. Paul's nephew catches wind of this & Tells Paul
4. Paul sends the nephew to the roman Commander
5. The Roman commander calls together a detachment of 470 roman soldiers, spearmen & calvary to escort Paul to Caesarea with a personal letter to Governor Felix
6. Governor Felix read the letter & agreed to hear his case & has him kept under guard in the palace.
What stands out to me is that all the components are in place to carry out God's plan. God uses the Jews, the nephew, the Commander, and the detachment, the Governor... Sure, it is different than the way "I" would have wanted it. Were it to be "my" plan, they would have released Paul in Jerusalem, had a big send off party and had a great time preaching in Rome. But to complete the vision God has given Paul to go to Rome, there must be time in Caesarea.
In spite of it being accomplished different than we want, it's still God's plan. So many times God gives us a vision. We take that and build such a narrow picture of how we think things should come about, we don't move when God wants or in the direction God wants.
I catch myself waiting for things to be more like I pictured they would be before moving in obedience. We need to be ready to hear the Lord saying, "The components are in place. Move as I direct."
I'm not sure exactly what this is saying to you today, but I know that the gifts you have, the experience you have, the vision God has given you, and the resources you have are all part of what God is wanting to do in you and in the lives of those around you. If God is putting something on your heart, and he's saying "go", don't wait until it looks right or looks comfortable. Offer him your all today, and see what he does.
All of the components are in place.
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, July 5, 2011
Monday, July 4, 2011
7.4.11 "Freedom"
"Freedom"
2 Kings 23:31-25:30
Acts 22:17 - 23:10
Psalm 2:1-12
Proverbs 18:13
Happy 4th of July! We have so much to rejoice in this day. I hope that in this day of patriotic celebration we don't forget to celebrate our spiritual freedom. This makes total sense to us, but to many more than we like to admit, there's a different perspective. Unfortunately, many view freedom as the opportunity to rebel against God.
This is nothing new to God, though. Look at the reading from Psalm 2 today:
Psalm 2:1,3 "What fools the nations are to rage against the Lord! How strange that men should try to outwit God! 'Come, let us break his chains,' they say, 'and free ourselves from all this slavery to God.'"
For Christ followers, we know that when we are walking in obedience to God's commands, there is true freedom for the soul. We have two small dogs. They love to run around in the back yard. They're now to the point that I can let them do that without leashes because they "know" the boundaries. If they "rebel", they will only find themselves leashed once again. How's that for freedom? They love to go for rides in the car and beg me to roll their window down. Once I was making a quick trip to the gas station and Fozzie was enjoying the freedom of the window down so much he figured he should jump through it and see what that was like... Yes, he jumped out the window at 25mph... Not the smartest use of freedom. (He was confused, but fine...) Now I will not be able to trust him with complete freedom regarding the window...
We know that true freedom is found in right relationship with God. The great deception of sin is that there is freedom in rebellion. Not so. Freedom is only found in submission to the plan of God. Within those boundaries there is plenty of room to run free.
"O kings and rulers of the earth, listen while there is still time. Serve the Lord with reverent fear; rejoice with trembling... But oh, the joys of those who put their trust in him!" Psalm 2:10-12
A tremendous price was paid for our spiritual freedom, and for the freedom of this land.
The end of "Saving Private Ryan", a war movie, moved me to tears. It was the story of a soldier giving his life for the safe return of another. The final scene had a pose of the soldier looking over the dead body of the one who saved his life, then with special effects, he "aged" and it switched to him looking at the grave 50 years later. He made a statement something to the effect of "I have my family with me today... I'll never forget what you've done for me. I hope I've lived a life worthy of the price you paid."
This Independence Day, we each need to say the same thing as we pause to remember the white crosses in the field, and the cross of Christ. I pray that each of us will stand before the Lord someday and say, "I have my family with me today... I'll never forget what you've done for me. I hope I've lived a life worthy of the price you paid."
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 Kings 23:31-25:30
Acts 22:17 - 23:10
Psalm 2:1-12
Proverbs 18:13
Happy 4th of July! We have so much to rejoice in this day. I hope that in this day of patriotic celebration we don't forget to celebrate our spiritual freedom. This makes total sense to us, but to many more than we like to admit, there's a different perspective. Unfortunately, many view freedom as the opportunity to rebel against God.
This is nothing new to God, though. Look at the reading from Psalm 2 today:
Psalm 2:1,3 "What fools the nations are to rage against the Lord! How strange that men should try to outwit God! 'Come, let us break his chains,' they say, 'and free ourselves from all this slavery to God.'"
For Christ followers, we know that when we are walking in obedience to God's commands, there is true freedom for the soul. We have two small dogs. They love to run around in the back yard. They're now to the point that I can let them do that without leashes because they "know" the boundaries. If they "rebel", they will only find themselves leashed once again. How's that for freedom? They love to go for rides in the car and beg me to roll their window down. Once I was making a quick trip to the gas station and Fozzie was enjoying the freedom of the window down so much he figured he should jump through it and see what that was like... Yes, he jumped out the window at 25mph... Not the smartest use of freedom. (He was confused, but fine...) Now I will not be able to trust him with complete freedom regarding the window...
We know that true freedom is found in right relationship with God. The great deception of sin is that there is freedom in rebellion. Not so. Freedom is only found in submission to the plan of God. Within those boundaries there is plenty of room to run free.
"O kings and rulers of the earth, listen while there is still time. Serve the Lord with reverent fear; rejoice with trembling... But oh, the joys of those who put their trust in him!" Psalm 2:10-12
A tremendous price was paid for our spiritual freedom, and for the freedom of this land.
The end of "Saving Private Ryan", a war movie, moved me to tears. It was the story of a soldier giving his life for the safe return of another. The final scene had a pose of the soldier looking over the dead body of the one who saved his life, then with special effects, he "aged" and it switched to him looking at the grave 50 years later. He made a statement something to the effect of "I have my family with me today... I'll never forget what you've done for me. I hope I've lived a life worthy of the price you paid."
This Independence Day, we each need to say the same thing as we pause to remember the white crosses in the field, and the cross of Christ. I pray that each of us will stand before the Lord someday and say, "I have my family with me today... I'll never forget what you've done for me. I hope I've lived a life worthy of the price you paid."
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, July 3, 2011
7.3.11 "Empowered for Repentance"
"Empowered for Repentance"
2 Kings 22:4-23:30
Acts 21:37-22:16
Psalm 1:1-6
Proverbs 18:11-12
What does it mean to be "Empowered through Biblical Training"? What are we empowered for? Well, the answer is obvious in some ways. We are Empowered to live the Balanced Christian Life... to Live in Obedience (D), Relationships.... etc.
All of that is true, and important, but it should never just be stuck in our head. It must reach our heart. What happens when you read the Word?
In 2 Kings 22-23, an 8 year old becomes king. He is described as a king who "followed in the steps of his ancestor King David, obeying the Lord completely." (22:2) At the age of 26, he orders the temple repaired. (Remember the past kings have pretty much decimated it, and defiled it with heathen altars.) In 22:8, The word of God is discovered. "One day Hilkiah the High Priest went to Shaphan the secretary and exclaimed, 'I have discovered a scroll in the Temple, with God's laws written on it!'"
verse 11: When the king heard what was written it in, he tore his clothes in terror.
The following 2 chapters describe the process it takes for Josiah to carry out repentance throughout the land, destroying high places, altars, evil priests, etc. It's hard work!
As we "discover the scroll" each day, what happens in us? We are not in a day where the "scroll" is hard to find. We have several bibles in each of our homes. Yet at the same time, the scroll can be lost to us even though it's right in front of us. It's very easy to get caught in the ritual of reading the Word and not become empowered through it. Empowered for what?
With a heart open to the Word, the first thing Josiah was empowered for was repentance. To hear the laws of God is like taking an audit of the heart. At this stage, the nation of Judah did not line up with God's plan. The process of repentance was begun. It was not a pretty process. It took time. It was work. What empowered this work? Knowing the commands of God.
In this age of grace, forgiveness is a prayer away. I John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Praise God for that! Where would we be without it! But, this forgiveness that is so available to us does not negate the necessity of repentance in our lives. It is a process as well. when we are forgiven, we must follow through with steps of repentance to cleanse our lives from that which has led us astray. We must apply the commands that are revealed to us in the "scroll".
James 1:22-25 says, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it -- he will be blessed in what he does."
The empowerment that comes through the Word is for a purpose. It's so that we can use it as a mirror. Does my life line up with God's commands? As the Word reveals high places that need to be torn down, we must follow through in discipline to tear them down. We are empowered by the commands God has given.
Live Empowered today. The Psalm reading for today is a great way to close.
"Oh the joys of those who do not follow evil men's advice, who do not hang around with sinners, scoffing at the things of God: But they delight in doing everything God wants them to, and day and night are always meditating on his laws and thinking about ways to follow him more closely." Ps 1:1-2
Think about ways to follow Him more closely as you Live the DREAM!
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 Kings 22:4-23:30
Acts 21:37-22:16
Psalm 1:1-6
Proverbs 18:11-12
What does it mean to be "Empowered through Biblical Training"? What are we empowered for? Well, the answer is obvious in some ways. We are Empowered to live the Balanced Christian Life... to Live in Obedience (D), Relationships.... etc.
All of that is true, and important, but it should never just be stuck in our head. It must reach our heart. What happens when you read the Word?
In 2 Kings 22-23, an 8 year old becomes king. He is described as a king who "followed in the steps of his ancestor King David, obeying the Lord completely." (22:2) At the age of 26, he orders the temple repaired. (Remember the past kings have pretty much decimated it, and defiled it with heathen altars.) In 22:8, The word of God is discovered. "One day Hilkiah the High Priest went to Shaphan the secretary and exclaimed, 'I have discovered a scroll in the Temple, with God's laws written on it!'"
verse 11: When the king heard what was written it in, he tore his clothes in terror.
The following 2 chapters describe the process it takes for Josiah to carry out repentance throughout the land, destroying high places, altars, evil priests, etc. It's hard work!
As we "discover the scroll" each day, what happens in us? We are not in a day where the "scroll" is hard to find. We have several bibles in each of our homes. Yet at the same time, the scroll can be lost to us even though it's right in front of us. It's very easy to get caught in the ritual of reading the Word and not become empowered through it. Empowered for what?
With a heart open to the Word, the first thing Josiah was empowered for was repentance. To hear the laws of God is like taking an audit of the heart. At this stage, the nation of Judah did not line up with God's plan. The process of repentance was begun. It was not a pretty process. It took time. It was work. What empowered this work? Knowing the commands of God.
In this age of grace, forgiveness is a prayer away. I John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Praise God for that! Where would we be without it! But, this forgiveness that is so available to us does not negate the necessity of repentance in our lives. It is a process as well. when we are forgiven, we must follow through with steps of repentance to cleanse our lives from that which has led us astray. We must apply the commands that are revealed to us in the "scroll".
James 1:22-25 says, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it -- he will be blessed in what he does."
The empowerment that comes through the Word is for a purpose. It's so that we can use it as a mirror. Does my life line up with God's commands? As the Word reveals high places that need to be torn down, we must follow through in discipline to tear them down. We are empowered by the commands God has given.
Live Empowered today. The Psalm reading for today is a great way to close.
"Oh the joys of those who do not follow evil men's advice, who do not hang around with sinners, scoffing at the things of God: But they delight in doing everything God wants them to, and day and night are always meditating on his laws and thinking about ways to follow him more closely." Ps 1:1-2
Think about ways to follow Him more closely as you Live the DREAM!
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, July 2, 2011
7.2.11 "Stay the Course"
"Stay the Course"
2 Kings 20:1-22:3
Acts 21:18-36
Psalm 150:1-6
Proverbs 18:9-10
One of the marvels of modern technology is the GPS. They are becoming more & more common. A few years ago was my first experience with a GPS. We travelled to New York with another family, so there were 7 of us in the van. Well, I should say there were 8. We named the GPS "Molly". We grew to love and hate Molly. If you've never worked w/ a gps, they're really cool. You program in the destination, and she gives you DETAILED instructions as you drive. "Keep left in point five miles."
Molly's tenacious. She would never let up. If you got off course, she'd let you know. "At the next opportunity, make a legal u-turn." Yeah thanx for that, Molly. With Molly's help, we actually backed up on a freeway once (do not try this at home) and on the way to see the Statue of Liberty we did a u-turn that stopped 4 lanes of traffic... Needless to say, Molly wasn't the only female in the car making comments on that procedure... but that's ANOTHER story!
So what does this have to do with a DEVO? God has a destination for each one of us. While there are things that can bump us seemingly off course, God's word calls us to Stay the Course.
There are a couple of phrases that jumped out at us from today's reading in Acts:
"As they were killing him (Paul)..."
"When the mob saw the troops coming, they quit beating Paul..."
Have you ever had one of those days? Probably not to the extent that Paul did. If you remember from the bible reading a couple days ago, Paul had been warned by the Holy Spirit that the trip to Jerusalem was going to contain suffering and jail. Well, it did.
The context of what is occurring in Acts 21 is this: Paul meets with the church leaders in Jerusalem and they are discussing some of the challenges of church unity. There is some division regarding the Jewish customs, and the leaders believe that Paul needs to take some steps to show that he honors the Jewish traditions. He does this for the sake of unity. It involves shaving his head and taking vows. This is a 7 day process, and as it almost wraps up, trouble erupts.
"The seven days were almost ended when some Jews from Turkey saw him in the Temple and roused a mob against him. They grabbed him, yelling, 'Men of Israel! Help! Help! This is the man who preaches against our people and tells everybody to disobey the Jewish laws." (Acts 21:27-28)
That would be frustrating to say the least. Here you're trying to do your best to show your support of the Jewish people, and the Jewish people mob you.
You have to look ahead to tomorrow's reading to see Paul's response, but as the soldiers are taking him away, he asks for an opportunity to speak to the people. As ugly as all this is, Paul realizes that this is what he is created to do. This is his purpose. Nothing will knock him off course.
Too often the circumstances of life dictate much of our direction. God may have laid something on our heart to do, but as soon as the road becomes a bit troublesome, we're "outa here" and back inside "Comfort Zone".
As we mature in Christ, we must grow deeper in our walk with him. We must dig into the word more than ever. We must be able to hear his voice in all circumstances. Developing this depth is like strengthening a keel on a sailboat. If you don't know what a keel is, here's the definition:
A fin like structure extending from the bottom of the hull which aids in stabilization and resists lateral movement of the boat under the force of the wind.
This is what we need in our spiritual walk. We need aid in stabilization. We need to resist lateral movement under the force of wind. We need to stay the course.
A friend commented on this metaphor and said, "Keels are most prevalent on sailboats. Motorboats and canoes, etc have very small ones to do just what you said here - keep the boat tracking where you want it. Sailboats on the other hand generally have relatively large keels and most have adjustable depth keels. Besides keeping the boat tracking properly the keel functions as a counterbalance to the rotating force of the wind in the sails. The more sails and stronger the wind, the deeper the keel needs to be to counteract that force - which wants to tip the boat over. Similarly, God's Word functions as the keel in our lives, not only helping us to track properly in the waters of life, but it serves to counterbalance the force of the winds on our sails - both the force that results in our growth in "calm" sea and the winds from the storms brought our way by Satan."
I can't imagine being beaten by a mob. I don't really have a desire to experience that. I would hope that wouldn't knock me off course of what God has called me to do. Yet so often, it's much less that causes me to question, doubt, fear, and hesitate.
No matter what the enemy may throw at you, stay the course!
When you keep to the path with a GPS, and you get to the hotel, or whatever you've programmed in, Molly's so happy for you. She says, "You have reached your destination." Let's work together to hear the Lord say, "You have reached your destination!"
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 Kings 20:1-22:3
Acts 21:18-36
Psalm 150:1-6
Proverbs 18:9-10
One of the marvels of modern technology is the GPS. They are becoming more & more common. A few years ago was my first experience with a GPS. We travelled to New York with another family, so there were 7 of us in the van. Well, I should say there were 8. We named the GPS "Molly". We grew to love and hate Molly. If you've never worked w/ a gps, they're really cool. You program in the destination, and she gives you DETAILED instructions as you drive. "Keep left in point five miles."
Molly's tenacious. She would never let up. If you got off course, she'd let you know. "At the next opportunity, make a legal u-turn." Yeah thanx for that, Molly. With Molly's help, we actually backed up on a freeway once (do not try this at home) and on the way to see the Statue of Liberty we did a u-turn that stopped 4 lanes of traffic... Needless to say, Molly wasn't the only female in the car making comments on that procedure... but that's ANOTHER story!
So what does this have to do with a DEVO? God has a destination for each one of us. While there are things that can bump us seemingly off course, God's word calls us to Stay the Course.
There are a couple of phrases that jumped out at us from today's reading in Acts:
"As they were killing him (Paul)..."
"When the mob saw the troops coming, they quit beating Paul..."
Have you ever had one of those days? Probably not to the extent that Paul did. If you remember from the bible reading a couple days ago, Paul had been warned by the Holy Spirit that the trip to Jerusalem was going to contain suffering and jail. Well, it did.
The context of what is occurring in Acts 21 is this: Paul meets with the church leaders in Jerusalem and they are discussing some of the challenges of church unity. There is some division regarding the Jewish customs, and the leaders believe that Paul needs to take some steps to show that he honors the Jewish traditions. He does this for the sake of unity. It involves shaving his head and taking vows. This is a 7 day process, and as it almost wraps up, trouble erupts.
"The seven days were almost ended when some Jews from Turkey saw him in the Temple and roused a mob against him. They grabbed him, yelling, 'Men of Israel! Help! Help! This is the man who preaches against our people and tells everybody to disobey the Jewish laws." (Acts 21:27-28)
That would be frustrating to say the least. Here you're trying to do your best to show your support of the Jewish people, and the Jewish people mob you.
You have to look ahead to tomorrow's reading to see Paul's response, but as the soldiers are taking him away, he asks for an opportunity to speak to the people. As ugly as all this is, Paul realizes that this is what he is created to do. This is his purpose. Nothing will knock him off course.
Too often the circumstances of life dictate much of our direction. God may have laid something on our heart to do, but as soon as the road becomes a bit troublesome, we're "outa here" and back inside "Comfort Zone".
As we mature in Christ, we must grow deeper in our walk with him. We must dig into the word more than ever. We must be able to hear his voice in all circumstances. Developing this depth is like strengthening a keel on a sailboat. If you don't know what a keel is, here's the definition:
A fin like structure extending from the bottom of the hull which aids in stabilization and resists lateral movement of the boat under the force of the wind.
This is what we need in our spiritual walk. We need aid in stabilization. We need to resist lateral movement under the force of wind. We need to stay the course.
A friend commented on this metaphor and said, "Keels are most prevalent on sailboats. Motorboats and canoes, etc have very small ones to do just what you said here - keep the boat tracking where you want it. Sailboats on the other hand generally have relatively large keels and most have adjustable depth keels. Besides keeping the boat tracking properly the keel functions as a counterbalance to the rotating force of the wind in the sails. The more sails and stronger the wind, the deeper the keel needs to be to counteract that force - which wants to tip the boat over. Similarly, God's Word functions as the keel in our lives, not only helping us to track properly in the waters of life, but it serves to counterbalance the force of the winds on our sails - both the force that results in our growth in "calm" sea and the winds from the storms brought our way by Satan."
I can't imagine being beaten by a mob. I don't really have a desire to experience that. I would hope that wouldn't knock me off course of what God has called me to do. Yet so often, it's much less that causes me to question, doubt, fear, and hesitate.
No matter what the enemy may throw at you, stay the course!
When you keep to the path with a GPS, and you get to the hotel, or whatever you've programmed in, Molly's so happy for you. She says, "You have reached your destination." Let's work together to hear the Lord say, "You have reached your destination!"
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, July 1, 2011
7.1.11 "A Validation or a Test"
"A Validation or a Test"
2 Kings 18:13 - 19:37
Acts 21:1-17
Psalm 149:1-9
Proverbs 18:8
Have you ever been in a position where you wonder if something on your heart was of God? Or have you ever thought you were moving in the will of God, but through circumstances you really began to doubt whether this was of God or not?
Paul is in an interesting dilemma in Acts 21. In 21:4 it says, "We went ashore, found the local believers and stayed with them a week. These disciples warned Paul -- the Holy spirit prophesying through them -- not to go on to Jerusalem." in 21:10 a man named Agabus with the gift of prophecy took Paul's belt and said "The Holy Spirit declares, "so shall the owner of this belt be bound by the Jews in Jerusalem & turned over to the Romans." verse 12 says, "Hearing this, all of us - the local believers and his traveling companions - begged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem."
So, you're Paul what do you do? These are your friends... your trusted spiritual companions. These are believers. This must not be of God, right? Scripture says there is wisdom in Godly council...
So how do you know???
Bruce Wilkinson has a great training series called "The Vision of the Leader". One of the main things he speaks of is the difference between a "validation" of a vision, and a "test" of a vision. We went through this teaching as a staff, and Pastor Dennis summed it up best when he said, "A validation is to see if God is in the vision, and a test is to see if YOU are!"
When we receive direction from the Lord, there is a sequence of the birthing of this vision that we all go through. Many times, though, we get really mixed up in the difference between a validation of the vision and the test. Being able to recognize the difference can help us greatly to weed through the noise of life and walk confidently in obedience to God's direction.
Remember we are "EMPOWERED through Biblical Training". If we were to only look at Acts 21, we would think that "It doesn't make a difference what others say, I can do things my way... Paul is a mature believer, and I want to be one, so that's what I will do." Zoom out a bit. Look at Acts 20.
These prophecies are NOT inconsistent with what God has ALREADY spoken to Paul. Acts 20:22-23, "And now I am going to Jerusalem, drawn there irresistibly by the Holy spirit, not knowing what awaits me, except that the Holy Spirit has told me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead."
Many of us would do as the believers around Paul were doing: "There's going to be trouble, so God must not be in this." When in fact, their prophecy of the trial further VALIDATED that what was on Paul's heart WAS of God. As they're urging Paul "Don't Go!" in his mind he's thinking, "God, you are awesome."
Now is the test part. We know God is in it. Is Paul? Everyone around him is telling him what his flesh wants to hear: "you don't have to go through this." What's his response? What would yours be?
Is Paul in the Vision? Acts 21:13, "But he said, 'Why all this weeping? You are breaking my heart! For I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem, but also to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus.'"
He KNEW what he was called to do. At the surface, it would seem that the attempt by the believers would send him off course, but in reality, it served to only refine him, and to seal God's purpose in his heart.
It's important that as we mature in Christ, we begin to recognize the difference between a validation and a test. This comes as we grow in living the DREAM.
I feel the need for a disclaimer:
I want to be cautious here, and remind you that in living the DREAM we are pursuing the BALANCED Christian Life. As I look through this teaching I'm concerned that some may use this to go OUT of balance, and do their OWN thing. Remember the principles behind DREAM: Obedience, Submission, Discipline, Responsibility and Purpose. Paul did not walk away from any of these things in following God. He did not forsake "Relationships Devoted to Unity". in verse 15, they left for Jerusalem TOGETHER. Make sure that we are using this checklist as we increase in the recognition of the voice of God in our life.
In what God has called you to do, make sure that first GOD is in it, and understand that there will be tests to come to determine if YOU are in it!
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 Kings 18:13 - 19:37
Acts 21:1-17
Psalm 149:1-9
Proverbs 18:8
Have you ever been in a position where you wonder if something on your heart was of God? Or have you ever thought you were moving in the will of God, but through circumstances you really began to doubt whether this was of God or not?
Paul is in an interesting dilemma in Acts 21. In 21:4 it says, "We went ashore, found the local believers and stayed with them a week. These disciples warned Paul -- the Holy spirit prophesying through them -- not to go on to Jerusalem." in 21:10 a man named Agabus with the gift of prophecy took Paul's belt and said "The Holy Spirit declares, "so shall the owner of this belt be bound by the Jews in Jerusalem & turned over to the Romans." verse 12 says, "Hearing this, all of us - the local believers and his traveling companions - begged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem."
So, you're Paul what do you do? These are your friends... your trusted spiritual companions. These are believers. This must not be of God, right? Scripture says there is wisdom in Godly council...
So how do you know???
Bruce Wilkinson has a great training series called "The Vision of the Leader". One of the main things he speaks of is the difference between a "validation" of a vision, and a "test" of a vision. We went through this teaching as a staff, and Pastor Dennis summed it up best when he said, "A validation is to see if God is in the vision, and a test is to see if YOU are!"
When we receive direction from the Lord, there is a sequence of the birthing of this vision that we all go through. Many times, though, we get really mixed up in the difference between a validation of the vision and the test. Being able to recognize the difference can help us greatly to weed through the noise of life and walk confidently in obedience to God's direction.
Remember we are "EMPOWERED through Biblical Training". If we were to only look at Acts 21, we would think that "It doesn't make a difference what others say, I can do things my way... Paul is a mature believer, and I want to be one, so that's what I will do." Zoom out a bit. Look at Acts 20.
These prophecies are NOT inconsistent with what God has ALREADY spoken to Paul. Acts 20:22-23, "And now I am going to Jerusalem, drawn there irresistibly by the Holy spirit, not knowing what awaits me, except that the Holy Spirit has told me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead."
Many of us would do as the believers around Paul were doing: "There's going to be trouble, so God must not be in this." When in fact, their prophecy of the trial further VALIDATED that what was on Paul's heart WAS of God. As they're urging Paul "Don't Go!" in his mind he's thinking, "God, you are awesome."
Now is the test part. We know God is in it. Is Paul? Everyone around him is telling him what his flesh wants to hear: "you don't have to go through this." What's his response? What would yours be?
Is Paul in the Vision? Acts 21:13, "But he said, 'Why all this weeping? You are breaking my heart! For I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem, but also to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus.'"
He KNEW what he was called to do. At the surface, it would seem that the attempt by the believers would send him off course, but in reality, it served to only refine him, and to seal God's purpose in his heart.
It's important that as we mature in Christ, we begin to recognize the difference between a validation and a test. This comes as we grow in living the DREAM.
I feel the need for a disclaimer:
I want to be cautious here, and remind you that in living the DREAM we are pursuing the BALANCED Christian Life. As I look through this teaching I'm concerned that some may use this to go OUT of balance, and do their OWN thing. Remember the principles behind DREAM: Obedience, Submission, Discipline, Responsibility and Purpose. Paul did not walk away from any of these things in following God. He did not forsake "Relationships Devoted to Unity". in verse 15, they left for Jerusalem TOGETHER. Make sure that we are using this checklist as we increase in the recognition of the voice of God in our life.
In what God has called you to do, make sure that first GOD is in it, and understand that there will be tests to come to determine if YOU are in it!
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 30, 2011
6.30.11 "A Life of Purpose"
"A Life of Purpose"
2 Kings 17:1-18:12
Acts 20:1-38
Psalm 148:1-14
Proverbs 18:6-7
Our world is starved for purpose and meaning. It is sad to watch friends and neighbors scramble to fill their lives with so many things in the attempt of finding fulfillment, only to be left empty. I met a young couple a while back that will never have to worry about money again. They will never have to work. That's what people dream of, right? Yet, I have never seen eyes so empty. They were seeking direction to find that there is a plan for their life.
True fulfillment is found as we do what we are created to do. We have a purpose, and we must be consistently reminding ourself of our purpose. Life goes by at such an intense speed that it doesn't take long to get off course. We must constrain our self to become who God has created us to be.
Paul lived a life of purpose. In a farewell address to the Ephesian church leaders in Acts 20, he he says some incredible things.
"I have done the Lord's work humbly - yes, and with tears - and have faced grave danger from the plots of the Jews against my life. Yet I never shrank from telling you the truth, either publicly or in your homes. I have had one message for Jews and Gentiles alike - the necessity of turning from sin to God through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. And now I am going to Jerusalem, drawn there irresistibly by the Holy Spirit, not knowing what awaits me, except that the Holy Spirit has told me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead." (Acts 20:19-23)
How about that? Paul is drawn irresistibly by the Holy Spirit, even though he knows that where he goes from here jail & suffering await. How could someone walk so confident? How could they endure? His next statement is profound:
"But life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus - The work of telling others the Good News about God's mighty kindness and love." (Acts 20:24)
I don't know what that verse does to you, but it is FULL of some incredible meaning.
1. "Life is worth nothing" - Wow! Remember how Solomon talks about how life is meaningless - a beating at the wind? So many struggle with this feeling that life is meaningless. Maybe you find yourself struggling in that same area. Meaning in life can only be met one way - Doing what you were created to do. There are so many "sugar-substitutes" in life. These are things that appear to offer meaning, but are empty. Busyness for the sake of busyness is a black hole that sucks so many into its trap. When you see someone today who has the "glazed eye" of the meaningless life, try to bring them to the realization that there is a purpose for them. See where that leads...
2. "...unless I use it for doing the work assigned me..." - This directly relates to Active Ministry Involvement (AM I) . The Principle behind AM I is responsibility. As we've talked before about the parable of the talents we are given the charge of taking the resources of this life and putting them to the work of the kingdom. We will be held to account for this. What is the work assigned you? You will be held to account. Later in Acts 20:28 Paul says, "And now beware! Be sure that you feed and shepherd God's flock - his church, purchased with his blood - for the Holy Spirit is holding you responsible as overseers." You may be thinking this only applies to pastors.... NOT TRUE! think of the ministry you are involved in. You are an overseer for someone! You are responsible for the work of the Lord. Knowing that responsibility should constrain you to remain focussed on the purpose of this life.
3. "..."The work of telling others the Good News about God's mighty kindness and love." Whatever the specific location and nature of our ministry, we all share the same purpose. It's our Mission to Reach Our World for Christ. Some get pretty stressed about this because they feel they don't have the "gift" of evangelism. Regardless of giftings, the purpose is still the same. We are here to Connect people to God. Don't get hung up in your own insecurity of theological understanding. Remember it's God who purifies hearts. You don't have to have all the answers, you just need to know Who does! Just share the "Good News about God's mighty kindness and love."
Don't miss the opportunity you have of this day to live a life of purpose. Life is full of worth as you do what you were created to do!
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 Kings 17:1-18:12
Acts 20:1-38
Psalm 148:1-14
Proverbs 18:6-7
Our world is starved for purpose and meaning. It is sad to watch friends and neighbors scramble to fill their lives with so many things in the attempt of finding fulfillment, only to be left empty. I met a young couple a while back that will never have to worry about money again. They will never have to work. That's what people dream of, right? Yet, I have never seen eyes so empty. They were seeking direction to find that there is a plan for their life.
True fulfillment is found as we do what we are created to do. We have a purpose, and we must be consistently reminding ourself of our purpose. Life goes by at such an intense speed that it doesn't take long to get off course. We must constrain our self to become who God has created us to be.
Paul lived a life of purpose. In a farewell address to the Ephesian church leaders in Acts 20, he he says some incredible things.
"I have done the Lord's work humbly - yes, and with tears - and have faced grave danger from the plots of the Jews against my life. Yet I never shrank from telling you the truth, either publicly or in your homes. I have had one message for Jews and Gentiles alike - the necessity of turning from sin to God through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. And now I am going to Jerusalem, drawn there irresistibly by the Holy Spirit, not knowing what awaits me, except that the Holy Spirit has told me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead." (Acts 20:19-23)
How about that? Paul is drawn irresistibly by the Holy Spirit, even though he knows that where he goes from here jail & suffering await. How could someone walk so confident? How could they endure? His next statement is profound:
"But life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus - The work of telling others the Good News about God's mighty kindness and love." (Acts 20:24)
I don't know what that verse does to you, but it is FULL of some incredible meaning.
1. "Life is worth nothing" - Wow! Remember how Solomon talks about how life is meaningless - a beating at the wind? So many struggle with this feeling that life is meaningless. Maybe you find yourself struggling in that same area. Meaning in life can only be met one way - Doing what you were created to do. There are so many "sugar-substitutes" in life. These are things that appear to offer meaning, but are empty. Busyness for the sake of busyness is a black hole that sucks so many into its trap. When you see someone today who has the "glazed eye" of the meaningless life, try to bring them to the realization that there is a purpose for them. See where that leads...
2. "...unless I use it for doing the work assigned me..." - This directly relates to Active Ministry Involvement (AM I) . The Principle behind AM I is responsibility. As we've talked before about the parable of the talents we are given the charge of taking the resources of this life and putting them to the work of the kingdom. We will be held to account for this. What is the work assigned you? You will be held to account. Later in Acts 20:28 Paul says, "And now beware! Be sure that you feed and shepherd God's flock - his church, purchased with his blood - for the Holy Spirit is holding you responsible as overseers." You may be thinking this only applies to pastors.... NOT TRUE! think of the ministry you are involved in. You are an overseer for someone! You are responsible for the work of the Lord. Knowing that responsibility should constrain you to remain focussed on the purpose of this life.
3. "..."The work of telling others the Good News about God's mighty kindness and love." Whatever the specific location and nature of our ministry, we all share the same purpose. It's our Mission to Reach Our World for Christ. Some get pretty stressed about this because they feel they don't have the "gift" of evangelism. Regardless of giftings, the purpose is still the same. We are here to Connect people to God. Don't get hung up in your own insecurity of theological understanding. Remember it's God who purifies hearts. You don't have to have all the answers, you just need to know Who does! Just share the "Good News about God's mighty kindness and love."
Don't miss the opportunity you have of this day to live a life of purpose. Life is full of worth as you do what you were created to do!
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 29, 2011
6.29.11 "How His Heart Must Break"
"How His Heart Must Break"
2 Kings 15:1-16:20
Acts 19:13-41
Psalm 147:1-20
Proverbs 18:4-5
For those of you who are going along in the One Year Bible, we've been plugging along in 2 Kings. I've gone through this many times before, and to be honest, it can be easy to get bored. It's a pattern: Bad king, bad king, good king who doesn't destroy high places, bad king, bad king... etc. from cold observation, it can be very irritating reading.
But think of the Heart of God. His love for His people is unfathomable. Look at what he's done in their lives to fulfill his promises to them. Think of the times he heard them cry out to him, and he provided to meet their need. Quail, Manna, the Red Sea, Jericho... There's a history here. A history of a Loving God doing whatever it takes to draw his people to him.
And yet king after king lives, does evil & dies. Decades roll by through this repetition. Thousands enter eternity knowing not God.
If we read these scriptures from God's perspective, we can almost be moved to tears. The Kings are killing one another & building heathen altars in the temple. Imagine how God must feel to see his people. They KNOW what to do. They KNOW the right thing. They are SO close! And yet they don't tear down the high places.
What would it take for God to send his Son? I can imagine it would be a heart that is broken beyond comprehension. Broken for a people who just don't get it. There is a need to make things right. The sacrifice is great. The pain unfathomable.
And now...
As we live our lives Knowing God, what does he see? Are the days of the Kings gone? Thankfully in this age of grace there are those who remain faithful and strong, and do the right thing, but are the high places gone?
The Kings who did evil in the sight of God did some horrible things. Surely not the body of Christ! Yet there are the shrines of hidden sin and compromise imbedded in the hills of God's people. There are those who resist the conviction of the Holy Spirit by hiding behind busy lives. There are those who have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof. There are those who worship in Spirit, but not in truth. There are those who Make NO effort to keep the unity through the bond of peace. There are those who have NOT hidden his Word in there heart, and as a result there IS sin against Him. There are those who have buried their talent in the ground. There are those who are blind to their neighbors' desperate need for Christ.
They KNOW what to do. They KNOW the right thing. They are SO close! And yet they don't tear down the high places.
How His Heart Must Break.
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 Kings 15:1-16:20
Acts 19:13-41
Psalm 147:1-20
Proverbs 18:4-5
For those of you who are going along in the One Year Bible, we've been plugging along in 2 Kings. I've gone through this many times before, and to be honest, it can be easy to get bored. It's a pattern: Bad king, bad king, good king who doesn't destroy high places, bad king, bad king... etc. from cold observation, it can be very irritating reading.
But think of the Heart of God. His love for His people is unfathomable. Look at what he's done in their lives to fulfill his promises to them. Think of the times he heard them cry out to him, and he provided to meet their need. Quail, Manna, the Red Sea, Jericho... There's a history here. A history of a Loving God doing whatever it takes to draw his people to him.
And yet king after king lives, does evil & dies. Decades roll by through this repetition. Thousands enter eternity knowing not God.
If we read these scriptures from God's perspective, we can almost be moved to tears. The Kings are killing one another & building heathen altars in the temple. Imagine how God must feel to see his people. They KNOW what to do. They KNOW the right thing. They are SO close! And yet they don't tear down the high places.
What would it take for God to send his Son? I can imagine it would be a heart that is broken beyond comprehension. Broken for a people who just don't get it. There is a need to make things right. The sacrifice is great. The pain unfathomable.
And now...
As we live our lives Knowing God, what does he see? Are the days of the Kings gone? Thankfully in this age of grace there are those who remain faithful and strong, and do the right thing, but are the high places gone?
The Kings who did evil in the sight of God did some horrible things. Surely not the body of Christ! Yet there are the shrines of hidden sin and compromise imbedded in the hills of God's people. There are those who resist the conviction of the Holy Spirit by hiding behind busy lives. There are those who have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof. There are those who worship in Spirit, but not in truth. There are those who Make NO effort to keep the unity through the bond of peace. There are those who have NOT hidden his Word in there heart, and as a result there IS sin against Him. There are those who have buried their talent in the ground. There are those who are blind to their neighbors' desperate need for Christ.
They KNOW what to do. They KNOW the right thing. They are SO close! And yet they don't tear down the high places.
How His Heart Must Break.
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
