Lord, where would I be without you? You are my light and my guide, my comfort, my peace. On my own I am broken and weak but You O Lord are my strong tower and in the shadow of your wing I find safety and rest. Who is like you for you are a mighty fortress and your kingdom will never pass away! You have reached out to me so that I may first be yours but in discovering who’s I am you have also revealed your purpose which none of it would be possible without the sacrifice you made for me upon that cross. It was your blood that was shed that paid the price for my sin and when you arose victoriously conquering death and the grave you brought with you new life and now I am free to live the way you have intended for me to live.
Father help me to stay in you, many times my mind wonders but it is your love that keeps bringing me back. I stand in your rain of grace as the dust washes away and as you cover me I begin to weep knowing just how much you have given to be with me. Lord may I bless you with my life, forgive me when I act out of selfishness. Remind me that the things I call my own really belongs to you and I am but your caretaker. You have called me to this place now help me to be faithful, for I cannot do it without you! Remind me of my daily dependence upon you – you are so good to me and I am desperate for you.
You are a mighty King and a good God but I think you most for being my Heavenly Father for it is the relationship with you that means more to me than life itself. Help me to be mindful of the things you care about. Lord, bless my family, be with my wife as she goes about her day and help her to recognize your presence. Be with my children and as they dream of what this life will bring remind them of the things most important – real relationship with you! Be with my pastor, his family, and the group of believers we share this journey with. Help us to reach out to our community, our city, and beyond. Finally, Lord be with those I know that live far away whether in Alabama, Oregon, British Columbia, Mexico, or India for they love you and seek you earnestly. Keep watch over them and protect and provide for them as they do your will and when they feel weak carry them for they belong to you.
I can’t say it enough, I love you and I thirst for more of you like a man that has crossed a desert – one drink is not enough! You are my anticipation and my delight! Thank you for the blessings in this life but the real treasure is in you alone.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Naaman (continued)
(2 Kings 5:1 NIV) Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the LORD had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy.
What will it take to be obedient to God’s Word, even more so the leading of His Holy Spirit? When He tells you to do something it rarely makes sense – at that point you have a decision to make. You can either reason your way out of it or you can simply surrender and do what He says in spite of how you feel. If you are at the point in your walk with Christ Jesus where you can hear Him calling you to step out of the boat, like Peter, then you have experienced His opportunity to grow. Every time I’m at that point it requires faith even though He has been faithful to me every step of the way. That’s because He is stretching my spiritual musicals. He does this so that we may be strong in Him, you want to do something great for God then be faithful in the small things first.
(Matthew 14:28-29 NIV) "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.”
(Matthew 25:21 MKJV) “His lord said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful over a few things; I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.”
(Romans 8:28 MKJV) And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
We believe ALL things work together of good because often we can’t see how a bad situation can be good but God knows all things and we trust Him – this is faith. We are His and He has purpose for each life but we will not fully understand that until we see Him face to face. Therefore we should give our whole selves to Him as a living sacrifice, for this is good and pleasing unto God.
(1 Corinthians 13:12 KJV) “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”
What will it take to be obedient to God’s Word, even more so the leading of His Holy Spirit? When He tells you to do something it rarely makes sense – at that point you have a decision to make. You can either reason your way out of it or you can simply surrender and do what He says in spite of how you feel. If you are at the point in your walk with Christ Jesus where you can hear Him calling you to step out of the boat, like Peter, then you have experienced His opportunity to grow. Every time I’m at that point it requires faith even though He has been faithful to me every step of the way. That’s because He is stretching my spiritual musicals. He does this so that we may be strong in Him, you want to do something great for God then be faithful in the small things first.
(Matthew 14:28-29 NIV) "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.”
(Matthew 25:21 MKJV) “His lord said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful over a few things; I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.”
(Romans 8:28 MKJV) And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
We believe ALL things work together of good because often we can’t see how a bad situation can be good but God knows all things and we trust Him – this is faith. We are His and He has purpose for each life but we will not fully understand that until we see Him face to face. Therefore we should give our whole selves to Him as a living sacrifice, for this is good and pleasing unto God.
(1 Corinthians 13:12 KJV) “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”
Monday, May 24, 2010
Naaman
(2 Kings 5:1 NLT) The king of Aram had great admiration for Naaman, the commander of his army, because through him the LORD had given Aram great victories. But though Naaman was a mighty warrior, he suffered from leprosy.
As with Naaman I have tasted victories, I have seen what it is like to lead God’s people in a very small way, I have been given opportunities and advancements and I have seen God’s blessing upon my life but as with Naaman I was hiding something that could have destroyed me. I am not currently in a leadership position and there have been times when I have wondered if God will ever use me again like He once did. However, my heart is encouraged by this – I know God is bringing about an inner healing, He is teaching me the finer points of things unnoticed (or overlooked) before and when all is said and done I am His! My spiritual health is more important than my trophies and accomplishments, my value comes not from what I have done but who He says that I am! This road to healing is also preparation for the future, whether God uses me again in a leadership position is not my concern. The only thing that matters is that I grow in relationship with Him, that I learn for His Word, am led by His Holy Spirit, and am obedient in faith and if I know God when those things become second nature He will use me once again.
As with Naaman I have tasted victories, I have seen what it is like to lead God’s people in a very small way, I have been given opportunities and advancements and I have seen God’s blessing upon my life but as with Naaman I was hiding something that could have destroyed me. I am not currently in a leadership position and there have been times when I have wondered if God will ever use me again like He once did. However, my heart is encouraged by this – I know God is bringing about an inner healing, He is teaching me the finer points of things unnoticed (or overlooked) before and when all is said and done I am His! My spiritual health is more important than my trophies and accomplishments, my value comes not from what I have done but who He says that I am! This road to healing is also preparation for the future, whether God uses me again in a leadership position is not my concern. The only thing that matters is that I grow in relationship with Him, that I learn for His Word, am led by His Holy Spirit, and am obedient in faith and if I know God when those things become second nature He will use me once again.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Are you feeling inadequate?
(2 Corinthians 3:5 NLT) It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.
Most see any feeling of inadequacy as a negative but is it really? Could it be that we feel inadequate because we were never meant to go it alone? God has given each of us purpose and to fulfill that purpose we must depend upon and draw your strength from Him who gives it. You see if a child is to grow and learn from his father, then the father will invest time and resources into that child. As the child grows the father gives him more responsibility – to the point of stretching his ability but the father is there each step of the way. In this way the relationship between the two is strengthened and the child learns from the father until one day the child becomes a man and the man becomes a father and the process is passed on to the next generation. There are many similarities between children and parents and believers and Father God. When we are saved we are as babes and as we grow in the Lord we are given responsibilities that point to our purpose. Some call it a dream or a vision but whatever you call it you’ll know it’s from God when it requires more of you than you can give (it will also lines up with scripture – see April 9,10 and May 4th). The Dream will require seeking God and a willingness to depend upon Him greatly and as you do He will give you the ability to do it. In that we learn to be more like Him until one day we are able to help younger Christians seek God in the same way but we never become too old or too experienced that we don’t depend upon God any more. If we are not being stretched then most likely we are not listening to God’s instructions for our lives. This life is a race that is to be ran, a strong start is great but a triumphant finish is what is required!
Most see any feeling of inadequacy as a negative but is it really? Could it be that we feel inadequate because we were never meant to go it alone? God has given each of us purpose and to fulfill that purpose we must depend upon and draw your strength from Him who gives it. You see if a child is to grow and learn from his father, then the father will invest time and resources into that child. As the child grows the father gives him more responsibility – to the point of stretching his ability but the father is there each step of the way. In this way the relationship between the two is strengthened and the child learns from the father until one day the child becomes a man and the man becomes a father and the process is passed on to the next generation. There are many similarities between children and parents and believers and Father God. When we are saved we are as babes and as we grow in the Lord we are given responsibilities that point to our purpose. Some call it a dream or a vision but whatever you call it you’ll know it’s from God when it requires more of you than you can give (it will also lines up with scripture – see April 9,10 and May 4th). The Dream will require seeking God and a willingness to depend upon Him greatly and as you do He will give you the ability to do it. In that we learn to be more like Him until one day we are able to help younger Christians seek God in the same way but we never become too old or too experienced that we don’t depend upon God any more. If we are not being stretched then most likely we are not listening to God’s instructions for our lives. This life is a race that is to be ran, a strong start is great but a triumphant finish is what is required!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Paul's thoughts on temptation
(1 Corinthians 5:7 NLT) Get rid of the old "yeast" by removing this wicked person from among you. Then you will be like a fresh batch of dough made without yeast, which is what you really are. Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us.
Yeast causes bread to be puffed up and just like it pride inflates our ego. In first Timothy chapter three, verse five we are warned pride comes before a fall. Further more, a little yeast affects the whole loaf of bread and in the same way one wicked person will impact a whole group of people. Therefore, Paul says do not associate with this type of person but keep yourselves set apart for God’s purpose, which is why you were created! God paid a great price so that nothing can keep you from Him. Don’t throw away what He has done by being puffed up with pride. We need to understand this life was not given to us so that we can satisfy self-indulgences but to bring glory to our Lord and Savior. Know this, God’s grace is sufficient for you and me and though forgiveness is ours for the asking our choices carry the weight of consequences, meaning God will allow us to feel the impact of what we have sown so that we may learn to choose righteousness over evil. You see difficulties here in this life will either destroy us or bring us closer to God. Pride will keep us from God but a heart of purity will bring us closer to our only hope of salvation!
(Romans 12:3 MSG) I'm speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it's important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.
Yeast causes bread to be puffed up and just like it pride inflates our ego. In first Timothy chapter three, verse five we are warned pride comes before a fall. Further more, a little yeast affects the whole loaf of bread and in the same way one wicked person will impact a whole group of people. Therefore, Paul says do not associate with this type of person but keep yourselves set apart for God’s purpose, which is why you were created! God paid a great price so that nothing can keep you from Him. Don’t throw away what He has done by being puffed up with pride. We need to understand this life was not given to us so that we can satisfy self-indulgences but to bring glory to our Lord and Savior. Know this, God’s grace is sufficient for you and me and though forgiveness is ours for the asking our choices carry the weight of consequences, meaning God will allow us to feel the impact of what we have sown so that we may learn to choose righteousness over evil. You see difficulties here in this life will either destroy us or bring us closer to God. Pride will keep us from God but a heart of purity will bring us closer to our only hope of salvation!
(Romans 12:3 MSG) I'm speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it's important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Don't strike back
(Matthew 5:38-39 NLT) “You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.”
Do you ever stop to wonder why it is so easy to react in anger over the slightest wrong? As Christians we are led by the Holy Spirit of God, if we reject His direction the consequence comes in the form of conviction. Conviction easily turns to condemnation and condemnation to resentment. We start to blame others, the tired husband leaves something for his wife to do when but instead of feeling better he is convicted because he was not obedient to the direction of the Holy Spirit. He then reacts in anger towards her.
Anger can come for unrecognized pain too. People who hurt us cause the initial sting but we are the ones who allow the stinger to remain by not confronting them, in love. When we pretend it didn’t bother us it may stay hidden for a while but it begins to show up in different ways, being easily angered is one of them. Bring your hurts to Jesus and allow Him to heal your wounds so that you may have your life back.
Jesus I know I have been striking out at people for the smallest things lately, I am broken, please forgive me. Please show me why I’ve been acting this way. My heart is heavy and I’ve been hurt. You tell me that you were beaten and whipped so that I might receive healing, sometimes that is a physical healing but today I need your healing touch to heal me emotionally. Please help me not to hide my feelings from you but quickly lay them before you so that I might be healed. When others attack me it is not because I deserve it but help me to realize they are hurting also. Lord, I don’t want to react in anger any more, help me love my brothers and sisters, as you love me so that you might be glorified through my life.
I have prayed in this manner many times and it is because of Jesus that I can live life whole today instead of broken and crippled with strife, envy, and hatred because past wrongs done to me. Still I have my days, all I can say is Jesus is still working on me and I know one day trials and test will be no more and the race will be ran. Many times we fail and often we are judged by our cover but God looks at the heart, keep it clean before Him and He will light your path.
Do you ever stop to wonder why it is so easy to react in anger over the slightest wrong? As Christians we are led by the Holy Spirit of God, if we reject His direction the consequence comes in the form of conviction. Conviction easily turns to condemnation and condemnation to resentment. We start to blame others, the tired husband leaves something for his wife to do when but instead of feeling better he is convicted because he was not obedient to the direction of the Holy Spirit. He then reacts in anger towards her.
Anger can come for unrecognized pain too. People who hurt us cause the initial sting but we are the ones who allow the stinger to remain by not confronting them, in love. When we pretend it didn’t bother us it may stay hidden for a while but it begins to show up in different ways, being easily angered is one of them. Bring your hurts to Jesus and allow Him to heal your wounds so that you may have your life back.
Jesus I know I have been striking out at people for the smallest things lately, I am broken, please forgive me. Please show me why I’ve been acting this way. My heart is heavy and I’ve been hurt. You tell me that you were beaten and whipped so that I might receive healing, sometimes that is a physical healing but today I need your healing touch to heal me emotionally. Please help me not to hide my feelings from you but quickly lay them before you so that I might be healed. When others attack me it is not because I deserve it but help me to realize they are hurting also. Lord, I don’t want to react in anger any more, help me love my brothers and sisters, as you love me so that you might be glorified through my life.
I have prayed in this manner many times and it is because of Jesus that I can live life whole today instead of broken and crippled with strife, envy, and hatred because past wrongs done to me. Still I have my days, all I can say is Jesus is still working on me and I know one day trials and test will be no more and the race will be ran. Many times we fail and often we are judged by our cover but God looks at the heart, keep it clean before Him and He will light your path.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Make yourself at home Lord
(John 15:9 NLT) "I have loved you even as the Father has loved Me. Remain in My love.
As much as you long to have relationship with God, He desires it even more with you. Because of our own knowledge of how we daily fall short of perfection we, not God, hold back from relationship. I don’t understand how but God sees through our failures into the very heart of who we want to be, who he has made us to be. Think about it, what is your idea of a prefect friend – someone who loves you unconditionally, who sees not only who you are now but who you could be and causes you to be a better person when they are around. God is that and so much more! Somehow our view of God gets so twisted that we cannot enjoy being in His presence for very long. I’m guilty of it and I often have to confess before God that I have allowed fear to take control. My heart longs for Him but everything I’ve ever experienced tells me it’s not possible. How could the almighty God love me in spite of the things I’ve done? Though I need Him at times I push away, I think many times for fear that I’ll be rejected. It’s through study, prayer, and worship that His small still voice whispers the truth to my heart and though the storm of my thoughts and emotions surround me His whisper breaks through telling me that He loves me and cares for me regardless of what I have done or haven’t done. Matter of fact there is absolutely nothing that can separate me from the Father’s love. It is then I ask the Lord if I might have a glimpse of what He sees. He then encourages me by telling me who I am in Him. You ask why do I keep coming back to study His Word? Because of His great love and my desperate need for Him, therefore I will remain in His love for me.
Lord, thank you for loving us more than we can comprehend. Let your people see just how much they are loved today and encourage their hearts. Often we allow failure to turn our faces from you but it is when we fall that we need you the most. Teach us not to turn away from you. Whatever stands in the way of us having a clear view of who you are, would you take it from us this hour? You said that nothing can separate us from your love and by faith we accept that and cling to it, for we are desperate for your kindness and Lord help us not forget what you have done for us so that we may freely give your love to others. May you be blessed Lord as we imitate your kindness and give away that which you have given us! In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
As much as you long to have relationship with God, He desires it even more with you. Because of our own knowledge of how we daily fall short of perfection we, not God, hold back from relationship. I don’t understand how but God sees through our failures into the very heart of who we want to be, who he has made us to be. Think about it, what is your idea of a prefect friend – someone who loves you unconditionally, who sees not only who you are now but who you could be and causes you to be a better person when they are around. God is that and so much more! Somehow our view of God gets so twisted that we cannot enjoy being in His presence for very long. I’m guilty of it and I often have to confess before God that I have allowed fear to take control. My heart longs for Him but everything I’ve ever experienced tells me it’s not possible. How could the almighty God love me in spite of the things I’ve done? Though I need Him at times I push away, I think many times for fear that I’ll be rejected. It’s through study, prayer, and worship that His small still voice whispers the truth to my heart and though the storm of my thoughts and emotions surround me His whisper breaks through telling me that He loves me and cares for me regardless of what I have done or haven’t done. Matter of fact there is absolutely nothing that can separate me from the Father’s love. It is then I ask the Lord if I might have a glimpse of what He sees. He then encourages me by telling me who I am in Him. You ask why do I keep coming back to study His Word? Because of His great love and my desperate need for Him, therefore I will remain in His love for me.
Lord, thank you for loving us more than we can comprehend. Let your people see just how much they are loved today and encourage their hearts. Often we allow failure to turn our faces from you but it is when we fall that we need you the most. Teach us not to turn away from you. Whatever stands in the way of us having a clear view of who you are, would you take it from us this hour? You said that nothing can separate us from your love and by faith we accept that and cling to it, for we are desperate for your kindness and Lord help us not forget what you have done for us so that we may freely give your love to others. May you be blessed Lord as we imitate your kindness and give away that which you have given us! In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
The oil flows down
(Psalms 133:1-3 NLT) A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. A psalm of David. How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron's head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And there the LORD has pronounced His blessing, even life everlasting.
The oil represents approval and blessings, do we live to please God or people? David recognized God’s blessings because he knew and understood God’s precepts and promises. We can gain approval from our piers and those under our authority but it means nothing until we have the approval of those over us. That is what is meant by “the oil or blessing flows down.” A wise person will subject him or herself to wise godly counsel. Do you want to do something great for God? Then look for a mentor who is currently doing something for God but remember God is the one you please not man. God will use mature Christians to train the young and inexperienced so that they might also be mature in Christ Jesus but as we learn from godly mentors always keep in mind God’s supreme authority and honor Him and the oil that flows on your life will be from God!
The oil represents approval and blessings, do we live to please God or people? David recognized God’s blessings because he knew and understood God’s precepts and promises. We can gain approval from our piers and those under our authority but it means nothing until we have the approval of those over us. That is what is meant by “the oil or blessing flows down.” A wise person will subject him or herself to wise godly counsel. Do you want to do something great for God? Then look for a mentor who is currently doing something for God but remember God is the one you please not man. God will use mature Christians to train the young and inexperienced so that they might also be mature in Christ Jesus but as we learn from godly mentors always keep in mind God’s supreme authority and honor Him and the oil that flows on your life will be from God!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Accept your limits
(Deuteronomy 2:2-3 MKJV) “And Jehovah spoke to me, saying, You have gone around this mountain long enough. Turn northward.”
This might be an unpopular subject but I believe today’s message is in line with the Word of God and very relevant for today. We are given limitations for our own good and for the good of others, let me explain. Though we have been given purpose and a dream that will stretch us we are not able to do everything. You may have heard it said before but it is true, “Pick one thing and do it well.” If that one thing is teaching or the ministry of helps or being an evangelist or pastor then give it all you have and stay on track. Don’t let other things distract you from that purpose. Too often the “good” can and does get in the way of God’s “best” for our lives. It has been said that in any volunteer organization eighty percent of the work gets done by only twenty percent of the people and from my experience I have seen no reason to doubt that but often those who are willing to do the work get loaded down by team leaders and in the case of church spiritual leaders i.e. pastors. Please if you are a pastor don’t be offended. A good pastor is instrumental in guiding us in understanding God has purpose for our lives but did you know it is not the pastor’s job to tell us what our dream is? Sometimes the lines get confused and yes there is much to be done but instead of putting more on the twenty percent the leaders are to bring more of the eighty percent on board. Let me say it again God does not intend for you to do everything, even if you could do you think that would be best? I say no! What would you become if you were able to do everything? In a very small way I have experienced this as I volunteered in the training and leading of a team of volunteers I found myself being depended upon beyond what was healthy. My constituents, even though they had been trained and tested were not comfortable making decisions on their own. So what did I do? As God allowed me to recognize what was happening He also opened a door for me to give them full responsibility while I went to another church to train a new team. I gave my team support and my cell phone number but you know what when I returned they didn’t need me as much and I believe God did something in their hearts because they no longer were just helping because it was good or fun but because they had ownership in the ministry! Was it difficult? You bet! When I am weak I find it easier to do things myself than teach someone else to do it but that is not what God’s best. In doing this I had to understand where my value came from – it wasn’t in the service I provided but that I am a beloved child of God, in Christ alone does my life mean anything!
That puts an entirely different perspective on life. If you are of that twenty percent, then God’s message to you is – stop striving, I love you for who you are not for what you do. I have called you to lead others in the area that I have gifted you. The question is not how much can you do but are you discipling others. If you are part of this group then there is a passion inside of you that others need to know. If anyone could have done everything on their own it would have been Jesus but instead we see him investing into his disciples right up until it is time for him to leave. Yes, we have been given limitations not only for our good but the good of others and we should embrace these boundaries for that is God’s plan.
If you would like to know more about what accepting your limits looks like I wrote a handbook for my constituents to use in my absence and I will email it to you just email me at prosound@cinci.rr.com and mention the Production Team Leader Handbook. It does not talk as much about technical skills as it does leadership and empowering others. It took a year to complete and as I look back I realize it was from God’s heart because I still have trouble getting it sometimes. No matter what I do in this life I will never forget that experience but still I look forward with anticipation of what is yet to come because I know I belong to Him and His heart is passionate for me and as I travel from one promise to the next I have learned not to hang on too tightly for all my hope and value is in Him!
This might be an unpopular subject but I believe today’s message is in line with the Word of God and very relevant for today. We are given limitations for our own good and for the good of others, let me explain. Though we have been given purpose and a dream that will stretch us we are not able to do everything. You may have heard it said before but it is true, “Pick one thing and do it well.” If that one thing is teaching or the ministry of helps or being an evangelist or pastor then give it all you have and stay on track. Don’t let other things distract you from that purpose. Too often the “good” can and does get in the way of God’s “best” for our lives. It has been said that in any volunteer organization eighty percent of the work gets done by only twenty percent of the people and from my experience I have seen no reason to doubt that but often those who are willing to do the work get loaded down by team leaders and in the case of church spiritual leaders i.e. pastors. Please if you are a pastor don’t be offended. A good pastor is instrumental in guiding us in understanding God has purpose for our lives but did you know it is not the pastor’s job to tell us what our dream is? Sometimes the lines get confused and yes there is much to be done but instead of putting more on the twenty percent the leaders are to bring more of the eighty percent on board. Let me say it again God does not intend for you to do everything, even if you could do you think that would be best? I say no! What would you become if you were able to do everything? In a very small way I have experienced this as I volunteered in the training and leading of a team of volunteers I found myself being depended upon beyond what was healthy. My constituents, even though they had been trained and tested were not comfortable making decisions on their own. So what did I do? As God allowed me to recognize what was happening He also opened a door for me to give them full responsibility while I went to another church to train a new team. I gave my team support and my cell phone number but you know what when I returned they didn’t need me as much and I believe God did something in their hearts because they no longer were just helping because it was good or fun but because they had ownership in the ministry! Was it difficult? You bet! When I am weak I find it easier to do things myself than teach someone else to do it but that is not what God’s best. In doing this I had to understand where my value came from – it wasn’t in the service I provided but that I am a beloved child of God, in Christ alone does my life mean anything!
That puts an entirely different perspective on life. If you are of that twenty percent, then God’s message to you is – stop striving, I love you for who you are not for what you do. I have called you to lead others in the area that I have gifted you. The question is not how much can you do but are you discipling others. If you are part of this group then there is a passion inside of you that others need to know. If anyone could have done everything on their own it would have been Jesus but instead we see him investing into his disciples right up until it is time for him to leave. Yes, we have been given limitations not only for our good but the good of others and we should embrace these boundaries for that is God’s plan.
If you would like to know more about what accepting your limits looks like I wrote a handbook for my constituents to use in my absence and I will email it to you just email me at prosound@cinci.rr.com and mention the Production Team Leader Handbook. It does not talk as much about technical skills as it does leadership and empowering others. It took a year to complete and as I look back I realize it was from God’s heart because I still have trouble getting it sometimes. No matter what I do in this life I will never forget that experience but still I look forward with anticipation of what is yet to come because I know I belong to Him and His heart is passionate for me and as I travel from one promise to the next I have learned not to hang on too tightly for all my hope and value is in Him!
Saturday, May 8, 2010
The importance of worship - Part II
(Psalms 95:6 KJV) O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.
A very important point is made today, “There’s a danger in any doctrine that focuses only on what we want from God and neglects the thing we were created and redeemed to do – worship Him (see Rev. 4:11).”
I have to admit being a father isn’t something I always want to do, sometimes it is difficult but I find great purpose in it and from it I receive some of the best rewards. More to the point being a father helps me understand better the heart of my Heavenly Father. Many times when I wonder if my attitude is pleasing to God I look at my children and imagine them having the same attitude and if it would be pleasing to me. Not that they worship me (and they shouldn’t), as they go through their teenage years I’m happy if the are respectful (occasionally they are reminded) but if their relationship existed solely for getting things from me how would that make me feel? If your heart is open to learning the lessons God has you go through there are many things that will be revealed. Worship tells God I love Him simply because of who He is and who He has made me to be in Him, without any conditions! The worship is for Him alone but when I do it my heart is replenished with His love and kindness. Worship causes my heart to be fertile ground so that His Word may bring forth bountiful crops. Loving God causes me to love others, in worship God reminds me of who He has made me to be and encourages me to be more than I currently am. Worship is not only the icing on the cake but the cake too! Meaning it’s not something we do on the weekend but it is to be intertwined in every moment of our lives! A thankful heart is pleasing to God and a life of thankfulness brings forth much joy and many blessings! Has it been a while since you smiled? Start worshipping God! Many times Israel was told to worship God even though that was the last thing they felt like doing.
(Leviticus 25:10 MKJV) And you shall make the fiftieth year holy, one year, and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee to you, and you shall return each man to his possession, and you shall return each man to his family.
(Deuteronomy 12:7 MKJV) And there you shall eat before Jehovah your God, and you shall rejoice in all that you put your hand to, you and your households in which Jehovah your God has blessed you.
(Psalms 2:11 MKJV) Serve Jehovah with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
Worshipping God also reminds us of who He is – Lord of all! Though He is closer than a brother or sister we must never forget He is the sovereign Holy God and Lord of creation! For no one is like Him, worthy of all praise and one day every knee shall bow to His authority! We have the opportunity today to serve Him because we want to. When I think about it my heart can’t contain the joy rising up from within! He has chosen me to serve Him, I can’t fathom how much He loves me! Lord for you are the Lord God over all the earth and one day every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that you are Lord.
Thank you for calling me out and preparing me for something wonderful! You have given me more than I dare ask and I worship you. You are my King and my Salvation! For nothing can compare to your greatness! Your works are full of wonder and your creation reflects your greatness. Lord, now open our eyes that we may see your fingerprints on all that was created and fill our hearts with worship so that we may know you! No way could we ever find something or someone to take your place, for you are mighty and glorious beyond compare! Thank you Father for loving me, in your Son’s name I pray, amen.
A very important point is made today, “There’s a danger in any doctrine that focuses only on what we want from God and neglects the thing we were created and redeemed to do – worship Him (see Rev. 4:11).”
I have to admit being a father isn’t something I always want to do, sometimes it is difficult but I find great purpose in it and from it I receive some of the best rewards. More to the point being a father helps me understand better the heart of my Heavenly Father. Many times when I wonder if my attitude is pleasing to God I look at my children and imagine them having the same attitude and if it would be pleasing to me. Not that they worship me (and they shouldn’t), as they go through their teenage years I’m happy if the are respectful (occasionally they are reminded) but if their relationship existed solely for getting things from me how would that make me feel? If your heart is open to learning the lessons God has you go through there are many things that will be revealed. Worship tells God I love Him simply because of who He is and who He has made me to be in Him, without any conditions! The worship is for Him alone but when I do it my heart is replenished with His love and kindness. Worship causes my heart to be fertile ground so that His Word may bring forth bountiful crops. Loving God causes me to love others, in worship God reminds me of who He has made me to be and encourages me to be more than I currently am. Worship is not only the icing on the cake but the cake too! Meaning it’s not something we do on the weekend but it is to be intertwined in every moment of our lives! A thankful heart is pleasing to God and a life of thankfulness brings forth much joy and many blessings! Has it been a while since you smiled? Start worshipping God! Many times Israel was told to worship God even though that was the last thing they felt like doing.
(Leviticus 25:10 MKJV) And you shall make the fiftieth year holy, one year, and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee to you, and you shall return each man to his possession, and you shall return each man to his family.
(Deuteronomy 12:7 MKJV) And there you shall eat before Jehovah your God, and you shall rejoice in all that you put your hand to, you and your households in which Jehovah your God has blessed you.
(Psalms 2:11 MKJV) Serve Jehovah with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
Worshipping God also reminds us of who He is – Lord of all! Though He is closer than a brother or sister we must never forget He is the sovereign Holy God and Lord of creation! For no one is like Him, worthy of all praise and one day every knee shall bow to His authority! We have the opportunity today to serve Him because we want to. When I think about it my heart can’t contain the joy rising up from within! He has chosen me to serve Him, I can’t fathom how much He loves me! Lord for you are the Lord God over all the earth and one day every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that you are Lord.
Thank you for calling me out and preparing me for something wonderful! You have given me more than I dare ask and I worship you. You are my King and my Salvation! For nothing can compare to your greatness! Your works are full of wonder and your creation reflects your greatness. Lord, now open our eyes that we may see your fingerprints on all that was created and fill our hearts with worship so that we may know you! No way could we ever find something or someone to take your place, for you are mighty and glorious beyond compare! Thank you Father for loving me, in your Son’s name I pray, amen.
Friday, May 7, 2010
The importance of worship - Part I
(Psalms 150:6 NIV) Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.
Worship like anything else, is what you make it but what it is intended to be the ultimate experience between you and the Creator of all life! Worship says what words never can, through true worship as you focus your attention on God you willingly reveal to Him your true feelings for who He is and what He has done and it prepares you to receive His words as He tells of His heart for you! Yes worship is more than singing on Sunday mornings, it’s more than singing alone yet nothing surpasses worship through music. There are many times worshiping God has brought me through situations I could not have come through otherwise, look at the troubles king David faced in the book of Psalms and yet he praised God. There is something about it that brings a child closer to the Father than anything else possibly could, if this is not what you have experienced then press in harder by desiring to know God more, understand what He has done for you, and realize where you would be without Him. Search your heart and know just what He means to you then tell Him about it. Now put on a good worship CD and escape to a time and place where you will not be interrupted – you have just entered into true worship! Practice it often and you will soon find you too will have a strong desire to come there again and again. Worship gives life and meaning to the smallest things and makes fertile the soil of your heart. There is a reason why we offer our worship before hearing the pastor’s message on Sundays. It’s not just a ritual or a habit, if you put your heart into it the word you hear is God’s Word and the impact it has on your life will take hold. How many times have you left church feeling like you didn’t get much out of it? What was your worship like? Pay attention next time you feel this way, then determine next time you will put your full self into worshiping the King of Kings and see how it impacts the relevance of the message!
I’ve been taking a break from posting on the weekends but I will be here tomorrow to wrap up this two part series. Many blessings, draw close to God today and He will draw close to you!
Worship like anything else, is what you make it but what it is intended to be the ultimate experience between you and the Creator of all life! Worship says what words never can, through true worship as you focus your attention on God you willingly reveal to Him your true feelings for who He is and what He has done and it prepares you to receive His words as He tells of His heart for you! Yes worship is more than singing on Sunday mornings, it’s more than singing alone yet nothing surpasses worship through music. There are many times worshiping God has brought me through situations I could not have come through otherwise, look at the troubles king David faced in the book of Psalms and yet he praised God. There is something about it that brings a child closer to the Father than anything else possibly could, if this is not what you have experienced then press in harder by desiring to know God more, understand what He has done for you, and realize where you would be without Him. Search your heart and know just what He means to you then tell Him about it. Now put on a good worship CD and escape to a time and place where you will not be interrupted – you have just entered into true worship! Practice it often and you will soon find you too will have a strong desire to come there again and again. Worship gives life and meaning to the smallest things and makes fertile the soil of your heart. There is a reason why we offer our worship before hearing the pastor’s message on Sundays. It’s not just a ritual or a habit, if you put your heart into it the word you hear is God’s Word and the impact it has on your life will take hold. How many times have you left church feeling like you didn’t get much out of it? What was your worship like? Pay attention next time you feel this way, then determine next time you will put your full self into worshiping the King of Kings and see how it impacts the relevance of the message!
I’ve been taking a break from posting on the weekends but I will be here tomorrow to wrap up this two part series. Many blessings, draw close to God today and He will draw close to you!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
You're in a spiritual battle
(Ephesians 6:10 MKJV) Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Does it seem as of late you have been paddling up stream? Without being aware you may be in the midst of a spiritual battle. Life is consistently going through seasons and many times after passing a test comes a battle. It makes sense God brings you to a place of testing in order to prepare you for battle and that is good. However, if we are not careful the tendency will be to assume things are just getting worse. Often it seems you go from the frying pan into the fire so to speak and the enemy would have you look at it that way in order to discourage and ultimately defeat you. He does not want you to know that you have passed the test through faithfulness and now God has entrusted you with battle – that would mean you are gaining ground. So be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might as Paul wrote to his brothers in Ephesus and remember this…
(Ephesians 6:11-13 MKJV) “Put on the whole armor of God so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the world's rulers, of the darkness of this age, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Therefore take to yourselves the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
In other words as opposition comes at you through people remember who is behind it. See past the surface and know there is a spiritual battle raging. Stand strong in the Lord, as you did in the test you just came through. Remember the battle belongs to the Lord and if you remain in Him you will see a great victory! God has proven His faithfulness to you, pray for spiritual eyes so that you may know He is with you as Elisha did.
(2 Kings 6:15-17 MKJV) “And the servant of the man of God arose early and went out. And, behold, an army surrounded the city, and horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, Alas, my master! What shall we do? And he answered, Do not fear, for those with us are more than those with them. And Elisha prayed and said, I pray You, Jehovah, open his eyes so that he may see. And Jehovah opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.”
(Ephesians 6:14-18 MKJV) “Therefore stand, having your loins girded about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Above all, take the shield of faith, with which you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching to this very thing with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”
Does it seem as of late you have been paddling up stream? Without being aware you may be in the midst of a spiritual battle. Life is consistently going through seasons and many times after passing a test comes a battle. It makes sense God brings you to a place of testing in order to prepare you for battle and that is good. However, if we are not careful the tendency will be to assume things are just getting worse. Often it seems you go from the frying pan into the fire so to speak and the enemy would have you look at it that way in order to discourage and ultimately defeat you. He does not want you to know that you have passed the test through faithfulness and now God has entrusted you with battle – that would mean you are gaining ground. So be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might as Paul wrote to his brothers in Ephesus and remember this…
(Ephesians 6:11-13 MKJV) “Put on the whole armor of God so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the world's rulers, of the darkness of this age, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Therefore take to yourselves the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
In other words as opposition comes at you through people remember who is behind it. See past the surface and know there is a spiritual battle raging. Stand strong in the Lord, as you did in the test you just came through. Remember the battle belongs to the Lord and if you remain in Him you will see a great victory! God has proven His faithfulness to you, pray for spiritual eyes so that you may know He is with you as Elisha did.
(2 Kings 6:15-17 MKJV) “And the servant of the man of God arose early and went out. And, behold, an army surrounded the city, and horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, Alas, my master! What shall we do? And he answered, Do not fear, for those with us are more than those with them. And Elisha prayed and said, I pray You, Jehovah, open his eyes so that he may see. And Jehovah opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.”
(Ephesians 6:14-18 MKJV) “Therefore stand, having your loins girded about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Above all, take the shield of faith, with which you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching to this very thing with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
What's your core gift
(Romans 12:6 NLT) In His grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you.
Have you ever met someone who seems larger than life? Others tend to follow them without knowing them personally but because of what they have done for an organization, this person has discovered their core gift and built their life around it. Each of us do certain things well and if you pay attention the things we do best point to our core gift. It is our job to discover what makes us come alive, very few find that on their own and when they do if God is not included part of the puzzle is still missing but God wants to make known the gifts He has given. If you know God the place to start is asking Him to reveal His gift in your life. Be careful to always seek Him above the gift. (Matthew 6:33 NLT) “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.”
As a parent if my child began to desire the gifts I could give them more than relationship with me then in my heart I would know something was not right. God’s not against giving us things that cause us to be happy, this includes talents and abilities as well as things that allow us to better develop those gifts. If I liked photography something that might make me happy is a new camera but the key is to always keep things in perspective. If I let that new camera become more important than a person, even a stranger than I’ve missed the mark. Even more so with spiritual gifts! If I am a teacher and I knew and taught the truth but did not love those I spoke to then I am not operating the capacity that God intended. If I continue God’s blessing will depart from that area of my life. (1 Corinthians 13:1 NLT) “If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn't love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.”
Living life around your core gift, you’ll find, will cause you to come alive, meaning as you discover it you’ll be passionate about it and God will bless you in it, as you seek Him first. Amazingly the very thing that causes you to come alive is the very thing He wants you to be because you discovering your core gift is part of God’s big plan for all humanity and at the same time necessary for you to find contentment in purpose.
Have you ever met someone who seems larger than life? Others tend to follow them without knowing them personally but because of what they have done for an organization, this person has discovered their core gift and built their life around it. Each of us do certain things well and if you pay attention the things we do best point to our core gift. It is our job to discover what makes us come alive, very few find that on their own and when they do if God is not included part of the puzzle is still missing but God wants to make known the gifts He has given. If you know God the place to start is asking Him to reveal His gift in your life. Be careful to always seek Him above the gift. (Matthew 6:33 NLT) “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.”
As a parent if my child began to desire the gifts I could give them more than relationship with me then in my heart I would know something was not right. God’s not against giving us things that cause us to be happy, this includes talents and abilities as well as things that allow us to better develop those gifts. If I liked photography something that might make me happy is a new camera but the key is to always keep things in perspective. If I let that new camera become more important than a person, even a stranger than I’ve missed the mark. Even more so with spiritual gifts! If I am a teacher and I knew and taught the truth but did not love those I spoke to then I am not operating the capacity that God intended. If I continue God’s blessing will depart from that area of my life. (1 Corinthians 13:1 NLT) “If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn't love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.”
Living life around your core gift, you’ll find, will cause you to come alive, meaning as you discover it you’ll be passionate about it and God will bless you in it, as you seek Him first. Amazingly the very thing that causes you to come alive is the very thing He wants you to be because you discovering your core gift is part of God’s big plan for all humanity and at the same time necessary for you to find contentment in purpose.
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