(Matthew 6:26 NLT) Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to Him than they are?
Today’s subject looks at the “point goose” in yearly bird migrations. This goose takes on the challenge of making the way for others by taking resistance off of the group and barring the load himself. Just like that a church’s pastor prays for and cares for its members. Eventually the “point goose” grows weary and needs help and in the same way the pastor depends on volunteers. A big problem in today’s church is that there are many more consumers than there are volunteers! Everything that I have seen indicates the old saying is true – 80% of the work is done by 20% of the people but it should not be that way. Jesus made it very clear that being a Christian isn’t a spectator sport, instead the words “take up your cross and follow me” came out of His mouth many times.
It is true we are saved by grace and nothing we can do adds to our salvation but it is also true that we are known by our actions. If the love of Christ is in us then it will compel us to action but if we are nothing more than consumers then we truly do not know Him! This should be an indicator that something is not right and the Jesus we consume on Sunday mornings is a stranger to our way of living! It is easy to become complacent in a world of consumerism but if we have relationship with our Heavenly Father and our ears are ready to receive His direction then He will guide us by our hearts. He calls to each one of His children to get involved so look around and ask Him where you are needed most. Your brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ depend upon the gifts and talent God has given you!
Friday, June 4, 2010
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Keep climbing
(Joshua 14:12 NLT) So give me the hill country that the LORD promised me. You will remember that as scouts we found the descendants of Anak living there in great, walled towns. But if the LORD is with me, I will drive them out of the land, just as the LORD said."
What does defeat look like? Some think it is not being successful the first time you try something new, some think that happens the third time but those who we think of as successful will tell you to never give up. Defeat comes the moment you decide it is too difficult and take your eyes off the mark. Sometimes we have to find a different way of accomplishing our goals but that is not defeat, no if we are listening and watching that becomes an area of growth. Why is life full of struggles and difficulties - because through Christ Jesus they become opportunities to grow in relationship with Him and one day the race will be ran and we will see Him face to face. As we grow in this life we in turn will be given opportunities to point the way to others so like Paul said they may share in this joy also.
Paul said, (Philippians 2:13-16 NLT) “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ's return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless.”
(Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT) “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne.”
This is the key to being successful - so be strong in the Lord and never give up on Him or even doubt, keep your eyes on the goal and depend upon Jesus to strengthen your steps and increase your faith. We miss out on things when we don’t ask for God’s help, in this way we are pleasing to Him. When we ask for help and He is faithful to help us then our faith is increased and just like a toddler who takes those shaky first steps we eventually are able to walk without doubting and then we are able to do greater things for Him!
What does defeat look like? Some think it is not being successful the first time you try something new, some think that happens the third time but those who we think of as successful will tell you to never give up. Defeat comes the moment you decide it is too difficult and take your eyes off the mark. Sometimes we have to find a different way of accomplishing our goals but that is not defeat, no if we are listening and watching that becomes an area of growth. Why is life full of struggles and difficulties - because through Christ Jesus they become opportunities to grow in relationship with Him and one day the race will be ran and we will see Him face to face. As we grow in this life we in turn will be given opportunities to point the way to others so like Paul said they may share in this joy also.
Paul said, (Philippians 2:13-16 NLT) “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ's return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless.”
(Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT) “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne.”
This is the key to being successful - so be strong in the Lord and never give up on Him or even doubt, keep your eyes on the goal and depend upon Jesus to strengthen your steps and increase your faith. We miss out on things when we don’t ask for God’s help, in this way we are pleasing to Him. When we ask for help and He is faithful to help us then our faith is increased and just like a toddler who takes those shaky first steps we eventually are able to walk without doubting and then we are able to do greater things for Him!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
an offering of prayer
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.
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.
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.
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