Daily Caffeination 4/29/06

First Fruits

All the silver and gold and the articles of bronze and iron are sacred to the Lord and must go into His treasury. - Joshua 6:19

One of the earliest examples of the practice of giving God the first fruits of the increase was when Joshua and the people entered the Promised Land for the first time. When they crossed the Jordan River, their first battle was Jericho. God set a precedent with this battle by instructing them not to take any spoils from it. Unlike future battles, the fruits from this victory were to go into the treasury as a remembrance of their first victory in the Promised Land. In addition, the city of Jericho was to be a lasting monument to God's faithfulness. God instructed Joshua never to rebuild this city. If they or anyone in the future attempted to rebuild the city, the life of the firstborn would be required. Years later, Ahab attempted to rebuild this city and his firstborn died as a result. God never forgets to enforce His Word.

Is your work a lasting monument to the faithfulness of God in your life? Is it bringing glory to the Father? Are you giving the first fruits from your increase to God? God has encouraged us through this story to give the first fruits of our work to Him so that He will be glorified through our work. This is a tangible way for us to acknowledge that God is the source of all blessing.

by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

Daily Caffeination 4/28/06

Tests of the Heart

Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commands. - Deuteronomy 8:2

Has God performed a heart test on you lately? There are times in our lives when God leads us into the desert in order to let us find out what is in our heart. These times can be very difficult and humbling. They can test our mettle like no other time. Desert times often mean we are living without those things we are normally accustomed to: water, food, limited supplies-and with few comforts. In modern terms, it may mean a different environment. God is performing a very important work during these times. He wants to know if we can be obedient to Him in these times; or will we be obedient only when times are good?

He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years. Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you (Deuteronomy 8:3-5).

These desert times may mean experiencing new ways of provision from the Lord. Like manna from Heaven, it may mean seeing miracles we've never seen before. Like clothing that never wears out, it may mean seeing your normal capabilities expanded. Like walking hundreds of miles without pain, desert experiences provide new lessons and new experiences that only these times can teach us.

What desert experience has He brought into your life lately? Perhaps it is a lean time in business. Perhaps it is a new environment. Whatever it is, when God decides to bring new disciplines into our lives by bringing us into the desert, do not fear the heat that is sure to come. He is walking beside you in order to test you and find out what is really in your heart. Ask for His grace to pass the test. He wants to bring all of His children into the Promised Land

by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

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Daily Caffeination 4/27/06

Unrighteous Acts

..."Shouldn't you walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our Gentile enemies?" - Nehemiah 5:9

Nehemiah was the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes in Babylon. Jerusalem's walls had been destroyed and word had come to Nehemiah that the remnant of his people left in Jerusalem were distressed over the plight of the wall.

Nehemiah was grieved over this situation. He appealed to his king for permission to rebuild the wall. When he got to the city, he found many problems among his own people due to an economic crisis in the region. Among the classes affected by the economic crisis were (1) the landless, who were short of food; (2) the landowners, who were compelled to mortgage their properties; (3) those forced to borrow money at exorbitant rates and sell their children into slavery. It was unlawful for Hebrews to charge interest to other Hebrews.

Although we are of the same flesh and blood as our countrymen and though our sons are as good as theirs, yet we have to subject our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters have already been enslaved, but we are powerless, because our fields and our vineyards belong to others (Nehemiah 5:5).

Nehemiah stepped forward to admonish his people for this wrongful action on the basis that not only was it wrong, but God would respond to such action by making them susceptible to His judgment through the Gentile enemies.

Nehemiah was modeling to each of us a spiritual principle regarding sin. Whenever we sin, we give God permission to unleash the enemy into our souls to judge that sin. Nehemiah understood this principle and warned the people of what this action would encourage from God. The people repented and returned the money gained through usury.

As Christian workplace believers we must make sure that our practices are righteous in God's sight. If not, we can expect the enemy to be released to judge that sin. Ask the Lord today if there is any unrighteousness in your business practices that makes you vulnerable to judgment.

by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

Daily Caffeination 4/26/06

Healing Before Ministry

And after the whole nation had been circumcised, they remained where they were in camp until they were healed. - Joshua 5:8

Before the nation of Israel could go into the Promised Land they had to be circumcised. Circumcision is painful, bloody, and personal. God requires each of us to be circumcised in heart before we are allowed to enter and receive the blessings that await each believer in the Promised Land.

This circumcision can often be very painful. Circumcision requires losing our old way of life. The process of spiritual circumcision may mean a loss in areas that have been a part of our lives in order to draw us to the Savior. God understands this. Consequently, like the people of Israel, we must wait until we are healed before we begin to be effective in our calling. If we launch out too early, we will be ineffective and may risk infection and disease and will not be at our full capacity. God wants each of us to walk in His healing grace.

The people of Israel fought only two battles when they were coming out of Egypt. In the Promised Land they fought 39 battles. Each of us must be prepared to enjoy the benefits of living in the Promised Land. However, we must also be prepared to wage war against the enemy of our souls. Make sure the Lord has provided the needed healing to your circumcision experience before you enter the Promised Land.

by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

Shane and Shane Video

One of my favorite artists Shane and Shane has a video up from their My Space page. I think this is a pretty cool video with a new song that they have been working on...

Can I give my opinion to any emerging churches/post modern churches, pastors and leaders, I believe My Space can be a valuable tool to reach beyond websites and current blogs. My Space is saturated with youth and young adults or in other words twentysomethings and younger and it is absolutely free. I think you can broaden your reach or outreach for that matter. Just an idea...for what it is worth my personal myspace is here. If you think this is a brilliant idea let me know. :-)

Bless The Lord Lyrics by Jeff Deyo

Another really good song by Jeff Deyo we did at convention this past weekend, powerful lyrics and powerful worship song. I woke sing this this morning. I just had to post it...This song should be in every church praise and worship rotation of songs.

BLESS THE LORD

For your beauty,
For your goodness,
And your wisdom.. Awesome God
Praise the Lord oh my soul, Praise the Lord.

For your power,
For your honor,
And your splendor... Mighty God
Praise the Lord oh my soul, Praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord oh my soul, Praise the Lord.

Chorus:

And I will worship you,
I will bless your name forever,
I will worship you,
Bless the Lord oh my soul, Bless the Lord
Bless the Lord oh my soul, Bless the Lord

For your Kindness
For your Favor,
For your Mercy.. Gracious One
Thank the Lord oh my Soul, Thank the Lord.

For your fire,
For your testing
And your Spirit... Holy One
Thank the Lord oh my Soul, Thank the Lord.
Thank the Lord oh my Soul, Thank the Lord.

Chorus

Bless the Lord oh my Soul,
Bless the Lord oh my Soul, Bless the LORD!

For your Suffering,
For your Anguish
And your sorrow.. humble King,
Bless the Lord oh my soul, Bless the Lord
Bless the Lord oh my soul, Bless the Lord

For your Victory {Victory},
For your Triumph,
And you'll soon come and reign over all.

And I will worship you, {worship you}
I will bless your name forever. {bless your name]
I will worship you, {worship you}
Bless the Lord oh my Soul, Bless the Lord {My Soul}

And I will worship you, {worship you}
I will bless your name forever. {bless your name]
I will worship you, {worship you}
Bless the Lord oh my Soul, Bless the Lord {Lord, My Soul}
Bless the Lord oh my Soul, Bless the Lord {Lord, My Soul}

Bless the Lord oh my Soul,
Bless the Lord oh my Soul,
Bless the Lord oh my Soul,
Bless the Lord oh my Soul, Bless the Lord {My Soul}

Daily Caffeination 4/25/06

Understanding the Roadblock

And Joshua said, "Ah, Sovereign Lord, why did You ever bring this people across the Jordan to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us? If only we had been content to stay on the other side of the Jordan!" - Joshua 7:7

Have you ever felt like you were doing what God wanted you to do, but your plans were totally frustrated? This was how Joshua felt.

The Lord had been with the people of Israel as they entered the Promised Land. They defeated every enemy because of God's blessing and protection. They had just taken the city of Jericho. The next battle was the city of Ai. They scouted the enemy and determined it would require only 3,000 men to defeat them. They attacked, and soon the reports came back that they were being routed. Joshua could not understand this. He cried out to God asking why this was happening.

The Lord said to Joshua, "Stand up! What are you doing down on your face? Israel has sinned; they have violated My covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied, they have put them with their own possessions. That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies; they turn their backs and run because they have been made liable to destruction. I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction" (Joshua 7:10-12).

Whenever we open ourselves up to sin, we become liable. God removes His protective shield from our lives in order for the sin in our lives to be purged out. He often uses the enemy of our souls to accomplish the task. If you feel you are being thwarted in some way, examine your life to see if there is any sin that is the cause of the problem. Adversity is not always due to sin, but it can be. Ask Him. He will show you. As with Joshua, God immediately answered this prayer when Joshua asked. He desires for His children to live in a right relationship with Him.

by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

Lyrics for Jesus, I Surrender by Jeff Deyo

We sang this song several times at convention this weekend. This song is powerful. Check out the lyrics from Jeff Deyo's Surrender CD.

JESUS, I SURRENDER

Here at your feet
I'll always be
With the angels
Crying holy
There's not one thing
That means as much to me as
You my God, as You my King

Here in the darkness
I lift my eyes to You
Your light comes shining through

Chorus:
Jesus, I surrender
I draw nearer, I fall down
Master, be my Savior
Be my shelter, be my God

There's no one else
Who can compare to you
The righteous One, the perfect Son

Here in this silence
I hear You speak my name
And I cry out to You

Daily Caffeination 4/24/06

Hearing His Voice

He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God. - John 8:47

Jesus said that the key to being able to hear God's voice is first to be one of His children. One of the great mysteries of the universe to my logical mind is how God can communicate with six billion people on the earth at the same time. It is one of those mysteries I must let go of because my "hard drive" would crash if I had to explain and understand this before I believed and trusted in Him. It is as though God places a computer chip in each human being, and when we place our faith and trust in Him, it becomes activated. We begin to communicate with Him. Jesus says that if we are children of God, then we can hear God's voice. He further explains this relationship in the following parable:

I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice (John 10:1-5).

The Shepherd is always representative of Christ. Sheep are representative of God's children. This passage tells us that the Shepherd communicates with His children. We are called by name and we can listen to our Shepherd's voice. There is another comforting aspect to this relationship. The Shepherd goes before the sheep to prepare the way. Jesus has already gone before us today to prepare our way.

Knowing the Shepherd and His voice allows us to have the assurance that we will not be fooled by another shepherd's voice. The sheep know His voice. It is only when we are dull of hearing that we mistakenly hear another's voice and follow it. Sin can create a poor frequency in our communication with the Shepherd. Make sure your frequency is free of static (sin) today so that the Shepherd can lead you and go before you.

Finally, distractions can also keep us from hearing our Shepherd's voice. When the sheep get entangled in the fence or wander off, they get too far away to hear the Shepherd's voice. We must stay in close proximity to the Shepherd to hear His voice. Stay close to the Shepherd today. Listen and follow. He wants to lead you.

by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

Can Not Contain It

WOW!!! Let me say it again...WOW!!! It was an awesomely amazing weekend. All that I can say is...Thank you LORD! I can hardly contain my excitement. I honestly want to be like David when he went out in the presence of the Lord and danced around in the street. I know he got naked, I know I should not do that...I am just so stinking excited about what God has done.

The convention was incredible to say the very least. It was simply spectacular seeing about 3000 students worshipping the Lord at the same time...I know God was digging that. It was incredible seeing the student in our student ministry just PURSUING after God with all that they have. I was crying just watching those "kids" pouring out themselves and chasing afer God. WOW!!!

On Firday night, one of the young men who come with our group, Terrell, gave his life to the Lord. He received Jesus as his Lord and Savior. You should have seen him worship the next day after he made his decision...it blessed me so much. Terrell came to our student ministry for the first time last Wednesday night, he has never been to our church before, he has really troubled background and reached down into his life and rescued him. WOW!!!

Have I failed to mention that convention was awesome...Jeff Deyo are terrific lead worshippers...Monty Hipp preached his guts out. This was one of those Ebenezer events that Pastor Mark Batterson shares so passionately about. WOW!!!

This morning we had an incredible service. The Holy Spirit most definitly in control this morning. We had really amazing worship and Pastor Mike preached the Word. His three points from Isaiah...were Woe to those who don't seek the Lord; Woe to those who get away from the Word of God; and Woe to those who don't accept God's grace. We had a great altar time.

I really sense God is beginning to do some amazing thing within our church and I simply want to stay out of His way and just let Him do it. I believe He is beginning to tear down walls in different individuals, I also believe He is allowing people to experience victory in their lives. I just stand in awe of what God is doing. Simply WOW!!!

Well that is about it from here. WOW!!!

Later,
Chris

Convention Weekend

Jeff Deyo is leading worship
Monty Hipp is the speaker
KJ 52 and Stellar Kart are the concert artists

I am really looking forward to convention this year. I believe this is going to be an amazing event where the students will be impacted.

Please pray for the students that are going, pray that...1) God would radically transfrom their lives. 2) They will fulfill the challenge to PURSUE God. 3) An awesome impact on each life that would come back with them to their homes and schools, that they may influencers.
4) Those who don't have a relationship with Jesus, that this would be the weekend that they begin that relationship with Jesus.

Have a great weekend everyone, I really appreciate all your prayers.

Give me a shout out sometime if I don't know you...I would love to hear from and get feedback about this blog. Leave a comment or send me an email @ revivalgeneration@comcast.net. I know I have been getting a lot of new visitors to my blog, I appreciate all you who stop by here. Thank you.

Later,
Chris

Daily Caffeination 4/21/06

Mustard Seed Faith in Business

He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." - Matthew 17:20

Does God do miracles in business? Is He concerned about the mountains we face in our work life? Does He want us to bring the everyday problems we face in the workplace to His attention? The answer to every one of these questions is yes. God wants to be involved in every aspect of our lives.

Gunnar Olson, the Swedish founder of the International Christian Chamber of Commerce, tells a story about God performing a miracle in his own business a few years ago. He owns a plastics company in Sweden. They make huge plastic bags that are used to cover bales of hay in the farmlands across Europe. It was the harvest season and they were getting ready to ship thousands of pallets of these bags to their customers. More than 1,000 pallets were ready to ship when an alarming discovery was made. Every bag on the warehouse floor had sealed shut from top to bottom. Scientists declared the entire stock as worthless trash. Nothing could be done. The company would go out of business.

Gunnar, his wife, and children sought the Lord in prayer about this catastrophe. The Holy Spirit spoke through various family members. The wife said, "If God can turn water into wine, what are plastics?" The daughter said, "I don't believe this is from the Lord. We should stand against it." Gunnar sensed they were to trust God for a miracle in this situation. They began to pray. They took authority over this mountain of a problem based on Matthew 17, which gave them the authority to cast a mountain into the sea if faith only the size of a mustard seed could be exercised. The following Monday they went to the warehouse and laid hands on every pallet asking the Lord to restore the bags to their original condition. It took several hours. Later, the employees began to inspect the bags. As they inspected the bags, they discovered that every single bag had been restored to its original condition! An incredible miracle had taken place.

What obstacles have been placed in your life that need a miracle today? Could God be setting the stage in your life for you to trust Him at new levels you've never trusted before? God sets the stage to allow His power to be revealed for those willing to exercise the faith of a mustard seed. All things are possible with God.

by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

Daily Caffeination 4/20/06

Unprofitable Anger

Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools. - Ecclesiastes 7:9

Every day of our lives we are placed in situations that engage us with other people, whether it is in the office, our homes, or in public places. Do you recall the last time someone cut you off in traffic, or you were forced to wait in line because someone up front got held up? Perhaps your employer did something that was downright unfair. Anger can result from many circumstances.

A friend once told me that anger is like warning lights on the front of your car dashboard. They signal that there is something going on under the hood, and we should take a look to examine the source of the problem. Anger can be traced to a few sources. First, when we lose control of a circumstance that we have placed certain expectations on and those expectations do not result in our desired outcome, we are tempted to get angry. The source of this type of anger is both fear and protection of personal rights. You see, when we believe we have a right to something, we have not given the Lord permission to allow an outcome different from what we want. If an outcome is different from our expectations, this may stimulate fear.

For instance, if a vendor failed to deliver an important job on time due to something out of his control, you may respond out of anger. Please know that the source of your anger is the fear of what might happen to you or what this might say about your abilities to manage a project. You no longer are in control of the circumstance and this creates fear in you.

The next time you get angry ask the Lord what is the source of that anger? Did the Lord allow that failure to let you see what is "under your hood"? God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind (see 2 Tim. 1:7). Give up your rights to expectations that God never gave you. You will find a new freedom in Christ you never knew you could have.

by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

Last Three Days

Over the last several days, I have been extremely busy, hence the lack of tangible updates.

Well Sunday was of course Resurrection Sunday, church was awesome, we had many people come out, alot of first time guests. After church we went to over a wonderful family's home for lunch. The blessings of the church family.

The softball league I play in had their first games Sunday night, we lost both games :-(. First game was 7-1, we couldn't get our bats going, even though I went 2 for 3. Second game we lost 17-15., I went 4 for 4. I really dislike losing.

Monday, I worked at the church and then went to the bookstore to work for about 4 hours. Monday night I studied for my final exam.

Yesterday (Tuesday), I drove up to Northern Virginia to our district office to take my final exam for my ministerial license in the Assemblies of God. I started the test a little after 10a and finished at 1p. I thought my head was going to explode. I think I did okay, but it was a lot harder than I thought it would be. I need a 70% to pass, please pray that I did. :-)

I got back to the Richmond area about 5p. I ate a little dinner, than I went to play basketball from 7p-9p. By the way my knees are killing me. I woke up at 5a and went to the gym for an hour and now I am about to eat.

I am looking forward to tonight, we bigin a brand new two week DVD series by Louie Giglio, Indescribable. This weekend we have Spring Youth Convention in Woodbridge, VA, I am really looking forward to that as well.

I am also looking forward to May 1st-7th, District Council and the BUZZ CONFERENCE...YEAH BABY!!!!

Well that is about it.

Later,
Chris

Daily Caffeination 4/19/06

Beware of the Thief

Luke 12:39
But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.

What are the times when you and I are most vulnerable to being caught off guard by the enemy of our souls? One of those times is just after you've had a great victory. Consider Jesus when He was baptized and was about to begin His public ministry. He was taken away into the desert to be tempted by satan.

Leisure time is another place in which satan seeks to take us off our normal routine of personal quiet times. In the normal routine of life, our senses are tuned to the need to draw upon God's Spirit to see us through the activities of each day. However, when we get away from our routine and go on vacation, we can often drop these routines. We wrongfully think that we do not need to spend time with the Lord during leisure times. This is a grave mistake. The vacation becomes a test of character. During vacations we turn freely to what we love most. It reveals to us what is at the core of our existence.

A teacher in a large school reportedly said, "The greatest difficulty we encounter is the summer vacation. Just when we have brought a student to a certain discipline and place in their study habits, we lose him; when he comes back we have to begin all over again." It is the same in our spiritual lives. It only takes a small crack in the door of our heart to lose our spiritual focus.

This summer, be on guard when times of retreat are made available to you. Use these times for spiritual refreshment, not just physical refreshment, and you will keep the thief from entering your house.

by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

Daily Caffeination 4/18/06

Losing Your Life for His Purposes

For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will save it. - Luke 9:24

When the time came for God to fulfill Joseph's dreams, Joseph himself had virtually no interest at all in it. Jesus said, "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will save it" (Lk. 9:24). God wants to teach us a different set of values so that the kind of thing we start out wanting becomes secondary. God has something in mind for us that is far greater than the interest we began with.

Joseph's day of exaltation had arrived. Yet, through it all, a very real humiliation had to take place. We know about the humiliation Joseph had experienced for 13 years after being sold by his brothers into slavery, then taken to Egypt. We know how he was falsely accused and cast into prison.

Then came a different situation. Joseph had had a triumph and was given an exaltation, but the kind he really never asked for. He did not appear to be all that interested in what was about to happen. He watched as the Pharaoh took his ring off his finger and put it on Joseph's finger. Joseph never asked for that. All he wanted was to go home. He longed to go back to Canaan, to see his father, and to have his dreams fulfilled.

Therefore, here we find an extraordinary incongruity: a humiliation in the heart of vindication. A triumph that was the opposite of everything he, himself, could have envisaged. Joseph wanted to go home, but a one-way ticket to Canaan wasn't available. Before he knew it, he had Egypt in his hip pocket. He had never prayed for that. But God wanted Egypt. What God wanted is what Joseph got.

Joseph was given something that he could be trusted with because it didn't mean that much to him.

by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

Daily Caffeination 4/17/06

The Interests of Others

Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. - Philippians 2:4

One of the walls of Christianity that has existed for centuries is the attitude of many "full-time" Christian workers and workplace believers. Often pastors, missionaries, and other "full timers" (I put this in quotes since all of us should consider ourselves full time) see workplace believers as a dollar sign. They see them as the instrument to fund their next project or provide the support they need. This wrong view toward workplace believers encourages them to harden their hearts toward legitimate projects. It creates a vicious cycle in which satan robs both servants of God of the blessing of each other's gifts and talents.

I once attended an international conference in which workplace believers acknowledged having this attitude toward Christian workers. Christian workers asked for forgiveness for viewing those in business as objects for funding. There was a time of repentance and tears for the selfish attitude and callousness of both groups. Christian workplace believers have more to offer the Kingdom than their dollars, but this is often overlooked.

Paul admonishes us to:

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:3-5).

If the God of the universe came as a humble servant, we in business must maintain our humble servant attitude toward those who have lesser means and are seeking to serve the Lord. God has entrusted many of us in business with greater resources. The test is to examine whether we are operating in vanity or Christ-like servanthood, looking out for the interests of others.

Ask the Lord to provide the grace to consider each request that comes to you for assistance and to avoid becoming callous to these requests. This is one test from God that He brings to determine whether you will serve others before yourself. The true test of giving is when it has no benefit to yourself.

by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

Daily Caffeination 4/15/06

Four Attributes of a Life God Blesses

So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed." - Isaiah 28:16

Whenever God calls us into a consecrated life, it is made up of four distinct stages. Christ often compared this process to building a house. First, we must prepare to build by laying a foundation. That foundation is none other than Jesus Christ Himself. Any foundation other than Christ will not stand.

Second, as we enter a walk of faith with God, He allows each of us to experience trials, testings, miracles, and challenges in life that are designed to provide "faith experiences" that demonstrate tangible evidences of His work in our life: Moses' burning-bush experience, Peter's walk on the water, Joshua's parting of the Jordan River. These experiences built the faith of these people. The depth and width of our calling is directly proportional to the faith experiences He allows in each of our lives. If God plans an international ministry with you, chances are you will experience a higher degree of faith experiences compared to another. The reason being, you will need to look on these to ensure your calling and provide testimony to His work in your life.

The third stage deals with motives. "All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord" (Prov. 16:2). What is the motive behind my actions? Is it only financial accumulation? Is it to gain control? Is it to create independence? The primary motive must be God's leading you to take such an action - it must be obedience. These other factors must be by-products of the decision.

Finally, we are prepared to take action. Here we must ask, "Do we have the skill, quality, and ability to enter into this activity?" So often we have not trained ourselves adequately to be successful in our endeavor. You would never want someone working on your teeth who had not been trained and certified as a dentist.

Before you begin your next project, ask yourself these four questions. What is the foundation this project is based on? What experiences has God demonstrated in my life that indicate His involvement? What is my motive for entering this activity? Do I have the skill, quality, and ability to accomplish the task? Answering these questions will tell you whether God will bless your activity.

by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

Thank You for the Cross Jesus

ONCE AGAIN
By Matt Redman

Jesus Christ, I think upon Your sacrifice
You became nothing, poured out to death
Many times I've wondered at Your gift of life
And I'm in that place once again
I'm in that place once again

And once again I look upon the cross where You died
I'm humbled by Your mercy and I'm broken inside
Once again I thank You
Once again I pour out my life

Now You are exalted to the highest place
King of the heavens, where one day I'll bow
But for now I marvel at Your saving grace
And I'm full of praise once again
I'm full of praise once again

Thank You for the cross
Thank You for the cross
Thank You for the cross, my friend

I want to encourage every take some time today to reflect on the cross of Jesus & to thank Him for dying for all of your sins. I would also like encourage you to take communion with your family as a part of your daily devotional, I believe this could be a special family moment.

Here I Am To Worship - Song I Woke Up SInging On Good Friday

I woke up with this song on my mind this morning. Let us remember today is Good Friday and reflect on what Jesus did on the CROSS for our sins. Thank you Jesus for being the sacrifice for the sins of the world. I praise you all that you have done and worship you for who you are. I love you Jesus!!!

Here I Am To Worship
by Tim Hughes

Light of the world,
You stepped down into darkness.
Opened my eyes,
let me see.
Beauty that made this heart adore you
Hope of a life spent with you

And here I am to worship,
here I am to bow down,
here I am to say that you're my God
You're altogether lovely,
altogether worthy,
altogether wonderful to me.

King of all days,
oh, so highly exalted.
Glorious in heaven above.
Humbly you came
to the earth you created
All for love's sake became poor.

And here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that you're my God
You're altogether lovely.
altogether worthy,
altogether wonderful to me.

I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross
I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross
And I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross
No, I'll never know how much it cost

Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that you're my God
You're altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me

And here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that you're my God
You're altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful
wonderful wonderful
Yes you are God

I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross
I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross

Jesus truly paid in full our debt of sin!

Daily Caffeination 4/14/06

Using Satan for God's Purpose

Hand this man over to satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord. - 1 Corinthians. 5:5

Paul encountered a believer who was involved in an incestuous relationship in the Corinthian church. This man was deluded by satan and was controlled by immorality. The man was unwilling to change his behavior, so Paul recommended to the church that tough actions be taken. He spiritually handed this man over to satan for the destruction of his flesh for the benefit of his soul. The idea is that the person will wallow in the pit of sin so long until it becomes detestable to him and he cries out for God's grace. We know this man was a Christian because only a Christian can be subjected to church discipline.

Have you ever known someone who was walking in disobedience and no matter how much you prayed he seemed oblivious to his sin? God has given one weapon to counter satan's schemes against those who fall prey to satan. That is, let satan have access to them fully so that their lives become so miserable they cry out to God for mercy. Probably few of us have ever had to pray this prayer. However, you should not be fearful of this prayer for any believer who is willingly walking in disobedience. This is love-tough love. There is a time and place for tough love. I have seen this principle work. God restores His children when His Body takes a stand against sin. It is not comfortable for those who take this action.

Do you know someone who needs tough love in his or her life right now? Ask God if it is time to pray the prayer that Paul prayed. "So that his spirit might be saved on the day of the Lord."

(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

Daily Caffeination 4/13/06

Your Work

I have brought You glory on earth by completing the work You gave Me to do. - John 17:4

The Lord has revealed to us that the number one thing we are to do is love the Lord our God with all our heart and to love our neighbor as ourselves. His desire is for us to know Him and the power of His resurrection. These mandates deal with our relationship with Him. The fruit of this relationship must then result in our glorifying Him by completing the work He has given each of us to do. It will become a by-product of this relationship, not an end in itself.

What is the work God has called you to do? Jesus never did anything the Father had not instructed Him to do. He lived in such communion with the Father that He knew when to turn left and when to turn to the right. Is it possible to have such a relationship with our heavenly Father? I think that if it weren't, He would not have given us such an example.

"Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know" (Jer. 33:3). What has He called you to do? Perhaps you are called to be the best CPA in your city or the best advertising executive or the best office worker or assembly line person in your company. Whatever work He has called you to do, He will use you as His instrument to accomplish something that He has uniquely prepared you to do.

When our life is complete, what a glorious day it will be if we can each say, "I have completed the work You gave me to do." This will have brought great glory to Him.

(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

So Far So God Part 3 Sermon

I was listening to the third part of the series "So Far So God" by Pastor Mark Batterson. He was sharing about God delaying dreams. You know that hit me right in the center of my heart, it spoke to me like crazy. It is one those messages that you hear, that you really don't want to hear but you can't but to agree with it.

Actually, right after hearing this message, I was a little broken because God really dealt with me. I know looking back I will appreciate to a greater extent all that God has prepared me for and the things He doing now to fulfill the dreams that He has placed within me.

This message was so timely, it was something I needed to hear. If you get a chance subscribe to National Community Church podcasts, they are awesome.

Anyways, that is it for now, I just wanted to share that with you all. Thanks Pastor Mark, dude you rock!!! :-)

Later,
Chris

Daily Caffeination 4/12/06

Knowledge that is Productive

For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. - 2 Peter 1:8

Productivity is a term all workplace believers can relate to. It is the by-product of what we desire from our work. Without productivity, we do not make sales, we do not deliver goods, and we do not achieve our goals. There are things in our work lives that can creep in making us unproductive. The same is true in our walk with God.

The apostle Peter tells us that we can become knowledgeable of Jesus but fail to be effective and productive in our relationship with Him. We are a society that has great knowledge, but our comparable scale of productivity from that knowledge is extremely weighted to the knowledge side. The apostle Peter tells us there is a solution to this dilemma.

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith, goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:5-8).

Is your Christian experience filled with knowledge, but little power? Is there staleness in your walk with God? Is there unrest in your soul? It may be due to a need to develop character that only the Holy Spirit can develop out of an obedient heart. Ask the Lord today to add these qualities to your faith so that you can be productive as a soldier of Jesus Christ.

(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

Daily Caffeination 4/11/06

The Gospel of the Kingdom

This is how we know we are in Him: Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did. - 1 John 2:5b-6

When Christ came to earth, He came to bring to mankind the gospel of the Kingdom. Over the centuries, the Church has tended to emphasize only a portion of the gospel. That portion is the gospel of salvation. However, Jesus came that we might have more than just salvation. He came to give us a whole new life that was accompanied by signs, wonders, and His Spirit living in us and revealing Himself to us daily. He came so that we might walk on this earth as He did. If our lives are not reflecting the same things as Jesus' did, we must ask why?

I have noticed three distinct types of workplace believers throughout my 24 years of walking with Christ. First, many of us come to Christ out of a need for salvation. Our hearts have been touched by His call on our lives. We reason and analyze the claims of Christ and make a decision for Him. It is the convenient time to accept Him in our lives. This first stage is often characterized by a "Bless me, Lord" attitude toward God. It is the first stage that primarily brings salvation into our lives. Some never really go past this first stage.

The second stage is the crisis stage. A crisis takes place in our lives, and we are motivated to seek Christ with a whole heart. However, this motivation is not out of pure love for Christ; rather, it is motivated by the desire to get out of the pain of living. The motivation is to solve "the what" versus "the why" in my life at the time. This stage is best characterized as "Help me, Lord."

In the third stage we begin to experience the gospel of the Kingdom. It is the place where Jesus resided in His walk with His heavenly Father. It is the place of conviction. The number of people who live at this level are quite few, but these people are experiencing the reality of a walk with God that is foreign to all others. They are seeing daily occurrences of His involvement in their lives. They are motivated by a deep love for Him. They know Him. These people have an attitude characterized by these thoughts, "Have me, Lord; though He slay me, still will I trust Him."

Where are you today? Have you merely accepted His salvation to simply float along? Or do you seek Him with a whole heart only when a crisis occurs? His desire is for you and me to live a life of conviction, motivated by our love for Him and His love for us. This is where we will experience the gospel of the Kingdom.

(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

Awesome Service Yesterday

I want to say, the only reason why I prepare notes for messages is to get my mind focus and keep a clear picture of what I am going to preach. I also have notes in case I forget what I am saying or if God decides not to show up.

With that said, I hardly preached off of my notes yesterday...same sermon...same thoughts, but I was able to not rely on my notes. This helps me to connect with people. This is one area I believe God has gifted me with my preaching. He takes what I study and learn, helps me to organize my thoughts on paper and allows me to deliver it through the power of the Holy Spirit.

We had a great altar time yesterday, people came up to have their thirst quenched by the Living Water. It was one of those Holy Moments. I enjoy those times around the altar. Just seeking and thirsting after God, allowing Him to fill you up.

Water is so vital for our physical bodies, the Living Water is so vital for our spiritual bodies. Unfortunately, I believe too many Christian get too spiritually dehydrated. There are a lot of dry religious people around. My prayer that God would simply saturate us in His presence.

I feel like I am starting to preach again. Anyways, I am looking forward to preaching again next month.

A quick side note, I have people tell me that I am at a disadvantage being at a smaller church. I believe I am actually at advantage, I believe I get great opportunities to lead, to preach, and work in all areas of ministry. Yes, someday I do want to be a part of a growing church, right now I am taking advantage of my experiences here.

Later,
Chris

Daily Caffeination 4/10/06

Planning for Success

I know, O Lord, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps. - Jeremiah 10:23

In business I hear a lot about planning. Every January I hear workplace believers establishing their planning for the year. Corporations establish plans that cover anywhere from one to five years. Individuals establish personal life plans. There is only one problem that I see with most planning done by well-meaning believers. If God is not the originator and director of the plan, then that plan is doomed for failure. So often, Christian workplace believers set out to plan something that seems good in their own mind. The merits of what is being planned can look great, and it can even be a worthy endeavor. However, that is not the point. When Jesus said He came only to do the will of the Father, He could not consider doing anything that was not what the Father wanted, no matter how good or righteous it might appear to be.

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps" (Prov. 16:9). God must give us the vision for what He calls us to do. After we have the vision, we must ask Him if He wants us to take action on that vision and what the action steps entail. The Lord wants to direct each step of the planning process. David learned this lesson when he went to battle against his enemy, the Philistines. One day he inquired of God as to whether he was to go up against the Philistines, and the Lord said, "Yes, but only when you hear the marching in the balsam trees." It is a mistake to reason and analyze in order to come to a decision on a matter. The Lord already knows the answer. It is our responsibility to seek Him to find out His mind on the matter. Our planning must be established in Him. Only when we remain so connected to the source can we be assured of putting God's plan into place. Also, getting that plan confirmed through others will assure that we are not following the deceit of our own heart.

When you begin to plan next time, ask God for His wisdom for establishing the vision and action steps. You will be surprised how well He can plan.

(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

Theme Song For This Morning

These are the lyrics to the song, "Lose Myself" by Jeff Deyo. Great song that fits with my message this morning. Check it out...

LOSE MYSELF
by Jeff Deyo from CD Saturate

Here I am longing,
I can't stop this longing
For more of You in me.
Lost in this moment,
This beautiful moment
This prayer I sing to You.
I'm crying out to You
To change the way I think,
To steal away my pride
And make me new.

Saturate my life,
Fill every part of me with You
Drown me in Your love,
Let me lose myself in You.

Here I am longing,
I can't stop this longing
For more of You in me.
Lost in this moment,
This beautiful moment
This prayer I sing to You.
I gladly come to You,
I want no place to hide
I'm pouring out my heart
To give You room.

Saturate my life,
Fill every part of me with You
Drown me in Your love,
Let me lose myself in You.

Saturate my life,
Fill every part of me with You
Drown me in Your love,
Let me lose myself in You

Lord Jesus, saturate our lives with the Living Water. Fill every part of our lives with you. Lord, it is my prayer that we will never thirst again. Amen.

I am preaching tomorrow

Again, I have the great honor and opportunity to preach tomorrow morning. I wanted to post my message. This is a continuation of my series, 7 Power Statements From The Cross.

The Power of Suffering (part 5)
7 Power Statements From The Cross
John 19:28-29

“I am thirsty.”

PARADOX OF CHRIST

We are going to take a look at the 5th Statement Jesus made from the Cross…this statement is a simple 3 word statement, but is so profound.

Whenever we think of Christ we are confronted with a number of amazing paradoxes: He is the Lion and the Lamb…one an image of power, majesty and might; the other a picture of innocence, weakness, and sacrifice.

He is the King and the Servant in Isaiah; a contrast that the Jews found difficult to accept in one person. He is both man and God, but not 50/50, He is 100% man, 100% God.

Here on the cross we see another paradox with Christ, through this power statement of suffering. He who is “Living Water” cries out “I am Thirsty!”…how can this be?

HUMANITY OF CHRIST

This cry of Christ’s from the cross demonstrates the humanity of Christ and also reflects the suffering and anguish of the soul as He bore the sins of the world!

Since this cry followed the cry of “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” It may reflect the inner suffering of thirst that goes beyond just the physical, it may also reflect the “thirst” of the soul for God’s presence.

Jesus by thirsting understood our humanity and our dryness of soul, He conquered the grave now invites us to reconnect and to come and fill that thirst: “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.” (John 7:37) We do not need to suffer from thirst…for we can be filled!

SUFFERING OF DEHYDRATION

Water is the source of phyiscal life. We need water to sustain our physical bodies. Without water we will surely die.

Anyone, who has ever been so thirsty and so dry to the point of dehydration knows how awful, how miserable that feeling is. It is a terrible feeling. All that you want is something to satisfy your thirst, you need something quench that feeling.

(Illustration) I have personally been dehydrated twice. One of the times I need IV fluids.

Contrary to what the sports drinks might say, the greatest way to quench a thirst is through good ol' fashion water.

It is also important that we understand the body requires a consistent amount of fluid daily to keep us hydrated. I like the slogan for Sprite, “OBEY YOUR THIRST.” We must understand that we will get thirsty and we need to replenish our body with the proper fluids, as I noted earlier the best is water.

If we don’t allow ourselves to take in the proper amount of fluids we will suffer from physical dehydration. However, what is worse than physical dehydration is spiritual dehydration.

This is the point where Jesus was at in His final hours, he already lost a significant amount of blood and he had been hanging in the hot noonday sun for awhile, Jesus was dehydrated. His own words, “I am thirsty.”

I am sure the thirst suffered by Jesus is indescribable.

FULFILLMENT OF THE SCRIPTURES

Yes, Jesus suffered from beginning to end during the crucifixion, let us never forget or take for granted that fact. Let us never lose sight of His suffering illustrated through this simple statement.

However, let us look again at the latter part of verse 28, “…and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled…”

Let us not forget in the middle of anguish and the suffering that God is still in control and He is fulfilling the Messianic Scriptures/Prophecies of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Let us look at two verses in Psalms that refers to this passage…Psalm 22:15 & Psalm 69:21.

My strength is dried up like a potsherd,and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me Or I am laid in the dust of death.

They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst.

{Jesus understood the human condition through His suffering at the same time He was fulfilling the Scriptural requirements as the Messiah to meet the needs of the human condition.}

WHAT ARE YOU THIRSTY FOR?

Can you say as Jesus said, “I am thirsty?” Are you spiritual dehydrated? Are you personal going through a spiritually dry season in your journey?

The cry of Jesus, “I am thirsty,” was so much more than a cry of human suffering or His physical condition. This is a cry of the every human heart in need of the “Living Water.”

There is no substitute for the “Living Water.” There is nothing else will quench the palate of our soul.

Let us look at the promises of God…

Isaiah 55:1 – “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.

John 6:35 – Then Jesus declared, “…he who believes in me will never be thirsty.”

John 7:37-38 – “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.”

Revelation 21:6 – He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.”

Revelation 22:17 – The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.

Will you come to the source of the “Spring Of Life?”

Jesus invites us to RECONNECT to God, through the waters of Life.

All who are thirsty, will you come and drink?

Daily Caffeination 4/7/06

Faith Experience

These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. - 1 Peter 1:7

One of the great tragedies of the Christian life is that if we fail to enter into a relationship with God that is born of the Holy Spirit, we are left with a religion, not a relationship. Many a person today lives with an intellectual belief in God, but without a relationship that is based on two-way communication. This is the greatest tragedy of all. It's like having a brand-new car but never having the gas to run it. It can't move you anywhere. It only looks pretty, but one cannot enjoy the ride or smell the newness inside.

Peter tells us that until our faith is proved genuine, we will never be able to give praise, glory, and honor to Jesus, because until such testing He will not be revealed in our lives. Peter describes this in the verse before: "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials" (1 Pet. 1:6). Trials are designed to bring us to a level of trust and experience with God that we would never know otherwise. These "faith experiences" with God allow us to know firsthand the faithfulness of God, the love of God, and the personal nature of God. If you cannot recount several instances when God has met you personally, then chances are your faith has not been born of the Holy Spirit into a living relationship with God. It is easy to fall prey to a relationship to God that never experiences His real presence; rather, it is based on knowledge only. This is a tragic place to be.

If this is where you have been in your Christian experience, ask God today to make Himself real to you. Ask Him to show you His personal nature and love. He desires to do this. Those whom He has called know His voice. He will show Himself to those who are His. "He who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I too will love him and show Myself to him" (Jn. 14:21b).

(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

Chazown (Khaw-ZONE) Part 2 introduction...

CIRCLING THE TRUTH
Where to look for your own Chazown

QUOTES FROM THIS CHAPTER (part 2 introduction)

"God speaks in different ways to different people." (page 30)

"When God gives you a vision, He will start to work in you, And He'll keep woring in you until you've learned His lessons." (page 33)

"Setbacks are often setups for God to act." (page 34)

"God can show you His Chazown and bring it to reality in your life in any way and at any time He pleases. After all, He's an amazing God!" (page 34)

SCRIPTURES USED IN THIS CHAPTER

Joesph's Chazown...his dream - Genesis 37:7

Moses' Chazown...the burning bush - Exodus 3

Nehemiah's Chazown...his burden - Nehemiah 2:11-17

"It is God who works in you..." Philippians 2:13

"...but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Genesis 50:20

Great Questions That Should Be Discussed

Is there something missing in your life? Are you aware that God has more for you?

What can I actively and prayerfully do to seek and find God's Chazown for my life?

Three Circles Or Three Areas That Will Be In The Next Few Days

Circle 1: CORE VALUES
Circle 2: SPIRITUAL GIFTS
Circle 3: PAST EXPERIENCES

Check out www.chazown.com.

This an awesome book, Chazown by Craig Groeshel (Multnomah Publishing, 2006)

Daily Caffeination 4/6/06

A New Breed of Workplace Believers

Speak to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people.... - Haggai 2:2

Zerubbabel was the governor of Judah 60 years after the great temple built by Solomon had been destroyed. The temple lay in ruins, and the Lord spoke to the prophet Haggai, "Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?" (Hag. 1:4) God was calling for a remnant of His people to come out of their comfort zones and restore the glory of God's house.

God is doing this same thing today among Christian workplace believers throughout the world. He is rising up a remnant of workplace believers who are being handpicked to use their resources, skills, and experience to affect nations that have not heard the message of Jesus Christ. The only way they can hear is by commerce being brought into their nation through Christian workplace believers, because these are closed regions to normal missionary efforts.

"But now be strong, O Zerubbabel," declares the Lord. "Be strong, O Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land," declares the Lord, "and work. For I am with you," declares the Lord Almighty. "This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And My Spirit remains among you. Do not fear" (Haggai 2:4-5).

The remnant of workplace believers God is calling today understand that they have to come out of Egypt from their past work life. Egypt signifies the way of the world. It represents sweat and toil. It is the flesh. This new way is exemplified by a pioneer spirit. God knows we need to have courage in order to move in this realm. Also, God assures us that His Spirit is with anyone who seeks to live in the realm of supernatural faith.

Are you one of these remnants He has handpicked in these days? Has He called you out of Egypt in order to do extraordinary things in your life for His Kingdom? Ask God to show you how He wants to use you in the workplace this year. Then act and "be strong, all you people of the land."

(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

Oh The Pain

Last night, we began playing basketball on Tuesday nights with three other churches in the area. We call it the Unity Basketball League. We play 4 on 4 half court and 5 on 5 full court, the team I played with kept on winning, so we kept on playing. I know what you are thinking, I workout everyday. Yes, I workout but nothing prepares your body to run pretty much 2 straight hours of basketball, with a lot of running and jumping. Also, I haven't played basketball like that in a quite a number of years, so I wasn't used to it. My legs hurt, my knees hurt, and my back hurts. However, I still went to the gym and did a little lifting this morning. I am in pain.

I am going to take some Advil and keep going.

Later,
Chris

Daily Caffeination 4/05/06

The Famine That Leads to Freedom

Go down there and buy some for us, so that we may live and not die. - Genesis 42:2b

F. B. Meyer in his book, The Life of Joseph, describes a time in the life of the 12 sons of Jacob in which they were driven from their lives of self-satisfaction to an unlikely place to save their lives. Many years earlier they had thrown their youngest brother into a pit, then sold him into slavery. Thirteen years later he became the second most powerful person in Egypt. Now the world was experiencing a famine, and Joseph controlled all the stored grain of Egypt.

As long as the hills were green and the pastures clothed with flocks, as long as the valleys were covered over with corn and rang with the songs of reapers, Reuben, Simeon, and the rest of them would have been unconcerned and content. But when the mighty famine came, the hearts of these men were opened to conviction. Their carnal security was shattered. They were being prepared for certain spiritual experiences they would never have dreamed. And they were being prepared for the meeting with Joseph. This is how God deals with us; He breaks up our nest, He loosens our roots, He sends a mighty famine that cuts away the whole staff of bread. Then, at such times, weary, worn, and sad, we are prepared to confess our sins and receive the words of Christ when He says, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Mt. 11:28).

A missionary once said, "There is a place where we will all be obedient." Joseph was a type of Christ in the Old Testament. The famine was an event designed to bring the brothers to repentance and a saving knowledge, physically and spiritually. It created the circumstances that led to freedom for these men, for they had been in bondage to a wicked crime against their brother for many years. It was the forgiveness from Joseph that led to that freedom.

Is your life passing through a time of famine? Are your supplies limited? Is God leading you into directions that you would not normally seek? Perhaps this is God's hand creating circumstances for His purposes. Now is the time to look attentively as He directs you to unlikely sources.

(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

Chazown (Khaw-ZONE) Part 1

Seeing Clear to the End
Why You Need A New Kind Of Vision

Quotes from this Chapter
"The decisions you are making today are actually making the bed you lie in while you wait to die." (page 15)

"For the most part, people just stumble halfheartedly through life hoping tomorrow will be better than today. No plan. No dream. Mostly just existing." (Page 16)

"Everyone ends up somewere. But few end up somewhere on purpose." (page 17)

"God calls us to live on purpose, keeping the end in view." (Page 18)

"The Bible tells us that vision is critical to our very survival:" (page 19)

"Trust me - His vision for your life is bigger and better than you've had the courage to even hope for. Your God is that good." (Page 25)

Scriptures used in this chapter

"...I am fearfully and wonderfully made..." Psalm139:13-16

"Where there is no vision, the people perish." Proverbs 29:18

"...came to seek and to save what was lost" Luke 19:10

"No one takes [my life] from me..." John 10:18

"I have come that they may have life..." John 10:10

"I consider my life worth nothing to me..." Acts 20:24

"In this world you will have trouble." John 16:33

Great Questions that Should Be Discussed

"What if your life continued to change the world after you died?"

"Are you willing to let God disturb you with dreams so big that you don't know how they'll be accomplished?"

Prayer of Sir Frances Drake...

"Disturb us, Lord, when we are too well please with ourselves. When our dreams have come true because we dreamed too little. hen we arrive safely because we have sailed too close to the shore. Disturb us, Lord."

Plan Your Epitaph

• The thing that was most important to me was...
• People say I stood for...
• I made a difference in my world by...
• God was glorified because I...
• People knew I loved them because...
• The reason I expect God to say 'well done' is...

Check out www.chazown.com.

This an awesome book, Chazown by Craig Groeshel (Multnomah Publishing, 2006)

Chazown And Chronicles

Yesterday, I bought my copy of the book Chazown (Khaw-ZONE) from the Hebrew, meaning a dream, revelation or vision. I started reading it last night. Simply WOW!!! I think I will go chapter by chapter and discuss it on here. The book is by Craig Groeschel, senior pastor and founder of Life Church. I am looking forward to getting more into the book.

Today, I get my copy of the DVD of The Chronicles Of Narnia, in case you didn't know, it is released today. This is an awesome movie. I am looking forward to watching it again.

I would highly recommend you getting these two items. You will not regret it. You can get both of them from your local Family Christian Stores or go online at www.familychristian.com. Don't hesitate get your copies today. Wow that was a great sales pitch...what is next Home Shopping Network.

Later,
Chris

Daily Caffeination 4/4/06

The Dangers of Overcontrol
by Os Hillman, April 4, 2006

For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has rejected you as king. - 1 Samuel 15:23

A friend of mine who is a jet pilot once told me that whenever a jet goes out of control and begins to spin, the only thing to do is totally take your hands off the controls and the plane will right itself. This goes against our natural inclination to control and manipulate in order to bring things back under control. It is scary to be out of control. Or is it?

Saul was a man out of control. He was losing control of his kingdom to David. He was losing the favor of God and the people. It began as compromises. Eventually he was given a final test to obey the voice of God fully. He was instructed to kill the Amalekites completely; but he failed to follow through. The prophet Samuel delivered a hard word to King Saul, "Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has rejected you as king" (see 1 Sam. 15:26). Saul obeyed partially, but not fully. It was partial obedience that led to his removal as king of Israel and his calling from God. But why did Saul do such a thing? "I was afraid of the people and so I gave in to them" (1 Sam. 15:24b). Saul's fear and insecurity made him more afraid of the people and what they thought than of God. At the core of Saul's disobedience was fear of losing control. That fear of losing control led to partial obedience and the loss of his reign as king.

How many of us are in danger of losing God's blessing due to partial obedience? How many of us have such a need to control people and circumstances that we fail to fully walk in obedience to God's voice in our lives? Saul provides a great lesson for us as workplace believers. The need to overcontrol things around us can prevent us from receiving all that God has for us. Today, take an inventory of your control quotient.

Ask God if you are being fully obedient to what He has called you to do this day, and avoid being put on the shelf for disobedience. "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams" (1 Sam. 15:22b).

(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

Soccer and Baseball

Good soccer game yesterday between DC United and New York Red Bull, New York scored to early goals and ran out of steam. DC United scored two late goals and it ended in a 2-2 tie. Good start for DC United. I am a huge soccer fan, if I lived in the DC area I would have season tickets. Are there any other soccer fans out there? I think I am one of the very few in the Richmond area. NASCAR country here.

On another sports note, baseball kicks off for my teams today. I am a Washington Nationals, a Pittsburgh Pirates and a Baltimore Orioles fan. I am looking to seeing several Nationals games this season. I am also a hugh baseball fan, I can watch baseball all day long. I guess you can say that I am really into sports. ESPN Sportscenter and Mike and Mike are two of my favorite things to watch in the morning. I have been known to watch the same episode of Sportscenter 2 or 3 times in a row. If I were a lead pastor in the DC area during baseball season, we would have regular staff meeting at a baseball game. :-)

Lets Play Ball!!!

Chris

Daily Caffeination 4/3/06

Is Anything Too Hard for God?

So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, "After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?" - Genesis 18:12

God had promised Abraham and Sarah a son who would be the seed of a whole nation. Sarah was now beyond childbearing years. So when some angels from God paid Abraham and Sarah a visit to inform them that Sarah was going to have a child, she happened to be listening outside the tent and erupted with laughter. The thought seemed preposterous to her. The angels reminded her that nothing is impossible with God. "Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have a son" (Gen. 18:14). Sarah gave birth to Isaac as foretold.

Recently, I was considering putting on another workplace-leader summit for ministry leaders who minister to those in the workplace. I had been involved in such an event a year earlier. My friend Gunnar Olson, who is the founder of the International Christian Chamber of Commerce of Sweden, had been involved with me in putting on the first event, so I inquired whether he would be willing to participate in the second event. He wrote me an e-mail letter informing me that an international gathering of Christian workplace leaders would be taking place on the island of Cyprus in March and asked if I could postpone my event and instead participate in an event in Cyprus and invite other leaders. My initial response was laughter due to my current financial condition. In fact, I had to go to a map to see just where this place was.

The following day I received a call from a man I had met only 30 days earlier. We had not discussed this event in March. "What are you doing tomorrow? I would like you to go to the airport with me to pick up a missionary whom I want you to meet. We'd like to propose an idea to you. Can you come?"

"Sure," I said.

The next day he picked me up and informed me that we were picking up a missionary who was flying in from Cyprus. "We are planning to take 25 workplace believers to Cyprus for an event that Gunnar Olson is involved in and would like you to come and teach your Esau-to-Joseph workshop the day before. We will cover your expenses. Would you be interested in doing this?" Again, I had to laugh as I saw the hand of God orchestrate in such a miraculous way and in such a timely manner to assure me of His involvement in the new directions in my life.

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God" (Mark 10:27).

Are there things that make you laugh when you think of the miracle that would be required for it to take place? Ask God for the miracle you need today.

(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

It is April 1st

Well fellow blogger...happy April 1st or better known in my house April Fools day. Yes I am a prankster and a jokester, you probably already can tell that right? Today, is also my best friend's birthday...Mike Colon, he actually was my youth pastor when I was a teen, but today he is bestest friend forever. That sounds kind of like a teenage girl. Anyways, Happy Birthday Mike!!!!

Today, is a beautiful day here in Central Virginia, more specifically the Richmond/Chester area. I am looking forward to getting out and playing today. Lora and I are going to an art show at a local communnity college today, and we will probably go to one of our really cool outdoor malls. It should be a fun day. Afterall, this the day that the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it.

Tomorrow, after church Lora and I are driving up to Washington DC to see the DC United opening game at RFK Stadium. In case you didn't know they play soccer and soccer is an amazing sport. I can't wait!!!

Well that is for now. Have a blessed and wonderful day.

Later,
Chris

Daily Caffeination 4/1/06

Opening Our Spiritual Eyes

And Elisha prayed, "O Lord, open his eyes so he may see." Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. - 2 Kings 6:17

Elisha was counseling the nation of Israel against the impending attack of the king of Aram. The Lord supernaturally gave Elisha the plans that the king was implementing, and in turn, Elisha warned Israel of each intended attack. The king could not understand why his plans were continually foiled. It seemed there was a secret informer in his midst. He was furious when he was told it was the God of Israel who was to blame for this inside information. The king decided the only way to resolve the situation was to get rid of the problem - kill Elisha.

The king's forces arrived and surrounded Elisha and his servant. Elisha's servant became upset and fearful when Elisha was not upset. Elisha immediately prayed that his servant's eyes might be opened to see that there was no need to be afraid, because the angels were protecting them.

And Elisha prayed, "O Lord, open his eyes so he may see." Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, "Strike these people with blindness." So He struck them with blindness, as Elisha had asked (2 Kings 6:17-18).

Who is the Elisha in your life? Do you have a mentor friend who can see the activity of God in your life when you cannot see it? We all need to have somebody we can trust to help us see the activity of God. It is often difficult for us to see what God is really doing because we are so consumed by the circumstances of the moment. Ask God today to help open your spiritual eyes that you might see Him in your circumstances.

(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)