Not Ashamed
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek." (Romans 1:16)
We are living in a time in which people stand up for a variety of causes. People stand up for everything imaginable, and in some cases, they are even willing to lay down their lives for what they believe. Although we may not agree with what they are saying in some cases, we have to admire their courage for believing in something so strongly that they are willing to risk their lives for it.
Isn't it time that we, as Christians, stand up for what we believe? Romans 10:9 says that "if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
What does it mean to confess the Lord Jesus? The very word confess gives us a clue. It is a word that means, "to be in agreement with."
When I am confessing Jesus Christ, I am not merely acknowledging that He existed, nor am I just acknowledging that He is God. When I confess Jesus Christ before others, I am saying that I agree with Him.
It is not enough to simply acknowledge that He has power and that He is moving in the lives of certain people. There must be a personal acknowledgement that I have received Him as my own Savior and Lord.
In a day when so many are standing up for so many causes, it seems to me there are so many in the church who are not standing up for anything. Let's be willing to stand up and confess Jesus Christ before others.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
May Term of Small Groups Beginning at NCC
We have three great small groups that will be taking place during our May term here at NCC. Our May term begins next week. Check out these small groups...
May 5, 12, 19 7:00-9:00 pm
THE STORY
A High Speed Thrill Ride Through Epic Story of the Bible
May 6, 13, 20 7:00-9:00 pm
SET APART
Exploring the Foundations of Social Justice
May 7, 14, 21 7:00-9:00 pm
BIBLE STUDY METHODS
The focus is on why we should study the Bible, methods we can use to study the Bible, and how we can apply biblical truth to our daily lives.
All these great groups will be taking place at Ebenezers Coffeehouse.
For more information you can check it out here - www.theaterchurch.com/events
May 5, 12, 19 7:00-9:00 pm
THE STORY
A High Speed Thrill Ride Through Epic Story of the Bible
May 6, 13, 20 7:00-9:00 pm
SET APART
Exploring the Foundations of Social Justice
May 7, 14, 21 7:00-9:00 pm
BIBLE STUDY METHODS
The focus is on why we should study the Bible, methods we can use to study the Bible, and how we can apply biblical truth to our daily lives.
All these great groups will be taking place at Ebenezers Coffeehouse.
For more information you can check it out here - www.theaterchurch.com/events
Simple Truth
So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. James 2:17
We become God's Children by faith, but we become His Followers by our work and actions. Are you you a Christ follower?
Good, godly desires are meant to be lived, not dreamed of. Put feet on your intentions. Live them well. God is calling His followers to action.
We become God's Children by faith, but we become His Followers by our work and actions. Are you you a Christ follower?
Good, godly desires are meant to be lived, not dreamed of. Put feet on your intentions. Live them well. God is calling His followers to action.
Daily Caffeination 04/29/08
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.
"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.
Monday, April 28, 2008
An Absolutely Crazy and Fun Weekend
What an absolutely crazy and fun weekend that I just came out of. I am exhausted, sore, spiritually charged and mentally drained. I also came through this weekend with a few pictures of me.
Friday and Saturday I had the great honor and opportunity to hang out in Woodbridge, VA with 2500 teenagers for the Potomac Youth Ministries annual Spring Convention...Amplify! Great times, I got a chance to hang with my "kids" and family from Crosslight. I also had the chance to reconnect with some great friends and peers in the ministry. I also had the privilege to hang and host the band Nevertheless who were one of the concert artists at this year's Convention. The guys from Nevertheless were some of the nicest guys and I really enjoyed listening to them perform.
Being at the Convention makes me realize how much I appreciated my time as a youth pastor (14 years) and how I even miss it. I really enjoyed seeing all those kids seeking and worshipping God in such a high energy way. Being around so many young people keeps me young at heart and it encourages me to see the future of the Christian church as many of these youth are just beginning their journey and exploring their own personal faith in Jesus. Any youth pastors out there keep doing what you are doing and keep thinking about the influence and the eternal impact that your making on these young lives as they begin to ddevelop in their own personal faith on their life journey.
Also this weekend we had great service at Union Station and Ebenezers. We continued our series Potential...who will you be? Pastor Mark shared about the various qualifications of a leader out of 1 Timothy. In my opinion, one of the greatest things we can do to step up to our God given potential is to strive to be the leaders that God has called us to be. As Christ followers we are called to be ministers...the challenge is raising that standard of leadership our personal life that will be reflected in our everyday life at home, at work, at church, at school or in our community.
This series has been a great series, I am looking forward to next weekend for Pastor Mark's sit down conversation with Dr. Dick Foth.
Finally, last night we had an amazing Variety Show...we took it back to the Old Skool. We had some amazing acts which included a flaming baton, amazing vocalists, several dancers, My boy Pierre and his friends doing some breakdancing (they were amazing) and the Old Skool pastors competition that Pastor Mark, Pastor Heather and I competed in. I pulled out a few breakdancing moves myself and this is why I am very sore today. I am realizing more and more that i am no longer 16 years old and no longer 180lbs. :-) My body is not moving very well today.
On the sad note and with pictures to prove it. I pulled over not by one but two Capitol Hill Police Officers on Saturday right before the 5:00 service at Ebenezers, in the Ebenezers driveway with many NCCers looking on to watch the whole incident get played out. Not only did some NCCers watch this from our outdoor patio, but Pastor Mark, Pastor Dave, Pastor Joel and Jeremy Sexton watched everything go down and they were kind enough to take pictures. :-) Thanks guys!
What did I do you ask? Well they said I ran through a stop sign (I guess I have to agree with them, I did), they also said I was on my said phone, which is not true. Technically, I looked down out it when it was vibrating and went to check to see what it was and I was receiving a text message from Pastor Joel. This all happen just a few feet right before I was turning into the driveway at Ebenezers.
The good news the nice officer let me off with two warnings when he found that I worked at the coffeehouse as a pastor. The whole incident test my patience and it was very embarrassing as many NCCers were watching the whole thing happen.
Here are the pictures that my fellow pastors took of the situation.
Friday and Saturday I had the great honor and opportunity to hang out in Woodbridge, VA with 2500 teenagers for the Potomac Youth Ministries annual Spring Convention...Amplify! Great times, I got a chance to hang with my "kids" and family from Crosslight. I also had the chance to reconnect with some great friends and peers in the ministry. I also had the privilege to hang and host the band Nevertheless who were one of the concert artists at this year's Convention. The guys from Nevertheless were some of the nicest guys and I really enjoyed listening to them perform.
Being at the Convention makes me realize how much I appreciated my time as a youth pastor (14 years) and how I even miss it. I really enjoyed seeing all those kids seeking and worshipping God in such a high energy way. Being around so many young people keeps me young at heart and it encourages me to see the future of the Christian church as many of these youth are just beginning their journey and exploring their own personal faith in Jesus. Any youth pastors out there keep doing what you are doing and keep thinking about the influence and the eternal impact that your making on these young lives as they begin to ddevelop in their own personal faith on their life journey.
Also this weekend we had great service at Union Station and Ebenezers. We continued our series Potential...who will you be? Pastor Mark shared about the various qualifications of a leader out of 1 Timothy. In my opinion, one of the greatest things we can do to step up to our God given potential is to strive to be the leaders that God has called us to be. As Christ followers we are called to be ministers...the challenge is raising that standard of leadership our personal life that will be reflected in our everyday life at home, at work, at church, at school or in our community.
This series has been a great series, I am looking forward to next weekend for Pastor Mark's sit down conversation with Dr. Dick Foth.
Finally, last night we had an amazing Variety Show...we took it back to the Old Skool. We had some amazing acts which included a flaming baton, amazing vocalists, several dancers, My boy Pierre and his friends doing some breakdancing (they were amazing) and the Old Skool pastors competition that Pastor Mark, Pastor Heather and I competed in. I pulled out a few breakdancing moves myself and this is why I am very sore today. I am realizing more and more that i am no longer 16 years old and no longer 180lbs. :-) My body is not moving very well today.
On the sad note and with pictures to prove it. I pulled over not by one but two Capitol Hill Police Officers on Saturday right before the 5:00 service at Ebenezers, in the Ebenezers driveway with many NCCers looking on to watch the whole incident get played out. Not only did some NCCers watch this from our outdoor patio, but Pastor Mark, Pastor Dave, Pastor Joel and Jeremy Sexton watched everything go down and they were kind enough to take pictures. :-) Thanks guys!
What did I do you ask? Well they said I ran through a stop sign (I guess I have to agree with them, I did), they also said I was on my said phone, which is not true. Technically, I looked down out it when it was vibrating and went to check to see what it was and I was receiving a text message from Pastor Joel. This all happen just a few feet right before I was turning into the driveway at Ebenezers.
The good news the nice officer let me off with two warnings when he found that I worked at the coffeehouse as a pastor. The whole incident test my patience and it was very embarrassing as many NCCers were watching the whole thing happen.
Here are the pictures that my fellow pastors took of the situation.
Notice the two police cars and the two officers on each side of my car.
Me walking away with my warnings
My Strengths...
I took the Gallup's Strengths Finder 2.0 test and here is what it reveals about my strengths. It is good to know your character strengths and learn how to continue to grow and maximize in those areas, this way it is possible live out the maximum God given potential in your life. As I look at this list and their descriptions, I believe it does adequately describe my five greatest strengths.
My Top Five Themes or Strengths in My Life:
Restorative
Positivity
Belief
Responsibility
Harmony
Restorative:
People who are especially talented in the Restorative theme are adept at dealing with problems. They are good at figuring out what is wrong and resolving it.
Positivity:
People who are especially talented in the Positivity theme have an enthusiasm that is contagious. They are upbeat and can get others excited about what they are going to do.
Belief:
People who are especially talented in the Belief theme have certain core values that are unchanging. Out of these values emerges a defined purpose for their life.
Responsibility:
People who are especially talented in the Responsibility theme take psychological ownership of what they say they will do. They are committed to stable values such as honesty and loyalty.
Harmony:
People who are especially talented in the Harmony theme look for consensus. They don’t enjoy conflict; rather, they seek areas of agreement.
Those who know me...what do you think? Do you think this describes who I am? Reading through many of the things that makes me stand out they have me nailed pretty accurately. Pretty much all of these things I already knew about myself, so it was good confirmation and how I need to play to my strengths.
My Top Five Themes or Strengths in My Life:
Restorative
Positivity
Belief
Responsibility
Harmony
Restorative:
People who are especially talented in the Restorative theme are adept at dealing with problems. They are good at figuring out what is wrong and resolving it.
Positivity:
People who are especially talented in the Positivity theme have an enthusiasm that is contagious. They are upbeat and can get others excited about what they are going to do.
Belief:
People who are especially talented in the Belief theme have certain core values that are unchanging. Out of these values emerges a defined purpose for their life.
Responsibility:
People who are especially talented in the Responsibility theme take psychological ownership of what they say they will do. They are committed to stable values such as honesty and loyalty.
Harmony:
People who are especially talented in the Harmony theme look for consensus. They don’t enjoy conflict; rather, they seek areas of agreement.
Those who know me...what do you think? Do you think this describes who I am? Reading through many of the things that makes me stand out they have me nailed pretty accurately. Pretty much all of these things I already knew about myself, so it was good confirmation and how I need to play to my strengths.
Daily Caffeination 04/28/08
Make the Right Choice
"I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live." -Deuteronomy 30:19
When I first became a Christian, I decided that I would somehow find a way to live in two worlds. I was planning to hang out with my old friends and still be a Christian. For a time, I was sort of in a suspended state of animation. I wasn't comfortable with my old buddies, but I wasn't quite comfortable with the Christians either.
So I decided to be Mr. Solo Christian. I even said to my friends, "Don't worry about me. You're thinking I will become a fanatic and carry a Bible and say, 'Praise the Lord.' It will never happen. I'm going to be cool about this. I won't embarrass you, but I'm going to believe in God now."
However, as God became more real to me and I began to follow Him more closely, He changed my life and my outlook, and my priorities began to change.
There are people who will discourage you from growing spiritually. They will say, "I think it's good you are a Christian. I go to church to at Christmas and Easter, and for weddings. But you're getting a little too fanatical. You actually brought a Bible to work the other day. We were so embarrassed. You're no fun anymore. We're glad you have made changes in your life, but don't become too extreme." There are people like this who will discourage you.
When this happens, you have the choice to either do what God wants you to do or to go with the flow. Are you going to let people hold you back? Are you going to let people discourage you from wholehearted commitment to Jesus Christ?
"I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live." -Deuteronomy 30:19
When I first became a Christian, I decided that I would somehow find a way to live in two worlds. I was planning to hang out with my old friends and still be a Christian. For a time, I was sort of in a suspended state of animation. I wasn't comfortable with my old buddies, but I wasn't quite comfortable with the Christians either.
So I decided to be Mr. Solo Christian. I even said to my friends, "Don't worry about me. You're thinking I will become a fanatic and carry a Bible and say, 'Praise the Lord.' It will never happen. I'm going to be cool about this. I won't embarrass you, but I'm going to believe in God now."
However, as God became more real to me and I began to follow Him more closely, He changed my life and my outlook, and my priorities began to change.
There are people who will discourage you from growing spiritually. They will say, "I think it's good you are a Christian. I go to church to at Christmas and Easter, and for weddings. But you're getting a little too fanatical. You actually brought a Bible to work the other day. We were so embarrassed. You're no fun anymore. We're glad you have made changes in your life, but don't become too extreme." There are people like this who will discourage you.
When this happens, you have the choice to either do what God wants you to do or to go with the flow. Are you going to let people hold you back? Are you going to let people discourage you from wholehearted commitment to Jesus Christ?
Friday, April 25, 2008
Daily Caffeination 04/25/08
The Little Things
"Don't you realize that whatever you choose to obey becomes your master? You can choose sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God and receive his approval." -Romans 6:16
When I was a kid, I collected snakes. I thought they were just great, and I had them in all shapes and sizes.
I once met a man who collected venomous snakes and had worked in some type of zoo. I really admired him. He had been bitten by a tiger snake, which is the most venomous snake on Earth, even worse than a cobra. This man survived the snakebite because he had been taking serum and had developed an immunity to the tiger snake's venom. As a result, this man basically thought he was indestructible, that no snake would ever take him down. He actually had cobras that had not been defanged slithering around loose in his house.
One day in his home, he was bitten by a cobra and didn't realize it until later when his leg began to swell. He was rushed to the hospital and died. This man thought that because he had survived the tiger snake's bite, he didn't need to worry about cobras. That became his downfall.
Many times, it is the little things that bring us down. Some Christians think, "I can handle this. I'm strong. I'll never fall." But we need to be careful.
When we feel the most secure in ourselves, when we think our spiritual lives are the strongest, our doctrine is the most sound, and our morals are the purest, we should be the most on guard and the most dependent on the Lord.
Sometimes the weakest Christian is not in as much danger as the strongest one, because our strongest virtues can become our greatest vulnerabilities.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries
"Don't you realize that whatever you choose to obey becomes your master? You can choose sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God and receive his approval." -Romans 6:16
When I was a kid, I collected snakes. I thought they were just great, and I had them in all shapes and sizes.
I once met a man who collected venomous snakes and had worked in some type of zoo. I really admired him. He had been bitten by a tiger snake, which is the most venomous snake on Earth, even worse than a cobra. This man survived the snakebite because he had been taking serum and had developed an immunity to the tiger snake's venom. As a result, this man basically thought he was indestructible, that no snake would ever take him down. He actually had cobras that had not been defanged slithering around loose in his house.
One day in his home, he was bitten by a cobra and didn't realize it until later when his leg began to swell. He was rushed to the hospital and died. This man thought that because he had survived the tiger snake's bite, he didn't need to worry about cobras. That became his downfall.
Many times, it is the little things that bring us down. Some Christians think, "I can handle this. I'm strong. I'll never fall." But we need to be careful.
When we feel the most secure in ourselves, when we think our spiritual lives are the strongest, our doctrine is the most sound, and our morals are the purest, we should be the most on guard and the most dependent on the Lord.
Sometimes the weakest Christian is not in as much danger as the strongest one, because our strongest virtues can become our greatest vulnerabilities.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries
Thursday, April 24, 2008
NCC's Annual Variety Show - Ol' Skool
Be a part of this great and fun event coming this weekend. NCC's Annual Variety Show is here! We are Takin' it Back to the Ol' Skool.
www.theaterchurch.com/mail/outreach
The NCC Variety Show
Takin it back to the Ol’ Skool
This is night is guaranteed to be one of the funniest and most entertaining events that we have this year. You’ll have a great time while supporting some NCC’ers showing off their talents. Come on out and invite a friend!
You don’t want to miss the standup comedy, lively dance, classic videos, Ol’ skool Pastor-off, and much more...
This Sunday @ 6pm
Stuart Hopson School (410 E Street NE)
Red line (Union Station)
Takin it back to the Ol’ Skool
This is night is guaranteed to be one of the funniest and most entertaining events that we have this year. You’ll have a great time while supporting some NCC’ers showing off their talents. Come on out and invite a friend!
You don’t want to miss the standup comedy, lively dance, classic videos, Ol’ skool Pastor-off, and much more...
This Sunday @ 6pm
Stuart Hopson School (410 E Street NE)
Red line (Union Station)
www.theaterchurch.com/mail/outreach
Daily Caffeination 04/24/08
On the Offensive
"When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him." -Isaiah 59:19
I remember reading a story about one of the battles between General Robert E. Lee and General Ulysses S. Grant during the Civil War. General Lee was, of course, the head of the Confederate forces and was known for his brilliant tactics in doing a lot with a little. He did not have the organization of the Union army or the manpower, but he was able to move in an effective way and foil his enemies on a number of occasions. His exploits had become so legendary that the Union soldiers were terrified of him.
One night, some Union soldiers were standing around the campfire talking about General Lee. They said, "What if General Lee does this? What are we going to do?"
General Grant was standing a few feet away. He walked over and said to the soldiers, "The way you boys are talking, you would think that General Lee is going to do a somersault and land in the middle of our camp. Stop talking about what he's going to do, and let him worry about what we're going to do."
Sometimes I see the same thing happening in the church: Oh, the devil is doing this. The devil is doing that. Did you hear about this wicked thing that happened? I think we should stop focusing so much on what the devil is doing and stop worrying so much about what he will do and instead let him worry about what we Christians will do.
Rather than trembling in fear about what the devil is doing, we can rejoice in the power that God has given us to live victoriously and effectively for Him.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries
"When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him." -Isaiah 59:19
I remember reading a story about one of the battles between General Robert E. Lee and General Ulysses S. Grant during the Civil War. General Lee was, of course, the head of the Confederate forces and was known for his brilliant tactics in doing a lot with a little. He did not have the organization of the Union army or the manpower, but he was able to move in an effective way and foil his enemies on a number of occasions. His exploits had become so legendary that the Union soldiers were terrified of him.
One night, some Union soldiers were standing around the campfire talking about General Lee. They said, "What if General Lee does this? What are we going to do?"
General Grant was standing a few feet away. He walked over and said to the soldiers, "The way you boys are talking, you would think that General Lee is going to do a somersault and land in the middle of our camp. Stop talking about what he's going to do, and let him worry about what we're going to do."
Sometimes I see the same thing happening in the church: Oh, the devil is doing this. The devil is doing that. Did you hear about this wicked thing that happened? I think we should stop focusing so much on what the devil is doing and stop worrying so much about what he will do and instead let him worry about what we Christians will do.
Rather than trembling in fear about what the devil is doing, we can rejoice in the power that God has given us to live victoriously and effectively for Him.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries
Simple Truth
The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD;he is their stronghold in time of trouble. The LORD helps them and delivers them;he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,because they take refuge in him. Psalm 37:39-40
God is a Deliverer for those who recognize how helpless and vulnerable they are. He is not a Deliverer for those who try to add Him to their own self-effort.
God helps those who know how helpless they are and who appeal to Him-on His terms-for deliverance.
God is a Deliverer for those who recognize how helpless and vulnerable they are. He is not a Deliverer for those who try to add Him to their own self-effort.
God helps those who know how helpless they are and who appeal to Him-on His terms-for deliverance.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Variety Show Trailer
Check out the trailer for this week's Variety Show - Ol' Skool
Yes that big boy breakdancing is yours truly. :-) Enjoy and laugh!
www.theaterchurch.com/media/feature/variety-show-trailer/
Yes that big boy breakdancing is yours truly. :-) Enjoy and laugh!
www.theaterchurch.com/media/feature/variety-show-trailer/
Daily Caffeination 04/23/08
Spiritual Casualties
"Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from what we believe; they will follow lying spirits and teachings that come from demons." -1 Timothy 4:1
It is clear that we are living in the last days. All around us, we see signs being fulfilled before our very eyes that Jesus and the prophets told us to look for. The Bible warns that in the last days things will go from bad to worse (see 2 Timothy 3:1--13). The Scripture also warns that one of the signs of the last days will be a falling away from the faith, or an apostasy.
The question is, could you or I ever become one of those spiritual casualties? Could you or I ever fall away from the Lord? Without question, the potential, even the inclination, to sin is clearly within us. I have the potential to fall. You have it as well.
This is why we must give careful attention to the potential pitfalls that Scripture describes. We must be aware of certain things as we are living in the last days. As the apostle Paul wrote in Romans 13, "The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So don't live in darkness. Get rid of your evil deeds. Shed them like dirty clothes. Clothe yourselves with the armor of right living, as those who live in the light" (verse 12).
This is not a time to be playing games with God and living in half-hearted commitment to Him. The only way to survive as a Christian, and even flourish in these last days, is to be completely committed to Jesus Christ. Otherwise, we will be easy targets for the tactics, strategies, and flaming arrows of the devil.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries
"Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from what we believe; they will follow lying spirits and teachings that come from demons." -1 Timothy 4:1
It is clear that we are living in the last days. All around us, we see signs being fulfilled before our very eyes that Jesus and the prophets told us to look for. The Bible warns that in the last days things will go from bad to worse (see 2 Timothy 3:1--13). The Scripture also warns that one of the signs of the last days will be a falling away from the faith, or an apostasy.
The question is, could you or I ever become one of those spiritual casualties? Could you or I ever fall away from the Lord? Without question, the potential, even the inclination, to sin is clearly within us. I have the potential to fall. You have it as well.
This is why we must give careful attention to the potential pitfalls that Scripture describes. We must be aware of certain things as we are living in the last days. As the apostle Paul wrote in Romans 13, "The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So don't live in darkness. Get rid of your evil deeds. Shed them like dirty clothes. Clothe yourselves with the armor of right living, as those who live in the light" (verse 12).
This is not a time to be playing games with God and living in half-hearted commitment to Him. The only way to survive as a Christian, and even flourish in these last days, is to be completely committed to Jesus Christ. Otherwise, we will be easy targets for the tactics, strategies, and flaming arrows of the devil.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Daily Caffeination 04/22/08
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.
"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.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Daily Caffeination 04/21/08
Divine Discipline
"God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." -James 1:12
Why does God bring tests into our lives? Is it because He wants to give us a hard time or embarrass us? No. It is because God wants us to learn. He wants us to mature spiritually. God wants us to learn to trust Him, even when we don't understand Him. He wants us to be patient with Him, even when He doesn't work according to our schedules.
The Bible says, "For whom the Lord loves He chastens . . ." (Hebrews 12:6 nkjv). Although God will discipline you when necessary, the word chasten also means "to train." God wants to teach you. He wants you to grow. He loves you so much that He will bring a series of tests and lessons into your life to whip you into shape. Those very tests, those very difficulties, and those very obstacles all can be indications of God's love for you.
When you start to cross the line and do something you shouldn't, God's Holy Spirit will be there to convict you. When you try to do something that you know is wrong and God puts an obstacle in your path, it is because He loves you.
The times you should be concerned are when you can do things that you know are wrong and feel no remorse. But when you know something is wrong and struggle with it, that is a sign you are a child of God and He loves you enough to show you when you are going astray. Instead of seeing God's chastening as an intrusion in your life, welcome it. And be thankful He is looking out for you.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries
"God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." -James 1:12
Why does God bring tests into our lives? Is it because He wants to give us a hard time or embarrass us? No. It is because God wants us to learn. He wants us to mature spiritually. God wants us to learn to trust Him, even when we don't understand Him. He wants us to be patient with Him, even when He doesn't work according to our schedules.
The Bible says, "For whom the Lord loves He chastens . . ." (Hebrews 12:6 nkjv). Although God will discipline you when necessary, the word chasten also means "to train." God wants to teach you. He wants you to grow. He loves you so much that He will bring a series of tests and lessons into your life to whip you into shape. Those very tests, those very difficulties, and those very obstacles all can be indications of God's love for you.
When you start to cross the line and do something you shouldn't, God's Holy Spirit will be there to convict you. When you try to do something that you know is wrong and God puts an obstacle in your path, it is because He loves you.
The times you should be concerned are when you can do things that you know are wrong and feel no remorse. But when you know something is wrong and struggle with it, that is a sign you are a child of God and He loves you enough to show you when you are going astray. Instead of seeing God's chastening as an intrusion in your life, welcome it. And be thankful He is looking out for you.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries
Friday, April 18, 2008
Daily Caffeination 04/18/08
When to Run
"Run from anything that stimulates youthful lust. Follow anything that makes you want to do right. . . ." -2 Timothy 2:22
Some years ago, there was a story in the news about a man who had a tree fall on his leg. With no one around to come to his rescue, he took out a pocketknife and proceeded to amputate his leg. Then he made his way up the road until someone picked him up and raced him to help. Amazingly, this man who had a severed leg still had enough presence of mind to tell the driver of the vehicle not to go too fast. He said, "I didn't come this far to die on the road. Take it easy."
I remember reading that story and thinking, "He did what? How could this guy cut off his leg? I would have laid under the tree and just waited for help." But the doctors who treated him later said that if he wouldn't have taken such a drastic measure, he would have died. He did it to save his life.
Sometimes we must take radical, drastic steps to remove ourselves from whatever it is that is hurting us spiritually. That may mean immediate change. It may mean physically getting up and saying, "I'm out of here."
You might be at that party. Watching that movie. In that relationship. In that car. Wherever it is, you realize you shouldn't be there. God is convicting you. He is saying, "What are you doing here?" Don't be foolish. Just get up and go. That's not always possible, but many times it is.
Is there a relationship or a situation in which you don't belong? Has God been speaking to you about it? You'll be glad you took the time to listen.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries
"Run from anything that stimulates youthful lust. Follow anything that makes you want to do right. . . ." -2 Timothy 2:22
Some years ago, there was a story in the news about a man who had a tree fall on his leg. With no one around to come to his rescue, he took out a pocketknife and proceeded to amputate his leg. Then he made his way up the road until someone picked him up and raced him to help. Amazingly, this man who had a severed leg still had enough presence of mind to tell the driver of the vehicle not to go too fast. He said, "I didn't come this far to die on the road. Take it easy."
I remember reading that story and thinking, "He did what? How could this guy cut off his leg? I would have laid under the tree and just waited for help." But the doctors who treated him later said that if he wouldn't have taken such a drastic measure, he would have died. He did it to save his life.
Sometimes we must take radical, drastic steps to remove ourselves from whatever it is that is hurting us spiritually. That may mean immediate change. It may mean physically getting up and saying, "I'm out of here."
You might be at that party. Watching that movie. In that relationship. In that car. Wherever it is, you realize you shouldn't be there. God is convicting you. He is saying, "What are you doing here?" Don't be foolish. Just get up and go. That's not always possible, but many times it is.
Is there a relationship or a situation in which you don't belong? Has God been speaking to you about it? You'll be glad you took the time to listen.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries
Thursday, April 17, 2008
A Quick Reflection of My Calling
As I consider my calling from God and not man. I am beginning to get to the core of who I am and how my experiences (for us church people--my testimony) can play a part in what God has for me and how he wants to use me in reaching my potential. I realize more and more it is me who limits me. I have been taking a inventory of late of who I am and my calling that that I received from God. What HE wants me to do. (Yes that is intentional.)
I posted a few days ago about a part of the calling that God has given to me, Calling as a Pastor - Honor and Invest.
I believe another part of my calling is found in the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman in John 4. That is reaching people much like myself. People who are decimated in body and in spirit. People who seemingly have been emptied of purpose, sapped of esteem-even rejected and despised.
I don't want to have the attitude that a person must be happy, adopt a certain religious behavior for the sake of image or look in any way of being "together". For me much like Christ, after all I am a Christ follower first, i want to have honest relationships with people I encounter and simply love people in the midst of their situations or circumstances.
My calling is to simply build honest and genuine relationship with people where they are at and help guide them to see and reach their God given potential.
I don't want to be like this quote from T.S. Eliot, "Christians tend to make life neater and tidier than it really is." I understand more and more, that we live on an increasingly fractured planet, and, regardless of our perceptions that fracturing encompasses the lives of many Christians and non-Christians alike.
I want to meet people (and build relationships with them) at their lowest and help guide them to a crossing point in their faith journey.
I posted a few days ago about a part of the calling that God has given to me, Calling as a Pastor - Honor and Invest.
I believe another part of my calling is found in the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman in John 4. That is reaching people much like myself. People who are decimated in body and in spirit. People who seemingly have been emptied of purpose, sapped of esteem-even rejected and despised.
I don't want to have the attitude that a person must be happy, adopt a certain religious behavior for the sake of image or look in any way of being "together". For me much like Christ, after all I am a Christ follower first, i want to have honest relationships with people I encounter and simply love people in the midst of their situations or circumstances.
My calling is to simply build honest and genuine relationship with people where they are at and help guide them to see and reach their God given potential.
I don't want to be like this quote from T.S. Eliot, "Christians tend to make life neater and tidier than it really is." I understand more and more, that we live on an increasingly fractured planet, and, regardless of our perceptions that fracturing encompasses the lives of many Christians and non-Christians alike.
I want to meet people (and build relationships with them) at their lowest and help guide them to a crossing point in their faith journey.
Simple Truth
But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. 1 Corinthians 2:10
We can not be content with superficial spirituality. God has called us to go deep. Dive into the depths of His wisdom.
What keeps us from going deeper with God?
A quick thought: The church too often talks religion and the culture talks spirituality. How can we bridge the two with grace and truth?
We can not be content with superficial spirituality. God has called us to go deep. Dive into the depths of His wisdom.
What keeps us from going deeper with God?
A quick thought: The church too often talks religion and the culture talks spirituality. How can we bridge the two with grace and truth?
Daily Caffeination 04/17/08
The Voice of Peace
"For you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace. . . ." -Isaiah 55:12
Not only does God speak to us through His Word, and not only does He speak to us through people and circumstances, but God also speaks to us through His peace. Colossians says, "Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful" (3:15). Another way to translate that verse is, "Let God's peace act as an umpire in your lives, settling with finality all matters that arise."
God's peace can act as an umpire in your life. He can settle with finality what you should do. Here's how it works. Maybe you think that something is the will of God. Circumstantially, things have fallen into place. You begin to proceed, but then you have a complete lack of peace. Something inside of you is saying, "Don't do it."
The Old Testament tells the story of a clever group of individuals known as Gibeonites, who lived in Canaan. God had instructed Joshua not to make any deals with the inhabitants of the land. So the Gibeonites put on old shoes and clothes and pretended as though they had come from a distant country. They told Joshua they had come to enter into an agreement with him. Joshua unknowingly struck a deal with his enemies because he failed to consult the Lord.
Things can look good outwardly. Everything can seem right. Be careful. Learn to listen to that still, small voice. Learn to pay attention to that peace, or lack of it, in your life because that is one of the ways God will lead you. When you're in the will of God, you will have His peace.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries
"For you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace. . . ." -Isaiah 55:12
Not only does God speak to us through His Word, and not only does He speak to us through people and circumstances, but God also speaks to us through His peace. Colossians says, "Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful" (3:15). Another way to translate that verse is, "Let God's peace act as an umpire in your lives, settling with finality all matters that arise."
God's peace can act as an umpire in your life. He can settle with finality what you should do. Here's how it works. Maybe you think that something is the will of God. Circumstantially, things have fallen into place. You begin to proceed, but then you have a complete lack of peace. Something inside of you is saying, "Don't do it."
The Old Testament tells the story of a clever group of individuals known as Gibeonites, who lived in Canaan. God had instructed Joshua not to make any deals with the inhabitants of the land. So the Gibeonites put on old shoes and clothes and pretended as though they had come from a distant country. They told Joshua they had come to enter into an agreement with him. Joshua unknowingly struck a deal with his enemies because he failed to consult the Lord.
Things can look good outwardly. Everything can seem right. Be careful. Learn to listen to that still, small voice. Learn to pay attention to that peace, or lack of it, in your life because that is one of the ways God will lead you. When you're in the will of God, you will have His peace.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Daily Caffeination 04/16/08
The Voice of Circumstance
"So Gideon said to God, 'If You will save Israel by my hand as You have said--look, I shall put a fleece of wool on the threshing floor; if there is dew on the fleece only, and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that You will save Israel by my hand, as You have said.' " -Judges 6:36--37.
Not only does God speak to us through His Word, and not only will He never contradict His Word, but God also speaks through circumstances. Although I'm not one to base major life decisions on circumstances alone, there have clearly been times when I have sensed that something was the will of God and then things would fall into place circumstantially. At other times, circumstances have made it obvious that God was saying "no."
A classic example of God speaking through circumstances was when God spoke to Gideon, who laid his fleece out on the ground, asking God to confirm His Word. Certainly, Jonah got the right message when God brought his journey to an abrupt halt, and he found himself in the belly of a very large fish.
Of course, as a part of this process, God speaks to us through people. For example, there have been times when I have been listening to a someone preach or have been talking with a friend, and suddenly what he is saying addresses the situation I'm going through, even though he is completely unaware of my circumstances. It makes me realize that it is God himself speaking to me through those individuals.
Maybe God has spoken to you through a pastor or a Christian friend. Or perhaps He has been speaking to you through circumstances. Listen carefully, and remember that He will never contradict His Word.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries
"So Gideon said to God, 'If You will save Israel by my hand as You have said--look, I shall put a fleece of wool on the threshing floor; if there is dew on the fleece only, and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that You will save Israel by my hand, as You have said.' " -Judges 6:36--37.
Not only does God speak to us through His Word, and not only will He never contradict His Word, but God also speaks through circumstances. Although I'm not one to base major life decisions on circumstances alone, there have clearly been times when I have sensed that something was the will of God and then things would fall into place circumstantially. At other times, circumstances have made it obvious that God was saying "no."
A classic example of God speaking through circumstances was when God spoke to Gideon, who laid his fleece out on the ground, asking God to confirm His Word. Certainly, Jonah got the right message when God brought his journey to an abrupt halt, and he found himself in the belly of a very large fish.
Of course, as a part of this process, God speaks to us through people. For example, there have been times when I have been listening to a someone preach or have been talking with a friend, and suddenly what he is saying addresses the situation I'm going through, even though he is completely unaware of my circumstances. It makes me realize that it is God himself speaking to me through those individuals.
Maybe God has spoken to you through a pastor or a Christian friend. Or perhaps He has been speaking to you through circumstances. Listen carefully, and remember that He will never contradict His Word.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
When the Tears Fall by Tim Hughes
From the heart of my devotion this is the song in my heart.
I've had questions, without answers
I've known sorrow, I have known pain
but there's one thing, that I'll cling to
You are faithful, Jesus You're true
when hope is lost, I'll call You Saviour
when pain surrounds, I'll call You healer
when silence falls, You'll be the song within my heart
in the lone hour of my sorrow
through the darkest night of my soul
You surround me and sustain me
my defender, forevermore
when hope is lost, I'll call You Saviour
when pain surrounds, I'll call You healer
when silence falls, You'll be the song within my heart
and I will praise You, I will praise You
when the tears fall, still I will sing to You
and I will praise You, Jesus praise You
through the suffering still I will sing
when hope is lost, I'll call You Saviour
when pain surrounds, I'll call You healer
when silence falls, You'll be the song within my heart
oh yes, You are good to me
You've always been good to me
so trustworthy
when hope is lost, I'll call You Saviour
when pain surrounds, I'll call You healer
when silence falls, You'll be the song within my heart
and I will praise You, and I will praise You
when the tears fall, still I will sing to You
(I will sing to You) I will praise You,
Jesus praise You through the suffering
still I will sing
how faithful and true
sustain me through and through
You are hope and truth
You're my spring of living water
You're my spring of living water
in the lone hour of my sorrow
who springs never fail
be faithful and true
like...
like a spring it never fails
you're my spring never fails
I've had questions, without answers
I've known sorrow, I have known pain
but there's one thing, that I'll cling to
You are faithful, Jesus You're true
when hope is lost, I'll call You Saviour
when pain surrounds, I'll call You healer
when silence falls, You'll be the song within my heart
in the lone hour of my sorrow
through the darkest night of my soul
You surround me and sustain me
my defender, forevermore
when hope is lost, I'll call You Saviour
when pain surrounds, I'll call You healer
when silence falls, You'll be the song within my heart
and I will praise You, I will praise You
when the tears fall, still I will sing to You
and I will praise You, Jesus praise You
through the suffering still I will sing
when hope is lost, I'll call You Saviour
when pain surrounds, I'll call You healer
when silence falls, You'll be the song within my heart
oh yes, You are good to me
You've always been good to me
so trustworthy
when hope is lost, I'll call You Saviour
when pain surrounds, I'll call You healer
when silence falls, You'll be the song within my heart
and I will praise You, and I will praise You
when the tears fall, still I will sing to You
(I will sing to You) I will praise You,
Jesus praise You through the suffering
still I will sing
how faithful and true
sustain me through and through
You are hope and truth
You're my spring of living water
You're my spring of living water
in the lone hour of my sorrow
who springs never fail
be faithful and true
like...
like a spring it never fails
you're my spring never fails
2 Simple Truths
1. There is nothing in the human mind that can discern eternal realities without a revelation from God Himself. But in His active pursuit of each of us, His character is displayed.
2. It takes great faith to say, You are Good" when life is incredibly hard. But God is good and forever worthy of our praise. It is not dependent on our feelings.
Psalm 13:1-6
1 O Lord , how long will you forget me? Forever?
How long will you look the other way?
2 How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul,
with sorrow in my heart every day?
How long will my enemy have the upper hand?
I will rejoice because you have rescued me.
6 I will sing to the Lord
because he is good to me.
New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
2. It takes great faith to say, You are Good" when life is incredibly hard. But God is good and forever worthy of our praise. It is not dependent on our feelings.
Psalm 13:1-6
1 O L
How long will you look the other way?
2 How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul,
with sorrow in my heart every day?
How long will my enemy have the upper hand?
3 Turn and answer me, O L
Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die.
4 Don’t let my enemies gloat, saying, “We have defeated him!”
Don’t let them rejoice at my downfall.
I will rejoice because you have rescued me.
6 I will sing to the L
because he is good to me.
New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Daily Caffeination 04/15/08
Hearing God
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." -Psalm 119:105
There are a lot of people today who say they hear the voice of God telling them to do thus and so. But what we must remember is that God will never contradict His Word. He will always lead us according to what the Bible says.
Some people come up with some lame concepts, such as "We're not married, but God has told us it's okay to have sex." I can assure you that God didn't say that, because He says in His Word, "You shall not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14). God will not contradict His Word.
Let's say you were hoping for a letter from someone. You stand at the window, waiting for what seems like an eternity for the mail carrier to arrive. Finally, he drives up and you bolt over to your mailbox. You're looking for that letter. Maybe it's from someone you're in love with. Maybe it's an answer to a job application. Maybe it's something you ordered in the mail. Maybe you've won the sweepstakes.
But imagine this. What if you had a handwritten note from God to you? Would you carry it around in your pocket for a couple of weeks and open it when you got around to it? I doubt it. You probably would tear it open as you're thinking, "Wow, God spoke to me! What does He have to say?"
The Bible is a written letter from God. A lot of us carry it. We have it in different colors and sizes. We have it in different translations. But we never read it. It's a letter from God to us. If you want God to speak to you, then open up His Word.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." -Psalm 119:105
There are a lot of people today who say they hear the voice of God telling them to do thus and so. But what we must remember is that God will never contradict His Word. He will always lead us according to what the Bible says.
Some people come up with some lame concepts, such as "We're not married, but God has told us it's okay to have sex." I can assure you that God didn't say that, because He says in His Word, "You shall not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14). God will not contradict His Word.
Let's say you were hoping for a letter from someone. You stand at the window, waiting for what seems like an eternity for the mail carrier to arrive. Finally, he drives up and you bolt over to your mailbox. You're looking for that letter. Maybe it's from someone you're in love with. Maybe it's an answer to a job application. Maybe it's something you ordered in the mail. Maybe you've won the sweepstakes.
But imagine this. What if you had a handwritten note from God to you? Would you carry it around in your pocket for a couple of weeks and open it when you got around to it? I doubt it. You probably would tear it open as you're thinking, "Wow, God spoke to me! What does He have to say?"
The Bible is a written letter from God. A lot of us carry it. We have it in different colors and sizes. We have it in different translations. But we never read it. It's a letter from God to us. If you want God to speak to you, then open up His Word.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries
Monday, April 14, 2008
Yearn by Shane and Shane
Listen to Shane and Shane CD Clean. Amazing CD! I love this song...
YEARN
Holy design
This place in time
That I might seek your face, my God
My God
Lord I want to yearn for You
I want to burn with passion
Over You, and only You
Lord Ii want to yearn for You
I want to burn with passion
Over You, and only You
Lord I want to yearn
Your joy is mine
Yet why am i fine
With all my singing and bringing grain
In light of Him
Oh You give life and breath
In You we live and move
That's why I sing
YEARN
Holy design
This place in time
That I might seek your face, my God
My God
Lord I want to yearn for You
I want to burn with passion
Over You, and only You
Lord Ii want to yearn for You
I want to burn with passion
Over You, and only You
Lord I want to yearn
Your joy is mine
Yet why am i fine
With all my singing and bringing grain
In light of Him
Oh You give life and breath
In You we live and move
That's why I sing
Simple Truth
If we want to bleed the Bible, we have to read the Bible. If we want to bleed the truth of God, we have to feed upon the truth of God.
I want to bleed the bible. I want to bleed God's truth. I never want to underestimate the awakening power of God's truth.
I want to bleed the bible. I want to bleed God's truth. I never want to underestimate the awakening power of God's truth.
Daily Caffeination 04/14/08
Simple Things
"Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men." -1 Corinthians 1:25
Have you ever wished you could do a miracle for friends or family members who weren't believers? You think, "If this happened, then they would believe." We think we need something dramatic or earthshaking. But so many times, God works in simple ways to reach people.
For example, I read about a hardened atheist who had a young daughter. He didn't want her to believe in God. So one day, he wrote down the words "God is nowhere" on a piece of paper and told his little girl to read them aloud. She picked up the piece of paper. She was just learning to read, so she sounded out her words and said, "God is . . . let's see, N-O W-H-E-R-E. Oh, I understand, Daddy. God is now here." The atheist was so touched by that simple little event that he became a believer in Jesus Christ.
I'm reminded of a couple that attended one of our Harvest Crusades events in Southern California. As they were walking down the street, they spotted a crumpled but colorful piece of paper on the ground. When they picked it up and smoothed it out, they discovered a Harvest Crusade flyer. They read it, and then prayed and received Christ. They also went to the crusade and walked forward at the invitation. What a simple thing God used: a crumpled little flyer that contained a gospel message.
So often, we think we need something dramatic to reach nonbelievers. We need the greatest argument to reach them. And so often, God does His work in unexpected ways. God can use such simple things and speak in such simple ways. You just never know.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries
"Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men." -1 Corinthians 1:25
Have you ever wished you could do a miracle for friends or family members who weren't believers? You think, "If this happened, then they would believe." We think we need something dramatic or earthshaking. But so many times, God works in simple ways to reach people.
For example, I read about a hardened atheist who had a young daughter. He didn't want her to believe in God. So one day, he wrote down the words "God is nowhere" on a piece of paper and told his little girl to read them aloud. She picked up the piece of paper. She was just learning to read, so she sounded out her words and said, "God is . . . let's see, N-O W-H-E-R-E. Oh, I understand, Daddy. God is now here." The atheist was so touched by that simple little event that he became a believer in Jesus Christ.
I'm reminded of a couple that attended one of our Harvest Crusades events in Southern California. As they were walking down the street, they spotted a crumpled but colorful piece of paper on the ground. When they picked it up and smoothed it out, they discovered a Harvest Crusade flyer. They read it, and then prayed and received Christ. They also went to the crusade and walked forward at the invitation. What a simple thing God used: a crumpled little flyer that contained a gospel message.
So often, we think we need something dramatic to reach nonbelievers. We need the greatest argument to reach them. And so often, God does His work in unexpected ways. God can use such simple things and speak in such simple ways. You just never know.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries
Friday, April 11, 2008
Simple Truth for the Day
A revealing of a simple Truth that God placed on my heart this morning and I can't quite let it go.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. - Colossians 3:16
What begins with a heart set on His Word will always end in a song of praise to our God.
Daily Caffeination 04/11/08
Getting to the Root
"We use God's mighty weapons, not mere worldly weapons, to knock down the Devil's strongholds." -2 Corinthians 10:4
So often when something is going wrong in our country, we want to organize a boycott or want to protest. But did you know that as believers, we have something more powerful than boycotts? It is called prayer, and the Bible tells us to devote ourselves to it (see Colossians 4:2).
We need to pray for our country. We need to pray for people that need to hear the gospel. And we need to share the gospel. We need to share the good news of Jesus Christ with that woman who wants to abort her child. We need to share the gospel message with that man or woman who is trapped in the homosexual lifestyle. We need to share Christ with the gang members. We need to share Him with those in our society who are hurting.
As people learn there is another kingdom, it will change the way they live in this one. Far too often, we Christians have been preoccupied with the symptoms in our society and haven't touched the root of the problem. The root is sin. The solution is the gospel.
So let's get the solution to the root. Our country needs to turn back to God. We keep thinking that a president will solve all of our problems. Or Congress will solve them. Or some program will solve them. But they won't be solved through any efforts of our own doing. We need to turn back to God.
Let's tell others about Christ and not be so preoccupied with what they are doing because of their sin. Let's try to reach people where they are really hurting. And, let's always be sure we are praying.
Copyright © 2007 by Harvest Ministries
"We use God's mighty weapons, not mere worldly weapons, to knock down the Devil's strongholds." -2 Corinthians 10:4
So often when something is going wrong in our country, we want to organize a boycott or want to protest. But did you know that as believers, we have something more powerful than boycotts? It is called prayer, and the Bible tells us to devote ourselves to it (see Colossians 4:2).
We need to pray for our country. We need to pray for people that need to hear the gospel. And we need to share the gospel. We need to share the good news of Jesus Christ with that woman who wants to abort her child. We need to share the gospel message with that man or woman who is trapped in the homosexual lifestyle. We need to share Christ with the gang members. We need to share Him with those in our society who are hurting.
As people learn there is another kingdom, it will change the way they live in this one. Far too often, we Christians have been preoccupied with the symptoms in our society and haven't touched the root of the problem. The root is sin. The solution is the gospel.
So let's get the solution to the root. Our country needs to turn back to God. We keep thinking that a president will solve all of our problems. Or Congress will solve them. Or some program will solve them. But they won't be solved through any efforts of our own doing. We need to turn back to God.
Let's tell others about Christ and not be so preoccupied with what they are doing because of their sin. Let's try to reach people where they are really hurting. And, let's always be sure we are praying.
Copyright © 2007 by Harvest Ministries
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Calling as a Pastor - Honor and Invest
Over the last few years God has really been defining and redefining my call as a pastor. A part of my role and calling as a pastor is to really honor and lift up older pastors and men of the faith. Second part of that calling is to influence, inspire and invest into the life of younger pastors who are stepping into ministry.
You have to honor the past and continue to build towards the future. I want to share my experiences, my wisdom (don't laugh) and passions to those who are stepping into ministry as a mentor and as a coach. However, I don't want to forget those who set the foundation for the church today. I want to continue to learn from those who have been doing ministry so much longer than me and have battle scars to show it.
I appreciate men like Pastor Mike who has poured his heart and soul into me and I think one of the greatest things that I can do to honor him is pass that along to someone else and not be afraid of them surpassing me. Pastor Mike is the greatest example of being secure as a pastor.
Just a few thoughts that I am processing outloud.
You have to honor the past and continue to build towards the future. I want to share my experiences, my wisdom (don't laugh) and passions to those who are stepping into ministry as a mentor and as a coach. However, I don't want to forget those who set the foundation for the church today. I want to continue to learn from those who have been doing ministry so much longer than me and have battle scars to show it.
I appreciate men like Pastor Mike who has poured his heart and soul into me and I think one of the greatest things that I can do to honor him is pass that along to someone else and not be afraid of them surpassing me. Pastor Mike is the greatest example of being secure as a pastor.
Just a few thoughts that I am processing outloud.
A Drive, A Doctor, A Lunch, Taxes, A Time with our Y Friends and A Church Family
Yesterday, Lora and I went down to Richmond for our day off. Unfortunately, I had another flare up in my leg with this cellulitis so we went to a health clinic where our great friend Teresa Stillion is a doctor to get it checked out. I am on antibiotics now and doing much better.
Afterwards, we got to hang our with our former Pastor Mike Buckley and his wife Donna for lunch. Pastor Mike and Donna are great mentors to us. Both them are huge influences and inspirations to to Lora and me. I value and appreciate Pastor Mike and Donna so much, they mean the world to us and we miss them so much. I am so glad that we are able to maintain a strong relationship with them and that they are people we can go and share our life with.
After lunch we met with our tax guy Ed Coleman, all that I will say on this is that it was so much better than we though. Praise God!!!
At 5:00, we met with great friends from the YMCA. During our time in Chester, VA we met some incredible at the YMCA where we worked out every morning (we were a part of the Early Riser crew). These people are still our friends and we appreciate them so much. One guy, I truly miss is my buddy Paul Craig, he and I were workout partners for about a year. It was really nice to just hang out with them.
We ended our time in Richmond hanging out with our Crosslight family. Can I just say what a blessing each one the people at Crosslight are to us. We miss and love them so much. They truly are like family to us and was huge support spiritually, financially and emotionally for us coming here to NCC. We miss them all so much and they will always be a part of our family. Thank you Pastor Mike for always allowing me to come home with your arms wide open. Of course, I had the opportunity to hang out with my "kids" in the youth ministry. Rachel Wood is doing such a great job with them.
Overall, a great trip to Richmond. However, I am feeling a little depressed right now. A part of me is still down in Richmond.
Afterwards, we got to hang our with our former Pastor Mike Buckley and his wife Donna for lunch. Pastor Mike and Donna are great mentors to us. Both them are huge influences and inspirations to to Lora and me. I value and appreciate Pastor Mike and Donna so much, they mean the world to us and we miss them so much. I am so glad that we are able to maintain a strong relationship with them and that they are people we can go and share our life with.
After lunch we met with our tax guy Ed Coleman, all that I will say on this is that it was so much better than we though. Praise God!!!
At 5:00, we met with great friends from the YMCA. During our time in Chester, VA we met some incredible at the YMCA where we worked out every morning (we were a part of the Early Riser crew). These people are still our friends and we appreciate them so much. One guy, I truly miss is my buddy Paul Craig, he and I were workout partners for about a year. It was really nice to just hang out with them.
We ended our time in Richmond hanging out with our Crosslight family. Can I just say what a blessing each one the people at Crosslight are to us. We miss and love them so much. They truly are like family to us and was huge support spiritually, financially and emotionally for us coming here to NCC. We miss them all so much and they will always be a part of our family. Thank you Pastor Mike for always allowing me to come home with your arms wide open. Of course, I had the opportunity to hang out with my "kids" in the youth ministry. Rachel Wood is doing such a great job with them.
Overall, a great trip to Richmond. However, I am feeling a little depressed right now. A part of me is still down in Richmond.
Daily Caffeination 04/10/08
After the Dove
"The thief's purpose is to steal and destroy and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness." -John 10:10
Often after great victories, the greatest challenges and temptations of the Christian life will come. I have found that after great blessings in my life, after God works in a powerful way, the devil will be there to challenge it.
Think about it. After God had powerfully worked through Elijah on Mount Carmel, the prophet became so discouraged that he wanted to die. After Jesus was transfigured, He came down from the mountain to find a demon-possessed person waiting for them.
After Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River and the Holy Spirit came upon Him in the form of a dove and God said, "This is my beloved Son, and I am fully pleased with him" (Matthew 3:17). Then He was led into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After the dove came the devil.
The devil will always be there to challenge whatever God has done. It may come after church, after God has blessed you and spoken to you. You leave the parking lot and get hit with a heavy-duty temptation.
You wonder how that could happen. But that is just the devil's way. He wants to make your life miserable. Most importantly, he wants to steal anything that God has done in your life.
The devil is watching us and he's looking for vulnerabilities. That is why we need to pray for any person whom we know that God is using. And that is why we need to brace ourselves. The more you step out to be used by the Lord, the more you can expect opposition from the devil.
Copyright © 2007 by Harvest Ministries
"The thief's purpose is to steal and destroy and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness." -John 10:10
Often after great victories, the greatest challenges and temptations of the Christian life will come. I have found that after great blessings in my life, after God works in a powerful way, the devil will be there to challenge it.
Think about it. After God had powerfully worked through Elijah on Mount Carmel, the prophet became so discouraged that he wanted to die. After Jesus was transfigured, He came down from the mountain to find a demon-possessed person waiting for them.
After Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River and the Holy Spirit came upon Him in the form of a dove and God said, "This is my beloved Son, and I am fully pleased with him" (Matthew 3:17). Then He was led into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After the dove came the devil.
The devil will always be there to challenge whatever God has done. It may come after church, after God has blessed you and spoken to you. You leave the parking lot and get hit with a heavy-duty temptation.
You wonder how that could happen. But that is just the devil's way. He wants to make your life miserable. Most importantly, he wants to steal anything that God has done in your life.
The devil is watching us and he's looking for vulnerabilities. That is why we need to pray for any person whom we know that God is using. And that is why we need to brace ourselves. The more you step out to be used by the Lord, the more you can expect opposition from the devil.
Copyright © 2007 by Harvest Ministries
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Daily Caffeination 04/09/08
His Representative
" 'If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. . . .' " -John 15:20
It is hard for a lot of Christians to understand how their friends and family can suddenly turn against them. People they have been close to for years suddenly become hostile, simply because they have said they were now following Jesus Christ.
I am amazed at how parents have turned against children. I've heard teens and young adults tell me how they were strung out on drugs, or living sexually permissive lives, or getting in trouble with the law all the time. Then they found Christ and their lives changed. They began living moral lives. Their parents were angry with them for coming to faith when, in fact, they should have been elated by the change.
Sometimes, even parents won't understand what the Lord is doing in your life. Sometimes, your children won't understand. Sometimes, your husband or wife won't understand. Sometimes, your friends and coworkers won't understand.
Remember when Saul, later to become the apostle Paul, was striking out against Christians? One day on the Damascus Road, he met none other than Jesus Christ himself who said, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" (Acts 9:4). Saul thought his fight was with the Christians. But it wasn't. It was with Christ himself.
People take their hostilities out on you because you are God's representative. I have spoken with people who discover I'm a pastor and suddenly begin dumping everything they have against God on me. I have come to realize this happens because I am a representative of God, just as all believers are.
It is a great honor to be His representative. But with that honor comes responsibility. Be careful. Don't keep someone away from Christ by misrepresenting Him.
" 'If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. . . .' " -John 15:20
It is hard for a lot of Christians to understand how their friends and family can suddenly turn against them. People they have been close to for years suddenly become hostile, simply because they have said they were now following Jesus Christ.
I am amazed at how parents have turned against children. I've heard teens and young adults tell me how they were strung out on drugs, or living sexually permissive lives, or getting in trouble with the law all the time. Then they found Christ and their lives changed. They began living moral lives. Their parents were angry with them for coming to faith when, in fact, they should have been elated by the change.
Sometimes, even parents won't understand what the Lord is doing in your life. Sometimes, your children won't understand. Sometimes, your husband or wife won't understand. Sometimes, your friends and coworkers won't understand.
Remember when Saul, later to become the apostle Paul, was striking out against Christians? One day on the Damascus Road, he met none other than Jesus Christ himself who said, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" (Acts 9:4). Saul thought his fight was with the Christians. But it wasn't. It was with Christ himself.
People take their hostilities out on you because you are God's representative. I have spoken with people who discover I'm a pastor and suddenly begin dumping everything they have against God on me. I have come to realize this happens because I am a representative of God, just as all believers are.
It is a great honor to be His representative. But with that honor comes responsibility. Be careful. Don't keep someone away from Christ by misrepresenting Him.
Check This Out...
Check out this little write up on Ebenezers. A place where I am proud to go to work everyday and a place that I feel a part of being on staff at National Community Church.
Check it our here.
Check it our here.
Heading to Richmond, VA today
Looking forward to heading to Richmond today with my amazing wife Lora. We are looking forward to seeing our Crosslight family, YMCA family and my mentor and great friend Pastor Mike Buckley.
The trip from DC to Richmond is only two hours, however we do not get the opportunity to get down there as often as we like. Honestly, I love spending time with my friends and family down in Richmond, they have all have impacted our lives in significant ways. When we came back to DC we wanted to bring everyone with us.
Anyways, we are headed out in a little more than an hour. I need to get in gear.
The trip from DC to Richmond is only two hours, however we do not get the opportunity to get down there as often as we like. Honestly, I love spending time with my friends and family down in Richmond, they have all have impacted our lives in significant ways. When we came back to DC we wanted to bring everyone with us.
Anyways, we are headed out in a little more than an hour. I need to get in gear.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Daily Caffeination 04/08/08
Half-Hearted Commitment
" 'I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, I will spit you out of my mouth!' " -Revelation 3:15--16.
Milk is great cold. There's nothing quite like a cold glass of milk with some cookies. Milk is also good hot. With a little chocolate syrup, it's great. But lukewarm milk? The thought of it is sickening. It just doesn't cut it.
In Revelation 3, Jesus spoke of lukewarm individuals. He said, "I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish you were one or the other!" (verse 15). It's interesting that Jesus said He would prefer either hot or cold. You would think He would have said, "I would rather you be hot. But if lukewarm is all I can get, it's better than nothing."
You would think that lukewarm would be more acceptable to Him, because it is somewhat close to hot. But Jesus was saying, "I don't want lukewarm. I don't want half-hearted commitments. I want you to decide. I want you in or I would rather you were out."
Here's why. If you're hot, you're in. If you're on fire, if you're walking with God, then you're where God wants you to be. But if you're cold, hopefully you will at least realize you're cold and one day realize your need for Christ and come to Him.
But the lukewarm person is in the worst state of all because he is self-deceived. The lukewarm person says, "I go to church. I read the Bible sometimes. I kind of believe in God--when it's convenient." That is the worst state of all. What is your spiritual temperature today?
Copyright © 2007 by Harvest Ministries
" 'I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, I will spit you out of my mouth!' " -Revelation 3:15--16.
Milk is great cold. There's nothing quite like a cold glass of milk with some cookies. Milk is also good hot. With a little chocolate syrup, it's great. But lukewarm milk? The thought of it is sickening. It just doesn't cut it.
In Revelation 3, Jesus spoke of lukewarm individuals. He said, "I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish you were one or the other!" (verse 15). It's interesting that Jesus said He would prefer either hot or cold. You would think He would have said, "I would rather you be hot. But if lukewarm is all I can get, it's better than nothing."
You would think that lukewarm would be more acceptable to Him, because it is somewhat close to hot. But Jesus was saying, "I don't want lukewarm. I don't want half-hearted commitments. I want you to decide. I want you in or I would rather you were out."
Here's why. If you're hot, you're in. If you're on fire, if you're walking with God, then you're where God wants you to be. But if you're cold, hopefully you will at least realize you're cold and one day realize your need for Christ and come to Him.
But the lukewarm person is in the worst state of all because he is self-deceived. The lukewarm person says, "I go to church. I read the Bible sometimes. I kind of believe in God--when it's convenient." That is the worst state of all. What is your spiritual temperature today?
Copyright © 2007 by Harvest Ministries
Monday, April 07, 2008
Daily Caffeination 04/07/08
Make Your Choice
"And Elijah came to all the people, and said, 'How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him.' " -1 Kings 18:21
Have you ever had one of those indecisive days? Usually I am decisive. But I get in those moods where I just can't decide. I can be at the window of a take-out place and suddenly be stricken with indecision. That's not so tragic at a take-out window. But when people are indecisive with God, it is a serious problem.
That's how it was with Israel in Elijah's day. For 85 years, the nation had gone back and forth between false gods and the true God. Not wanting to be responsible or live under absolutes, they would follow some other god. Then they would reap the results of following that god and would scurry back to the Lord and say they were sorry until their problems went away. Then they would go back like wayward children and do the same thing again.
Every time they were on the brink of destruction, God would be merciful and forgive them. One day, Elijah basically said to them, "Enough is enough. Make a choice. Which side are you on?"
Moses posed a similar question to Israel when they fell before the golden calf. He said, "Whoever is on the Lord's side--come to me!" (Exodus 32:26). His successor Joshua challenged Israel to "Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve." (Joshua 24:15). And in Matthew 12:30, Jesus said, "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad." Jesus demands a response. He demands us to decide which side we're on. Choose this day whom you will serve.
Copyright © 2007 by Harvest Ministries
"And Elijah came to all the people, and said, 'How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him.' " -1 Kings 18:21
Have you ever had one of those indecisive days? Usually I am decisive. But I get in those moods where I just can't decide. I can be at the window of a take-out place and suddenly be stricken with indecision. That's not so tragic at a take-out window. But when people are indecisive with God, it is a serious problem.
That's how it was with Israel in Elijah's day. For 85 years, the nation had gone back and forth between false gods and the true God. Not wanting to be responsible or live under absolutes, they would follow some other god. Then they would reap the results of following that god and would scurry back to the Lord and say they were sorry until their problems went away. Then they would go back like wayward children and do the same thing again.
Every time they were on the brink of destruction, God would be merciful and forgive them. One day, Elijah basically said to them, "Enough is enough. Make a choice. Which side are you on?"
Moses posed a similar question to Israel when they fell before the golden calf. He said, "Whoever is on the Lord's side--come to me!" (Exodus 32:26). His successor Joshua challenged Israel to "Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve." (Joshua 24:15). And in Matthew 12:30, Jesus said, "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad." Jesus demands a response. He demands us to decide which side we're on. Choose this day whom you will serve.
Copyright © 2007 by Harvest Ministries
Friday, April 04, 2008
In Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
This is an honor of one of the greatest people who lived on this Earth. He brought so a heart for change. His legacy still lives to today...
Thank you Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for sharing your live and your love with all of us. You are remembered. (January 15, 1929-April 4, 1968)
Thank you Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for sharing your live and your love with all of us. You are remembered. (January 15, 1929-April 4, 1968)
Daily Caffeination 04/04/08 - This Plays Into My Pet Peeve of Micromanagement and Control
The Dangers of Overcontrol
"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 Christ followers. 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).
(Added note: The need for control breeds insecurity. I have personally learned to equip and enable people as a leader. In other words, be willing to let go of control and allow people to succeed or fail without you and trust God's work in their lives.)
"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 Christ followers. 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).
(Added note: The need for control breeds insecurity. I have personally learned to equip and enable people as a leader. In other words, be willing to let go of control and allow people to succeed or fail without you and trust God's work in their lives.)
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Daily Caffeination 04/03/08
Right Where You Are
"The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening; and he drank from the brook." -1 Kings 17:6
When the Bible says that ravens brought Elijah food, it doesn't mean they took his order, flew through the local fast food restaurant, and then delivered his meal. Ravens are scavengers. They would've brought little bits of meat and bread to Elijah. What's more, the water in the brook from which he drank probably would have been dirty and somewhat polluted. It was not an easy situation.
How easily Elijah could have said, "Well, Lord, I don't really want to be in this crummy little place. I kind of like being in front of people. I like the limelight." But the Lord was preparing Elijah for something beyond his wildest dreams. Not long after this, Elijah would be standing on Mt. Carmel in that great showdown with the false prophets (see 1 Kings 18:20--39).
Sometimes, we don't like where God has put us. We say, "Lord, I don't like this situation. I don't like where I am. I want to do something great for You. I want to make a difference in my world." Maybe the Lord wants you to be effective right where you are. Maybe He wants you to take advantage of the opportunities in front of you and be faithful in the little things. Who knows what God has in store for you?
If God has you by some muddy little brook, so to speak, just hang in there. Be faithful, do what He has already told you, and wait on Him and His timing. God will do something wonderful for you or with you. Just be available and open to do what He would have you to do.
Copyright © 2007 by Harvest Ministries
"The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening; and he drank from the brook." -1 Kings 17:6
When the Bible says that ravens brought Elijah food, it doesn't mean they took his order, flew through the local fast food restaurant, and then delivered his meal. Ravens are scavengers. They would've brought little bits of meat and bread to Elijah. What's more, the water in the brook from which he drank probably would have been dirty and somewhat polluted. It was not an easy situation.
How easily Elijah could have said, "Well, Lord, I don't really want to be in this crummy little place. I kind of like being in front of people. I like the limelight." But the Lord was preparing Elijah for something beyond his wildest dreams. Not long after this, Elijah would be standing on Mt. Carmel in that great showdown with the false prophets (see 1 Kings 18:20--39).
Sometimes, we don't like where God has put us. We say, "Lord, I don't like this situation. I don't like where I am. I want to do something great for You. I want to make a difference in my world." Maybe the Lord wants you to be effective right where you are. Maybe He wants you to take advantage of the opportunities in front of you and be faithful in the little things. Who knows what God has in store for you?
If God has you by some muddy little brook, so to speak, just hang in there. Be faithful, do what He has already told you, and wait on Him and His timing. God will do something wonderful for you or with you. Just be available and open to do what He would have you to do.
Copyright © 2007 by Harvest Ministries
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Daily Caffeination 04/02/08
Salt and Light
"You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? . . . You are the light of the world--like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see." -Matthew 5:13-14
I think that we Christians are sometimes tempted to isolate ourselves. We want to submerge ourselves in a Christian subculture of our own making and not get too involved in the world.
But Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth." When He made that statement to His disciples so long ago, they understood the significance of what He was saying. It can be lost on us today because we don't know it what it means.
In those days, salt was considered to be very valuable. In fact, the Romans considered salt more important than the sun itself. Roman soldiers would even be paid with salt.
So when Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth," He was saying in a sense, "You're valuable. You're important. You're significant. You can make a difference."
Stop and think about salt. It really can do a lot. A little salt on a bland piece of meat can make all the difference. Have you ever had someone put salt in your water when you weren't looking? You immediately noticed the change. A little pinch of salt can alter the flavor of something, just as one Christian in a situation can effect change.
Have you ever been in a dark room and someone turned on a flashlight? The light wasn't hard to find, was it? In the same way, one believer who lets his or her light shine can really make a difference.
God has singled you out to make a difference--a strategic difference.
Copyright © 2007 by Harvest Ministries
"You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? . . . You are the light of the world--like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see." -Matthew 5:13-14
I think that we Christians are sometimes tempted to isolate ourselves. We want to submerge ourselves in a Christian subculture of our own making and not get too involved in the world.
But Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth." When He made that statement to His disciples so long ago, they understood the significance of what He was saying. It can be lost on us today because we don't know it what it means.
In those days, salt was considered to be very valuable. In fact, the Romans considered salt more important than the sun itself. Roman soldiers would even be paid with salt.
So when Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth," He was saying in a sense, "You're valuable. You're important. You're significant. You can make a difference."
Stop and think about salt. It really can do a lot. A little salt on a bland piece of meat can make all the difference. Have you ever had someone put salt in your water when you weren't looking? You immediately noticed the change. A little pinch of salt can alter the flavor of something, just as one Christian in a situation can effect change.
Have you ever been in a dark room and someone turned on a flashlight? The light wasn't hard to find, was it? In the same way, one believer who lets his or her light shine can really make a difference.
God has singled you out to make a difference--a strategic difference.
Copyright © 2007 by Harvest Ministries
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Daily Caffeination 04/01/08
In Search of Ordinary People
"People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at a person's thoughts and intentions." -1 Samuel 16:7
God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Many times when we're looking for some great superstar to come on the scene, God is developing someone in obscurity whom we haven't ever heard of. We will say, "What if so-and-so became a Christian? Wouldn't that be wonderful?" And while we're wondering if so-and-so will ever come around, God is grooming someone unknown to us.
Think of the time when a giant Philistine was taunting the armies of Israel. Everyone was paralyzed with fear. So whom did God select? He chose a shepherd boy who had been sent by his father to take food to his brothers on the frontlines. He went out to face the giant with a few stones, a sling, and, more importantly, faith in God. That was the person God used.
At another time in Israel's history when they were immobilized by fear because of their enemies, God found this guy threshing wheat. His name was Gideon, and he was convinced that God had called the wrong guy. But God selected him because he didn't trust in his own ability. Gideon had to trust in God.
If you have faith in God, if you believe that God can use you, if you are willing to take a step of faith here and there, then God can do incredible things through you. One thing I have said many times over the years is that God is not looking for ability but availability. He can give you ability in time. But God looking for someone to say, "I would like to make a difference where I am. Lord, I am available." You just watch what God will do.
Copyright © 2007 by Harvest Ministries
"People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at a person's thoughts and intentions." -1 Samuel 16:7
God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Many times when we're looking for some great superstar to come on the scene, God is developing someone in obscurity whom we haven't ever heard of. We will say, "What if so-and-so became a Christian? Wouldn't that be wonderful?" And while we're wondering if so-and-so will ever come around, God is grooming someone unknown to us.
Think of the time when a giant Philistine was taunting the armies of Israel. Everyone was paralyzed with fear. So whom did God select? He chose a shepherd boy who had been sent by his father to take food to his brothers on the frontlines. He went out to face the giant with a few stones, a sling, and, more importantly, faith in God. That was the person God used.
At another time in Israel's history when they were immobilized by fear because of their enemies, God found this guy threshing wheat. His name was Gideon, and he was convinced that God had called the wrong guy. But God selected him because he didn't trust in his own ability. Gideon had to trust in God.
If you have faith in God, if you believe that God can use you, if you are willing to take a step of faith here and there, then God can do incredible things through you. One thing I have said many times over the years is that God is not looking for ability but availability. He can give you ability in time. But God looking for someone to say, "I would like to make a difference where I am. Lord, I am available." You just watch what God will do.
Copyright © 2007 by Harvest Ministries
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)