Who's in charge? Not your evangelist, not your elders, not you! Jesus is in charge!! Jesus is the leader.
How would you congregation be if they acted like Jesus was in charge?
How the church is lead:
Love, humility and teamwork with a common knowledge and mutual understanding that Jesus is in charge.
Embrace each other's gifts-embrace the roll; the elder, the evangelist, etc!
Be lovely to work with; am I a joy to lead?
Talk to each other and not about each other! No factions!!
Acts 14:23
Paul in charge - when Paul leaves, the elders are in charge of the church.
The New Testament church has flexible leadership.
Acts 13:1 - the exception
1 Timothy 3: 2 ... the overseer "IS.."
Who's in charge? Jesus is!! And we are united through him to edify his church!!
Acts 15: 1-2
"Question?" Its better to talk, rather then to run someone out if the church.
The apostles called on the elders. Even though they knew the answers, they still had discussion.
They lifted those elders up; team work!
Vs 22 The apostles, the elders and the church made a decision together.
Vs 28 The Holy Spirit was at the center of the decisions of the church.
Humility is key to being able to maintain unity
Ephesians 4....
Rolls are relational not positional.
It's about the church being lifted up.
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Saturday, January 28, 2017
Thursday, January 19, 2017
Sent to be Holy
Sent to be Holy
What does holy really mean? We use holy in many ways. Holy bible, holy cow, holy days, Holy Spirit...etc Holy means set apart, separate and pure. We are A holy creation in God through Jesus and are called to be set apart from the world. As soon as we were set apart and became a new holy creation we were back in an unholy world. Being Holy and living in the world creates constant conflict! Israel was also called to be Holy and then live in an unholy land!
Joshua 7:1-5;6-11
Israel had just come off a great victory in defeating Jericho is routed by a small army! Joshua who was so courageous in spying out the Jordan and reporting back encouraging words is now filled with fear. Joshua is now face down in fear over 36 people were killed.
One man's sin affects the whole camp! We are all connected and depend on each other! God called for all of the devoted things to be destroyed! One man's decision to keep the devoted things caused destruction to a nation! What sin (devoted thing) am I holding on too?
Joshua 7:20-26
The progression of Achan's sin: He saw, he coveted, he took, he hid, and he died! The only way to break the progression of sin is through confession. Coveting will always lead to hiding and hiding will always lead to death! What consecrated thing am I not treating with righteousness?
Why did Achan wait so long to confess? He waited until he had no escape and no where to hide! God used Achan to set an example. No matter how bad our situation is it is better than Achans! Everyday that we draw breath we have a chance to repent!
True repentance begins with confession. Being real with yourself on what you have done and seeing how you have hurt God.
Philippians 2:10-11; Matthew 21:42-46
Vs. 44 -- better to fall on Jesus and become broken than to have Jesus fall onto you and being crushed! Then it is too late! The only way to stay clean in a world of filth is to wash yourself everyday through confession!
Sent from my iPad
What does holy really mean? We use holy in many ways. Holy bible, holy cow, holy days, Holy Spirit...etc Holy means set apart, separate and pure. We are A holy creation in God through Jesus and are called to be set apart from the world. As soon as we were set apart and became a new holy creation we were back in an unholy world. Being Holy and living in the world creates constant conflict! Israel was also called to be Holy and then live in an unholy land!
Joshua 7:1-5;6-11
Israel had just come off a great victory in defeating Jericho is routed by a small army! Joshua who was so courageous in spying out the Jordan and reporting back encouraging words is now filled with fear. Joshua is now face down in fear over 36 people were killed.
One man's sin affects the whole camp! We are all connected and depend on each other! God called for all of the devoted things to be destroyed! One man's decision to keep the devoted things caused destruction to a nation! What sin (devoted thing) am I holding on too?
Joshua 7:20-26
The progression of Achan's sin: He saw, he coveted, he took, he hid, and he died! The only way to break the progression of sin is through confession. Coveting will always lead to hiding and hiding will always lead to death! What consecrated thing am I not treating with righteousness?
Why did Achan wait so long to confess? He waited until he had no escape and no where to hide! God used Achan to set an example. No matter how bad our situation is it is better than Achans! Everyday that we draw breath we have a chance to repent!
True repentance begins with confession. Being real with yourself on what you have done and seeing how you have hurt God.
Philippians 2:10-11; Matthew 21:42-46
Vs. 44 -- better to fall on Jesus and become broken than to have Jesus fall onto you and being crushed! Then it is too late! The only way to stay clean in a world of filth is to wash yourself everyday through confession!
Sent from my iPad
Sent!
Sent!
Sent to the promise land! Abraham was called by God and sent to land that was promised to him. Being called by God can be a lonely thing. When God pricks your heart and puts his will on your conscience it can go against human reason. The people around you will doubt.
Genesis 12:1-8
When your sent you have to leave something behind.
When your called to something your sent away from something. All Abraham took with was what he could carry. God calls everyone of us and expects us to sacrifice for him. God calls us away from sinful practices, traditions, worlds security...etc. Luke 14:26 says we even have to give up our entire lives!
When you leave an old life behind God helps you build a new one. You can't build a new life on an old foundation! God calls out of our old life's to live a new life with him. To be a new creation for Him! Are you willing to leave behind your old life! To change your life you have to lose it! We have to tear down the old foundation and build a new house through God!
When your sent it transforms you!
For Abraham being sent changed his name and the meaning of his life. Abram to Abraham literally changed the definition of who he was. Abraham means father of many nations. Abrahams purpose in life changed after he was sent by God! If God changed just a few letters in your name, who would you be for him? What would your purpose be?
When you are sent you have something to look forward too!
Just like Abraham, God promises us a promise land! When your looking forward to something you will put up with almost anything. For example, who would go through a pregnancy if there was not a baby at the end? When you have a designation in mind, when you have an end goal you will persevere! God has promised us more that a physical land. God has promised us heaven! Revelation 21:4
How can we get negative about our journey when we know our destination is heaven?!
John 14:6 the only way is Jesus! If we are not on the path that goes through Jesus we are on the wrong path!
Sent from my iPad
Sent to the promise land! Abraham was called by God and sent to land that was promised to him. Being called by God can be a lonely thing. When God pricks your heart and puts his will on your conscience it can go against human reason. The people around you will doubt.
Genesis 12:1-8
When your sent you have to leave something behind.
When your called to something your sent away from something. All Abraham took with was what he could carry. God calls everyone of us and expects us to sacrifice for him. God calls us away from sinful practices, traditions, worlds security...etc. Luke 14:26 says we even have to give up our entire lives!
When you leave an old life behind God helps you build a new one. You can't build a new life on an old foundation! God calls out of our old life's to live a new life with him. To be a new creation for Him! Are you willing to leave behind your old life! To change your life you have to lose it! We have to tear down the old foundation and build a new house through God!
When your sent it transforms you!
For Abraham being sent changed his name and the meaning of his life. Abram to Abraham literally changed the definition of who he was. Abraham means father of many nations. Abrahams purpose in life changed after he was sent by God! If God changed just a few letters in your name, who would you be for him? What would your purpose be?
When you are sent you have something to look forward too!
Just like Abraham, God promises us a promise land! When your looking forward to something you will put up with almost anything. For example, who would go through a pregnancy if there was not a baby at the end? When you have a designation in mind, when you have an end goal you will persevere! God has promised us more that a physical land. God has promised us heaven! Revelation 21:4
How can we get negative about our journey when we know our destination is heaven?!
John 14:6 the only way is Jesus! If we are not on the path that goes through Jesus we are on the wrong path!
Sent from my iPad
Sunday, January 15, 2017
Sent!
Sent!
Sent to the promise land! Abraham was called by God and sent to land that was promised to him. Being called by God can be a lonely thing. When God pricks your heart and puts his will on your conscience it can go against human reason. The people around you will doubt.
Genesis 12:1-8
When your sent you have to leave something behind.
When your called to something your sent away from something. All Abraham took with was what he could carry. God calls everyone of us and expects us to sacrifice for him. God calls us away from sinful practices, traditions, worlds security...etc. Luke 14:26 says we even have to give up our entire lives!
When you leave an old life behind God helps you build a new one. You can't build a new life on an old foundation! God calls out of our old life's to live a new life with him. To be a new creation for Him! Are you willing to leave behind your old life! To change your life you have to lose it! We have to tear down the old foundation and build a new house through God!
When your sent it transforms you!
For Abraham being sent changed his name and the meaning of his life. Abram to Abraham literally changed the definition of who he was. Abraham means father of many nations. Abrahams purpose in life changed after he was sent by God! If God changed just a few letters in your name, who would you be for him? What would your purpose be?
When you are sent you have something to look forward too!
Just like Abraham, God promises us a promise land! When your looking forward to something you will put up with almost anything. For example, who would go through a pregnancy if there was not a baby at the end? When you have a designation in mind, when you have an end goal you will persevere! God has promised us more that a physical land. God has promised us heaven! Revelation 21:4
How can we get negative about our journey when we know our destination is heaven?!
John 14:6 the only way is Jesus! If we are not on the path that goes through Jesus we are on the wrong path!
Sent from my iPhone
Sent to the promise land! Abraham was called by God and sent to land that was promised to him. Being called by God can be a lonely thing. When God pricks your heart and puts his will on your conscience it can go against human reason. The people around you will doubt.
Genesis 12:1-8
When your sent you have to leave something behind.
When your called to something your sent away from something. All Abraham took with was what he could carry. God calls everyone of us and expects us to sacrifice for him. God calls us away from sinful practices, traditions, worlds security...etc. Luke 14:26 says we even have to give up our entire lives!
When you leave an old life behind God helps you build a new one. You can't build a new life on an old foundation! God calls out of our old life's to live a new life with him. To be a new creation for Him! Are you willing to leave behind your old life! To change your life you have to lose it! We have to tear down the old foundation and build a new house through God!
When your sent it transforms you!
For Abraham being sent changed his name and the meaning of his life. Abram to Abraham literally changed the definition of who he was. Abraham means father of many nations. Abrahams purpose in life changed after he was sent by God! If God changed just a few letters in your name, who would you be for him? What would your purpose be?
When you are sent you have something to look forward too!
Just like Abraham, God promises us a promise land! When your looking forward to something you will put up with almost anything. For example, who would go through a pregnancy if there was not a baby at the end? When you have a designation in mind, when you have an end goal you will persevere! God has promised us more that a physical land. God has promised us heaven! Revelation 21:4
How can we get negative about our journey when we know our destination is heaven?!
John 14:6 the only way is Jesus! If we are not on the path that goes through Jesus we are on the wrong path!
Sent from my iPhone
Seeing God!
Seeing God!
Isaiah saw God and never was the same! Why did Isaiah call God holy? Why was Isaiah awe struck by what he saw? With his own eyes he saw the majesty and splendor of the Lord and it changed his life for ever!!
Isaiah 6:1-4
1- God is alive! Psalm 90:2
2- God is authoritative! Isaiah 6:1 Gods throne gives him the right to rule the world. God the creator gives him the right to rule the world!
3- God is omnipotent! Isaiah 6:1gods throne is high and above any other authority on this earth! Isaiah 46:10; Daniel 4:35
4- God is magnificent! Isaiah 6:1
5- God is revered! Isaiah 6:2 Isaiah describes powerful beings in heaven that even with all their power were in submission to God! God is so much greater than anything we can imagine!
6- God is holy! Isaiah 6:3 In our language there is a limit to the ways that we can dis robe God! We run out of words! These powerful beings could only repeat the words holy, holy, holy! God is absolute and everything else is derivative! There is nothing on earth that we can compare to God! 1 Samuel 2:2; Isaiah 40:25
7- God is glorious! Isaiah 6:3-4 Ultimate God is glory! Gods glory is just a manifestation of Gods holiness! His Glory is the full display of his holiness! Leviticus 10:3 Some day God will blow away everything that competes with His glory in the hearts of men! One day every knee shall bow!
Isaiah 6:5-8 after seeing God, his holiness, his glory...ect; Isaiah responded with here am I send me! If I come in contact with God how can I respond in any other way? Here am I send me! What can I do for God? How can God use me? This is the reason for my existence! This is the purpose of my life!
Sent from my iPhone
Isaiah saw God and never was the same! Why did Isaiah call God holy? Why was Isaiah awe struck by what he saw? With his own eyes he saw the majesty and splendor of the Lord and it changed his life for ever!!
Isaiah 6:1-4
1- God is alive! Psalm 90:2
2- God is authoritative! Isaiah 6:1 Gods throne gives him the right to rule the world. God the creator gives him the right to rule the world!
3- God is omnipotent! Isaiah 6:1gods throne is high and above any other authority on this earth! Isaiah 46:10; Daniel 4:35
4- God is magnificent! Isaiah 6:1
5- God is revered! Isaiah 6:2 Isaiah describes powerful beings in heaven that even with all their power were in submission to God! God is so much greater than anything we can imagine!
6- God is holy! Isaiah 6:3 In our language there is a limit to the ways that we can dis robe God! We run out of words! These powerful beings could only repeat the words holy, holy, holy! God is absolute and everything else is derivative! There is nothing on earth that we can compare to God! 1 Samuel 2:2; Isaiah 40:25
7- God is glorious! Isaiah 6:3-4 Ultimate God is glory! Gods glory is just a manifestation of Gods holiness! His Glory is the full display of his holiness! Leviticus 10:3 Some day God will blow away everything that competes with His glory in the hearts of men! One day every knee shall bow!
Isaiah 6:5-8 after seeing God, his holiness, his glory...ect; Isaiah responded with here am I send me! If I come in contact with God how can I respond in any other way? Here am I send me! What can I do for God? How can God use me? This is the reason for my existence! This is the purpose of my life!
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Judges 6:7-10
Judges 6:7-10
God sent a prophet before the angel was sent to Gideon. Before the miracles that were done in front of Gideon, God sent a prophet in the hopes that they would listen to him. Am I listening to God's word or expecting some miraculous sign? Gods word should be enough!
Gideon did not want to be sent. He did not want to hear what God wanted him to hear. God prompts us through his words and sometimes he intervenes miraculous until we surrender to his will.
Judges 7:1-23
Gideon was the most afraid and was kept while God let the rest of the men that were afraid go home! Gods battle plans are never what we expect. What is my part in Gods battle plan?
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God sent a prophet before the angel was sent to Gideon. Before the miracles that were done in front of Gideon, God sent a prophet in the hopes that they would listen to him. Am I listening to God's word or expecting some miraculous sign? Gods word should be enough!
Gideon did not want to be sent. He did not want to hear what God wanted him to hear. God prompts us through his words and sometimes he intervenes miraculous until we surrender to his will.
Judges 7:1-23
Gideon was the most afraid and was kept while God let the rest of the men that were afraid go home! Gods battle plans are never what we expect. What is my part in Gods battle plan?
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Saturday, January 7, 2017
Consequences of sin
Consequences of sin
Numbers 25:1-18; Numbers 31:16
1- The scenario of Israel's sin: Peor wanted to seduce Israel and blend their cultures. Through sexual immorality Peor influenced the Israelites to sin against God. Peor wanted Israel to simulate them and their practices to infiltrate Israel and pull them a way from God!
Our culture is changing and becoming so morally perverse that Christianity has become a water down word that has little influence. What used to be blatant sin has now become common place and normal. We have lost our convictions and morals as a society!
2- The sentence of God on Israel's sin: God commanded the leaders to purify Israel by killing all the offenders! God would have wiped out the entire nation unless atonement was made!
3- One Israelites schlock ing defiance of God: One of the judges own son came strolling into the camp with a Midianite women to have sex with her. In complete defiance he openly disobeyed God and committed sexual immorality.
4- One Israelites stunning response to the public defiance of God: Aaron's grandson defends Gods honor! It was zealous response that cost the lives of two people but saved the life of many more Israelites!
5- The sovereign verdict of God: Phinehas was blessed for his actions! God wanted more leaders like Phinehas who were willing to defend Gods honor!
6- God public identifies the sinners: The names of the two immoral sinners were recorded in the bible for all time! God was making a point! This is how God feels about sin! There is no room for apathy!
7- God's strike down order: this is a side of God that we don't like to look at or acknowledged but it is God! Sin is serious! God deals with sin in radical ways!
Sent from my iPad
Numbers 25:1-18; Numbers 31:16
1- The scenario of Israel's sin: Peor wanted to seduce Israel and blend their cultures. Through sexual immorality Peor influenced the Israelites to sin against God. Peor wanted Israel to simulate them and their practices to infiltrate Israel and pull them a way from God!
Our culture is changing and becoming so morally perverse that Christianity has become a water down word that has little influence. What used to be blatant sin has now become common place and normal. We have lost our convictions and morals as a society!
2- The sentence of God on Israel's sin: God commanded the leaders to purify Israel by killing all the offenders! God would have wiped out the entire nation unless atonement was made!
3- One Israelites schlock ing defiance of God: One of the judges own son came strolling into the camp with a Midianite women to have sex with her. In complete defiance he openly disobeyed God and committed sexual immorality.
4- One Israelites stunning response to the public defiance of God: Aaron's grandson defends Gods honor! It was zealous response that cost the lives of two people but saved the life of many more Israelites!
5- The sovereign verdict of God: Phinehas was blessed for his actions! God wanted more leaders like Phinehas who were willing to defend Gods honor!
6- God public identifies the sinners: The names of the two immoral sinners were recorded in the bible for all time! God was making a point! This is how God feels about sin! There is no room for apathy!
7- God's strike down order: this is a side of God that we don't like to look at or acknowledged but it is God! Sin is serious! God deals with sin in radical ways!
Sent from my iPad
New Years Resolutions
New Years Resolutions
Everyone wants to start over. To hit the reset button. To have a clean slate. New Years resolutions are a great way to self evaluate and start over! The desire to be new and start fresh is a very Godly thing. We see it all through out the bible!
Malachi 2:2; Daniel 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:2
Paul resolved to know nothing but Christ crucified! What does that mean? Paul wanted to focus on nothing but Jesus and the cross. To resolve to know Christ you have to make a decision to know him. It's a profound statement that has implications in every area of your life! You have to make a decision to know everything about him! How he lived, why he lived, who he was, and what he accomplished!
To focus solely on Jesus and the cross will change your life. You cannot focus on Christ crucified with out being changed! When we resolve to know Jesus he meets us half way. We are not alone. He is eagerly waiting to know us and to be in a relationship with us as well! Our job is to just take the first step by making the decision to know Him.
To know nothing but Christ crucified is to out Jesus before anything else in your life. Your min is never off of Jesus. You see Jesus in everything! You apply Jesus example in everything you do. Jesus was never an after thought for Paul.
What try's to steal my focus? Where do my concerns go that pulls me away from staying focused on Jesus? My job, finances, marriage, pleasure, relaxation, sin...etc what do I need to resolve to know nothing but Christ crucified?
Focusing on the cross, our sin and salvation is a part of knowing Jesus. The cross keeps you from forgetting Jesus! When you think about Jesus and the cross you forget everything else. Your problems are no longer a concern. Your faith is increased! You trust and rely on God. Your relationships work out, your finances are not an issue. The cross of Christ effects every area of your life!
Matthew 6:33 God wants us to take care of the little details in our life. In return he wants us to focus on Jesus!
Sent from my iPad
Everyone wants to start over. To hit the reset button. To have a clean slate. New Years resolutions are a great way to self evaluate and start over! The desire to be new and start fresh is a very Godly thing. We see it all through out the bible!
Malachi 2:2; Daniel 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:2
Paul resolved to know nothing but Christ crucified! What does that mean? Paul wanted to focus on nothing but Jesus and the cross. To resolve to know Christ you have to make a decision to know him. It's a profound statement that has implications in every area of your life! You have to make a decision to know everything about him! How he lived, why he lived, who he was, and what he accomplished!
To focus solely on Jesus and the cross will change your life. You cannot focus on Christ crucified with out being changed! When we resolve to know Jesus he meets us half way. We are not alone. He is eagerly waiting to know us and to be in a relationship with us as well! Our job is to just take the first step by making the decision to know Him.
To know nothing but Christ crucified is to out Jesus before anything else in your life. Your min is never off of Jesus. You see Jesus in everything! You apply Jesus example in everything you do. Jesus was never an after thought for Paul.
What try's to steal my focus? Where do my concerns go that pulls me away from staying focused on Jesus? My job, finances, marriage, pleasure, relaxation, sin...etc what do I need to resolve to know nothing but Christ crucified?
Focusing on the cross, our sin and salvation is a part of knowing Jesus. The cross keeps you from forgetting Jesus! When you think about Jesus and the cross you forget everything else. Your problems are no longer a concern. Your faith is increased! You trust and rely on God. Your relationships work out, your finances are not an issue. The cross of Christ effects every area of your life!
Matthew 6:33 God wants us to take care of the little details in our life. In return he wants us to focus on Jesus!
Sent from my iPad
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Christmas service!
Christmas service!
Christmas deliveries! Santa delivers the presents to the world. We ship presents to each other all over the globe. We wait in anticipation for deliveries on Christmas Day.
Jesus -- the ultimate delivery!
Luke 1:26-33
Jesus was Gods present to the world! Born of a virgin, humbled as a man; Jesus was the son of God sent to die for our sins!
Jesus was delivered but it was Gods plan that we deliver Jesus to each other! Just as Jesus grew in the womb of Mary, We have a responsibility to grow Jesus inside of us and then deliver him to the world! The very first thing the shepherds did when they knew Jesus had come, they went and shared it with everyone!
Who am I delivering Jesus to? Who am I telling that the savior has been born? Who am I sharing the life of Jesus with?
Jesus was delivered and Jesus will deliver us! More personally, Jesus will deliver me! It's easy to acknowledge that the world needs saving. It's harder to recognize that we personally need saving. Even the best of us is full of sin and unable to save our selves! We need Jesus, you need Jesus, I need Jesus!
Sent from my iPhone
Christmas deliveries! Santa delivers the presents to the world. We ship presents to each other all over the globe. We wait in anticipation for deliveries on Christmas Day.
Jesus -- the ultimate delivery!
Luke 1:26-33
Jesus was Gods present to the world! Born of a virgin, humbled as a man; Jesus was the son of God sent to die for our sins!
Jesus was delivered but it was Gods plan that we deliver Jesus to each other! Just as Jesus grew in the womb of Mary, We have a responsibility to grow Jesus inside of us and then deliver him to the world! The very first thing the shepherds did when they knew Jesus had come, they went and shared it with everyone!
Who am I delivering Jesus to? Who am I telling that the savior has been born? Who am I sharing the life of Jesus with?
Jesus was delivered and Jesus will deliver us! More personally, Jesus will deliver me! It's easy to acknowledge that the world needs saving. It's harder to recognize that we personally need saving. Even the best of us is full of sin and unable to save our selves! We need Jesus, you need Jesus, I need Jesus!
Sent from my iPhone
Monday, December 19, 2016
Head of the family
Head of the family
Be a leader
Be a learner
Be a teacher
Deuteronomy 28:1-6
Joshua 1:16-18
Joshua got to where he was because he was a great learner!
Deuteronomy 32:34
Moses taught carefully.
Matthew 7:7-8
Asking and seeking requires action.
Deuteronomy 28:53
The sign of ungodliness is a lack of compassion
Sent from my iPhone
Be a leader
Be a learner
Be a teacher
Deuteronomy 28:1-6
Joshua 1:16-18
Joshua got to where he was because he was a great learner!
Deuteronomy 32:34
Moses taught carefully.
Matthew 7:7-8
Asking and seeking requires action.
Deuteronomy 28:53
The sign of ungodliness is a lack of compassion
Sent from my iPhone
Shepherding!
Shepherding!
Genesis 48:15 -- God is our shepherd leading us as we shepherd other people!
Psalm 23 -- As we shepherd people we point them to God our shepherd! God provides guidance. As God leads we follow. Blessing abound!
Psalm 77:20 -- God is still the shepherd but used Moses and Arron to shepherd Israel. Same for us. God uses people to shepherd his flock!
Psalm 78:53-54 -- God relates to his people as a shepherd leading sheep.
Isaiah 40:10-11 -- Gently leads. Caring us through. Leading with compassion and love!
Isaiah 43:18-19 -- God will take us and the people around us from the waste land and onto paradise. God used Moses and Aaron as shepherds to navigate!
Jeremiah 31:10 -- Shepherds leans and they also gather. Sometimes we have to gather the strays.
Micah 2:12 -- We have to go looking and gathering.
Micah 7:14 -- We are called to feed and protect the flock.
Jeremiah 3:15 -- Shepherding Gods people requires a man after Gods own heart!
Sent from my iPhone
Genesis 48:15 -- God is our shepherd leading us as we shepherd other people!
Psalm 23 -- As we shepherd people we point them to God our shepherd! God provides guidance. As God leads we follow. Blessing abound!
Psalm 77:20 -- God is still the shepherd but used Moses and Arron to shepherd Israel. Same for us. God uses people to shepherd his flock!
Psalm 78:53-54 -- God relates to his people as a shepherd leading sheep.
Isaiah 40:10-11 -- Gently leads. Caring us through. Leading with compassion and love!
Isaiah 43:18-19 -- God will take us and the people around us from the waste land and onto paradise. God used Moses and Aaron as shepherds to navigate!
Jeremiah 31:10 -- Shepherds leans and they also gather. Sometimes we have to gather the strays.
Micah 2:12 -- We have to go looking and gathering.
Micah 7:14 -- We are called to feed and protect the flock.
Jeremiah 3:15 -- Shepherding Gods people requires a man after Gods own heart!
Sent from my iPhone
Heavenly Slang
Jesus spoke heavenly slang. When he spoke it to the religious leaders around him they were confused. Destroying the temple, being born again, living water; are just a few examples. Jesus made statements that made sense to heavenly beings. The apostles were enlightened by Jesus on many things before he ascended to heaven. Peter was left the task of holding the keys to the kingdom and to understanding of what Jesus meant.
2 Peter 3:1-18
Jesus is coming back. There is no denying it. It will happen! Everything of this physical world has a beginning and an ending. Only heavenly things have no beginning and end!
Don't focus on Jesus 2nd coming. Don't focus on the where, why, and when! (Mark 13)
We need to focus on the moment. Live each day like it was the last day! Not like it's your last day and be selfish but rather Live each day like it is "The last day"!
Focus on what Jesus will find when he returns! What will Jesus find in you when he returns?
Sent from my iPhone
2 Peter 3:1-18
Jesus is coming back. There is no denying it. It will happen! Everything of this physical world has a beginning and an ending. Only heavenly things have no beginning and end!
Don't focus on Jesus 2nd coming. Don't focus on the where, why, and when! (Mark 13)
We need to focus on the moment. Live each day like it was the last day! Not like it's your last day and be selfish but rather Live each day like it is "The last day"!
Focus on what Jesus will find when he returns! What will Jesus find in you when he returns?
Sent from my iPhone
Monday, November 28, 2016
What do you really need? Needs vs wants.
What do you really need? Needs vs wants.
2 Peter 1:3-11
God has given me everything I need to live a full life capable of honoring him! Regardless of material circumstance I have everything I need! God provides! God will not forsake me. God will honor all of his promises!
As a fisherman Peter had a great understanding of what it means to be in need and being provided for. He went out everyday in need and had to rely on God to be successful!
What does God mean that he gives everything that we need? He gives us the knowledge of Jesus! What else do we need? Knowing Jesus is the gift that gives us the ability to live a godly life!
How does a promise give us what we need? A promise can help deliver a desire that we could never accomplish on our own. In my nature I desire things some good and some evil. The world and its promises are traded for Gods promises that truly are for filled! Gods promises free us from the desires and empty promises of this world!
God gives everything we need through the knowledge of Jesus and then we get to go live it! Be like Jesus! Simple and difficult at the same time! Taking hold of what God has given us is to strive to be like Jesus!
Vs 5 -- God gives us a how to on being like Jesus. You begin with faith. Even a little bit of faith! Through faith you add goodness, and the knowledge. Self control is a practice once you have goodness in your heart and knowledge of what is good and evil! Perseverance in faith knowledge and self control leads to godliness! Only after all these things are you able to love the way Jesus did!
Sent from my iPad
2 Peter 1:3-11
God has given me everything I need to live a full life capable of honoring him! Regardless of material circumstance I have everything I need! God provides! God will not forsake me. God will honor all of his promises!
As a fisherman Peter had a great understanding of what it means to be in need and being provided for. He went out everyday in need and had to rely on God to be successful!
What does God mean that he gives everything that we need? He gives us the knowledge of Jesus! What else do we need? Knowing Jesus is the gift that gives us the ability to live a godly life!
How does a promise give us what we need? A promise can help deliver a desire that we could never accomplish on our own. In my nature I desire things some good and some evil. The world and its promises are traded for Gods promises that truly are for filled! Gods promises free us from the desires and empty promises of this world!
God gives everything we need through the knowledge of Jesus and then we get to go live it! Be like Jesus! Simple and difficult at the same time! Taking hold of what God has given us is to strive to be like Jesus!
Vs 5 -- God gives us a how to on being like Jesus. You begin with faith. Even a little bit of faith! Through faith you add goodness, and the knowledge. Self control is a practice once you have goodness in your heart and knowledge of what is good and evil! Perseverance in faith knowledge and self control leads to godliness! Only after all these things are you able to love the way Jesus did!
Sent from my iPad
Sunday, November 13, 2016
Being prepared through prayer!
Being prepared through prayer!
Even the son of God with all the power and authority that he had, still needed to prepare. He prepared through prayer!
Luke 5:16; 6:12; 9:18,28; 11:1
When Jesus prayed he often went somewhere to pray. It was also clear to those around him that he was going to pray. He took others with him to pray as well. He taught others how to pray.
How did Jesus prepare for death? He prayed!
Luke 22:39-42
How much more should I pray so that I am prepared to deal with the sins of this world?
If Jesus Christ need pray to prepare himself for being a man of God then why do we think we can wing it?
Sent from my iPad
Even the son of God with all the power and authority that he had, still needed to prepare. He prepared through prayer!
Luke 5:16; 6:12; 9:18,28; 11:1
When Jesus prayed he often went somewhere to pray. It was also clear to those around him that he was going to pray. He took others with him to pray as well. He taught others how to pray.
How did Jesus prepare for death? He prayed!
Luke 22:39-42
How much more should I pray so that I am prepared to deal with the sins of this world?
If Jesus Christ need pray to prepare himself for being a man of God then why do we think we can wing it?
Sent from my iPad
Worship!
Worship!
Worship is really defined by posture. To worship is to bow down! How should we worship God?
Exodus 7:14-16
We are freed to worship. Moses entire message to Egypt was to let my people go. Why? So that they could worship the lord in the wilderness!
We are free to worship!
Exodus 3:7-
Like Moses who was giving a message from God we too have been giving a message! People are hurting and searching for freedom. Our message is a message of hope and good news that frees people from the captivity of sin through Jesus. Why? So that they can worship God!
God has freed us from sin so that we can worship him unrestrained and boundless! Worship is a life style. It's not just about music or praise! Worshiping God should be evident in every aspect of our lives! Being obedient is worship! Jesus spent 33 years on earth worshiping God. Everyday was a day to worship in all things!
Ephesians 5:18-20
Corporate worship and individual worship are equally important! Sing to God during your personal times with God. In corporate worship we are together worshiping God! Our focus should be one God and only God!!
How important is worship to God? So important that God brought plagues and miracles against Egypt to free his people so they could worship him!! How serious should I take my worship to God?!
Exodus 10:7-11
True worship involves everything in my life! My possessions, my family, my friends, my entire life!!
Exodus 10:24-29
Moses would not leave and worship with out the women, children, and his possessions! It's my job to include and teach my family how to worship! Moss would not leave with out things to sacrifice. You can not worship God with out sacrifice. What am I giving up for God in my worship! Moses did not back down on this with Pharaoh.
Sacrifice is pain full. Giving up something that you want for God is not always easy but is necessary for worship!
Exodus 5:1
Worship is a festival. Worship is a party and a celebration! We are free to celebrate in worship! We need to be somber and reflect on Jesus, the cross and who we are before God! Then there is a time where we celebrate and rejoice in Jesus and the sacrifice he has made!
Sent from my iPad
Worship is really defined by posture. To worship is to bow down! How should we worship God?
Exodus 7:14-16
We are freed to worship. Moses entire message to Egypt was to let my people go. Why? So that they could worship the lord in the wilderness!
We are free to worship!
Exodus 3:7-
Like Moses who was giving a message from God we too have been giving a message! People are hurting and searching for freedom. Our message is a message of hope and good news that frees people from the captivity of sin through Jesus. Why? So that they can worship God!
God has freed us from sin so that we can worship him unrestrained and boundless! Worship is a life style. It's not just about music or praise! Worshiping God should be evident in every aspect of our lives! Being obedient is worship! Jesus spent 33 years on earth worshiping God. Everyday was a day to worship in all things!
Ephesians 5:18-20
Corporate worship and individual worship are equally important! Sing to God during your personal times with God. In corporate worship we are together worshiping God! Our focus should be one God and only God!!
How important is worship to God? So important that God brought plagues and miracles against Egypt to free his people so they could worship him!! How serious should I take my worship to God?!
Exodus 10:7-11
True worship involves everything in my life! My possessions, my family, my friends, my entire life!!
Exodus 10:24-29
Moses would not leave and worship with out the women, children, and his possessions! It's my job to include and teach my family how to worship! Moss would not leave with out things to sacrifice. You can not worship God with out sacrifice. What am I giving up for God in my worship! Moses did not back down on this with Pharaoh.
Sacrifice is pain full. Giving up something that you want for God is not always easy but is necessary for worship!
Exodus 5:1
Worship is a festival. Worship is a party and a celebration! We are free to celebrate in worship! We need to be somber and reflect on Jesus, the cross and who we are before God! Then there is a time where we celebrate and rejoice in Jesus and the sacrifice he has made!
Sent from my iPad
Distractions!
Distractions!
Matthew 6:25-34
Picking your priorities is important to keep from getting distracted! Matthew 6 tells us that God and His kingdom should be priority! What distractions are your giving into? Anything that takes me off of being God focused is a distraction!
Mark 1:35; Proverbs 3:5 we have to stay close to God and trust in him. We need to lean on God!
Social media has become a huge distraction for many of us. The first thing we do in the morning is check our Facebook or update a status. We should be going to God. He should be our priority!
Philippians 4:6 turning to God will truly meet our needs. God wants to be involved in our life! He wants to be needed by us! We should cast all anxiety, desires and request on Him and turn only to Him for what we need!
Matthew 22:36-40
Loving God with all you heart, mind and soul is to love without distractions! We also need relationships. God wants us to have love filled relationships with the people around us! In today's age many people are replacing real relationships with social media. Deep love connections are traded in for a false reality and superficial acquaintances that will never meet our needs!
Luke 10:25-37
Jesus example of a love filled relationship requires sacrifice! The Good Samaritan did not allow distractions from keeping him from loving. He took time out of his day to help a neighbor in need. Social media can also be a distraction in helping people. We all portray an image online that is our best and sometimes different from reality. Very few people really realize what is going on in our lives. The pressure to look good becomes a distraction from getting the help we need!
Social media creates laziness and distracts us from doing the good we ought to do. As we spend more and more time on our phones we neglect the world around us. It's selfish! God calls us to be the Good Samaritan; however, we will never be able to focus on the needs around us if we are distracted!
How can you be like the Good Samaritan this week? Stay focused on God, stop getting distracted with things from this world!
Sent from my iPad
Matthew 6:25-34
Picking your priorities is important to keep from getting distracted! Matthew 6 tells us that God and His kingdom should be priority! What distractions are your giving into? Anything that takes me off of being God focused is a distraction!
Mark 1:35; Proverbs 3:5 we have to stay close to God and trust in him. We need to lean on God!
Social media has become a huge distraction for many of us. The first thing we do in the morning is check our Facebook or update a status. We should be going to God. He should be our priority!
Philippians 4:6 turning to God will truly meet our needs. God wants to be involved in our life! He wants to be needed by us! We should cast all anxiety, desires and request on Him and turn only to Him for what we need!
Matthew 22:36-40
Loving God with all you heart, mind and soul is to love without distractions! We also need relationships. God wants us to have love filled relationships with the people around us! In today's age many people are replacing real relationships with social media. Deep love connections are traded in for a false reality and superficial acquaintances that will never meet our needs!
Luke 10:25-37
Jesus example of a love filled relationship requires sacrifice! The Good Samaritan did not allow distractions from keeping him from loving. He took time out of his day to help a neighbor in need. Social media can also be a distraction in helping people. We all portray an image online that is our best and sometimes different from reality. Very few people really realize what is going on in our lives. The pressure to look good becomes a distraction from getting the help we need!
Social media creates laziness and distracts us from doing the good we ought to do. As we spend more and more time on our phones we neglect the world around us. It's selfish! God calls us to be the Good Samaritan; however, we will never be able to focus on the needs around us if we are distracted!
How can you be like the Good Samaritan this week? Stay focused on God, stop getting distracted with things from this world!
Sent from my iPad
Monday, October 31, 2016
Polarization!
Polarization!
Polarization basically means to separate to the furthest of opposite ends. Two choices that cause I tenses separation! Gods people should never be manipulated with polarizing issues. How would Jesus respond to a polarizing topic?
Mark 12:13-17
The Pharisees intended to trap Jesus. This was a carefully laid trap. A controversial issue of Jesus day. A polarizing topic for the Jews and Romans! If Jesus says yes he instantly becomes a traitor of his people. If he says no then he becomes a terrorist to Roman and would immediately be put into prison!
Giving Caesar what is Caesar was giving to Caesar what was in Caesar's image! What was created and minted by Caesar! Give to the world what belongs to the world! Jesus was more concerned with eternal things!
Give to God what is God's! Give to God what was made in his image. What was created and minted by God! Who was made in God's image? We are called to give our selves in deep devotion!
How do you know what image you are serving? What are you passionate about? What turns your heart and creates a fervor and energy that can hardly be contained? Worldly things or Godly things!
Are you passionate about the things that God is passionate about? My passion should be on eternal things!
What divides you will show what image you are bearing!
1 Corinthians 1:12-13
Paul rebukes the Corinthian church for being divided over spiritual things, how much more would God rebuke Christians for becoming divided over worldly things? Politics are the number one polarizing issues of our day!
What unites you?
1 Timothy 2:1-4
This is what we should be praying for! In doing this we are focused on God being in control and not a man or women who was elected to office! We need to acknowledge who leads this world!
John 17:20-23
While faced with over whelming stress and physical torture, Jesus prayed for others! Look at Jesus priorities! Complete unity is found only in Christ!
Sent from my iPhone
Polarization basically means to separate to the furthest of opposite ends. Two choices that cause I tenses separation! Gods people should never be manipulated with polarizing issues. How would Jesus respond to a polarizing topic?
Mark 12:13-17
The Pharisees intended to trap Jesus. This was a carefully laid trap. A controversial issue of Jesus day. A polarizing topic for the Jews and Romans! If Jesus says yes he instantly becomes a traitor of his people. If he says no then he becomes a terrorist to Roman and would immediately be put into prison!
Giving Caesar what is Caesar was giving to Caesar what was in Caesar's image! What was created and minted by Caesar! Give to the world what belongs to the world! Jesus was more concerned with eternal things!
Give to God what is God's! Give to God what was made in his image. What was created and minted by God! Who was made in God's image? We are called to give our selves in deep devotion!
How do you know what image you are serving? What are you passionate about? What turns your heart and creates a fervor and energy that can hardly be contained? Worldly things or Godly things!
Are you passionate about the things that God is passionate about? My passion should be on eternal things!
What divides you will show what image you are bearing!
1 Corinthians 1:12-13
Paul rebukes the Corinthian church for being divided over spiritual things, how much more would God rebuke Christians for becoming divided over worldly things? Politics are the number one polarizing issues of our day!
What unites you?
1 Timothy 2:1-4
This is what we should be praying for! In doing this we are focused on God being in control and not a man or women who was elected to office! We need to acknowledge who leads this world!
John 17:20-23
While faced with over whelming stress and physical torture, Jesus prayed for others! Look at Jesus priorities! Complete unity is found only in Christ!
Sent from my iPhone
Monday, October 24, 2016
Miraculous Jesus!
Miraculous Jesus!
Jesus always preached outside. From lakes, mountains shorelines... Etc
John 6:1-15
Again Jesus is out doors ministering to people and performs one of the greatest miracles in the bible. Jesus lead them into the country side. Jesus lead them to a place where they would be in need. Jesus does that for us as well. He leads us to places where we need him and then he provides big time!
Mark says that Jesus split the people into groups of fifty and a hundred. Why did he do this? There was no denying how many people he fed! His miracles over came the physical limitations we have. He over came numbers by feeding five thousands with a couple of loaves and fish. He overcame gravity when he walked on water!
Jesus did miracles in our physical world but his intent was to open our eyes to the spiritual world!
John 6:25-35
The crowd only wanted free food. Even after that they still wanted a sign? How could they not believe? We overlook the miracles that Jesus has done in our lives as well! We need to be reminded! Who has been a liar and through the Jesus has learned to tell the truth in all circumstances? Who has never been faithful and through Jesus has become faithful not only to your spouse but faithful to the Lord! Who has battled with one sin or another for years and through Jesus has become victorious?! Don't under value the miracles that Jesus has done in your life!! If you can't answer yes to those questions then you need Jesus!!
Jesus ultimate miracle was his resurrection from the dead! Jesus had victory even over death and sacrificed himself for us so that we too can die to sin and be raised to a new life!! Praise God for the gift of grace and mercy that he lavishes on those who have made Jesus lord! We don't have to live in sin any longer! We are a new creation in Jesus!
Sent from my iPhone
Jesus always preached outside. From lakes, mountains shorelines... Etc
John 6:1-15
Again Jesus is out doors ministering to people and performs one of the greatest miracles in the bible. Jesus lead them into the country side. Jesus lead them to a place where they would be in need. Jesus does that for us as well. He leads us to places where we need him and then he provides big time!
Mark says that Jesus split the people into groups of fifty and a hundred. Why did he do this? There was no denying how many people he fed! His miracles over came the physical limitations we have. He over came numbers by feeding five thousands with a couple of loaves and fish. He overcame gravity when he walked on water!
Jesus did miracles in our physical world but his intent was to open our eyes to the spiritual world!
John 6:25-35
The crowd only wanted free food. Even after that they still wanted a sign? How could they not believe? We overlook the miracles that Jesus has done in our lives as well! We need to be reminded! Who has been a liar and through the Jesus has learned to tell the truth in all circumstances? Who has never been faithful and through Jesus has become faithful not only to your spouse but faithful to the Lord! Who has battled with one sin or another for years and through Jesus has become victorious?! Don't under value the miracles that Jesus has done in your life!! If you can't answer yes to those questions then you need Jesus!!
Jesus ultimate miracle was his resurrection from the dead! Jesus had victory even over death and sacrificed himself for us so that we too can die to sin and be raised to a new life!! Praise God for the gift of grace and mercy that he lavishes on those who have made Jesus lord! We don't have to live in sin any longer! We are a new creation in Jesus!
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Saturday, October 15, 2016
The deep idol of control, significance
The deep idol of control, significance
Our lust and desire for control actually brings fear to our lives. The need for control drives fear and fear drives workaholism. Control drives insecurity and anger when things don't go our way.
To change these things we have to replace the lie with the truth. With fear we have to replace it with trust. With control we have to replace it with surrendering. The most frequent command in the bible is to not be afraid. Do not give into fear!
Proverbs 3:5
Matthew 6:25;32-33
Philippians 4:6-7
Control desires power and power pulls you away from God. To replace the desire for power we need to understand stewardship! Being a good steward means to value the things that God values.
What temps you the most? Fear, workaholism, anger, and power.
When was the last time you got really angry? What caused it?
How should the concept of stewardship change our perspective on the things and people that God has put in our lives?
Deep idol of significance!
Several traps go along with this idol. The approval trap. Are you constantly trying to keep others happy, have a hard time saying no, do you avoid conflict?
The recognition trap, is a desperate attempt to make your self feel significant by being recognized or your achievements.
The relationship trap is a desire for wanting to be wanted by someone. Your relationship becomes the most important thing in your life and provides you a false sense of security.
Philippians 2:5-11
Which of the significance trap is most relevant for you? Approval, recognition, or relationship trap.
Which of the comfort traps is most relevant to you? Fear of responsibility, the dependence on consumption, or turning to escapes.
The deep idol of comfort.
Several traps come with seeking comfort. The fear of responsibility, being dependent on consumption, and turning to escapes. Each one will trap you and keep you from growing spiritually!
We have to replace the idol of comfort with the purpose of God.
Which of the comfort traps is most relevant to you? Fear of responsibility, the dependence on consumption, or turning to escapes.
Sent from my iPad
Our lust and desire for control actually brings fear to our lives. The need for control drives fear and fear drives workaholism. Control drives insecurity and anger when things don't go our way.
To change these things we have to replace the lie with the truth. With fear we have to replace it with trust. With control we have to replace it with surrendering. The most frequent command in the bible is to not be afraid. Do not give into fear!
Proverbs 3:5
Matthew 6:25;32-33
Philippians 4:6-7
Control desires power and power pulls you away from God. To replace the desire for power we need to understand stewardship! Being a good steward means to value the things that God values.
What temps you the most? Fear, workaholism, anger, and power.
When was the last time you got really angry? What caused it?
How should the concept of stewardship change our perspective on the things and people that God has put in our lives?
Deep idol of significance!
Several traps go along with this idol. The approval trap. Are you constantly trying to keep others happy, have a hard time saying no, do you avoid conflict?
The recognition trap, is a desperate attempt to make your self feel significant by being recognized or your achievements.
The relationship trap is a desire for wanting to be wanted by someone. Your relationship becomes the most important thing in your life and provides you a false sense of security.
Philippians 2:5-11
Which of the significance trap is most relevant for you? Approval, recognition, or relationship trap.
Which of the comfort traps is most relevant to you? Fear of responsibility, the dependence on consumption, or turning to escapes.
The deep idol of comfort.
Several traps come with seeking comfort. The fear of responsibility, being dependent on consumption, and turning to escapes. Each one will trap you and keep you from growing spiritually!
We have to replace the idol of comfort with the purpose of God.
Which of the comfort traps is most relevant to you? Fear of responsibility, the dependence on consumption, or turning to escapes.
Sent from my iPad
Battle Plan
Battle Plan
Mark 10:35-45
There is a desire inside all of us to do great things and yet we are all easily appeased and settle for much less!
What is your battle plan for temptation? You can either white knuckle it and just bear through temptation you will eventually fall. The key is to desire God over anything else in your life! To desire God above any other desire!
Three things that must be done I order to do this.
- Admit the struggle
- Identify the lie (the empty promise a temptation offers)
- Replace it with the truth
Romans 12:1-3
What is the most difficult struggle for you to admit to?
What lie is that struggle feeding you?
How can you experience truth and replace the lie?
Sent from my iPad
Mark 10:35-45
There is a desire inside all of us to do great things and yet we are all easily appeased and settle for much less!
What is your battle plan for temptation? You can either white knuckle it and just bear through temptation you will eventually fall. The key is to desire God over anything else in your life! To desire God above any other desire!
Three things that must be done I order to do this.
- Admit the struggle
- Identify the lie (the empty promise a temptation offers)
- Replace it with the truth
Romans 12:1-3
What is the most difficult struggle for you to admit to?
What lie is that struggle feeding you?
How can you experience truth and replace the lie?
Sent from my iPad
Idols!
Idols!
4 key realities for making change in your life.
- Ruthless honesty
- Acknowledged struggles and temptation
- Understand the level of grace God has given you
- The goal is heart change
Three deep idols.
An idol is anything to replace God. Idolatry keeps us from getting our security from God. Idolatry can be found in lust and every other seen. It steams from selfishness! The deep rooted idols in my life, lay beneath the surface.
The idol of control is one of those deep rooted idol. Proverbs 19:21 with this idol we have a relentless pursuit of seeking security, and been in control of every situation.
The deep idol of significance is another. This idol plays out in your life when you are more worried about pleasing people rather than God. Your priorities are focused on what you can achieve and you seek the acceptance of others.
The deep idol of comfort is the third idol. Through this idol we avoid stress of accountability. This idol leads to an un ending desire for consumption. You are never satisfied!
Of the four key realities, which one is most important for you to remember?
Which of the three deep idols resonates with you the most? How is it manifesting in your life right now?
What decisions are you going to make to affect change in your life?
Sent from my iPad
4 key realities for making change in your life.
- Ruthless honesty
- Acknowledged struggles and temptation
- Understand the level of grace God has given you
- The goal is heart change
Three deep idols.
An idol is anything to replace God. Idolatry keeps us from getting our security from God. Idolatry can be found in lust and every other seen. It steams from selfishness! The deep rooted idols in my life, lay beneath the surface.
The idol of control is one of those deep rooted idol. Proverbs 19:21 with this idol we have a relentless pursuit of seeking security, and been in control of every situation.
The deep idol of significance is another. This idol plays out in your life when you are more worried about pleasing people rather than God. Your priorities are focused on what you can achieve and you seek the acceptance of others.
The deep idol of comfort is the third idol. Through this idol we avoid stress of accountability. This idol leads to an un ending desire for consumption. You are never satisfied!
Of the four key realities, which one is most important for you to remember?
Which of the three deep idols resonates with you the most? How is it manifesting in your life right now?
What decisions are you going to make to affect change in your life?
Sent from my iPad
Storm Chasers part 3
Storm Chasers part 3
Peter was blessed by storms. Literally, without storms our earth would not be inhabitable. Storms are necessary to remove pollution, regulate temptation...etc. without storms we would not be able to live on this planet. Lightning strikes and provides nitrogen to the soil. Storms are scary and create a lot of damage but without them we could not survive!
Matthew 14:22-33
Peter was originally Simon Barjonah which literally was "son of Jonah". Not sure if he was a descendant of Jonah but pretty cool to see him now involved in a storm as well. Jesus renamed him Peter which means "rock". Jesus did not just give him a new name but gave him a new identity.
Storms are needed in our lives too and God knows this. Jesus sent them into the boat and onto the lake and Jesus put them in that situation for a reason. Like wise God will put us in storms to give us an opportunity to have faith, trust and obedience!
Faith is built not by rest but by stress! We grow the most through the storms in our lives!
James 1:2-4
How can I be joyful through the middle of a storm? I can be joyful when I realize that God is using it to make me stronger and help me grow!
1 Peter 1:3-9
We need storms to build my faith. My faith needs to be continually challenged in order for me to grow spiritually. I can't run from the storms, I need to embrace them! Peter sank because he took his eyes off Jesus! Peter had enough faith to get out of the boat.
The faith I have today is good enough for today but not good enough for tomorrow! Our faith needs to be constantly challenged!
Jesus conquers storms!
Hebrews 12:1-3
Jesus initiates our faith with a storm in our lives and then he also perfects our faith. Men and women of Faith who embrace Gods word and the storms in their lives are able to be victorious! When we fix our eyes on Jesus we are able to see the storm for what it is! Keeping our perspective on Jesus is the key.
1 Peter 1:3-9
Jesus is the only way to get through a storm. Fall on your knees, accept Jesus as your savior! It is a blessing to be in a storm! With my eyes fixed on Jesus I will always conquer the storms in my life!
Sent from my iPad
Peter was blessed by storms. Literally, without storms our earth would not be inhabitable. Storms are necessary to remove pollution, regulate temptation...etc. without storms we would not be able to live on this planet. Lightning strikes and provides nitrogen to the soil. Storms are scary and create a lot of damage but without them we could not survive!
Matthew 14:22-33
Peter was originally Simon Barjonah which literally was "son of Jonah". Not sure if he was a descendant of Jonah but pretty cool to see him now involved in a storm as well. Jesus renamed him Peter which means "rock". Jesus did not just give him a new name but gave him a new identity.
Storms are needed in our lives too and God knows this. Jesus sent them into the boat and onto the lake and Jesus put them in that situation for a reason. Like wise God will put us in storms to give us an opportunity to have faith, trust and obedience!
Faith is built not by rest but by stress! We grow the most through the storms in our lives!
James 1:2-4
How can I be joyful through the middle of a storm? I can be joyful when I realize that God is using it to make me stronger and help me grow!
1 Peter 1:3-9
We need storms to build my faith. My faith needs to be continually challenged in order for me to grow spiritually. I can't run from the storms, I need to embrace them! Peter sank because he took his eyes off Jesus! Peter had enough faith to get out of the boat.
The faith I have today is good enough for today but not good enough for tomorrow! Our faith needs to be constantly challenged!
Jesus conquers storms!
Hebrews 12:1-3
Jesus initiates our faith with a storm in our lives and then he also perfects our faith. Men and women of Faith who embrace Gods word and the storms in their lives are able to be victorious! When we fix our eyes on Jesus we are able to see the storm for what it is! Keeping our perspective on Jesus is the key.
1 Peter 1:3-9
Jesus is the only way to get through a storm. Fall on your knees, accept Jesus as your savior! It is a blessing to be in a storm! With my eyes fixed on Jesus I will always conquer the storms in my life!
Sent from my iPad
Storm Chasers part 2
Storm Chasers part 2
Jonah 1:1-8
The storm in Jonah was brought on because Jonah refused to obey God. Many storms happen in our lives and are not our fault. In Jonah's case he was responsible and his sin drug everyone else into it. Jonah's selfishness jeopardized the entire ship and everyone on board.
Gods called Jonah to do something that was challenging for him to do. It questioned his character and exposed racism and bigotry. It exposed the hatred in his heart. Not doing God's will and obeying God exposes the sin in our hearts!
Jonah 1:9-17
Even through Gods miracle Jonah still needed to pray. Jonah had to work on his heart. God provided the time and opportunity for Jonah to repent. In our own lives sometimes God allows storms in our lives so we can turn to him. Where is God leading you? What is God trying to teach you. Examine what is going on in your life and consider where God is calling you?
Sent from my iPad
Jonah 1:1-8
The storm in Jonah was brought on because Jonah refused to obey God. Many storms happen in our lives and are not our fault. In Jonah's case he was responsible and his sin drug everyone else into it. Jonah's selfishness jeopardized the entire ship and everyone on board.
Gods called Jonah to do something that was challenging for him to do. It questioned his character and exposed racism and bigotry. It exposed the hatred in his heart. Not doing God's will and obeying God exposes the sin in our hearts!
Jonah 1:9-17
Even through Gods miracle Jonah still needed to pray. Jonah had to work on his heart. God provided the time and opportunity for Jonah to repent. In our own lives sometimes God allows storms in our lives so we can turn to him. Where is God leading you? What is God trying to teach you. Examine what is going on in your life and consider where God is calling you?
Sent from my iPad
Genesis 11:1-9; 1 Samuel 4:5-10
Genesis 11:1-9; 1 Samuel 4:5-10
Two stories here that are kinda of foot note stories. These two stories are different but they share several similarities. They show the power of unity. They are untied against God in each story. With the story of the Tower of Babel, the unity was so strong that God had to disunify them! The philistines have no relationship with God. All they have is unity among men. There is a power in unity even an evil power in unity. In both cases God had to physically step into our world to defeat that power!
If men can be this powerful when being unified against God, how much more powerful can man be when we are united with God!
Ecclesiastes 4:8-12 this scriptures proves the point even further that men united are a power to be reckoned with. When two work together, the out put is greater than 1+1
There is a power in unity with God and yet so many chose to be loaners!
Psalms 133:1-3; Matthew 18:19-20
Am I battling the spiritual war alone? Am I tapping into the power of unity available through God with my brothers?
What keeps me from being United. What dreams do I have that we can unite over?
Sent from my iPad
Two stories here that are kinda of foot note stories. These two stories are different but they share several similarities. They show the power of unity. They are untied against God in each story. With the story of the Tower of Babel, the unity was so strong that God had to disunify them! The philistines have no relationship with God. All they have is unity among men. There is a power in unity even an evil power in unity. In both cases God had to physically step into our world to defeat that power!
If men can be this powerful when being unified against God, how much more powerful can man be when we are united with God!
Ecclesiastes 4:8-12 this scriptures proves the point even further that men united are a power to be reckoned with. When two work together, the out put is greater than 1+1
There is a power in unity with God and yet so many chose to be loaners!
Psalms 133:1-3; Matthew 18:19-20
Am I battling the spiritual war alone? Am I tapping into the power of unity available through God with my brothers?
What keeps me from being United. What dreams do I have that we can unite over?
Sent from my iPad
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Worshiping in Silence
Worshiping in Silence
It's hard for us to be silent. We live in an age of constant entertainment!
How do I here Gods voice in everyday life? I have to separate time daily to listen to God. How do I prove to God that I want to hear his voice? Reading Gods word daily is the only way. How can God trust you with his spine word if he cannot trust you with his written word?
Psalms 1:1-6
Prayer was created for us to commune with God. It's more than a time for me to ask for blessings or things that I want. It's deeper than mumbling words. Am I worships God in prayer?
John 5:19-20; John 12:49-50 Luke 5:1-11;16
Give yourself to God and listen to him. Communion with God is about listening and you cannot listen unless your silent.
When I pray I am admitting by my actions that God is real and he has authority over me!
You cannot have intimacy with God without spending time with him!
Sent from my iPhone
It's hard for us to be silent. We live in an age of constant entertainment!
How do I here Gods voice in everyday life? I have to separate time daily to listen to God. How do I prove to God that I want to hear his voice? Reading Gods word daily is the only way. How can God trust you with his spine word if he cannot trust you with his written word?
Psalms 1:1-6
Prayer was created for us to commune with God. It's more than a time for me to ask for blessings or things that I want. It's deeper than mumbling words. Am I worships God in prayer?
John 5:19-20; John 12:49-50 Luke 5:1-11;16
Give yourself to God and listen to him. Communion with God is about listening and you cannot listen unless your silent.
When I pray I am admitting by my actions that God is real and he has authority over me!
You cannot have intimacy with God without spending time with him!
Sent from my iPhone
Storm Chasers part 2
Storm Chasers part 2
Jonah 1:1-8
The storm in Jonah was brought on because Jonah refused to obey God. Many storms happen in our lives and are not our fault. In Jonah's case he was responsible and his sin drug everyone else into it. Jonah's selfishness jeopardized the entire ship and everyone on board.
Gods called Jonah to do something that was challenging for him to do. It questioned his character and exposed racism and bigotry. It exposed the hatred in his heart. Not doing God's will and obeying God exposes the sin in our hearts!
Jonah 1:9-17
Even through Gods miracle Jonah still needed to pray. Jonah had to work on his heart. God provided the time and opportunity for Jonah to repent. In our own lives sometimes God allows storms in our lives so we can turn to him. Where is God leading you? What is God trying to teach you. Examine what is going on in your life and consider where God is calling you?
Sent from my iPhone
Jonah 1:1-8
The storm in Jonah was brought on because Jonah refused to obey God. Many storms happen in our lives and are not our fault. In Jonah's case he was responsible and his sin drug everyone else into it. Jonah's selfishness jeopardized the entire ship and everyone on board.
Gods called Jonah to do something that was challenging for him to do. It questioned his character and exposed racism and bigotry. It exposed the hatred in his heart. Not doing God's will and obeying God exposes the sin in our hearts!
Jonah 1:9-17
Even through Gods miracle Jonah still needed to pray. Jonah had to work on his heart. God provided the time and opportunity for Jonah to repent. In our own lives sometimes God allows storms in our lives so we can turn to him. Where is God leading you? What is God trying to teach you. Examine what is going on in your life and consider where God is calling you?
Sent from my iPhone
Monday, September 19, 2016
Storm Chasers! Part 1
Storm Chasers! Part 1
Storms are coming! No matter where you are in life, you can't escape life's storms. The first century church was in a world of chaos and they views the church like a boat. Before the symbol of the cross the first century church used the symbol of the anchor! Being anchored to Jesus was import to the first church...Hebrews 6:19
What keeps us from being crashed against the rocks of blown out to sea? It's the anchor of our faith, it's having a relationship with Jesus!
Genesis 6:5-22;7:1-13
The story of Noah has become a fairy tale kids story in many of our minds. Noah wrote the first 5 books of the bible and was a man used by God to do his will. Noah was directed to build an ark and was giving specific details on the size length and width! There was no instructions to add a rutted or sail or anything else that would steer the boat. Noah and his family were left to trust God and God alone!
Noah did not chose his storm. Noah was a righteous man who loved his family and tried to live his life to please God and the storm that God gave him had nothing to do with bad choices or consequences from his own actions! Too many times the storms in our lives are self inflicted. We sin, we rebel and then the storm comes as a result of consequences. Other times life happens and God allows a storm in our lives. Either way God is in control and we either need to repent, trust God and have faith!
Storms come whether we are prepared or not. We can't burry our heads in the sand and pretend there not going to come! Noah was prepared and did what God asked.
We may not be able to chose which storms will come but we do get to chose how we respond to the storm. Sometimes we don't have time to prepare and God just calls for immediate obedience. Genesis 6:22
Obedience is a better virtue that independence or free thinking. God doesn't want us to not think for ourselves but many times we over think and many times make decisions contrary to being obedient to God because we think we know better! Immediate obedience is a valuable virtue and should be practice daily!
How closely do I obey gods word when it cost me time, money, independence, lordship in my own life? Noah's response allowed God to save him. If Noah didn't build a boat he would not have been saved. The obedience and Gods rescue was necessary for him to be saved. Noah built a boat with no rutted or steering mechanism and the boat alone could not save him. God had to rescue Noah and his family!
Am I being obedient to God and trusting in his rescue plan?
Genesis 9:13 the storm will eventually end. The rainbow comes when the storm passes! The rainbow is proof that the storm ends. It's a promise that storm has ended. Because of Noah's obedience his family was saved. Who will be saved by my obedience?
How big of a boat am I building? Am I just focused on my self. Is my boat big enough to save my family and the people around me?
Sent from my iPhone
Storms are coming! No matter where you are in life, you can't escape life's storms. The first century church was in a world of chaos and they views the church like a boat. Before the symbol of the cross the first century church used the symbol of the anchor! Being anchored to Jesus was import to the first church...Hebrews 6:19
What keeps us from being crashed against the rocks of blown out to sea? It's the anchor of our faith, it's having a relationship with Jesus!
Genesis 6:5-22;7:1-13
The story of Noah has become a fairy tale kids story in many of our minds. Noah wrote the first 5 books of the bible and was a man used by God to do his will. Noah was directed to build an ark and was giving specific details on the size length and width! There was no instructions to add a rutted or sail or anything else that would steer the boat. Noah and his family were left to trust God and God alone!
Noah did not chose his storm. Noah was a righteous man who loved his family and tried to live his life to please God and the storm that God gave him had nothing to do with bad choices or consequences from his own actions! Too many times the storms in our lives are self inflicted. We sin, we rebel and then the storm comes as a result of consequences. Other times life happens and God allows a storm in our lives. Either way God is in control and we either need to repent, trust God and have faith!
Storms come whether we are prepared or not. We can't burry our heads in the sand and pretend there not going to come! Noah was prepared and did what God asked.
We may not be able to chose which storms will come but we do get to chose how we respond to the storm. Sometimes we don't have time to prepare and God just calls for immediate obedience. Genesis 6:22
Obedience is a better virtue that independence or free thinking. God doesn't want us to not think for ourselves but many times we over think and many times make decisions contrary to being obedient to God because we think we know better! Immediate obedience is a valuable virtue and should be practice daily!
How closely do I obey gods word when it cost me time, money, independence, lordship in my own life? Noah's response allowed God to save him. If Noah didn't build a boat he would not have been saved. The obedience and Gods rescue was necessary for him to be saved. Noah built a boat with no rutted or steering mechanism and the boat alone could not save him. God had to rescue Noah and his family!
Am I being obedient to God and trusting in his rescue plan?
Genesis 9:13 the storm will eventually end. The rainbow comes when the storm passes! The rainbow is proof that the storm ends. It's a promise that storm has ended. Because of Noah's obedience his family was saved. Who will be saved by my obedience?
How big of a boat am I building? Am I just focused on my self. Is my boat big enough to save my family and the people around me?
Sent from my iPhone
Worshiping in Silence
Worshiping in Silence
It's hard for us to be silent. We live in an age of constant entertainment!
How do I here Gods voice in everyday life? I have to separate time daily to listen to God. How do I prove to God that I want to hear his voice? Reading Gods word daily is the only way. How can God trust you with his spine word if he cannot trust you with his written word?
Psalms 1:1-6
Prayer was created for us to commune with God. It's more than a time for me to ask for blessings or things that I want. It's deeper than mumbling words. Am I worships God in prayer?
John 5:19-20; John 12:49-50 Luke 5:1-11;16
Give yourself to God and listen to him. Communion with God is about listening and you cannot listen unless your silent.
When I pray I am admitting by my actions that God is real and he has authority over me!
You cannot have intimacy with God without spending time with him!
Sent from my iPhone
It's hard for us to be silent. We live in an age of constant entertainment!
How do I here Gods voice in everyday life? I have to separate time daily to listen to God. How do I prove to God that I want to hear his voice? Reading Gods word daily is the only way. How can God trust you with his spine word if he cannot trust you with his written word?
Psalms 1:1-6
Prayer was created for us to commune with God. It's more than a time for me to ask for blessings or things that I want. It's deeper than mumbling words. Am I worships God in prayer?
John 5:19-20; John 12:49-50 Luke 5:1-11;16
Give yourself to God and listen to him. Communion with God is about listening and you cannot listen unless your silent.
When I pray I am admitting by my actions that God is real and he has authority over me!
You cannot have intimacy with God without spending time with him!
Sent from my iPhone
Monday, September 12, 2016
The Wedding Banquet
The Wedding Banquet
Matthew 22:1-14
Who is the man not dressed in wedding clothes? Everyone was invited. When there was still room they went and found more people to fill the banquet! One man came and was not suppose to be there.
The initial invitees did not want to come and The master tried to persuade them to come. God wanted to make sure they knew how awesome the banquet would be. Through kindness the master persuaded them and even sent his son.
When persuasion did not work and the invitees responded with evil intent the master destroyed their city! God will always try with kindness to lead us to repentance. If Thiago does not work and we do not repent he uses discipline!
The man that was thrown out knew it was a wedding and new he should of had wedding clothes. God help the people get prepared through kindness and then through discipline. If that doesn't work and you still do not respond you become like the man that was thrown out. You gotta show up to the wedding and you have to be prepared for a wedding!
Being invited does not mean your welcome at the banquet. Showing up does not mean your welcome at the banquet. Only the one dressed and ready for the wedding is welcome at the banquet!
Where is God acting in kindness in our lives? Where is God discipling us and what do we need to change in order to be ready?
Sent from my iPhone
Matthew 22:1-14
Who is the man not dressed in wedding clothes? Everyone was invited. When there was still room they went and found more people to fill the banquet! One man came and was not suppose to be there.
The initial invitees did not want to come and The master tried to persuade them to come. God wanted to make sure they knew how awesome the banquet would be. Through kindness the master persuaded them and even sent his son.
When persuasion did not work and the invitees responded with evil intent the master destroyed their city! God will always try with kindness to lead us to repentance. If Thiago does not work and we do not repent he uses discipline!
The man that was thrown out knew it was a wedding and new he should of had wedding clothes. God help the people get prepared through kindness and then through discipline. If that doesn't work and you still do not respond you become like the man that was thrown out. You gotta show up to the wedding and you have to be prepared for a wedding!
Being invited does not mean your welcome at the banquet. Showing up does not mean your welcome at the banquet. Only the one dressed and ready for the wedding is welcome at the banquet!
Where is God acting in kindness in our lives? Where is God discipling us and what do we need to change in order to be ready?
Sent from my iPhone
We have an awesome God!
We have an awesome God!
"Then sings my soul, my God to thee, how great thou are!"
In all that God is, he is too vast for any of us to truly understand or comprehend who he is! We cannot fathom Gods mercy and grace. We cannot fathom Gods endless love! It is beyond our understanding!
Isaiah 40:13-14; Isaiah 55:8-9; Romans 11:33-36; 1 Corinthians 1:25-31;
God spoke the universe into existence! God spoke and there was light. He spoke and the earth was formed! Genesis 1:3-24 How powerful is our God! We have an awesome God! What is there that he cannot do or overcome?!
John 1:1-2, 14 God always had a plan to free me from the consequences of sin! God loves me beyond compare. Through Jesus God displayed the ultimate act of love!
This awesome God that we serve and are in awe of has called us to be his people. Psalms 100:1-5
Sent from my iPhone
"Then sings my soul, my God to thee, how great thou are!"
In all that God is, he is too vast for any of us to truly understand or comprehend who he is! We cannot fathom Gods mercy and grace. We cannot fathom Gods endless love! It is beyond our understanding!
Isaiah 40:13-14; Isaiah 55:8-9; Romans 11:33-36; 1 Corinthians 1:25-31;
God spoke the universe into existence! God spoke and there was light. He spoke and the earth was formed! Genesis 1:3-24 How powerful is our God! We have an awesome God! What is there that he cannot do or overcome?!
John 1:1-2, 14 God always had a plan to free me from the consequences of sin! God loves me beyond compare. Through Jesus God displayed the ultimate act of love!
This awesome God that we serve and are in awe of has called us to be his people. Psalms 100:1-5
Sent from my iPhone
Sunday, August 28, 2016
Hall of Fame!
Hall of Fame!
Many states have halls of fame. People are inducted into a hall of fame for many reasons. Hall of games are created for different reasons. We like to take note of extraordinary men and document their extraordinary circumstances and achievements.
Enoch was mentioned in the bibles hall of fame.
Hebrews 11:5-6
Enoch was in the faith hall of fame because he did not die and he walked faithfully with God! He left earth and went straight to heaven.
Genesis 5:18-24
What if you could skip the death and just go straight to heaven. What if there was a door and you could just enter it and go to heaven, would you open it? Enoch skipped judgement, skipped the agony of death, and just went with God! From life to heaven with nothing in between. Even Jesus did not escape death!
All of this was possible because Enoch had faith and walked with God all the days of his life!
By faith we are saved from spiritual death. Who doesn't want to skip death? Spiritual death is eternity in hell. Faith in God is the first step to skipping spiritual death!
Faith is about believing but the other side of faith is being faithful! Faithfulness is what God is looking for. Faithfulness starts with being content. If you are happy and content with God you will be faithful! Philippians 4:12-13
Enoch was faithful in a relationship with God for 300 years! God is pleased with faithfulness! It is impossible to please God without faith or without being faithful?! How faithful am I in my prayer life? How faithful am I in my reliance on Gods word? How faithful am I to Gods timing? How faithful am I in obeying Gods word?! How faithful am I in giving to God? You can answer these questions by asking how content am I?
Luke 22:42 Jesus was content with Gods plan for him! Jesus was content even though Gods answer was not what he was asking for!
Sent from my iPad
Many states have halls of fame. People are inducted into a hall of fame for many reasons. Hall of games are created for different reasons. We like to take note of extraordinary men and document their extraordinary circumstances and achievements.
Enoch was mentioned in the bibles hall of fame.
Hebrews 11:5-6
Enoch was in the faith hall of fame because he did not die and he walked faithfully with God! He left earth and went straight to heaven.
Genesis 5:18-24
What if you could skip the death and just go straight to heaven. What if there was a door and you could just enter it and go to heaven, would you open it? Enoch skipped judgement, skipped the agony of death, and just went with God! From life to heaven with nothing in between. Even Jesus did not escape death!
All of this was possible because Enoch had faith and walked with God all the days of his life!
By faith we are saved from spiritual death. Who doesn't want to skip death? Spiritual death is eternity in hell. Faith in God is the first step to skipping spiritual death!
Faith is about believing but the other side of faith is being faithful! Faithfulness is what God is looking for. Faithfulness starts with being content. If you are happy and content with God you will be faithful! Philippians 4:12-13
Enoch was faithful in a relationship with God for 300 years! God is pleased with faithfulness! It is impossible to please God without faith or without being faithful?! How faithful am I in my prayer life? How faithful am I in my reliance on Gods word? How faithful am I to Gods timing? How faithful am I in obeying Gods word?! How faithful am I in giving to God? You can answer these questions by asking how content am I?
Luke 22:42 Jesus was content with Gods plan for him! Jesus was content even though Gods answer was not what he was asking for!
Sent from my iPad
HYPOCRICY/IDOLATRY/TESTIFY
HYPOCRICY
Matthew 23:1-3; 23:25-26
Not obeying and studying Gods word will lead you to hypocrisy! The Pharisees cared more about how they looked and there traditions rather than obeying the word of God!
Do you keep the same integrity in your private life as you do when your around other people?
Matthew 6:5-6
It takes humility to deal with hypocrisy! The Pharisees aloud their pride to keep them from accepting Jesus and giving all of their lives to him!
IDOLATRY
Luke 9:25
Deuteronomy 12:1-2
Idolatry is putting ANYTHING before God!
Colossians 3:1-3
Never give your life to something death can take away.
TESTIFY
John 9:25-27
Testify how God has changed your life!
Sent from my iPad
Matthew 23:1-3; 23:25-26
Not obeying and studying Gods word will lead you to hypocrisy! The Pharisees cared more about how they looked and there traditions rather than obeying the word of God!
Do you keep the same integrity in your private life as you do when your around other people?
Matthew 6:5-6
It takes humility to deal with hypocrisy! The Pharisees aloud their pride to keep them from accepting Jesus and giving all of their lives to him!
IDOLATRY
Luke 9:25
Deuteronomy 12:1-2
Idolatry is putting ANYTHING before God!
Colossians 3:1-3
Never give your life to something death can take away.
TESTIFY
John 9:25-27
Testify how God has changed your life!
Sent from my iPad
Saturday, August 13, 2016
Foundation
"By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person's work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames."
1 Corinthians 3:10-15 NIV
http://bible.com/111/1co.3.10-15.niv
-- build with care
-- what foundation are we building on?
-- how do we get off track and build the wrong foundation?
-- we like to build with Gold, silver and costly stones. But what happens to them in the fire?
-- our marriages will be tested, our families will be tested, what we build as the leaders of our houses will be tested.
-- how do we build a foundation on Jesus? (Praying together, asking spiritual questions, leading devotionals, being like Jesus)
-- "only as one escaping through the flames"....don't be that guy. God wants us to have a solid foundation in him.
Sent from my iPhone
1 Corinthians 3:10-15 NIV
http://bible.com/111/1co.3.10-15.niv
-- build with care
-- what foundation are we building on?
-- how do we get off track and build the wrong foundation?
-- we like to build with Gold, silver and costly stones. But what happens to them in the fire?
-- our marriages will be tested, our families will be tested, what we build as the leaders of our houses will be tested.
-- how do we build a foundation on Jesus? (Praying together, asking spiritual questions, leading devotionals, being like Jesus)
-- "only as one escaping through the flames"....don't be that guy. God wants us to have a solid foundation in him.
Sent from my iPhone
Friday, August 12, 2016
Moses and faith.
Moses and faith.
Hebrews 11:24-26 Moses was know for his not because of parting the Red Sea or performing all the miracles. Moses was accredited with faith for giving up the pleasures of Egypt and living among his people.
Moses was offered the best of what this life has to offer. Moses gave up his rights for God. Moses refused to be associated with the royalty of Egypt. Moses threw away royalty to live in the desert.
The more we fit in and blend in to the world the harder it is for us to separate our selves from sin. God calls us to be separate from the world.
Moses had a choice. Our options may not be as glamorous as Moses but we have options. Revelations 3:15-17 Jesus wants us to chose. There is no middle ground.
Sent from my iPhone
Hebrews 11:24-26 Moses was know for his not because of parting the Red Sea or performing all the miracles. Moses was accredited with faith for giving up the pleasures of Egypt and living among his people.
Moses was offered the best of what this life has to offer. Moses gave up his rights for God. Moses refused to be associated with the royalty of Egypt. Moses threw away royalty to live in the desert.
The more we fit in and blend in to the world the harder it is for us to separate our selves from sin. God calls us to be separate from the world.
Moses had a choice. Our options may not be as glamorous as Moses but we have options. Revelations 3:15-17 Jesus wants us to chose. There is no middle ground.
Sent from my iPhone
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Joshua
Joshua
Joshua 1:1-9
Be strong and courageous! God calls us to lead in this way. With God their is no room for fear. God promises that he will be with us and never forsake us. What is their to fear? God is with us!!
God tells Joshua over and over again to be strong and courageous. God chose Joshua for a specific purpose! God has a specific purpose for me too. Like Joshua, God want me to strong and courageous in living out my purpose. God wants me to succeed. There should be no fear of failure! Deuteronomy 31:32
Because of his faith, Joshua became a dreamer. God wants us to dream big and trust him that he will deliver us.
Numbers 14:6-9 Joshua saw God and the power he has to overcome any obstacle. Do I see the obstacles in front of me and shrink back or do I see what God is going to do to those obstacles? God wants us to see opportunities and not obstacles.
God wants me to be a dreamer and a warrior!
Exodus 17:8-10 it's great to be a dreamer, but without action a dream is dead. Moses chose Joshua to lead and be the warrior to lead the Israelites into battle! Am I a warrior against the sin in my life? Would I be chosen to lead the battle? We have to be warriors for the lord! We have to be willing to fight for what's right!
The battle in exodus was a small battle and was not the big battle that God was preparing him for. You don't just be some a great warrior with out training. God is training us! Every challenge, even the little ones, God uses to train us!
Take a stand.
Joshua 24:14-15
We have to take a stand daily. We can't rely on the things we've done for God in the past. Are you taking a stand today. Joshua took a stand for God at the end of his life the same way he took a stand in his earlier life! God is not done doing miracles in my life. I have to be willing to dream, fight, and take a stand!
It's all about God. It's not about me. It's not about my strengths and weaknesses. It is All about God!
Joshua 1:1-9
Be strong and courageous! God calls us to lead in this way. With God their is no room for fear. God promises that he will be with us and never forsake us. What is their to fear? God is with us!!
God tells Joshua over and over again to be strong and courageous. God chose Joshua for a specific purpose! God has a specific purpose for me too. Like Joshua, God want me to strong and courageous in living out my purpose. God wants me to succeed. There should be no fear of failure! Deuteronomy 31:32
Because of his faith, Joshua became a dreamer. God wants us to dream big and trust him that he will deliver us.
Numbers 14:6-9 Joshua saw God and the power he has to overcome any obstacle. Do I see the obstacles in front of me and shrink back or do I see what God is going to do to those obstacles? God wants us to see opportunities and not obstacles.
God wants me to be a dreamer and a warrior!
Exodus 17:8-10 it's great to be a dreamer, but without action a dream is dead. Moses chose Joshua to lead and be the warrior to lead the Israelites into battle! Am I a warrior against the sin in my life? Would I be chosen to lead the battle? We have to be warriors for the lord! We have to be willing to fight for what's right!
The battle in exodus was a small battle and was not the big battle that God was preparing him for. You don't just be some a great warrior with out training. God is training us! Every challenge, even the little ones, God uses to train us!
Take a stand.
Joshua 24:14-15
We have to take a stand daily. We can't rely on the things we've done for God in the past. Are you taking a stand today. Joshua took a stand for God at the end of his life the same way he took a stand in his earlier life! God is not done doing miracles in my life. I have to be willing to dream, fight, and take a stand!
It's all about God. It's not about me. It's not about my strengths and weaknesses. It is All about God!
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
How do you identify with Jesus?
How do you identify with Jesus? There are many ways that people identify with him. There are many popular views on who Jesus is and how he relates to us. Just doing the popular thing is not always a good thing. Jesus wants a personal relationship with us. At and early age Jesus became popular among men.
Luke 2:51-52
Jesus was admired by men because of his wisdom. Jesus grew in favor with the people and they initially loved him!
How do we find favor with men and with God?
Colossians 3:23-24; 2 Thessalonians 2:4-6
If we work at everything with all our heart for God we will please him and find favor. What do you work at with all your heart? When you invest your whole heart in something you end up doing some great things for God! We don't work for men, we work for the Lord! If you work like you work for man eventually that person will let you down and we will loose our motivation. God will never let us down!
God should always be our motivation and God should be the reward that we are looking for! Jesus is our boss. He is the one we should want to please! Do I work as though I am working for the lord and with all my heart? How do you look at your job? What about at home? Do you husband liking your husbanding for the Lord? What areas of your life do you need to apply this to?
What about your finances? Do you give with God in mind?
When you work with all your heart, everything you do for God has impact!
1 Peter 2:12 those pagans are not going to praise God if we don't live the life we are suppose to.
Luke 2:51-52
Jesus was admired by men because of his wisdom. Jesus grew in favor with the people and they initially loved him!
How do we find favor with men and with God?
Colossians 3:23-24; 2 Thessalonians 2:4-6
If we work at everything with all our heart for God we will please him and find favor. What do you work at with all your heart? When you invest your whole heart in something you end up doing some great things for God! We don't work for men, we work for the Lord! If you work like you work for man eventually that person will let you down and we will loose our motivation. God will never let us down!
God should always be our motivation and God should be the reward that we are looking for! Jesus is our boss. He is the one we should want to please! Do I work as though I am working for the lord and with all my heart? How do you look at your job? What about at home? Do you husband liking your husbanding for the Lord? What areas of your life do you need to apply this to?
What about your finances? Do you give with God in mind?
When you work with all your heart, everything you do for God has impact!
1 Peter 2:12 those pagans are not going to praise God if we don't live the life we are suppose to.
Thursday, July 28, 2016
The Reason Jesus Came!
The Reason Jesus Came!
Luke 19:10 Jesus came to earth and had one purpose. You would think that if you and I just had one purpose, one goal in life we would do a pretty good job at it. If we focused on one thing and worked at doing it extremely well that we would be successful, right?
Acts 1:16 says that Jesus left behind 120 men. If we didn't know better we would say that Jesus failed. That Jesus spent his entire life calling people to follow him and even sacrificed his life in for filling that purpose and yet only 120 were left! The impact that Jesus had on the world at the time of his death was minuscule when compared to the population of the world.
During Jesus time, there were an estimated 200 million people in the world. 40 million in the Roman Empire and about 30,000 in Jerusalem. Why was Gods plan to send his son to 30,000 with small humble beginnings? Would Jesus have had more impact in Rome? By mans reasoning this seems to be the best way. God is God and he works in realms outside of our understanding!
Luke 4:31-37
This common through out his ministry. The moment the crowds start to gather and the buzz is created surrounding his ministry, Jesus leaves and withdraws. Jesus public ministry was a small portion of his life. Jesus spent more time in small groups and with people one on one! Why did he do it this way?
What was Gods plan here if Jesus did not care about pleasing large crowds. He did not care about popularity or fame.
Luke 5:1-5;6-11
Jesus drew the crowds and drew men to him but he spent a lot of time going out to meat the, where they lived. He went out and met them where they were and doing what they did. Jesus built relationships! Peter's life is change forever because Jesus spent time with him one on one!
When does peter get the heart that says immediately I'll follow you? When does peter become a disciple of Jesus? When Jesus got involved in his life. No Christian or disciple of Jesus was ever made because of a sermon! Jesus didn't preach and then leave. He preached, opened hearts, and then pored his life out into people.
Jesus set an example that we should follow! God calls us to poor out our lives into the lost as well! Who am I poring my life into? Who am I sharing with, serving, praying with, confessing to, laying my life down for...etc!
Jesus called ordinary men just like you and me. Jesus did not call the most influential men he could find. He didn't call the most smartest men he could find. Jesus called ordinary men and gave them extraordinary expectations! It's not like Jesus did not have a choice either. He could have called anyone to him! Jesus chose you!
With only a 120 the gospel was spread to several thousand with in months and then To the entire world with in a generation!
Matthew 28:18-20
Jesus plan to save the world was to make a disciple who makes a disciple! Jesus plan was to make a real disciple and not a part time follower!
Sent from my iPhone
Luke 19:10 Jesus came to earth and had one purpose. You would think that if you and I just had one purpose, one goal in life we would do a pretty good job at it. If we focused on one thing and worked at doing it extremely well that we would be successful, right?
Acts 1:16 says that Jesus left behind 120 men. If we didn't know better we would say that Jesus failed. That Jesus spent his entire life calling people to follow him and even sacrificed his life in for filling that purpose and yet only 120 were left! The impact that Jesus had on the world at the time of his death was minuscule when compared to the population of the world.
During Jesus time, there were an estimated 200 million people in the world. 40 million in the Roman Empire and about 30,000 in Jerusalem. Why was Gods plan to send his son to 30,000 with small humble beginnings? Would Jesus have had more impact in Rome? By mans reasoning this seems to be the best way. God is God and he works in realms outside of our understanding!
Luke 4:31-37
This common through out his ministry. The moment the crowds start to gather and the buzz is created surrounding his ministry, Jesus leaves and withdraws. Jesus public ministry was a small portion of his life. Jesus spent more time in small groups and with people one on one! Why did he do it this way?
What was Gods plan here if Jesus did not care about pleasing large crowds. He did not care about popularity or fame.
Luke 5:1-5;6-11
Jesus drew the crowds and drew men to him but he spent a lot of time going out to meat the, where they lived. He went out and met them where they were and doing what they did. Jesus built relationships! Peter's life is change forever because Jesus spent time with him one on one!
When does peter get the heart that says immediately I'll follow you? When does peter become a disciple of Jesus? When Jesus got involved in his life. No Christian or disciple of Jesus was ever made because of a sermon! Jesus didn't preach and then leave. He preached, opened hearts, and then pored his life out into people.
Jesus set an example that we should follow! God calls us to poor out our lives into the lost as well! Who am I poring my life into? Who am I sharing with, serving, praying with, confessing to, laying my life down for...etc!
Jesus called ordinary men just like you and me. Jesus did not call the most influential men he could find. He didn't call the most smartest men he could find. Jesus called ordinary men and gave them extraordinary expectations! It's not like Jesus did not have a choice either. He could have called anyone to him! Jesus chose you!
With only a 120 the gospel was spread to several thousand with in months and then To the entire world with in a generation!
Matthew 28:18-20
Jesus plan to save the world was to make a disciple who makes a disciple! Jesus plan was to make a real disciple and not a part time follower!
Sent from my iPhone
Monday, July 18, 2016
But What I Do Have I Give You!
But What I Do Have I Give You!
As disciples we get a glimpse of heaven from time to time. Even with those precious moments the world goes on around us. Sin goes on. Hatred and disunity run ramped! #blacklivesmatter and other movements were born out of problems with this world. How would Jesus respond to the problems of this day?
Galatians 3:26-29 as Christians we have a powerful force within us that demands unity! We cannot ignore the problems of this world. We must face them together in one voice! How should a disciple of Jesus respond in a spiritual way to the problems of this world?
Acts 3:1-10 in addressing the problems of this wold we cannot focus on them! Peter I counters a man with a lot of problems. He was homeless, jobless, penniless and crippled! Even Jesus in all his hearings never addressed or solved all the problems. What peter did give the begged is what he had...the Gospel! The gospel is the answer!
Do not focus on the problems this world but focus on the one thing that solves those problems. Only through Jesus can you solve and fix this world. Lordship in Jesus is the only way. The world will always have issues. Only eternity promises a sin free environment.
Ephesians 4:29
Acts 4:31-37
Jesus did not focus on the problems of this world but he did not ignore them either. The early disciples address the problems with in the fellowship and met the needs of the people around them! They cured poverty! There was no needy person among them! They focused on saving souls and responded the way Jesus would!
Addressing the problems of this world -- James 4:17; James 1:19-20 "human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires!"
How do you apply these two scriptures to the problems of today? All the problems are sin problems. Pride, anger, lack of love, selfish ambition...etc. We need more love. Jesus was love! 1 Peter 4:8. Love trumps sin! Where can I love more? Love builds unity. How many multitude of sins can I cover over? If I don't work on loving others then there will be no love to cover over my sins. "What I do have I'll give you", I can always give Love!
Jesus died for me to break me free from the chains of sin that controlled my life. Jesus died for the world to break the world free as well. Jesus is the only answer! We need to bring Jesus to a hurting world!
Sent from my iPhone
As disciples we get a glimpse of heaven from time to time. Even with those precious moments the world goes on around us. Sin goes on. Hatred and disunity run ramped! #blacklivesmatter and other movements were born out of problems with this world. How would Jesus respond to the problems of this day?
Galatians 3:26-29 as Christians we have a powerful force within us that demands unity! We cannot ignore the problems of this world. We must face them together in one voice! How should a disciple of Jesus respond in a spiritual way to the problems of this world?
Acts 3:1-10 in addressing the problems of this wold we cannot focus on them! Peter I counters a man with a lot of problems. He was homeless, jobless, penniless and crippled! Even Jesus in all his hearings never addressed or solved all the problems. What peter did give the begged is what he had...the Gospel! The gospel is the answer!
Do not focus on the problems this world but focus on the one thing that solves those problems. Only through Jesus can you solve and fix this world. Lordship in Jesus is the only way. The world will always have issues. Only eternity promises a sin free environment.
Ephesians 4:29
Acts 4:31-37
Jesus did not focus on the problems of this world but he did not ignore them either. The early disciples address the problems with in the fellowship and met the needs of the people around them! They cured poverty! There was no needy person among them! They focused on saving souls and responded the way Jesus would!
Addressing the problems of this world -- James 4:17; James 1:19-20 "human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires!"
How do you apply these two scriptures to the problems of today? All the problems are sin problems. Pride, anger, lack of love, selfish ambition...etc. We need more love. Jesus was love! 1 Peter 4:8. Love trumps sin! Where can I love more? Love builds unity. How many multitude of sins can I cover over? If I don't work on loving others then there will be no love to cover over my sins. "What I do have I'll give you", I can always give Love!
Jesus died for me to break me free from the chains of sin that controlled my life. Jesus died for the world to break the world free as well. Jesus is the only answer! We need to bring Jesus to a hurting world!
Sent from my iPhone
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
The Ultimate Father.
The Ultimate Father.
Fatherhood is a very tricky subject. You would think that the examples in the bible of fathers would be all good examples. The bible actually is full of faithful fathers whose children turned away from God or horrible fathers that's children turn to God. Many examples of what not to be like.
God as our father is the only Perfect example that we have. As fathers we need to seek God qualities in being a father!
God qualities:
Exodus 20:1-5
God is a jealous father. God is not jealous of something but jealous for us. His love is so deep for us. God is perfect, complete and without sin. To be jealous for us is different from being jealous of something!
Gods motive are always pure! Our jealous motives come from selfishness. Gods jealousy for us comes from an intense love for us!
2 Corinthians 11:2-3
Godly jealousy also comes from zeal. Fierce indignation from anything that would harm you. God is jealous for us because he knows what the world will do to us. His jealousy is based on knowing how sin will affect us. He knows what idolatry does to our lives! Gods jealous comes out of an intense desire to protect us from harm!
God disciplines us out of love!
Exodus 20:5-6
The word punishment here comes from the word "paqad" which means something will be taken care of and not forgotten. Exodus 4:31 uses "concerned" to translate the word "paqad". God is going to do what ever it takes to rescue us whether that be through punishment or discipline. Gods discipline comes from deep concern for us. Again God is love and even in punishment he is love!
Hebrews 12:9-11
God want us to share in his holiness! Gods discipline has one motive. It is not based in anger or frustration. Gods discipline is calculated and done intentional with one goal in mind; to help us grow closer to him! God discipline produces a harvest of righteousness!
Exodus 20:5-6
Every sin is fully accounted for and no sin goes unpunished; however, God is saying his grace, mercy and blessings will continue for a thousand (infinite) generations!
Sent from my iPhone
Fatherhood is a very tricky subject. You would think that the examples in the bible of fathers would be all good examples. The bible actually is full of faithful fathers whose children turned away from God or horrible fathers that's children turn to God. Many examples of what not to be like.
God as our father is the only Perfect example that we have. As fathers we need to seek God qualities in being a father!
God qualities:
Exodus 20:1-5
God is a jealous father. God is not jealous of something but jealous for us. His love is so deep for us. God is perfect, complete and without sin. To be jealous for us is different from being jealous of something!
Gods motive are always pure! Our jealous motives come from selfishness. Gods jealousy for us comes from an intense love for us!
2 Corinthians 11:2-3
Godly jealousy also comes from zeal. Fierce indignation from anything that would harm you. God is jealous for us because he knows what the world will do to us. His jealousy is based on knowing how sin will affect us. He knows what idolatry does to our lives! Gods jealous comes out of an intense desire to protect us from harm!
God disciplines us out of love!
Exodus 20:5-6
The word punishment here comes from the word "paqad" which means something will be taken care of and not forgotten. Exodus 4:31 uses "concerned" to translate the word "paqad". God is going to do what ever it takes to rescue us whether that be through punishment or discipline. Gods discipline comes from deep concern for us. Again God is love and even in punishment he is love!
Hebrews 12:9-11
God want us to share in his holiness! Gods discipline has one motive. It is not based in anger or frustration. Gods discipline is calculated and done intentional with one goal in mind; to help us grow closer to him! God discipline produces a harvest of righteousness!
Exodus 20:5-6
Every sin is fully accounted for and no sin goes unpunished; however, God is saying his grace, mercy and blessings will continue for a thousand (infinite) generations!
Sent from my iPhone
Sunday, June 12, 2016
The Holy Spirit part 2
The Holy Spirit part 2
How to live by the Spirit? What is my role in living by the Spirit? How do I listen to the Spirit?
Romans 8:1-4 The law failed. Only Jesus death and resurrection made it as though we lived in perfect obedience! We can either live by the flesh or by the Spirit! A life lived by the spirit has its mind set on spiritual things. What is your mind set on?
Galatians 5:16-18 these two forces are in direct conflict with each other. They are going in two different directions. Which nature are you going to listen to? Galatians 5:19-25 Am I living a life to please the flesh or the Spirit? The fruits of the Spirit are just as obvious in your life as the acts of the flesh. Which best describes you?
What direction am I going? This passage is about direction in your life and not living a perfect life.
Romans 8:12-14 our job is to keep up with the Spirit. To follow! Romans 8:5 I need to set my mind on what the spirit desires and not what the flesh wants. What am I pursuing? What am I listening too? What am I watching? What am I allowing to influence my life?
Galatians 6:7-8 what am I planting? What seeds am I sowing? I cannot sow to the flesh and expect to reap the benefits of the spirit! Ways to sow to the spirit: serving others, practicing generosity, being open about my life, sharing the gospel...etc
John 15:5 I cannot produce the fruit my self. It's not about the actions, staying connected to God and staying in the vine will produce fruits of the spirit.
Romans 8:15-17
How to listen to the Holy Spirit? Isaiah 30:21 God promises guidance! God is not just interested in telling us between right and wrong but also wants to guide us through better and best! When we go to God even with the small things he loves us enough to give us the guidance we need!
Matthew 10:30 even the small things are important to God! God cares about every single detail in my life! Acts 8,10,13,15,16 the Holy Spirit guided the apostles on where to go and what to do.
2 Peter 1:20-21 the bible is the clear had and fast way that God communicates to us. The spirit is not going to speak to me in a way that is in direct conflict with the Bible. The more I study out the word of God the more capable I am to identify the spirit when it speaks to me.
2 chronicles 20:14-15 the spirit also speaks through people! Do I allow the spirit to speak? Who do you know if a person is speaking the truth from God? Test what they are saying but the bible.
Zachariah 7:12 God gets angry when he sends people and we do not,listen. The message is more important than the delivery. Someone may come to you in the wrong way or a way that offends you but is the message true? Listen to the message and don't focus on the delivery!
Just because it feels good to me does not mean it is from God. My feelings should be disregarded and my focus should be on the truth found in Gods word regardless of the cost or inconvenience of my flesh!
Ephesians 3:14-19 am I listening to the spirit? Psalms 143:8-10 be open to the spirits direction, evaluate the scriptures, evaluate the circumstances, seek advice, listen to the spirits impressions. The spirit will not always lead you to where you want to go.
Jesus went to God with his desire in the garden and yet he was open to Gods answer and direction.
Psalms 119:97-104 knowing the scriptures helps us become wiser and discern the will of God.
Acts 16:6 sometimes the spirit works through circumstances by opening or closing doors. Be careful, just because the door is open does not mean it's is from God. Proverbs 11:14; Romans 2:14-15; Philippians 4:6
Sent from my iPad
How to live by the Spirit? What is my role in living by the Spirit? How do I listen to the Spirit?
Romans 8:1-4 The law failed. Only Jesus death and resurrection made it as though we lived in perfect obedience! We can either live by the flesh or by the Spirit! A life lived by the spirit has its mind set on spiritual things. What is your mind set on?
Galatians 5:16-18 these two forces are in direct conflict with each other. They are going in two different directions. Which nature are you going to listen to? Galatians 5:19-25 Am I living a life to please the flesh or the Spirit? The fruits of the Spirit are just as obvious in your life as the acts of the flesh. Which best describes you?
What direction am I going? This passage is about direction in your life and not living a perfect life.
Romans 8:12-14 our job is to keep up with the Spirit. To follow! Romans 8:5 I need to set my mind on what the spirit desires and not what the flesh wants. What am I pursuing? What am I listening too? What am I watching? What am I allowing to influence my life?
Galatians 6:7-8 what am I planting? What seeds am I sowing? I cannot sow to the flesh and expect to reap the benefits of the spirit! Ways to sow to the spirit: serving others, practicing generosity, being open about my life, sharing the gospel...etc
John 15:5 I cannot produce the fruit my self. It's not about the actions, staying connected to God and staying in the vine will produce fruits of the spirit.
Romans 8:15-17
How to listen to the Holy Spirit? Isaiah 30:21 God promises guidance! God is not just interested in telling us between right and wrong but also wants to guide us through better and best! When we go to God even with the small things he loves us enough to give us the guidance we need!
Matthew 10:30 even the small things are important to God! God cares about every single detail in my life! Acts 8,10,13,15,16 the Holy Spirit guided the apostles on where to go and what to do.
2 Peter 1:20-21 the bible is the clear had and fast way that God communicates to us. The spirit is not going to speak to me in a way that is in direct conflict with the Bible. The more I study out the word of God the more capable I am to identify the spirit when it speaks to me.
2 chronicles 20:14-15 the spirit also speaks through people! Do I allow the spirit to speak? Who do you know if a person is speaking the truth from God? Test what they are saying but the bible.
Zachariah 7:12 God gets angry when he sends people and we do not,listen. The message is more important than the delivery. Someone may come to you in the wrong way or a way that offends you but is the message true? Listen to the message and don't focus on the delivery!
Just because it feels good to me does not mean it is from God. My feelings should be disregarded and my focus should be on the truth found in Gods word regardless of the cost or inconvenience of my flesh!
Ephesians 3:14-19 am I listening to the spirit? Psalms 143:8-10 be open to the spirits direction, evaluate the scriptures, evaluate the circumstances, seek advice, listen to the spirits impressions. The spirit will not always lead you to where you want to go.
Jesus went to God with his desire in the garden and yet he was open to Gods answer and direction.
Psalms 119:97-104 knowing the scriptures helps us become wiser and discern the will of God.
Acts 16:6 sometimes the spirit works through circumstances by opening or closing doors. Be careful, just because the door is open does not mean it's is from God. Proverbs 11:14; Romans 2:14-15; Philippians 4:6
Sent from my iPad
The Holy Spirit!
The Holy Spirit!
The spirit of God! Who is the Holy Spirit? How does it transform me? How do I listen to the Holy Spirit? How do I live by the Holy Spirit?
How important is the Holy Spirit? John 16:5-7 The advocate is the Holy Spirit and Jesus said it was better for Him to leave and the Holy Spirit to come. God's spirit was given to us to help us in ways that even the physical Jesus could not. Walking with the Spirit is better than walking with he physical Jesus.
Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:14;
The spirit coming to live in us is the one of the reason Jesus had to come and die.
John 4:24; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11; John 3:8; John 16:13
Who is the Holy Spirit? The spirit is the very should of God. God does not have a physical form and He is 100% God and 100% Spirit. God described the Spirit as a "He" and not an "It". Why is that important? The Spirit is not a thing. The Spirit is not a tool. The Spirit cannot be controlled or used. In the same way when we view a person as an object we abuse them. The Spirit is not an object. The Spirit is a being that deserves respect and worship!
Isaiah 63:10 The spirit can grieve. You cannot grieve and object.
Hebrews 10:27; Romans 8:11 Romans 15 The Holy Spirit raised Jesus from the dead! What kind of power does that convey? The power of the Spirit is beyond our understanding! With all that power, is there anything He cannot do? This powerful Spirit lives in me!!! Is there anything that He cannot change in my life?
Psalms 139:7-10 our humanistic view of the Spirit limits his divinity and in reality the Spirit is everywhere. We cannot escape Him and He wants to lead every aspect of our lives! There is not any area of our lives that the Spirit cannot impact.
Revelations 22:17 the Holy Spirit is one of the most important part of our relationship with God. The Spirit is full of power, truth, and the essence of God!
Acts 8:36-39 the Ethiopian Eunuch was baptized in one day and then Phillip left him, but God did not send the Eunuch home alone. God sent him back to Ethiopia with the Spirit!
Acts 2:38 -- the goal of repentance and baptism is so that you can become a pure vessel for the Spirit to live in! 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Revelation 22:17; John 15:24-27; Titus 3:7. The Spirit transforms us as sinners into a pure and holy being that God can live in!
2 Corinthians 3:17-18 the Spirit is transforming me. The Spirit is the power that is allowing me to be more like Christ. It not about my power of what I do, it's about what the Spirit is doing through me! 2 Peter 1:3-9 also says to make every effort to but even our best effort is still short. We need the Spirit!
Galatians 5:22-23 the outcome of God living in you produces the fruits of the spirit! Love, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control!! If you are a Christian, God is living in you and transforming you into his likeness through these Godly characteristics!
1 Corinthians 2:10-16 we have received the Spirit so we can understand God more fully. Through the Spirit we have the mind of Christ! The Spirit revels who God is through scripture as well. Ezekiel 36:25-27
I need to learn to listen to the Spirit. The Spirit does not just take over and force us to do something that we don't want to do. I should allow myself to be moveable and be compelled by the Spirit. The spirit also speaks through other people in my life.
Sent from my iPad
The spirit of God! Who is the Holy Spirit? How does it transform me? How do I listen to the Holy Spirit? How do I live by the Holy Spirit?
How important is the Holy Spirit? John 16:5-7 The advocate is the Holy Spirit and Jesus said it was better for Him to leave and the Holy Spirit to come. God's spirit was given to us to help us in ways that even the physical Jesus could not. Walking with the Spirit is better than walking with he physical Jesus.
Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:14;
The spirit coming to live in us is the one of the reason Jesus had to come and die.
John 4:24; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11; John 3:8; John 16:13
Who is the Holy Spirit? The spirit is the very should of God. God does not have a physical form and He is 100% God and 100% Spirit. God described the Spirit as a "He" and not an "It". Why is that important? The Spirit is not a thing. The Spirit is not a tool. The Spirit cannot be controlled or used. In the same way when we view a person as an object we abuse them. The Spirit is not an object. The Spirit is a being that deserves respect and worship!
Isaiah 63:10 The spirit can grieve. You cannot grieve and object.
Hebrews 10:27; Romans 8:11 Romans 15 The Holy Spirit raised Jesus from the dead! What kind of power does that convey? The power of the Spirit is beyond our understanding! With all that power, is there anything He cannot do? This powerful Spirit lives in me!!! Is there anything that He cannot change in my life?
Psalms 139:7-10 our humanistic view of the Spirit limits his divinity and in reality the Spirit is everywhere. We cannot escape Him and He wants to lead every aspect of our lives! There is not any area of our lives that the Spirit cannot impact.
Revelations 22:17 the Holy Spirit is one of the most important part of our relationship with God. The Spirit is full of power, truth, and the essence of God!
Acts 8:36-39 the Ethiopian Eunuch was baptized in one day and then Phillip left him, but God did not send the Eunuch home alone. God sent him back to Ethiopia with the Spirit!
Acts 2:38 -- the goal of repentance and baptism is so that you can become a pure vessel for the Spirit to live in! 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Revelation 22:17; John 15:24-27; Titus 3:7. The Spirit transforms us as sinners into a pure and holy being that God can live in!
2 Corinthians 3:17-18 the Spirit is transforming me. The Spirit is the power that is allowing me to be more like Christ. It not about my power of what I do, it's about what the Spirit is doing through me! 2 Peter 1:3-9 also says to make every effort to but even our best effort is still short. We need the Spirit!
Galatians 5:22-23 the outcome of God living in you produces the fruits of the spirit! Love, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control!! If you are a Christian, God is living in you and transforming you into his likeness through these Godly characteristics!
1 Corinthians 2:10-16 we have received the Spirit so we can understand God more fully. Through the Spirit we have the mind of Christ! The Spirit revels who God is through scripture as well. Ezekiel 36:25-27
I need to learn to listen to the Spirit. The Spirit does not just take over and force us to do something that we don't want to do. I should allow myself to be moveable and be compelled by the Spirit. The spirit also speaks through other people in my life.
Sent from my iPad
Monday, June 6, 2016
Sowing and reaping!
Sowing and reaping!
Sowing seed and reaping a harvest. What you reap is based on what you sow!
Galatians 6:7-10
When a scripture opens with "do not be deceived" it means that in our nature we are deceived on this subject. God is very clear that he will not be mocked and what ever you sow, you will one day reap! It's not up for debate! What ever we invest in we will receive in return. What ever we sacrifice, give to, or commit to.
It is a promise! If I sow righteousness I will reap righteousness in my life! The converse is true, if I sow unrighteousness I will reap unrighteousness! Same is true athletically, academically, in our marriage, at work, and in every other aspect of our lives!
Too many times we try to reap a harvest where we have never sown. Some how we think that we can reap a harvest from where we have not shown and that is how we try to mock God. The great thing about sowing in God is that we receive so much more than we deserve. We can sow in a small area and God delivers a harvest that is multiplied expeditiously.
It's not cause and effect. God provides so much more and conversely when we sow in the wrong areas we reap too much of what we really don't want or need. When we sow in the spirit we reap the spiritual and when we sow in the flesh we reap all the damaging consequences of the flesh!
John 12:24
Sowing in the spirit requires self sacrifice. Galatians 6 also talks about that harvest coming at the proper time. Sometimes we have to wait. It does not depend on our time but it depends on Gods time! 2 Peter 3:8
We reap blessings only from the right kind of seed. We reap when we trust in the Lord of the harvest. If a farmer gives up on the harvest a week after he sowed the seed, he reaps nothing! We must trust God and allow the harvest to come in its due time.
Jesus learned obedience and patience in God by his suffering. Jesus sowed relentlessly for years without reaping. His life was filled with suffering and his harvest was reaped after his death.
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Sowing seed and reaping a harvest. What you reap is based on what you sow!
Galatians 6:7-10
When a scripture opens with "do not be deceived" it means that in our nature we are deceived on this subject. God is very clear that he will not be mocked and what ever you sow, you will one day reap! It's not up for debate! What ever we invest in we will receive in return. What ever we sacrifice, give to, or commit to.
It is a promise! If I sow righteousness I will reap righteousness in my life! The converse is true, if I sow unrighteousness I will reap unrighteousness! Same is true athletically, academically, in our marriage, at work, and in every other aspect of our lives!
Too many times we try to reap a harvest where we have never sown. Some how we think that we can reap a harvest from where we have not shown and that is how we try to mock God. The great thing about sowing in God is that we receive so much more than we deserve. We can sow in a small area and God delivers a harvest that is multiplied expeditiously.
It's not cause and effect. God provides so much more and conversely when we sow in the wrong areas we reap too much of what we really don't want or need. When we sow in the spirit we reap the spiritual and when we sow in the flesh we reap all the damaging consequences of the flesh!
John 12:24
Sowing in the spirit requires self sacrifice. Galatians 6 also talks about that harvest coming at the proper time. Sometimes we have to wait. It does not depend on our time but it depends on Gods time! 2 Peter 3:8
We reap blessings only from the right kind of seed. We reap when we trust in the Lord of the harvest. If a farmer gives up on the harvest a week after he sowed the seed, he reaps nothing! We must trust God and allow the harvest to come in its due time.
Jesus learned obedience and patience in God by his suffering. Jesus sowed relentlessly for years without reaping. His life was filled with suffering and his harvest was reaped after his death.
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Sunday, June 5, 2016
Jesus perspective on leadership.
Jesus perspective on leadership.
Matthew 20:20-28
The world has a view of leadership that is in direct conflict with Jesus view. In Jesus view their is no personal ambition. Why do I lead? Why am I seeking a role in leadership? Why am I serving? These are the questions we have to ask to check our motives.
With Jesus there is no positional leadership. In Jesus view of leadership we should not be concerned where we sit or where we fit in. Jesus view of leadership is without worldly authority. As followers of Christ we lead by serving. We lead by example.
We need to lead with a sense of serving and sacrificing! It should cost me something to lead. There should be some level of sacrifice in leading. Vs. 28 -- tells us that Jesus is the example we should follow. WWJD!
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Matthew 20:20-28
The world has a view of leadership that is in direct conflict with Jesus view. In Jesus view their is no personal ambition. Why do I lead? Why am I seeking a role in leadership? Why am I serving? These are the questions we have to ask to check our motives.
With Jesus there is no positional leadership. In Jesus view of leadership we should not be concerned where we sit or where we fit in. Jesus view of leadership is without worldly authority. As followers of Christ we lead by serving. We lead by example.
We need to lead with a sense of serving and sacrificing! It should cost me something to lead. There should be some level of sacrifice in leading. Vs. 28 -- tells us that Jesus is the example we should follow. WWJD!
Sent from my iPad
Monday, May 23, 2016
Vanishing Series -- Forginess
Vanishing Series -- Forginess
Vanishing through hidden sin. Hidden sin causes the important things in our lives to vanish. To erode from the inside out! The damaged that sin does is not just to the committer. The consequences are often times great for the one the sin was committed against! Our doesn't just effect us but has a domino effect to the people around us!
This is why the offer of grace from God is so refreshing! We all love to hear about Gods grace. To receive Gods grace. We are always very excited to receive forgiveness from God. Sometimes it is hard to have that same enthusiasm over giving grace. Receiving grace is one thing but giving grace to another is completely different.
We all have a sinful desire to hold a grudge. To give grace and mercy we have to put to death our sinful nature. We all love the unconditional love that God lavishes on us but his grace at the same time is conditional.
Matthew 6:12; 14-15
God is watching how I forgive others! Gods grace and mercy is conditional and depends at some level on how I forgive others. Tough teaching! If I forgive I will be forgiven. If I chose not to forgive I will not be forgiven!
Matthew 18:21-27
How many times is seventy seven times? How much money was forgiven by the master? Each quantity is infinite! There is no way the servant could have paid the debt back. The servant who is owed a reasonable debt refuses to forgive! God promises torment for the one that refuses to show grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Jesus uses this story to show what we are like when we have been forgiven billions and refuses to forgive others the small infractions that are committed against us!
So what is forgiveness as defined by God? A conscience and deliberate action to forgive regardless of whether or not the person receiving our forgiveness deserves it or not! Unconditional forgiveness with complete disregard for justice or fairness!
Why would I forgive?
God commands it.
Forgiveness makes you happier.
Forgiveness saves relationships.
Forgiveness strengthens marriage.
Forgiveness heals wounds.
True forgiveness comes from us when Gods grace works powerfully in our lives. It's not because we are good at letting things go or are a forgiving person. We have the power to forgive when we see the power of Gods grace and mercy in our own life!
Vanishing through hidden sin. Hidden sin causes the important things in our lives to vanish. To erode from the inside out! The damaged that sin does is not just to the committer. The consequences are often times great for the one the sin was committed against! Our doesn't just effect us but has a domino effect to the people around us!
This is why the offer of grace from God is so refreshing! We all love to hear about Gods grace. To receive Gods grace. We are always very excited to receive forgiveness from God. Sometimes it is hard to have that same enthusiasm over giving grace. Receiving grace is one thing but giving grace to another is completely different.
We all have a sinful desire to hold a grudge. To give grace and mercy we have to put to death our sinful nature. We all love the unconditional love that God lavishes on us but his grace at the same time is conditional.
Matthew 6:12; 14-15
God is watching how I forgive others! Gods grace and mercy is conditional and depends at some level on how I forgive others. Tough teaching! If I forgive I will be forgiven. If I chose not to forgive I will not be forgiven!
Matthew 18:21-27
How many times is seventy seven times? How much money was forgiven by the master? Each quantity is infinite! There is no way the servant could have paid the debt back. The servant who is owed a reasonable debt refuses to forgive! God promises torment for the one that refuses to show grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Jesus uses this story to show what we are like when we have been forgiven billions and refuses to forgive others the small infractions that are committed against us!
So what is forgiveness as defined by God? A conscience and deliberate action to forgive regardless of whether or not the person receiving our forgiveness deserves it or not! Unconditional forgiveness with complete disregard for justice or fairness!
Why would I forgive?
God commands it.
Forgiveness makes you happier.
Forgiveness saves relationships.
Forgiveness strengthens marriage.
Forgiveness heals wounds.
True forgiveness comes from us when Gods grace works powerfully in our lives. It's not because we are good at letting things go or are a forgiving person. We have the power to forgive when we see the power of Gods grace and mercy in our own life!
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
The Seven Churches and Seven Golden Lamp Stands
The Seven Churches and Seven Golden Lamp Stands
Revelations chapters 1-3 gives a very descriptive and accurate description of who Jesus is and a very accurate description of each of the seven churches.
Revelations 1:9-20
Jesus at his most glorious! Eyes of fire! Face shinning like the sun! Sword coming out of his mouth! His voice sounded like a trumpet! Jesus in this form is hard to ignore! It doesn't matter what you believe or who you are, when Jesus comes at you like this, you listen! Jesus tells John to write this down. Jesus commanded John to to write down that the seven churches he is about to talk about are the seven lamp stands.
Jesus addresses each church with:
His authority
Their strengths
Weaknesses
Gives them a warnings
Blessings
Each church in the list got an accurate picture of who Jesus is and also an accurate description of who they are and what they need to change! Each church had good qualities and also many things that they needed to repent of.
Revelations 2:1-7 The Church in Ephesus
Jesus claims his authority by saying he held the stars in his hands. Jesus commends them for their hard work, perseverance, and not tolerating wickedness. Jesus exposes their weakness of forsaking their first love. Jesus blesses them with the promise that if they repent they will be given the right to eat from the tree of life!
Revelation 2:8-11 The Church in Smyrna
Jesus claims his authority by saying he is the first and the last...no one before him or after him! Jesus claims his authority before instructing the church in Smyrna. Between the first and the last Jesus became us, lived like us and died like and was victorious over death through the resurrection! Smyrna was not perfect but Jesus does not point out their faults. Jesus encourages them. When your poor and afflicted you need encouragement - not a rebuke. Jesus blesses them by saying if they repent they will not be hurt by the second death (judgment day).
Revelation 2:12-17 The Church in Pergamum
Jesus shows his authority by coming with a double edge sword. Pergamum was surrounded by sin and giving into to some of the temptations around them. Jesus commends them for resisting temptation but also condemns them for worshiping other gods. Repent and Jesus promises them the bread of life and a new name!
Revelations 2:18-29 The Church in Thyatira
Jesus shows his authority by coming with blazing eyes and bronze feet! The church in Thyatira did a lot of good deeds and Jesus commended them for their love, faith, and service. However, the church had this against them, they tolerated sexual immorality. God always deals harshly with sexual sin. This is the only one where Jesus devides the church into two groups. The ones that will be judged and the ones that will not. In Gods eyes sexual sin demands judgment!
Revelations 3:1-6 The Church in Sardis
Jesus commands authority by holding the spirits in his hands and subduing the the spiritual world. Jesus condemns them for falling asleep spiritually and charges them to repent of face judgment! Jesus commends a few followers who have not strayed and have remained faithful. Jesus blesses them with the promise that they will be clothed in white and will walk with Him and he will call them out by name.
Revelations 3:7-13 The Church in Philadelphia
Jesus shows his authority by showing his holiness and lineage to David as the messiah. Jesus also displays his power by saying only he has the authority to open and shut eternity. Jesus commends them for not denying His name and acknowledges that they have been weak. Jesus promises that if they remain faithful He will punish the ones that have been tormenting them. Jesus encourages them to stay strong and reassures them that He is coming soon! Jesus blesses them with the promise that He will give them an eternal home in the temple and make them the new Jerusalem!
Revelations 3:14-21 The Church in Laodicea
Jesus claims his authority by confirming that he only is the ruler over all creation and the one true witness of God! Jesus condemns them for being luke warm. To God being luke warm is worst than being cold. Jesus also condemns them for being arrogant in what God has given them. Jesus also gives them an open invitation to come back to him, to knock at the door and seek him. Jesus blesses them with the promise that if they repent they will be able to sit with him in glory on his throne!
Reading the letters to the seven churches makes you wonder what about me? You have to ask your self the following seven questions:
If Jesus where to come to me, what would he say?
How would he come to me?
What authority would he claim to get me to listen to him?
What would he commend me for?
What would he condemn me for?
What call to repentance would he have for me?
What unique blessing would he promise me?
Sunday, May 15, 2016
Vanishing Series
•Light & Darkness: our nature is to desire to be in the dark.
John 3: 19-20
Why do we not want to come into the light? We are afraid to be exposed for for who we really are; our deeds will be exposed.
Afraid of rejection, change, judgement, consequences.
Vs 21
Take off the mask
***Psalm 36: 1-*** We have to admit we need help.
***Psalm 32: 3-5*** When we are open
Confess... Pray vs 6
James 5: confess to each other - it brings healing
Partial confession is worse than not confessing at all: God expects us to be completely transparent.
It takes a great amount of courage to be open, to come into the light - many Godly people in the bible have struggled to stay in the darkness, it took courage to come into the light, there was consequences, but they were eventually healed. It takes guts to say "this is who I am!"
Ex. Adam & Eve, Jacob, David, Peter - it took courage for them to see themselves and take ownership for their shortcomings.
•Light & Darkness: our nature is to desire to be in the dark.
John 3: 19-20
Why do we not want to come into the light? We are afraid to be exposed for for who we really are; our deeds will be exposed.
Afraid of rejection, change, judgement, consequences.
Vs 21
Take off the mask
***Psalm 36: 1-*** We have to admit we need help.
***Psalm 32: 3-5*** When we are open
Confess... Pray vs 6
James 5: confess to each other - it brings healing
Partial confession is worse than not confessing at all: God expects us to be completely transparent.
It takes a great amount of courage to be open, to come into the light - many Godly people in the bible have struggled to stay in the darkness, it took courage to come into the light, there was consequences, but they were eventually healed. It takes guts to say "this is who I am!"
Ex. Adam & Eve, Jacob, David, Peter - it took courage for them to see themselves and take ownership for their shortcomings.
Monday, May 2, 2016
How to lead a small group bible talk
What bible talk is not: a sermon or preaching. It is not a time for extensive teaching either.
Bible talk should be a little bible and a lot of talk. Must have thought provoking questions that get the group to talk and ponder rather than just making points.
Any points should be posed in the form of a question.
Always open with introducing yourself and a question. Ice breaker. Questions to start conversation.
Always ask someone to read. Use that time to gather your thoughts and prepare for your next question/points.
Compare and contrast so that the lesson is relatable to each person.
Opening question and bible talk example: Who is the worst villain of all time? Darth Vader? Hitler?
Who is the worst villain in the bible. Judas? No one names their child Judas today. Judas was so bad that he ruined the name judas for ever.
Why was judas such a villain?
John 12:1-6
Judas was fake. What if judas had said I want to save the money so I can steal it? The other disciples would have offered help. Judas would have gotten help with his greed.
Aren't we fake as well? We
Are no different than Judas sometimes. What keeps us from getting the help we need?
Luke 22
Why else was Judas such a villain? Judas was a bad deal maker.
Have you ever made a bad deal. A deal that you lost money and regretted.
Judas made the worst deal in history. He sold Jesus for a few small pieces of silver.
How many times have you sold yourself to sin for something that has no value. Example: 20yrs of marriage for adultery in a one night stand.
We are bad deal makers just like Judas, aren't we. We sell out to sin and sacrifice our salvation.
Sin is always a bad deal in the end isn't it? What other examples can you think of where sin looks rewarding but leaves you spiritually bankrupt?
How can Jesus help us not be fake or make bad deals like Judas?
Always close with a challenge and call to study the bible and learn more.
Sent from my iPhone
Bible talk should be a little bible and a lot of talk. Must have thought provoking questions that get the group to talk and ponder rather than just making points.
Any points should be posed in the form of a question.
Always open with introducing yourself and a question. Ice breaker. Questions to start conversation.
Always ask someone to read. Use that time to gather your thoughts and prepare for your next question/points.
Compare and contrast so that the lesson is relatable to each person.
Opening question and bible talk example: Who is the worst villain of all time? Darth Vader? Hitler?
Who is the worst villain in the bible. Judas? No one names their child Judas today. Judas was so bad that he ruined the name judas for ever.
Why was judas such a villain?
John 12:1-6
Judas was fake. What if judas had said I want to save the money so I can steal it? The other disciples would have offered help. Judas would have gotten help with his greed.
Aren't we fake as well? We
Are no different than Judas sometimes. What keeps us from getting the help we need?
Luke 22
Why else was Judas such a villain? Judas was a bad deal maker.
Have you ever made a bad deal. A deal that you lost money and regretted.
Judas made the worst deal in history. He sold Jesus for a few small pieces of silver.
How many times have you sold yourself to sin for something that has no value. Example: 20yrs of marriage for adultery in a one night stand.
We are bad deal makers just like Judas, aren't we. We sell out to sin and sacrifice our salvation.
Sin is always a bad deal in the end isn't it? What other examples can you think of where sin looks rewarding but leaves you spiritually bankrupt?
How can Jesus help us not be fake or make bad deals like Judas?
Always close with a challenge and call to study the bible and learn more.
Sent from my iPhone
The Word Of God!
The Word Of God!
The US is the most religious 1st world country in the world. And yet a recent survey exposed that many religious people in America did not even know the basic core beliefs of the religions they professed. Divorce rates in the US are height amount Christians than non Christians in the US.
This is probably a result of not knowing Gods word. We carry a bible, keep a bible and yet few actually read it. We lack convictions in Gods word because we do t know what it says.
How much do I love Gods word? How much do I make it the standard of my life? How much do I study out Gods word? Is the bible just a symbol of Christianity? A book that sits on a coffee table that's shows I have a bible and I am a Christian is just a symbol. A book that we place our hand on to take an oath is just a symbol! The bible was never meant to be a symbol. It was meant to be used and applied to our lives!
Where did Gods word begin? It began in spoken word in the garden in Genesis. In Deuteronomy 9:10, God chose to write his words down. God started with the 10 Ten Commandments. It was written in stone for a reason because Gods word is unchanging. The Ten Commandments are just as relevant today as they were in biblical times!
In Isaiah 20:1-5 God not only spoke his word but used his prophet to demonstrate and give Israel a visual representation of his word! God wrote it down so it could not be forgotten and then demonstrated it through Isaiah so that it could not be ignored!
For three years Isaiah walked stripped naked and barefoot! Another example of this is found in Daniel 5:1-6.
Daniel 5:25-31 The king could not ignore Gods word. He was forced to acknowledge and listen to Gods word!
Why did God write the word on the wall in a secret language? God wanted the king to seek out the answer. To go to a man of God and allow God to speak through Daniel! Am I ignoring Gods word? Am I allowing God to use people in my life to speak to me or am I too prideful to listen?
Finally God used his son to be the physical representation of his word in John 1:1. Look at all the great lengths that God has gone through over the ages to insure that we have Gods word and are able to live it out!
The US is the most religious 1st world country in the world. And yet a recent survey exposed that many religious people in America did not even know the basic core beliefs of the religions they professed. Divorce rates in the US are height amount Christians than non Christians in the US.
This is probably a result of not knowing Gods word. We carry a bible, keep a bible and yet few actually read it. We lack convictions in Gods word because we do t know what it says.
How much do I love Gods word? How much do I make it the standard of my life? How much do I study out Gods word? Is the bible just a symbol of Christianity? A book that sits on a coffee table that's shows I have a bible and I am a Christian is just a symbol. A book that we place our hand on to take an oath is just a symbol! The bible was never meant to be a symbol. It was meant to be used and applied to our lives!
Where did Gods word begin? It began in spoken word in the garden in Genesis. In Deuteronomy 9:10, God chose to write his words down. God started with the 10 Ten Commandments. It was written in stone for a reason because Gods word is unchanging. The Ten Commandments are just as relevant today as they were in biblical times!
In Isaiah 20:1-5 God not only spoke his word but used his prophet to demonstrate and give Israel a visual representation of his word! God wrote it down so it could not be forgotten and then demonstrated it through Isaiah so that it could not be ignored!
For three years Isaiah walked stripped naked and barefoot! Another example of this is found in Daniel 5:1-6.
Daniel 5:25-31 The king could not ignore Gods word. He was forced to acknowledge and listen to Gods word!
Why did God write the word on the wall in a secret language? God wanted the king to seek out the answer. To go to a man of God and allow God to speak through Daniel! Am I ignoring Gods word? Am I allowing God to use people in my life to speak to me or am I too prideful to listen?
Finally God used his son to be the physical representation of his word in John 1:1. Look at all the great lengths that God has gone through over the ages to insure that we have Gods word and are able to live it out!
Sunday, April 17, 2016
THE ULTIMATE MISSION
The Ultimate Mission
The Ultimate Claim
Matthew 28:16-20
Jesus with all authority leaves us a chance command to make disciples of Jesus. Not a choice but a command. What does it really mean to have all authority? Authority over the natural and super natural worlds. Nothing is not under the authority of Jesus! Not in heaven and nothing on earth that he does not have the power of authority to do what get he wants!
Philippians 2:9-11
The Ultimate Comfort
Matthew 28:20b
Am I comforted by the ultimate comfort? Jesus says he will be with me always!
Jeremiah 32:40
Jesus promises to never leave me but the question is whether or not I will never turn away from God? God wants no one to turn away from Him. The choice is up to me.
Hebrews 13:5
Again, God promises to never leave or forsake me. My job is to not allow anything to come before me and my relationship with God. Am I content with what I have? Money should never be my God!
The Ultimate Command
Matthew 28:19
The last command. All other commands Jesus gave through out his life lead to this one command. I need to hey everything and teach the people around me to obey everything! I'm hear today and have a relationship with God because someone took this command seriously!
Jesus earned the right to worshiped as Lord! His life, his sacrifice, his dirty, all command us to worship him and call everyone around us to make Jesus lord!
The Ultimate Claim
Matthew 28:16-20
Jesus with all authority leaves us a chance command to make disciples of Jesus. Not a choice but a command. What does it really mean to have all authority? Authority over the natural and super natural worlds. Nothing is not under the authority of Jesus! Not in heaven and nothing on earth that he does not have the power of authority to do what get he wants!
Philippians 2:9-11
The Ultimate Comfort
Matthew 28:20b
Am I comforted by the ultimate comfort? Jesus says he will be with me always!
Jeremiah 32:40
Jesus promises to never leave me but the question is whether or not I will never turn away from God? God wants no one to turn away from Him. The choice is up to me.
Hebrews 13:5
Again, God promises to never leave or forsake me. My job is to not allow anything to come before me and my relationship with God. Am I content with what I have? Money should never be my God!
The Ultimate Command
Matthew 28:19
The last command. All other commands Jesus gave through out his life lead to this one command. I need to hey everything and teach the people around me to obey everything! I'm hear today and have a relationship with God because someone took this command seriously!
Jesus earned the right to worshiped as Lord! His life, his sacrifice, his dirty, all command us to worship him and call everyone around us to make Jesus lord!
Monday, April 4, 2016
7 Day Faith Challenge
Seven Day FAITH Challenge
"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins." 2 Peter 1:5-9
Sunday- Goodness
Luke 6:27-28
Romans 12:9
1 Corinthians 15:33
Ephesians 2:10
Monday- Knowledge
Proverbs 1:7
Proverbs 12:1
2 Corinthians 4:6
2 Peter 3:18
Tuesday- Self-control
Galatians 5:22-23
1 Timothy 3:1-3
Titus 2:11-12
1 Peter 5:8
Wednesday- Perseverance
Romans 5:3-4
1 Timothy 4:16
Hebrews 10:35-36
James 1:2-4
Thursday- Godliness
1 Timothy 4:8/ 6:6/6:10-12
Friday- Brotherly kindness
Romans 12:10
1 Peter 3:8-9
1 John 2:9-10
1 John 4:21
Saturday- Love
Fwd: “Even so the body is not made up of one part but of
Doing Your Part
"Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. Now if the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body."
1 Corinthians 12:14-20 NIV
http://bible.com/111/1co.12.14-20.niv
One of the biggest challenges as a bible talk leader is overseeing the body.
As the leader we need to take notice of the members in our group in the same way that we take notice of our own bodies. Just like with your body, you inspect things. You give attention to areas that need attention...etc.
We should be thinking, what does our group need spiritually? How can I help them grow?
Every part of our body is important. Every member in our church needs to feel connected, responsible, valuable to the group.
What are some practical ways we can help our groups feel useful, connected and apart of the body?
"Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. Now if the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body."
1 Corinthians 12:14-20 NIV
http://bible.com/111/1co.12.14-20.niv
One of the biggest challenges as a bible talk leader is overseeing the body.
As the leader we need to take notice of the members in our group in the same way that we take notice of our own bodies. Just like with your body, you inspect things. You give attention to areas that need attention...etc.
We should be thinking, what does our group need spiritually? How can I help them grow?
Every part of our body is important. Every member in our church needs to feel connected, responsible, valuable to the group.
What are some practical ways we can help our groups feel useful, connected and apart of the body?
- Asking them for impute and ideas.
- Leading prayers.
- Giving them opportunities to lead the bible talk.
- Delegate responsibilities.
Are you looking to see who is at church on Sunday and who isn't? Are you checking up on the people in your group who miss service. We can't claim to be part of a body if we neglect or ignore it.
"There are many parts" we all have a role to play! God has given each of us the talents we have and has placed us in the rolls that we are in.
Let's focus on pulling the body together and making sure that everyone is taken care of, amen?!?
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
7 Days away from a Godly Character
"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins."
2 Peter 1:5-9 NIV
http://bible.com/111/2pe.1.5-9.niv
Jesus sacrifice demands that we constantly grow and build on our character! Work on adding to your character a little each day.
Starts with having faith. We must have faith in Jesus and faith is a given and has to be your foundation!
Follow these 7 steps to growing in your character. 1 step a day for seven days. Take it one day at a time.
Increasing in these qualities will help you know Jesus and strengthen your relationship with God.
What do they all have in common? They are all decisions. You chose to be good, to want to know, to have self control, to persevere, to be Godly, to show brotherly kindness and to Love.
Without developing and growing in these character traits you become nearsighted and blind spiritually and you will forget (fall out of) the grace and mercy that God has shown you!
Are you willing to take the challenge? Today starts with goodness!
2 Peter 1:5-9 NIV
http://bible.com/111/2pe.1.5-9.niv
Jesus sacrifice demands that we constantly grow and build on our character! Work on adding to your character a little each day.
Starts with having faith. We must have faith in Jesus and faith is a given and has to be your foundation!
Follow these 7 steps to growing in your character. 1 step a day for seven days. Take it one day at a time.
- GOODNESS! Simply choosing what is right. Being good natured in all that you do.
- KNOWLEDGE! Knowledge about God and who He is. Also knowledge about who you are before God. Exposing your sin and true self.
- SELF CONTROL! Fasting and praying. Giving up something for God. Saying no to temptation.
- PERSEVERANCE! Standing firm. Not running away from your problems. Facing them. Being comfortable in where God has you for the moment. Not giving up on your marriage/kids. Continuing to fight for what is right.
- GODLINESS! (Def. conforming to the laws and wishes of God; devout; pious) deepening your convictions. Less talk and more action in doing what God commands. WWJD.
- BROTHERLY KINDNESS! Spiritual Bond. Unity. Strengthening your spiritual family. Deepening your relationships in the church. Carrying each other's burdens.
- LOVE! Unconditional. Self sacrifice. Giving to everyone. Concerned for the lost. Concerned spiritually for each other. Outward focused.
Increasing in these qualities will help you know Jesus and strengthen your relationship with God.
What do they all have in common? They are all decisions. You chose to be good, to want to know, to have self control, to persevere, to be Godly, to show brotherly kindness and to Love.
Without developing and growing in these character traits you become nearsighted and blind spiritually and you will forget (fall out of) the grace and mercy that God has shown you!
Are you willing to take the challenge? Today starts with goodness!
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