Learning To Dream

Let’s begin this post by defining the word dream. Dreaming is defined as the ability to imagine and discover the plan that God has for our life. This is not easy. It is noted that only 3% of all Americans are actively involved in or pursuing their dream.

It is also noted that over 90% of Americans are working outside the field of their degree. Is it any wonder that we are a nation that is suffering from a lack of contentment, anxiety and loss of purpose?

The loss of a dream must rank as one of life’s greatest tragedy’s. The poorest person in the world is never one without wealth, but a person without a dream. - Tweet that!

Here are few things that will help dreamers.

1. Be sure your dream is your own.

Most people make a terrible mistake of allowing the wrong people to influence their choice of what dream to pursue. Living out your parents dream is just as miserable as not living your own.  Your commitment must first be to God and then to yourself.  This is the where we discover personal satisfaction and purpose.  A life of purpose begins when we find our dream and give all we have to achieve it.  If we do not discover the right dream, we will certainly find the wrong one.

2. Be sure and know that delay is not denial

Delay is the main dream buster of dreamers. Every dream has a season where the promise is delayed. It is during delay that God purifies the dream, builds character, and establishes trust.  Every great dream must stand the test of time and delay. In delay we learn the trust of God and equally so, God reveals whether He can trust us.

I love to say; if you cannot wait, God cannot trust you. If you cannot wait on God, you do not trust Him. A message for you to listen to is "Embracing Your Place" by Christine Cane. It revolutionized my life 3 yrs ago. 

This season I call delay can be the entrance to confusion and impatience.  This is the place we begin to search for the fine print in the dream. But like someone great said; Rose colored glasses are not made in bifocals, nobody wants to read the fine print in their dream.

3.  Be sure and not Change from the original dream.

The Bible is full of leaders who failed to stick with God’s original plan.  And of course, the devil offers us alternate plans.  He also is continually leading us off our mission into a sub-mission.

Abraham and Sarah are perfect examples of people who deviated from God’s original plan.  You see this is where most of our dreams are forfeited.  Many of us decide to take an easier path, sell out to comfort, or settle for the familiar.

The scripture reminds us to not grow weary while doing well, and to imitate those who through hope and patience inherit the promises of God.  Like the dream of the children of Israel every dream is surrounded with giants.  Every dream has both promise and challenge.  Like I have often said; it’s not supposed to be easy.  Everything great offers an equal and greater challenge.

Let’s not fail to realize that reaching our dreams requires hard work, discernment, resilience, and perseverance.

And let’s make no mistake about it; the world needs extraordinary dreamers.

Everything begins with a dream.

Extraordinary dreams inspire us all.

Extraordinary dreams release hope.

The actual witness of seeing dreams come true is extraordinary and the world certainly needs to experience that!

That’s why we must keep reaching for our dreams.  If we persevere the dream will either find us or we will find the dream!

The Slow, Regressive Progress Of Change

Growing up, I played sports a lot, but basketball was the game that stuck.

While playing competitively, I took lessons from a handful of coaches over the years, each of whom had their strengths, and taught me a different aspect of the game. But one thing was constant with each coach and each lesson I took. After changing my shot stance, or hand positioning even just a little bit, I always got worse..... Always.

There was never once where my coach would shift my release, or adjust my posture, where I would go out the next day and fire the game of my life. Not. Even. Once.

I’d hit 10 or 12 good shots. And 75 bad ones. Then the next game I’d hit 13 or 14 good shots. Followed by another coaching lesson change. Followed by a mere 14 or 15 good shots. Over time, those 75 bad shots became less bad. And the good shots became better shots. The positive effects of a shot change were never instantly felt. Even though I was making changes for the better.

Some times, when things got tough and I didn’t want to keep fighting through the difficult change, I’d revert back to old habits. In the heat of the moment, it made things easier. But never did it help in the long run.

If I went back to old habits, it would feel good, but I was no better off.

Organizational change

 

Organizational change is no different. It’s just on a larger scale. With more zeros on the end.
You know the changes that need to be made in your organization. Changes that will help move things forward. Changes that will open the door for new growth. Changes that will get the right people on your team. Changes that will help position you for a bigger community impact. Changes that will lead you into the next phase of development. But when you try to implement those changes, your organization will take a couple of steps backwards before it take steps forward. My context for organizational change is the local church. Maybe yours is the non-profit board you sit on. Or the company you work for. Or the small group you lead. Or the running club you’ve joined. When the change process begins, there’s a tension that exists between what “was” and what “could be.”

What “was” represents what

 

• isn’t that bad 
• isn’t completely broken
• is “safe”
• is comfortable
• is known
• is controllable

 

What “could be” represents what

 

• is difficult
• is painful
• doesn’t instantly make you feel good
• causes us to swallow our pride
• stretches us
• isn’t controllable
• could fail
• is unknown

But you know what change needs to happen. You see things differently. You see a preferred future, with more growth, more impact, more products (or ideas, depending on your industry), and more lives changed.  That’s why you’re there!

Quit complaining about things being tough! Without difficulties, there’d be no need for leadership. [Tweet that!]

Don’t let the regressive, two-step backwards process of change keep you from moving forward. Going back to old habits, to what feels comfortable and easy and well-worn, isn’t what’s good for you and your organization. Even though it’s more comfortable at the time.

Aim for what could be, and don’t stop until you get there. [Tweet that!]

Even if you get burned. Even if you fail. Even if it’s difficult. And trust me…it will be.

If you give up on the first few steps backwards, you’ll never realize the growth that change can bring. [Tweet that!]

I’m rooting for ya.

Don’t give up and be helpless in times of trouble. – Proverbs 24:10

Delight in Dependence

“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord of hosts. —Zechariah 4:6 NKJV

Pride can be a daunting thing to overcome. Yet not even the Creator of the universe was prideful when He walked amongst His creation. He humbled Himself and was dependent on the Spirit. If “the Son can do nothing of Himself," then you surely can accomplish nothing apart from God (see John 5:19 NKJV).
 
As your weaknesses become evident, you may wonder how you could ever please God. Or perhaps you find yourself so focused on doing things for God that you neglect to spend intimate time with Him. He is near to you. He is delighted when you simply remain in Him (see John 15:4). As you abide in His Word and in communion with Him, your life will bear fruit that you could never produce on your own!

Laying Down Our Efforts

Grace has never been easy for me to understand.

As Western people, we are accustomed to merit-based living. Promotions. Raises. Grades. Team Success. In our culture, people are known for what they have done, not who they are – and price (or value) is based on production.

Unfortunately, I have found that this causes problems in my walk with Christ. I always felt (either consciously or subconsciously) that I needed to do something to be in right standing with the Lord; it is as if I thought that my salvation or relation to God was contingent upon my own efforts of righteousness. Without fully realizing, I was trying to earn God’s forgiveness. I based my Christianity on my actions. For example, I was a Good Christian if I wore the right clothes, sang the right songs, watched the right movies, posted the right Facebook statuses, went to the right Church services, and continue to stay away from drugs. 

The funny thing is that merit and effort play no role in redemption. In fact, Scripture says the exact opposite!

For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift — not from works, so that no one can boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9

He saved us —
not by works of righteousness that we had done, 
but according to His mercy, 
through the washing of regeneration 
and renewal by the Holy Spirit.  He poured out this Spirit on us abundantly 
through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that having been justified by His grace, 
we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life.

Titus 3:5-7

I like to summarize Ephesians 2:8-9 like this, “We are saved by grace through faith, not through reading the Bible and praying.” Ironically, we often find our thoughts drifting toward the notion that things such as spiritual discipline keep us in right standing before God.

Ultimately, our position in Christ has nothing to do with anything we have done; your redemption is only in existence because of Christ’s sacrifice as Calvary. Jesus is the reason that salvation is available to man, and man can do nothing to work his way into a justified relationship with Yahweh outside of the blood of Jesus Christ!

Grace is the granting of favor from God, which we do not deserve; it is completely unmerited kindness! We have done absolutely nothing to make ourselves worthy of redemption through Jesus Christ – the grace of God!Jesus sacrificed himself before you were born, providing salvation before you had a chance to “earn it” (talk about undeserved kindness)!

Let’s be honest though. We don’t like that; it makes us uncomfortable. We have the mindset of merit-based living! We want to earn everything and make ourselves worthy of all the favor we receive. Thus, grace is hard for us to understand – and we often continue living as if grace was a nonexistent reality.

Can I offer one encouragement? A single suggestion?

Lay down your efforts! Enjoy God as you live under His grace. You don’t have to perform to please God – in Christ, you are already pleasing to Him. Living under grace severs the legalistic mesh of ‘I must do this’ or ‘I should do that’ to gain God’s acceptance. You are accepted by grace, and His favor is extended to you freely! God has forgiven you, so start living as if that is true!

10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Go to Bed Tonight

Did I begin today in prayer?

Have I read my Bible today?

Did I give today my best efforts?

Did I make someone’s life a little better today?

Did I take steps towards the dreams I have and God has for my life today?

How did I add value to the world around me today?

Was my attitude ever in the way of me or others having a productive, happy day?

Can I put today behind me, go to sleep, and give tomorrow another chance?

How can I improve my answers tomorrow night?

Am I ending today in prayer?

Life Lessons From A Religious Terrorist

There is much we can learn from the life of the Apostle Paul. Far from ordinary, Paul was given the opportunity to do extraordinary things for the kingdom of God. The story of Paul is a story of redemption in Jesus Christ and a testimony that no one is beyond the saving grace of the Lord. However, to gain the full measure of the man, we must examine his dark side and what he symbolized before becoming “the Apostle of Grace.” Paul’s early life was marked by religious zeal, brutal violence, and the relentless persecution of the early church. Fortunately, the later years of Paul’s life show a marked difference as he lived his life for Christ and the advancement of His kingdom.

Paul was actually born as Saul. He was born in Tarsus in Cilicia around A.D. 1–5 in a province in the southeastern corner of modern day Tersous, Turkey. He was of Benjamite lineage and Hebrew ancestry. His parents were Pharisees—fervent Jewish nationalists who adhered strictly to the Law of Moses—who sought to protect their children from “contamination” from the Gentiles. Anything Greek was despised in Saul’s household, yet he could speak Greek and passable Latin. His household spoke Aramaic, a derivative of Hebrew, which was the official language of Judea. Saul’s family were Roman citizens but viewed Jerusalem as a truly sacred and holy city.

At age thirteen Saul was sent to Palestine to learn from a rabbi named Gamaliel, under whom Saul mastered Jewish history, the Psalms and the works of the prophets. His education would continue for five or six years as Saul learned such things as dissecting Scripture. It was during this time that he developed a question-and-answer style known in ancient times as “diatribe.” This method of articulation helped rabbis debate the finer points of Jewish law to either defend or prosecute those who broke the law. Saul went on to become a lawyer, and all signs pointed to his becoming a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish Supreme Court of 71 men who ruled over Jewish life and religion. Saul was zealous for his faith, and this faith did not allow for compromise. It is this zeal that led Saul down the path of religious extremism.

Because of his extremism Saul might have been present at the trial of Stephen. He was present for his stoning and death and he held the garments of those who did the stoning (Acts 7:58). InActs 5:27-42, Peter delivered his defense of the gospel and of Jesus in front of the Sanhedrin, which Saul heard. Gamaliel was also present and delivered a message to calm the council and prevent them from stoning Peter. From that moment on, Saul became even more determined to eradicate Christians as he watched the Sanhedrin flog Peter and the others. Saul became more ruthless in his pursuit of Christians as he believed he was doing it in the name of God. Arguably, there is no one more frightening or more vicious than a religious terrorist, especially when he believes that he is doing the will of the Lord by killing innocent people. This is exactly what Saul of Tarsus was: a religious terrorist.Acts 8:3states, “He began ravaging the church, entering house after house, and dragging off men and women, he would put them in prison.”

The pivotal passage in Paul’s story isActs 9:1-22, which recounts Paul’s meeting with Jesus Christ on the road from Jerusalem to Damascus, a journey of about 150 miles. Saul was angered by what he had seen and filled with murderous rage against the Christians. Before departing on his journey, he had asked the high priest for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for permission to bring any Christians (followers of “the Way,” as they were known) back to Jerusalem to imprison them. On the road Saul was caught up in a bright light from heaven which caused him to fall face down on the ground. He hears the words, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” He says, “Who are you Lord?” Jesus answers directly and clearly, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” (vv. 4-5). As an aside, this might not have been Saul’s first encounter with Jesus, as some scholars suggest that young Saul might have known of Jesus and that he might have actually witnessed His death.

From this moment on, Saul’s life was turned upside down. The light of the Lord blinded him, and as he traveled on he had to rely on his companions. As instructed by Jesus, Saul continued to Damascus to make contact with a man named Ananias who was hesitant at first to meet Saul because he knew Saul’s reputation as an evil man. But the Lord told Ananias that Saul was a “chosen instrument” to carry His name before the Gentiles, kings and the children of Israel (v.15) and would suffer for doing so (v.16). Ananias followed the Lord’s instructions and found Saul, on whom he laid hands, and told him of his vision of Jesus Christ. Through prayer, Saul received the Holy Spirit (v.17), regained his sight and was baptized (v.18). Saul immediately went into the synagogues proclaiming Jesus and saying He is the Son of God (v.20). The people were amazed and skeptical, as Saul’s reputation was well known. The Jews thought he had come to take away the Christians (v.21). Saul’s boldness increased as the Jews living in Damascus were confounded by Saul’s arguments proving that Jesus was the Christ (v.22).

As a result of this miraculous transformation, Saul became known as Paul (Acts 13:9). Paul spent time in Arabia, Damascus, Jerusalem, Syria and his native Cilicia, and Barnabas enlisted his help to teach those in the church in Antioch (Acts 11:25). Interestingly, the Christians driven out of Palestine by Saul of Tarsus founded this multiracial church (Acts 11:19-21). Paul took his first of three missionary journeys in the late 40s A.D. Paul wrote many of the New Testament books. Most theologians are in agreement that he wrote Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, Philemon, Ephesians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. These 13 “letters” (books) make up the “Pauline Authorship” and are the primary source of his theology. As previously noted, the book of Acts gives us a historical look at Paul’s life and times. The Apostle Paul spent his life proclaiming the risen Christ Jesus throughout the Roman world, often at great personal peril (2 Corinthians 11:24-27). It is assumed that Paul died a martyr’s death in the mid-to-late 60s A.D. in Rome.

So, what can we learn from the life of the Apostle Paul? 

3 Life Lessons We Can Learn From The Life Of Paul 

1)  God can save anyone

The remarkable story of Paul repeats itself every day as sinful, broken people all over the world are transformed by God’s saving grace in Jesus Christ. Some of these people have done despicable things to other human beings, while some just try to live a moral life thinking that God will smile upon them on the day of judgment. When we read the story of Paul and know what he had done, it is difficult for us to believe that God would allow into heaven religious extremists who murder innocent women and children. Today, we might see people on death row as unworthy of redemption because their crimes against humanity are just too great. Yet we live our lives in a sinful manner, expecting that God will be impressed by the fact that we haven’t killed anyone. The story of Paul is a story that can be told today—he isn’t worthy in our eyes of a second chance, yet to God he is worthy. The truth is that every person matters to God, from the “good, decent,” average person to the “wicked, evil” degenerate. Only God can save a soul from hell.

2) Anyone can be a humble, powerful witness for Jesus Christ

Arguably, no other human figure in the Bible demonstrated more humility while sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ as Paul.Acts 20:19tells us that he “served the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to [him] through the plots of the Jews.” InActs 28:31, Paul shares the good news of Jesus Christ: “Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul was not afraid to tell others what the Lord had done for him. This verse is the very definition of Paul’s newfound life in Christ. He would spend the rest of his days working tirelessly for the kingdom of God.

3) Anyone can surrender completely to God 

 Paul was fully “sold-out” for God. “I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear” (Philippians 1:12-14). Paul was in prison when he wrote these words, yet he was still praising God and sharing the good news. Through his hardships and suffering, Paul knew the outcome of a life well lived for Christ. He had surrendered his life fully, trusting God for everything. “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). 

Can we make the same claim?

Sex..... Why Not?

What Does the Bible Say About Sex Before Marriage?  

 

 

It’s true that the Bible never specifically mentions premarital sex or sex before marriage in those words. However the Bible does mention sexual immorality

--Flee from sexual immorality.  I Cor 6:9

--We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of [Israel] did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day.  1 Cor 10:8

 --But sexual immorality … must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.  Eph 5:3

So when the Bible says sexual immorality is wrong — what exactly is it talking about?

What Is Sexual Immorality?

“Sexual immorality” is the English translation of the Greek word PORNEIA.  So what did PORNEIA mean during New Testament times?
I looked this word up in Greek dictionaries, and they all said PORNEIA meant “fornication.”  And dictionary.com says fornication means “voluntary sexual intercourse between two unmarried persons or two persons not married to each other.”  So PORNEIA — sexual immorality — includes sex before marriage.
Friberg’s Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament agrees, saying that PORNEIA meant “every kind of extramarital, unlawful, or unnatural sexual intercourse [including] fornication, sexual immorality, prostitution.”  Extramarital means outside of marriage, which includes sex before marriage.
So PORNEIA — sexual immorality — means sex before or outside of marriage.

So here’s how Paul’s readers would have heard 1Corinthians 6:9 –
Flee from any sex before or outside of marriage.
And 1 Corinthians 10:8 –
We must not indulge in sex before or outside of marriage as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day.
And Ephesians 5:3 –
But sex before or outside of marriage … must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.  Eph 5:3

So God’s Word is clear.  The God who created us, and who created the joys of sex, commands that we not have sex before marriage.

But Why?

We don’t have to know the reasons.  When we see Jesus’ love for us displayed on the Cross, we can be certain that Jesus loves us perfectly, passionately, completely.  So, when we hear Him say — don’t have sex before marriage — we can trust that this command is part of His love for us.
But still, it can help to know why.  So does Jesus ever explain why?  I think He does —
in Matthew 19:6 where Jesus is talking about marriage –

So they are no longer two but one flesh.  What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.

“One flesh” includes sexual intercourse.  Sexual intercourse is a wonderful gift from God.  Its intimacy and pleasure and vulnerability deeply bond a man and woman.  This bonding brings great joy when nurtured and protected by love and commitment — but it brings great pain if it is broken.

So to bless and protect us, God commands that this profound closeness occur only between people who are committed to each other in marriage.

Someone I once heard used the illustration of flypaper.  Once  two pieces of flypaper stick to each other, it’s impossible to separate the pieces without ripping them up.  In the same way, once two people are joined through sexual intercourse, it’s impossible to separate the relationship without ripping them up.

As In A Mirror

So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. (2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT)

Descending from the presence of God, Moses’ face was filled with the glory of God. It was a temporary glory. The Old Testament did not allow that God’s people remain in the presence of God’s glory forever. As Christ followers, the Holy Spirit now lives permanently in us. So walking by faith, even today “we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror” we know in the future “we shall see face to face” (1 Corinthians 13:12). Though we don’t comprehend everything now; “then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known” (1 Corinthians 13:12b).

God gives His glory to those who seek Him. The Lord calls us to give ourselves heart and soul to his service. The Lord also encourages us to get closer, so that we can better reflect His glory. What happens when we fall? He is ready to forgive us and fill us with His glory in a way greater than we previously knew. Let us remember to continue to persevere through faith and prayer as we offer ourselves to God.

Today, thank The Lord, that we are being transformed to reflect HIS glory. May we become transformed into HIS likeness more and more every day.

God So Loved

The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. (2 Peter 3:9 NLT)

The love of God has dimensions and calculations that are mysterious to humans. The expanse of his love is so huge that it covers the world. The focus of his love is so specific that it deals with individuals. Perhaps we could say, “God so loved the world that he values people individually.” People matter to God. They are not just a number lost in the massive population of 7 billion people.

Too often Christian workers get lost in the masses and begin to minimize the value of the individual. Gripped by best business practices, a servant of Christ can begin to focus upon what is cost effective in reaching the most people. The temptation then becomes to overlook the individual and their potential impact for the kingdom of God. In doing so we may begin to see people a bit differently than God does.

In Acts 8 we see God using an evangelist, Philip, to make a significant impact upon the multitudes of Samaria (8:4-8). Best business practices may have dictated that he stay where people were responsive. Yet God’s calculation was a bit different. God moves him into the wilderness of Gaza to minister to one man. God valued this individual and transplanted Philip from a successful ministry to the masses to reach one (8:26-39). Individuals within the mass of humanity matter to God.

Today ask the Lord to see the individual people whom Christ values within the broad scope of our ministries. Ask Him to help us to love people like He does—giving attention, care, and love to individuals that cross our paths 

Kingdom Sowing

Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.

 (2 Corinthians 9:6 NLT)

Paul is addressing the church of Corinth in his letter, and in this section is telling the church how he’s been boasting to others about Corinth’s financial gifts to the body if Christ. He informs the Corinthians that he’s sending some brothers in advance to collect the money so that it can by given as a willing gift and not later taken as a reluctant exaction.

Since we’re no longer obligated by law to give a certain percentage, Paul spends some time reminding us that “each one must give as he has made up his mind” (vs. 7), and that we shall reap what we sow—an agricultural analogy to receiving what we give. And this is a sound investment for we’ll be reaping from the hands of an all-powerful God who owns all the heavens and all the earth. The harvest promises to be plentiful: all sufficiency in all things at all times and abundance in every good work.

This harvest, however, is directly correlated to the planting. If we sow little, we’ll reap little. If we sow much, we’ll reap much. Reflect on this by asking yourself what’s better: sowing into the grounds of the Almighty Groundkeeper, or storing in the barns of our mortal selves

 Today ask the Lord to give you courage to joyfully sow abundantly and to trust that He is the provider of everything you need.

Walking Backwords

Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left. (Isaiah 30:21)

It seems we are always looking for God to lead and direct us, but it is often so hard to know where we should go. In Chapter 30, Isaiah begins by warning the people of Jerusalem that they have gone their own way and ignored God. But, in verse 18, He tells them that the Lord will wait for them, and show His love and compassion towards them. Then Isaiah says, “Right behind you a voice will say, ‘this is the way you should go.’”

When I think about this, if I am walking forward and a voice behind me says, “go this way,” that is not very helpful because I don’t know which way the voice means. Shouldn’t He be in front of me telling me this?

What I believe Isaiah is saying in this passage is that God is telling the people of Jerusalem not to worry about the future, and not to focus their attention on what lies ahead of them. Instead, they are to focus on how God has always delivered them in the past. In a sense, they are walking backwards and trusting God to direct their steps.

As His people, we should walk in this same way: looking to the past, walking backward into the future, listening for God’s voice “behind us,” and following it as He directs us in the way we should go. He is always faithful.

WHATEVER you are facing today, God Is More Than Enough! Put your confidence and trust in Him and don't look at the WHATEVER!

God, thank you for how you lead. Thank you that we can trust you. Help us to “trust and obey” your direction in our lives.

Honest Fear

"Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate His rule with trembling." Psalm 2:11 (NIV)


When we have an honest fear of God we will both tremble at His presence and we will tremble at His word. To tremble at His word is a manifestation of fearing Him. When we do that, we will obey Him instantly. You won't take what He is speaking to you casually!

When we have the true fear of the Lord we will obey Him when it doesn't make sense. The generation we're living in is so adamantly set on having everything explained to us before we act on anything. God asks for our obedience to be done by faith, not full understanding!

Secondly, when we grab ahold of the true fear of God, we will obey Him even when we don't see the benefit. It is too common for Christians to expect a picture of the benefit before they decide to obey God. Our reward from acting in obedience should not be our motive! We should give, pray, and get in the presence of God because we love Him and because we fear Him! When we tremble at the Word of God, we will obey Him to completion.


Let's obey Him to completion!

Entering Into Joy

In the Parable of the Talents, Jesus explains that the coming Kingdom will be like a man who has entrusted his servants with his property—each of His servants given different amounts according to their ability. Even though it was little, the two faithful servants invested what they were given and returned twice the amount to their master. At this He invited the servants to “enter into the joy of your master.”

Often we are like the third servant, however, who in fear and laziness hid that which was entrusted to him. Instead of investing his talent and creating more value, he only gave back what was given to him and was called “worthless.”

Praise the Lord our worth is found not in the amount or type of “talents” given to us, but instead in how we respond to that which God has entrusted us. What a wonderful master we serve to entrust us with his possessions! Not only that, but when we demonstrate faithful obedience through his grace, he promises us much more.

Find Strength and Joy today knowing that the Creator finds worth in you to entrust you with the gifts you have. Respond with the attitude of a faithful servant so that when the day comes you may hear the Master beckon you saying, “Enter into my joy.”

Praise the Lord for the gifts He has entrusted to you. Ask Him to help you be a good steward of those gifts and use them for His glory.

Crazy Stupid Faith

Crazy, Stupid Faith

Me: How many days did it take God to create everything?
Elijah (my 5 year old son): 3?
Me: No, 6.
Elijah: Oh. That’s a lot of days.

See, my son fully believed that the God he’s been learning about could’ve made everything in 3 days. That God was big enough and powerful enough and quick enough to make everything his eyes have ever come in contact with…in just 3 days. Why would He need 6? Why would it take Him a whole 6 days to make the earth, the animals, the trees, and the water?
He’s so awesome, He could do it in 3 if He wanted.
I’m so encouraged by Elijah's faith. He believes that God is bigger than even I say He is.

About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?”
Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. – Matthew 18:1-4

The faith of an adult

Our faith, the faith of a rational, college-educated, enlightened adult is much less, isn’t it? It’s not quite as quick to believe. Not quite as quick to take that step of faith. A little more sluggish to accept the unacceptable, and grasp the miracles.
We’re a little slower than our kids are.

We struggle to believe

• God can save our marriage
• God can really change our dad’s heart
• We will ever have a good relationship with our kids
• We will ever be where we need to be spiritually
• We can ever beat this addiction
• She could ever forgive me
• Our daughter could ever love me
• Our life could ever count for something
• God could actually be in control of our crazy lives
• God could ever use him to minister Truth and Grace.
• God could ever use me.

We rationalize our way out of miracles. We look for what we can see, touch, taste, feel…and base our belief on that. Rather than on the unchanging truth of who God has claimed to be, and what He has promised to us.

May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. – Ephesians 3:19-20

Faith is believing in what we can’t see. It’s trusting God for what He’s promised rather than what we’ve seen come true.

God can change your marriage. God can use you. God can use her. He can forgive you. He can use your addiction, and the victory you’re going to enjoy, to serve others.It’s time you stopped believing lies. Stop believing the haters in your life. Stop listening to the voices that beat you up. Start trusting in the promises given to you in the Bible. Start trusting in the One who loves you on your worst days. (Romans 5:6) Start believing the One who wants to give you life. (John 10:10) Star believing the One who loved you first. (1 John 4:19)

Start having the faith of a child, instead of the faith of an adult.

Drops on Purpose

Scripture talks about a woman named Ruth. She had been through a lot of heartache and pain. Her husband had been killed in a battle. Now her mother-in-law, Naomi, was moving away to a different city. Ruth decided to go with her and help take care of her. During all of this, there was a great famine in the land, and they hardly had anything to eat. Every morning, Ruth would go out into the fields and follow behind the reapers that were gleaning the wheat. She would pick up the leftover wheat that had fallen behind on the ground, and that's how she and Naomi were surviving.

One day the owner of the field, a wealthy man named Boaz, came into town to check on his field. It just so happened that he saw Ruth out there and she caught his attention. He asked his workers, "Who is that new, young girl?" They said, "That's Ruth. She's a widow and just moved here. She goes behind us every day and picks up the leftover wheat." Boaz said to his workers, "Here's what I want you to do; drop handfuls of wheat on purpose for Ruth."

I love the fact that Ruth was just minding her own business, being her best, being faithful. She was focused on meeting the needs of someone else, and she was blessed in return. One day, all of the sudden, she started seeing excess wheat lying in front of her. Think about it. Suddenly, she doesn't have to struggle anymore. Suddenly, she doesn't have to search the field trying to find the leftovers. All she has to do is step and what she needs is in her path. Suddenly, she goes home with four or five times what she normally would collect. Naomi asks, "Ruth, how in the world did you get all that wheat today?" I can see Ruth scratching her head. She says, "I don't know. I just stumbled into it. Normally, I get the leftovers and scraps, but for some reason, the workers started leaving all this wheat right in my path!"

Today, I want you to know that God has dropped "handfuls on purpose" for you, too. Just yesterday I experienced this first hand. It seemed like it was not going to take place for me BUT God made it happen in just one phone call.  In your future, God has already dropped favor, promotion and health. He's dropped wisdom, good breaks and divine connections. They're out in front of you just waiting for you to come along. Don't believe those lies telling you there is nothing good in store; you'll never accomplish your dreams. No, if God were to pull back the curtain and allow you to see what He's already lined up; the breaks, the people, the favor, the things He's already released into your future, you wouldn't worry again. You wouldn't be discouraged. You would be excited about your future. You would live with expectancy knowing that at any moment, you could come across one of those handfuls on purpose! (See Ruth 1).

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21

Renewal of Purpose

^"Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself,  for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body." 

 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 gives us a friendly reminder about the importance of not only renewing what's on the inside, but also what's on the outside. Think about it for a moment. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and should be treated as such. Would you let your house look run down or distressed? Of course not! If repairs were needed to your home, you would renovate it! Therefore, shouldn't we treat our bodies the same way and continually renew them so that they are able to carry out God's purpose for our lives? In what ways do you need to renew your body? Renewal can look different for everyone. For some it might be the need for a little more exercise or a better diet. It could be the need for physical healing. For others, it may be allowing God to renew you from a past sexual sin. Find where you need renewal for your body and allow God to work His healing in your life.

Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that God has a purpose for each one of us. Some of us know our purpose while others are still in the process of uncovering it. When we know our purpose, God uses it to enable us to renew His kingdom, but in order to renew His kingdom; we must continually renew our purpose and ourselves. Don't let God's purpose for your life become stale and feel old to you. Allow God to renew His purpose in such a way that it feels as fresh as the day you first uncovered it. Ask Him to expand your purpose and show you specifically the ways you can contribute to renewing His kingdom in the same way He has renewed your life and purpose.

 

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope

Jeremiah 29:11 

Position Change

 

 

I was at an amusement park with our youth group a few years back. We were all in line for a very popular ride. At first it was a single file line, but as we got closer to the front, we were gathered into groups and led into a little building about 20 feet by 20 feet to wait for our turn. We were the first ones in our group to enter the building. We walked all the way to the other side of the room next to these big double doors and waited. But as other people began to come in, they were excited about getting on the ride and started maneuvering their way in front of us. I’m more laid back and easy going, so I wasn’t going to try to fight for our position. It was so crazy that we ended up at the very back of the room by the doors where we came in. In a few minutes, a young lady came out who worked at the park and gave us instructions about the ride. Then she said, "Okay, we’re ready to go. Turn around and go back out the same doors you came in." We thought we were in the worst position, but one word from the person in charge, and suddenly, we were in the best position!

 

In the same way, all God has to do is shift the direction of some things in your life, and you’ll go from the back to the front! The truth is, you’re one shift from seeing a dream come to pass; one shift from paying your house off; one shift from seeing your health improve; one shift from meeting the right person. One shift away from having the right opportunity to come your way that will change everything!!

You might say, "You’re just getting people’s hopes up." Yes, you’re right! You can’t have faith if you don’t first have hope. When you go out with the attitude that says, "God, I believe things are shifting in my favor this year," that’s not just being positive, that’s your faith being released. When you declare God’s favor, God says to the angels, "Listen to what they’re saying. They believe I’m all-powerful. They believe I can do the impossible. Let Me move this person out of the way. Let Me open up this new door. Let Me line up this new relationship. Let Me turn that negative situation around."

It says in Isaiah that, "This is God’s year to act." Not next year. Not five years from now. Not in the "sweet by and by." No, this is the year God is going to shift things in your favor. He is getting things all lined up. What you couldn’t make happen on your own, God is going to cause you to accomplish. It’s going to be bigger than you thought, it’s going to happen quicker than you imagined, and it’s going to be more rewarding than you ever dreamed of. Your part is to stay in faith; keep declaring that God is at work. Keep believing that He is turning things around for your good. Remember, this is the year of God’s favor, and you are just one shift away from every blessing He has in store for you!

"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me…to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor." (Luke 4:18-19, NIV)

The Devils Playground

 

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. 

(Romans 12:2 NLT)

It has been often said that the mind is the devil's playground. There is a lot of truth in that statement as so many of the spiritual battles we fight against our enemy take place in the mind. Maybe it's the guilt of a past sin that our spiritual enemy continues to place into your mind or the cravings of an addiction that you have not fully overcome. 

Perhaps, he whispers negative words that give you doubts about your faith or your ability to accomplish what God has intended for you to do. Do as Romans 12:2 says today and allow God to transform you through the renewing of your mind. Pray and ask God today to remove the negative thoughts our spiritual enemy continues to infiltrate your mind with and allow God to renew your mind and replace the negativity with clarity and purity. 

Let God help you fight the battle in your mind and gain victory.

Buried in the Grave

Buried in the Grave, by All Sons & Daughters, is by far my favorite Easter song right now.
Enjoy!

(lyrics below the video)

 

There was a day we held our breath
And felt the sting of bitter death
When all our hopes were buried in the grave
Our eyes awake our hearts were torn
Between our faith and what we knew
Before our king was buried in the grave

And grace was in the tension
Of everything we’ve lost
Standing empty handed
Shattered by the cross

All we had
All we had
Was a promise like a thread
Holding us keeping us
Oh from fraying at the edge
All we knew
All we knew
Was you said you’d come again
You’d rise up from the dead

There was a day we looked for proof
That you had risen from the tomb
And all our doubts began to roll away
We touched the scars upon your hands
You kept your word
Oh son of man
You buried death by taking on the grave

You came here to save us
Cuz everything was lost
No longer empty handed
Clinging to the cross

All we had
All we had
Was a promise like a thread
Holding us
Keeping us
From fraying at the edge
All we knew
All we knew
Was you said you’d come again
You’d rise up from the dead

It is is won
It is done

All we have
All we have
Is the promise like a thread
Holding us keeping us
Oh from fraying at the edge
All we know
All we know
Is you said you’d come again
You rose up from the dead

A Snap Shot Of Greatness

The lives of great men and women are often recalled by a single moment that defines them — a snapshot that captures their special passion and represents their most lasting contribution.

I just watched "Lincoln" for the second time. It is such a powerful look into the greatest moments in Lincoln's life. We remember Abraham Lincoln for his brief but powerful Gettysburg address, where he envisioned a nation “of the people, by the people and for the people.”

No matter what your oppinions/thoughts on Theologian Martin Luther. He will be forever remembered for nailing his 95 theses to the door of Wittenberg’s All Saints Chapel, ushering in the protestant reformation. Michelangelo considered himself a sculptor, but perhaps his best known and most lasting work of art was done from atop a high scaffold, painting the ceiling of Rome’s Sistine Chapel. Winston Churchill captured the hearts of Britain and the world when he boldly declared, as bombs fell on his beloved London, “This will be our finest hour.”

Single snapshots like these can sum up the greatest moments of great lives.

I wonder, if we were to consider our all-powerful, all-knowing, God, what his finest hour would be. Would it be His creation of the heavens and the earth by the very power of His spoken word? Or the creativity He displayed in the crafting of every living thing on the earth? Some might argue that God’s greatest hour was the creation of man from the dust and of woman from man — but I would suggest that there was something even greater than that.

I believe that God’s finest hour began with the birth of His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus the Son of God, lived and breathed while walking on this earth. He taught people with His LIFE. He invited people into His life while showing the Love of His Father!

If we are honest with ourselves, each of us would admit a deep longing that cannot be satisfied; a deep inner pain and emptiness that will not go away. Education can’t satisfy it, career and money can’t quiet it, relationships can’t fill it and drugs or alcohol can’t make it disappear. It’s always there because we are made by God and for God, and because of sin we are separated from Him. We know we need Him, and we long to be made right with Him &mash; we just don’t know how.

The coming of Christ was the beginning of God’s finest hour because it addresses this awful separation. God loved us so much that He didn’t leave us separated from Him, trapped in our own sin and its devastating effects. He loved us so much that He came to us! And it didn’t stop there.

The apostle Paul wrote of Jesus, “He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on by the world, was taken up in glory.” I Timothy 3:16

Jesus Christ was God’s finest hour. He was born to us in the flesh, lived a perfect, sinless life, then went to the cross and suffered and died in our place. God placed on Him every sin that will ever be committed, and Jesus willingly took our punishment. Then three days later, the Spirit of God raised Jesus from the dead, breaking forever the power of sin. In Jesus, the price has been paid. In Him, we have forgiveness, and through Him, we are welcomed back into fellowship with Holy God.

So is there a “snapshot” of this great, great hour? I believe there is — and it lies in a story Jesus Himself told: I have been reflecting on the story of the prodigal son for the last month. It’s recorded in Luke 15. A wealthy landowner had two sons, and the youngest demanded his inheritance while his father was still living, left home, and squandered every cent on wild living. When he was at his very lowest, he remembered that even the slaves in his father’s house were well cared for, so he decided to return home, not daring to hope he might be received back as a son, but planning to beg to be allowed home as a slave.

When he returned, his father recognized him from a long way off, and before the son could apologize and plead for charity, the father ran to him, embraced him, smothered him with kisses and said “all is forgiven!” Many, many wrongs had been done by this wayward son, but all the father cared about was his return.

If you could hold in your memory one snapshot of God’s finest hour this season, will you hold this one? The God of the universe loved you so much that through His Son Jesus Christ, He has made a way for you to come back home. And when He sees you coming, He will run to you, wrap His arms around you, and welcome you home, making His finest hour your finest hour.

New Beginnings

We all love to see miraculous transformations. Whether it’s a sports team that goes from worst to first in a single season, a life-saving surgery for a child, a person that loses hundreds of pounds, or even the amazing home make-overs on TV, that takes a home in much need of TLC, and literally transforms it into a beautiful mansion — we all love the ending outcome of miraculous transformations.

Anytime we want to have a change though, especially one that will make our lives better, it requires us to believe that it can happen. We have to make a choice to have hope.

Most of us have found ourselves in a place where we were on the edge of loosing something very precious to seemingly everything.
Whether you’ve lost your job, your mortgage is in risk of foreclosure, your relationships are struggling, or you or a loved one needs healing, I want to encourage you to never give up!
It all begins with a choice; the choice to never give up. God always completes in us what He has started; His good work and good plan.

“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Phillippians 1:6)

I love the story of a man named Ira. His story is the perfect example of what happens when you never give up. By the time he was 12, both of his parents had died. He and his brothers had no choice but to take care of themselves. So they got jobs working at a ranch.

Through hard work and refusing to give up, Ira eventually got married and saved enough to buy a small ranch of his own. He kept dreaming, staying focused and making good decisions.

He bought a small grocery store, which turned into a big success. But he didn’t stop there either — he then sold the store to purchase a large 20,000 acre ranch in West Texas.

Not long after this big move, the Great Depression hit with full force and Ira fell behind on his payments. The bank threatened to foreclose and take away everything he’d worked so hard for through the years. At the last moment, just days before Ira lost everything, massive reservoirs of oil were discovered on his ranch!

Instead of losing everything, Ira received more than enough resources to bless his entire family and many more throughout his area. He provided jobs for people in need, built schools, children’s homes, Boy Scout camps, Salvation Army centers and developed a town that still exists today.

I love this story because his life was suddenly transformed.

Now I’m not saying that you’re going to find oil on your property or instantly become a millionaire! But what I am saying is that no matter how dark things look, God can turn things around in a single moment.

We all just enjoyed the changing of seasons, from winter to spring. Spring symbolizes new birth, a fresh start. No matter how cold and harsh your winter might have seemed, or even been, Begin to see your new fresh start in God. This spring, let this truth take root in your heart and mind: In a single moment, God can make all things new for you.

It all starts with your mind and attitude. Even if you don’t physically see this change right now, God can transform your heart and thinking, giving you peace that the world can’t give you. It’s a sustaining peace. It’s hope. Hope carries you through as you wait for your completing moment.

Ephesians 1:19–20 says: “I pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead...” (NLT)

Think about it! The Bible says that God gives the same power that raised Jesus from the dead to those who believe Him.

He triumphed over every force of darkness, disease and destruction. And He’s promised to give this same victory to everyone who puts their trust in Him!

God’s incredible power is available for you, but you have to do your part and believe in Him and by faith, receive what He is offering and persevere in your hope!

When you face challenges and tough times, do you focus on the negative and begin to complain about how unfairly you are being treated? When you give in to those thoughts, you stop the transformation process.

When you are filled with doubt and unbelief, God’s miracle for you is put on hold. And it stays on hold until you begin to walk again in obedience and put your complete trust in Him.

When you stay positive, full of hope, and do not give up on God, He can take any situation in your life, any circumstance, regardless of the economy or what the world might say, and turn things around in a single moment for your benefit. Your life can change in a moment just like Ira’s and just like the disciples — who went from being alone and afraid to boldly proclaiming the message of Christ to every nation, making an impact on the entire world!

2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us, “...anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (NLT)

No matter what you are facing today,
When you decide to not give up and put your whole trust in Christ, you pave the way for greater things to happen for you, in you and through you!

We are all hearing the negative reports about the current economic conditions; I hear them too. But in order for us to overcome these challenges, it’s important to know what God’s Word says about it.

His Word promises us in Philippians 4:19: “And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (AMP). God promises us that He is able to meet every need.

Remember, no matter what challenges you’re facing, God will make all things new in your life!

But it’s up to you and your choice! Keep choosing to stay in hope, believing for God to make things new, in His time. Remember, if we don’t give up, in due time we will be richly rewarded!

The Foundation for Community

Fellowship is the foundation for Community. In fact, Fellowship is the foundation on which the church was built. Fellowship is why we walk thru the doors of a church every week and a lack of fellowship is the reason that the world is filled with people who have never considered the church as a place to find the missing ingredient in their life.

Fellowship is more than friendship, it is the sharing of life.

No other example of fellowship has been greater than Jesus. He was able to take 12 men from extraordinary backgrounds and unite them together underneath a common bond. This was nothing short of spectacular!

The disciples were given every reason not to connect with one another. Their backgrounds could not have been more different, yet these 12 men united together under this common bond. They came together under a mutual respect and admiration for Jesus. This uniting force was the reason they were able to experience fellowship and ultimately community. The disciples became the original model for a community of life. Even though they were tax collectors, fisherman, zealots, liars, and cheaters...still, uniting under the leadership of Christ, they became a community that shared every moment of life and love for well over three years.

The disciples became a community because they were initially forced to have fellowship with one another.

The case could be made that community could exist without a common bond, but community cannot exist without fellowship.

A collection of individuals that exist without fellowship are nothing more than a group. I have no desire to be the member of a group.

Communities accept -- groups avoid.
Communities love -- groups loathe.
Communities are deep -- groups are surface.
Communities are united -- groups are easily divided.

I long to be the member of a like minded, loving, united, accepting, community of people who are deeply in love with Jesus.

Communities and their members are so committed to one another that they have learned to share life.

Acts 2:42 says "All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, at to sharing meals, and to prayer."

Great communities meet together, eat together, and pray together.

If the leaders of the church will find a body of believers that care and share, it will exist because of genuine fellowship. If you, as the leader, have examined your organization and found a hole where relationships should be being formed, look at the opportunities for fellowship.

                                      Where fellowship is encouraged community will  follow.