tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35897644714527276792024-02-07T19:03:11.269-08:00greg | bearss least of these to the least of these...Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589764471452727679.post-40806233458051237132015-01-30T15:36:00.000-08:002015-01-30T16:09:21.837-08:00Deflate-Gate in the Church?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXn5sebi-fp3gbES9yhhSVKZKGX7szcaW-sa9V-bUh3bbpcGEVX9h9Ekrul4tKBIUMr5dIHwfeETEouXjyu-AktZUlnhAqx_p2jInlJL0U3XSpQCPgstRkP4VFuKyvGH58_In_qWE5ZA9v/s1600/deflate+gate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXn5sebi-fp3gbES9yhhSVKZKGX7szcaW-sa9V-bUh3bbpcGEVX9h9Ekrul4tKBIUMr5dIHwfeETEouXjyu-AktZUlnhAqx_p2jInlJL0U3XSpQCPgstRkP4VFuKyvGH58_In_qWE5ZA9v/s320/deflate+gate.jpg" /></a></div><b></b><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
</div>Some would say that Deflate-Gate is one of the stupidest sports controversies to ever surface! If you missed it or this headline is foreign to you, here's the skinny. There are allegations that the New England Patriots used game balls that were under-inflated during the AFC Championship Game. Eleven out of twelve balls were under inflated by two pounds. How bizarre, how crazy, of all the things to talk about in the world. The consensus is that unless there is a video of someone actually inserting a needle removing air, we will really never know what happened or who is responsible for Deflate-Gate. Yet the media and everyone in and outside the sports world continues to talk about Deflate-Gate. Did anyone miss the final score of the AFC Championship Game? The score was the Patriots 45-7 over the Colts. Colts Dwayne Allen said this on twitter about Deflate-Gate <i>"They could have played with soap for balls and beat us. Simply the better team. We have to continue to build!"</i> I don't know the answer; we probably will never know what exactly happened. Regardless, all the attention has been put on deflated balls instead of what really matters, and the ultimate outcome of the game. <br />
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Here's my question: How has the church become just like Deflate-Gate? How have the people of God allowed their attention to be so misguided that we are focusing on the wrong things: things that ultimately don't matter and don't have any eternal impact. Furthermore, the rest of the world looks at us and questions "if they are so caught up in the mundane fighting and arguing about something that ultimately doesn't change the score of the game, then why would we want to be a part of anything they are doing?" The "see I told you so…" seems to run rampant, and our reputation and reach becomes tainted. I've seen Deflate-Gate happen in so many churches, from fights that have ensued over the color of the carpet to so-called "worship wars" between classical and contemporary worship music. Wars, by the way, that nobody outside the church is fighting or talking about. They are, however catching glimpses of "church" and wondering why are they fighting against each other and why would I want to be a part of that?! There are so many things that we allow to divide us, all under the same guise of "following Jesus" or serving Him. I am curious as to what Jesus actually thinks about all this...to see all of His children at each others' throats, fighting about things that don't change the outcome of the game or eternity...that derail the whole focus of why we do what we do as we follow Jesus? I can't help but think that our spiritual enemy, the devil, is left in the corner railing with laughter as he continues to "deflate the balls" of the church, giving one more reason for infighting and another reason for those outside the Kingdom of God to never want to enter in. I wonder how Deflate-Gate in the church is actually detrimental to the prayer Jesus prays for us, His church? This prayer of Jesus we call the "High Priestly Prayer" is recorded for us in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+17&version=ESV">John 17</a>. Here is an excerpt:<br />
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<b>“I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one."<i></i></b><br />
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I'm the last to pretend that I know all the answers, and I am not proposing that the "Church" should throw away all doctrine and practice. That would be as wise as removing the spine from one's body. What I am proposing is that the church focus on the things of Jesus--things that will go on into eternity and stand the test of time. His ways and His will being done on earth as it is in heaven should be our prayer. I am proposing that the church fight like Jesus. The only fight we should embark on is one that comes against all evil. We should be found fighting for the <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matt+25%3A31-46&version=ESV">"least of these"</a> that they may hear the very words of Jesus and know the love of the Father seen in the epicenter of the cross. For this much I am sure. <br />
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May the world know us for the love of Jesus and our unity in Him, and not the fights we pick against each other.</b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589764471452727679.post-45837202532762954312014-09-19T16:09:00.000-07:002014-09-19T16:13:21.044-07:00It's About TIME!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60ALUGTrVlm0Bd31Atu4Pw-fab0Aa9Ft8njJKycJDsQ9D2D75SMHypyv0Pwx0wZxtA_m6wX1tnM7YPRR8rZC5BAyexuI86PALfRe6tBvAUIYFVbYkH6A5OpA7dG2h-64VOUCDmyCNFEwP/s1600/time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60ALUGTrVlm0Bd31Atu4Pw-fab0Aa9Ft8njJKycJDsQ9D2D75SMHypyv0Pwx0wZxtA_m6wX1tnM7YPRR8rZC5BAyexuI86PALfRe6tBvAUIYFVbYkH6A5OpA7dG2h-64VOUCDmyCNFEwP/s640/time.jpg" /></a></div>How many times have you said “I don’t have TIME!” TIME for _______ (you fill in the blank) or “If I only had more TIME to_______” TIME is of the essence, TIME keeps on ticking. Our life seemingly is all about TIME. <br />
Looking at God’s Word there are a couple of ways that we see TIME referenced. There is the Greek root “Chronos” that is the tick-tock-you-don’t-stop time, days, years. This is the way most of us think about TIME. There is another word that is used, another way TIME is referenced, another way to think about it that just may bring new perspective. The word in Greek is “Kairos” and this reference to time is all about seasons and the right timing or God’s timing. We see this in the Apostle Paul’s writing to the church in Corinth: <br />
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<b>And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain—2 for He says, “At the acceptable time I listened to you, And on the day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is “the acceptable time,” behold, now is “the day of salvation”— </b>2 Corinthians 6:1-2 (NASB)<br />
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The “Kairos” of salvation has been brought into the “Chronos.” At just the right “Kairos” God saves us through Jesus Christ. Now, God gives us moments in TIME where He is at work in us and working through us. Have you said that was or this is a “God moment” before? These are the Kairos moments we recognize in TIME. The Kairos moments happen in the Chronos. We each only have so much Chronos: 24hrs, 1440 minutes, 86,400 seconds in a day. How we spend the “Chronos” we’ve been given is up to us as stewards. The TIME surely is a gift from God to do His work, which has been gifted for us to do according to His plan and purpose as seen in Galatians 6:<br />
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<b>But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. For each one will bear his own load.</b> Galatians 6:4-5(NASB)<br />
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We have a work that has been given to us as God’s people to do, to be a part of the Kingdom of God here now on earth. How are we seeing that work accomplished in the “Chronos” of our life? We read further:<br />
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<b>Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.</b> Galatians 6:7-8(NASB)<br />
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The “Chronos” opens the door for the “Kairos” to happen. The “Kairos” that God gives us can often be seen as “GOD MOMENTS” when He reveals and shows His grace and salvation. God uses us in the “Chronos” to accomplish the “Kairos” moments He has for our life and the lives of those He has intentionally surrounded us with. When we see and understand that it’s now Christ in us, we have the ability by the power of the Holy Spirit working in us and through us to be a part of or create Kairos moments. Although we may not always see the fruit of this Kairos moment we press on:<b><br />
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Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. </b> Galatians 6:9-10(NASB)<br />
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May God change our perspective on TIME. May our focus be different as we understand what God seeks to do in us and through us. When we are in a “Kairos” moment where God shows up and shows off in TIME may we share it with others. God has given us TIME, a season, to share the love of Jesus with the world. How does that look within the context of your “Chronos?” The vocation you have and gifts and talents you have are all given for you by God. How are we using what God has allotted to us in the “Chronos” to bring the “Kairos” to those whom God has entrusted us with? Answering this question has the potential to change the way we do life. It returns us to love. How are we loving people in the TIME, “the Chronos,” we have been given so that God would bring the “Kairos” into their lives? God’s desire is for us to live in the Kairos of His grace as we embrace the salvation given to us in Jesus. Then be a part of creating Kairos moments for others to understand God’s love for them. We have an awesome reminder in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+13%3A8-14&version=NASB
">Romans 13</a><br />
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Jesus is near and TIME is short. The days seem long but the years are short. By the grace of God may you create Kairos moments in the lives of the people around you as you share the love of Jesus with all people, especially those who are the household of faith. May we not grow weary or faint, knowing that our life is just a Kairos, a season of TIME given to us by God to live according to His purpose as we worship and live in His grace.<br />
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<i>This blog is dedicated to my co-worker in Christ, my friend and fellow church planter <a href="http://www.myleaderpaper.com/obituaries/article_82628bb8-3cfa-11e4-b49a-001a4bcf6878.html">Steve Benke</a> who tragically left this world. Although we may not understand, to God be all glory. Steve understood the concept of Kairos and lived it out well in his life. Steve you will be missed, until we see you again in heaven.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14lVewFBRKeCQpIM0ukyCVnlw0iv6qGrTFiHqBANJXnwWAZ4svpfsvryfbnSkrRCGFTPr0fQPigFaD3_BWnDaD4PenV-szeH7_WyPoSmDmiPIASfOT_UmBO8WAycPmA_iMDtZiOpsapCI/s1600/steve+benke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14lVewFBRKeCQpIM0ukyCVnlw0iv6qGrTFiHqBANJXnwWAZ4svpfsvryfbnSkrRCGFTPr0fQPigFaD3_BWnDaD4PenV-szeH7_WyPoSmDmiPIASfOT_UmBO8WAycPmA_iMDtZiOpsapCI/s200/steve+benke.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589764471452727679.post-1387816322116028382013-10-02T11:25:00.000-07:002013-10-02T11:30:39.430-07:00American Family Under Construction...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlkxcBZhjveOYwIOj_XrH1b_xofKZEuRRQuK7nIVLK_fxj3kF1vQv34NePhfa-yZDIFZBizHRwsE3_Dlp6NhLBhFSZkC1deOxnnMDrndTrakwDx4bvnSm_Mr-V_UpOtcNl36a7C9SNbWS/s1600/Family+Under+Construction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlkxcBZhjveOYwIOj_XrH1b_xofKZEuRRQuK7nIVLK_fxj3kF1vQv34NePhfa-yZDIFZBizHRwsE3_Dlp6NhLBhFSZkC1deOxnnMDrndTrakwDx4bvnSm_Mr-V_UpOtcNl36a7C9SNbWS/s640/Family+Under+Construction.jpg" /></a></div></a>Studying the book of Nehemiah has caused me to ask this question:<br />
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<b>What if the book of Nehemiah is really a parodox of the family of God? <i></i></b><br />
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The book of Nehemiah has been taught in many and various ways. I have never heard the story of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem as a reflection of what God wants for families that are seeking to live for Jesus or those struggling because of the enemy's ravaging attacks on their family. Yet that's exactly what I see when I read this rebuilding process. Maybe you are reluctant and think that families are faring pretty well these days. As a pastor of “the least of these” let me assure you that unfortunately, that is not the case for the average family in America. Families in America are under attack and unfortunately, the enemy seems to be gaining ground on his attack on the family. Look at just a few of revealing statistics regarding families in America:<br />
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<i>50% of marriages in America will end in divorce.<br />
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8.8 years is the average length of an American marriage.<br />
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<i>In 2011, children made up 24 percent of the population of America.</i> (WWW.childstats.gov) <br />
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<i>Half of all American children will witness the breakup of a parent’s marriage.</i> (Furstenberg, Peterson, Nord, and Zill, “Life Course”)<br />
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<i>Of these, close to half will also see the breakup of a parent’s second marriage.” </i>(Furstenberg, Peterson, Nord, and Zill, “Life Course”)<br />
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<i>Seventy percent of long-term prison inmates grew up in broken homes.</i> (Horn, Bush, “Fathers, Marriage and Welfare Reform)<br />
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It’s time for our families to undergo construction, a rebuilding of our families much like the rebuilding that took place in Jerusalem as God led Nehemiah. A broken heart for families is where we as leaders in our community can begin to make a difference. Having a conversation with a single mother, witnessing to a teen struggling with no foundation at home due to broken marriages and a dissolved family system will certainly break the hardest of hearts. As we see the carnage caused by sin and poor choices, coupled with a relentless and vicious attack by the enemy much like Nehemiah saw, we begin to recognize the need for reconstruction of the family.<br />
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The next thing we as followers of Jesus can do is fight on our knees. That’s the second thing we find Nehemiah doing: PRAYING. The leader that God uses to restore the rubble of broken down walls of His people is one that understands prayer. After mourning the state of the family of God in Israel Nehemiah does knee bends; he begins to pray. He continues to pray day and night, and when Nehemiah has an opportunity to share his hurt and pain with the King whom he works for, the first thing he does is pray. Nehemiah seeks God's guidance as he answers the king's inquiry of what Nehemiah wants from the king. Pray? Doesn’t Nehemiah already know? Doesn’t he have a well-crafted answer that he’s thought through to lay “quid pro quo” to the king tethered with “if/then” statements? I truly believe that God has shown us how we are to respond to the broken down walls of the family structure we see in America today. It starts with a broken heart and then leans into prayer. Nehemiah starts his prayer with acknowledging who God is, and then requests God’s utmost attention. “Let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant...vs.6” Then Nehemiah continues with confession. Confession not only of his sin, but of the sin of his father, along with the sin of the people Israel. Then Nehemiah asks God to act on His promises to His people. Nehemiah asks God for success before he talks to the king. I can’t help but wonder what would happen if we began a movement for the family. A movement that is centered in confession and absolution, a movement that leans into prayer, trusting and believing that not only is God hearing but God is at work restoring and rebuilding the families in our communities. That somehow God is going to use us in the process, rebuilding and strengthening our own families as we serve Him. <br />
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What other correlations do you see in the story of Nehemiah that translate into families in America today?<br />
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What are ways you and the community of believers you know could be a part of rebuilding family walls in your community?</i></i></b><br />
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<i>Start by praying to God and asking Him to reveal what He would have you do as part of the healing process of taking the gospel to families in your community whose walls are broken down, families that need Jesus. <b></b></i> <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589764471452727679.post-13178360211699535932013-02-08T14:47:00.002-08:002013-02-08T14:49:41.271-08:00How Do You Love Your City? Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1ErlZkp32n9a3mVF0VRRw2q21Tjn8nOjsIgRW_2NAMTX8uiiZmO2Ca9UzBtQAoJhCEJbYkUiR0yayMz6vwaFc5cEoNKIfeNzwt7_EB62juIPwDBkWBYNbp77lFVXlC0LuSmeINA4y6Kr/s1600/lakepointeloveshotsprings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="148" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1ErlZkp32n9a3mVF0VRRw2q21Tjn8nOjsIgRW_2NAMTX8uiiZmO2Ca9UzBtQAoJhCEJbYkUiR0yayMz6vwaFc5cEoNKIfeNzwt7_EB62juIPwDBkWBYNbp77lFVXlC0LuSmeINA4y6Kr/s400/lakepointeloveshotsprings.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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</div>How Do You Love Your City?<br />
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This is the question we have been asking our church LakePointe. We’ve been talking about how to love the city we live in as a community of believers. The discussion has taken us to <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matt%2025&version=NLT">Matthew 25</a>. We realize something that changed our mindset. The fact that “we are the least of these,” and as “the least of these” we are to be out reaching to the “least of these” that are still out there! To understand put yourself in Jesus story as the “I” and put Jesus in as the “YOU.” Also, look at the physical needs that were met in the narrative and see how it plays out with these as spiritual needs:<br />
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<i>35 “For I(insert your name) was (spiritually) hungry, and you(JESUS) fed me(the bread of life). I was (spiritually) thirsty, and you (JESUS)gave me a drink(from waters where I would never thirst again). I was a stranger(estranged, lost spiritually), and you(Jesus) invited me into your home(a relationship with Him, His church). 36 I was naked,(not clothed in righteousness) and you (Jesus)gave me clothing(baptismal clothes, white as snow clothed in His righteousness). I was sick(spiritually), and you(Jesus) cared for me(and healed me). I was in prison(bondage of sin), and you(Jesus) visited me(left heaven came to earth lived the life I couldn’t and released me freed me from my prison of sin and the hell I deserved, by dying on the cross).”</i><br />
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This description defines who we are prior to faith in Jesus who came and restored what was broken from the sin in our life! We are the least of these described here in Matthew 25. We are the Spiritual vagabonds, in-prisoned in sin, hungry and thirsty for something that will really satisfy our spirit because we’ve tried everything else and although it tasted great at the time quenched our thirst for a moment it never satisfied! As we live in the grace won for us by Jesus it overwhelms us and transform our life. As we follow Jesus we begin to look at others in our community who don’t know His grace and mercy as we do and it causes us to want to share this with them. We were the least of these and we want to share this same love of Jesus with them.<br />
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<b>“You can’t proceed to love your city without understanding first who you are before Jesus and then who you are as a result of Jesus love.”</b><br />
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When we experience that LOVE, God’s love, a love that doesn’t ask anything from us first but loves us first. A love that no matter who we are and what we do we can’t make God love us any more or any less because He’s already radically in love with us. This kind of love changes us. God loves us, God loves our city and He wants all to know of His love! We love our city, it’s one of the reason’s we exist.<br />
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<a href="http://lakepointefamily.com"> <br />
LakePointe</a> EXISTS to love Hot Springs! We want to let Hot Springs know they are loved by GOD!<br />
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This is the start of loving your city. Understanding first the love God has for you and who you are before God. More to come soon...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1hot springs, AR38.272688535980969 -99.84375-15.819484464019034 177.5390625 90 -17.2265625tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589764471452727679.post-69951993495664469702012-11-09T12:22:00.001-08:002012-11-09T12:39:57.604-08:00GOD'S POLITICS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6cZReIqjk1OFqNS8g5WVbZrIx-BH927CD0sewZiARC0pdgVBqCmFzUDOWVBeGqVLzNwNP34xs4CsDAaW5Ou6MggX9KQrdoi5bzRAdPfIipD_DljxLQ1HQ_c_MEwB4ngColtWeUmemFX0/s1600/Gods-Politics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="287" width="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6cZReIqjk1OFqNS8g5WVbZrIx-BH927CD0sewZiARC0pdgVBqCmFzUDOWVBeGqVLzNwNP34xs4CsDAaW5Ou6MggX9KQrdoi5bzRAdPfIipD_DljxLQ1HQ_c_MEwB4ngColtWeUmemFX0/s400/Gods-Politics.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<i><b>GOD’S POLITICS</b></i><br />
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<i>These are my thought's on politics originally from a guest post that I was asked to do for a leadership organization LCEF:</i><br />
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<b>I love politics! I hate politics! <i></i></b> Where do you fall in the previous two statements? Are you worn out from all the mudslinging? Glad the commercials and debates are over? How are you feeling now, post-election? What song are you singing? Is it: “It’s the end of the world as we know it...” or is it “Celebration time, come on, let’s celebrate!”? Maybe a better question is: what are the people you find around you singing? <br />
Something that has hit me like a ton of bricks is the truth from God’s word concerning politics. God is concerned with our world, He’s not a distant once-was god but is an: everlasting, always will be, always has been, omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent, all powerful, with us GOD! As surprised as you or I may have been or not been, God wasn’t surprised at the election results. It didn’t shock Him, and He isn’t singing either of the above mentioned songs (in case you were wondering). The strong reality hit me that when it comes to God’s politics, there are two things we have to understand and can never forget:<br />
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1. GOD HOLDS ALL AUTHORITY & POWER!<br />
2. GOD GIVES AUTHORITY & POWER TO WHOMEVER HE CHOOSES!</i><br />
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It all belongs to HIM as <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2013:1&version=NASB">Romans 13:1</a> explains! It always has, and always will. As simplistic as it sounds and as easy as it is to nod our heads, the reality is most of us forget this. We somehow find ourselves wondering where God is and if He indeed knows what’s going on down here. While in fact nothing escapes His sight, nothing escapes His mind; our God is still in charge and seated on the throne. In fact, not only does our God hold all authority and power and it’s His to give to whomever He chooses, our God even uses pagan leaders to accomplish His purposes! This great reminder is found through out the bible and specifically in the book of Daniel. Chapters 4 & 5 lay out our Sovereign God’s power and authority to give and take away as He sees fit. The book of Daniel begins with the taking away of power from Judah’s king, King Jehoiakim, and handing it to the pagan King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. It continues with the story of King Nebuchadnezzar’s pride and arrogance foretold in a dream interpreted by Daniel in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=daniel%204&version=NASB">chapter 4</a>. Nebuchadnezzar thought that all the power and authority belonged to him and that he was the “rainmaker” that made it all happen, failing to acknowledge that God holds all power and authority and gives it to whomever He chooses. Because of this God caused King Nebuchadnezzar to become as a beast in the field, to act like an ox eating grass. He grew hair long like an eagle’s feathers and his nails grew like claws of a bird, we are told. King Nebuchadnezzar was humbled for “seven periods of time” until he recognized it was God who gave him his power and authority and all that he had. God restored King Nebuchadnezzar’s sanity as well as his honor and splendor; his throne was also restored, and he became even greater than he had been. As he acknowledged God as the One holding all power and authority, he said:<br />
37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.<br />
As amazing as that story of Nebuchadnezzar and God’s power and authority and ability to give it to whoever He chooses is, it is followed by another reminder of this fact in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=daniel%205&version=NASB">Daniel 5</a>. One would think that the son of King Nebuchadnezzar would never forget what happened to his father and follow in the confession that his father made. But King Belshazzar, whom God allowed to be in power and gave authority, forgets the fact that God can give and take it away at His will. King Belshazzar learned a tough lesson. If you have forgotten this story take a moment and be reminded that the hand of God is always and forever in control. <br />
May these reminders allow us to rest easy knowing that our God is at work, and He is the One that holds all the power and authority; it’s His to give to whomever He chooses. Our God does have politics. God’s politics are not like ours. Our God can use anyone to accomplish His purpose, even a pagan king. May we most importantly always remember our hope is in the Lord and Him alone. Jesus is the only hope of the world!<br />
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<b>I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. John 14:18<i></i></b><br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589764471452727679.post-65713171161878846902012-04-13T14:51:00.000-07:002012-04-13T14:51:25.997-07:00...In the Aftermath of Easter...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTLENFK8gixc3PzmueGV_6shH4UPE0MFb8a9B6wAw0LL1IJ3P6XtpZkkfGDMqvkZUZNVKz_2uiKrTLu9d_zdXPb6fjnJClh_1ky6eGyouVUmVqARTcu-t6ZbiSGjyP7aBjUqEp3LB3SFo/s1600/29390hskezevns7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTLENFK8gixc3PzmueGV_6shH4UPE0MFb8a9B6wAw0LL1IJ3P6XtpZkkfGDMqvkZUZNVKz_2uiKrTLu9d_zdXPb6fjnJClh_1ky6eGyouVUmVqARTcu-t6ZbiSGjyP7aBjUqEp3LB3SFo/s400/29390hskezevns7.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The aftermath of Easter means different things to different people. If you are a pastor then you are likely to be in the after-glow of what God did in your services and you saw new faces and plenty of old faces return. Maybe there were people that you were praying would come but didn’t. Maybe you set new attendance records or maybe it was just another Sunday. From what I have seen pastors are typically excited and a bit worn out at the same time after Holy Week and Easter celebrations. I know that many churches add extra services for more people to attend throughout Holy Week and Easter. If you are not a pastor it probably meant you had to hunt harder for a parking spot if you went to church or if you went out to eat you had longer lines at Crackle Barrel. Here's what I experienced:<br />
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At <a href="http://lakepointefamily.com">LakePointe</a> we had 5 worship opportunities adding 3 additional worship experiences than we normally would have. We were excited about the people that God would bring through the doors of LakePointe. We had high expectations and spent much time in prayer that God would bring those through our door who did not know about His love for them seen in Jesus. We had just under 1800 people show up (1791) to hear about an empty tomb and a risen Savior. We had hundreds of new families, and many that committed their life to following Jesus for the first time. We even set a new attendance record for our young church. As exciting as this was and still is, something hit me like a ton of bricks. Our message in the 5 Easter worship experiences was one of BELONGING, we BELONG because of Jesus. We are saved by grace through Jesus <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=eph%202:8-9&version=NIV">(Eph 2:8-9)</a>. We had a good crowd but I am wondering, more than wondering but praying that those who came on Easter would return. And, what about all the people in our community that didn’t go to ANY Christian church? What about them? Where are they in the Aftermath of Easter?<br />
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After further deliberation and thought, I began to look at the size of our city. Hot Springs AR, is about 39,676 according to <a href="http://www.google.com/publicdata/explore?ds=kf7tgg1uo9ude_&met_y=population&idim=place:0533400&dl=en&hl=en&q=population+of+hot+springs+ar">public data source</a> So at LakePointe we had over 4% of our population of our city show up to our church. Again, stay with me as you will see my point is not one of pride but one of sadness. A study on the <a href="http://hirr.hartsem.edu/research/fastfacts/fast_facts.html">national average for people who attend a church is 40%</a> again this sounds not too bad until you look further at the stat and what it really means. When you reverse the stat we see that 60% of Americans do not attend church regularly and that number is challenged and deemed to be low, as Americans tend to exaggerate if and when they actually attend church. For my community that I am called to shepherd and reach it means that 23,805 people did not attend church last Sunday. If you include <a href="http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=population+of+garland+county+ar&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8">Garland County population</a> 96,145, it means that 57,687 people in my community missed out on celebrating the love of God tangibly seen in the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter! They were not at any church, they didn’t say out loud “He has risen!” they just stayed home, maybe they watched the Masters and didn’t realize the real Master wasn’t <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/09/bubba-watson-evolves-2012-masters-winner-father_n_1413127.html">Bubba</a>, but actually 2000+ years ago: Jesus.<br />
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In the Aftermath of Easter we must see that God is faithful and at work in many and various ways. We have so much to celebrate as we too look into an empty tomb and the cloud of witnesses to the scars on His hands, to the scar on His side. The One who defeated our sin, defeated the death we deserve, and defeats our spiritual enemy, the devil. We can celebrate those that God has brought through our doors in one hand, praying that they will return this week, again with high expectations to be discipled and grow in faith. Yet, in the other we still are reminded that there are so many that are out there in our community “Fatherless” not knowing Jesus love for them. We call them “those that are yet to come.” Yet to come to know the love of the Father, yet to understand what that means for their life, their family, and their eternity as they see Jesus as the Savior of their soul. They have yet to understand what it means to live a new life in Christ. As Romans 6 explains:<br />
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Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ<br />
1 What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.<br />
5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— 7 because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.<br />
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In the Aftermath of Easter may we stay in that joy we have in Christ and may that resurrection celebration never end as long we have breath in our lungs. Yet, may we still enter the gates of our cities, the places and spaces we are found, with eyes of Jesus seeing the 60% that don’t know Him. May we never lose concern or thoughts for those God loves that don’t know it. May we exist as pastors, churches, ministries, and people of God to serve Him and reach out to “those who are yet to come!” Happy Easter in Jesus’ name.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589764471452727679.post-7129496807905710962012-03-21T17:08:00.000-07:002012-03-21T17:08:20.457-07:00Jesus & The Unfaithful Bride<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFyzwUeTofGfHwFRuLOoVqPVusE_YEiPFgOCieYmJBeic1xJSBTojPwpCbCxI4lyXb-gYXEjN4maMdl2VgQSL-8oXGF4n-6Kd9wWF5NhbTEctLN5BfrJ465FXivmO9ZCvO4UC1twFV1lMU/s1600/marriage-divorce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="212" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFyzwUeTofGfHwFRuLOoVqPVusE_YEiPFgOCieYmJBeic1xJSBTojPwpCbCxI4lyXb-gYXEjN4maMdl2VgQSL-8oXGF4n-6Kd9wWF5NhbTEctLN5BfrJ465FXivmO9ZCvO4UC1twFV1lMU/s320/marriage-divorce.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<b>TOP 5 WAYS TO BE SURE YOU WON’T HAVE THE MARRIAGE OF YOUR DREAMS</b><br />
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<b>1. Stop Communicating With Your Spouse! </b> Talk about them not to them, and give them the silent treatment as much as possible! It’s best if you can yell something unrecognizable at them and storm out of the room. If you need help watch a five year old do it and be sure to be animated like them!<br />
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<b>2. Stop Listening To Your Spouse!</b> See #1 add, quit taking their call, and responding to their text message’s, un-friend them on FaceBook so they can’t see what you’re up to with your friends. Avoid being in the same room with them at all costs.<br />
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<b>3. Always Assume The Worst About Your Spouse!</b> Never give them the benefit of the doubt, stand under the motto “they are guilty until they can prove they innocent!” Be sure to second guess everything they say even if it sounds reasonable--watch old reruns of People’s Court or Judge Judy for more ammo accusatory phrases! <br />
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<b>4. Focus On What Your Spouse Does Wrong.</b> In fact keep a list of their inadequacies and shortcomings! Point them out as much as possible, tell them to their face, better yet tell them to your friends in front of them as much as possible! Also, don’t forget to add in how they are “not meeting your needs.”<br />
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<b>5. Quit Having Fun With Your Spouse!</b> Don’t do anything that either of you enjoy and certainly not together. Quit laughing and joking and be sure to hang out with other couples who are killjoys and focusing on the above 1-4. In fact begin to view your spouse as your enemy, and try to just coexist living separate lives and if you can make sure you have friends that your spouse doesn’t like!<br />
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Start with these 5 things and I can promise you will NOT have the marriage of your dreams but will be on the road to divorce in no time at all! You can add the biggest one of all QUIT SPENDING TIME WITH GOD. Don't go to church or pray together or seek God's Word for daily wisdom for marriage. If you walk down this road I can guarantee you will be on the road to a broken marriage. Or, you can go to <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=eph%205&version=NIV">Ephesians 5</a>, <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20cor%2013&version=NIV">1 Corinthians 13</a>, <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans%208&version=NIV">Romans 8</a>, and several other bible verses that talk about God's love and faithfulness to us. (even when we are unfaithful) In Ephesians we see a perfect example for what a Godly Marriage is to look like with Jesus portrayed as the Groom and the church depicted as the Bride. The love, respect, and sacrifice portrayed in Jesus very life and death is the perfect example that God gives us for marriage. It's also a clear picture of how God loves us. <br />
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What has struck me recently is how how much God loves us. How much that He would send His only Son Jesus to receive what we morally and justly deserve--God's Punishment. This really didn't set in for me until I had my own son Andrew. We call him Drew-Dog and he is amazing, in fact I can't imagine my life without him as many of you with kids understand. I have often said that it's a good thing that I am not God because if it were up to me I wouldn't give Drew-Dog's life up for anyone. In fact I would do just the opposite and protect him from anyone or anything that would try to harm him. Now, imagine the pain as God watches His Son get beaten, the verbal and physical assaults as His Son walks the road to Golgotha--a death march. This is where the unthinkable sets in; when we understand Jesus depicted as the Groom, and He willingly agrees to sacrifice His life for an unfaithful bride. Who's the bride? The church is depicted as the bride of Christ. Who's the church? The community of believers who gather in the name of the Lord as <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts%202&version=NIV">Acts 2:42ff</a> explains. We who make up the church have been an unfaithful bride to Christ in thoughts, words, and deeds. We have been unfaithful to Jesus our Groom by the things we have done and by the things we have left undone. Nevertheless, our faithful Groom, steps in at just the right time to do what only He could do, namely love an unfaithful bride and make her clean with His very body and blood.<br />
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<i><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+5:6-8&version=NIV">Romans 5:6-8</a>(NIV)<br />
6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.</i><br />
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This is such a clear picture of the love and sacrifice that we are to have in marriage as God designed. When we understand God's sacrificial love for us and align our thoughts of what the "the marriage of our dreams" looks like with God's intentions and design for marriage. We can love and respect our spouse(with the help of God) even when they are unfaithful, even when they are undeserving of love or respect. We can do this when we understand that we ourselves are also unfaithful and undeserving yet God showers us with His love. God's word transforms us and our thinking as we see love in a new light explained in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2012&version=NIV">Romans 12</a> We turn to God for our example of what a Godly marriage looks like. It's then we see that marriage has everything to do with sacrifice and loving as God loves us. I am thankful for the love of the Father, I am thankful that Jesus is the perfectly faithful Groom that sacrifices as no man on earth would ever dare to do...Jesus love's the unfaithful bride.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589764471452727679.post-34387985969449339342011-11-17T07:15:00.000-08:002011-11-17T07:15:07.420-08:00Do You Influence?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPUZJlHK80iwkX3qGLyKHI_haJTzkd0cxlaKpATGLK_huKsfT1Wn3J2_tDrtMABeIo4CLGaK9W1EN6cjtv8faA7cKNbnDxn1xnzr1Tjx8kAFfj76TNyrqCd1Y5OIdlNrnc0cYNeepR9IS/s1600/CircleOfInfluence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPUZJlHK80iwkX3qGLyKHI_haJTzkd0cxlaKpATGLK_huKsfT1Wn3J2_tDrtMABeIo4CLGaK9W1EN6cjtv8faA7cKNbnDxn1xnzr1Tjx8kAFfj76TNyrqCd1Y5OIdlNrnc0cYNeepR9IS/s320/CircleOfInfluence.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Do you have influence? In order to answer the question you must first look at the word defined:<br />
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influence |ˈinfloŏəns|<br />
noun<br />
the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself : the influence of television violence | I was still under the influence of my parents | their friends are having a bad influence on them.<br />
• the power to shape policy or ensure favorable treatment from someone, esp. through status, contacts, or wealth : the institute has considerable influence with teachers.<br />
• a person or thing with such a capacity or power : Frank was a good influence on her.<br />
• archaic Physics electrical or magnetic induction.<br />
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You do indeed have influence. The question is who are you influencing and how? If you are like me and have children you are influencing them for sure. Ever see your child do or say something you wished they hadn't only to realize they learned (were influenced) by you? I have heard it said character is caught not taught. Point being your children are learning and you are influencing them by what you do or say or by what you don't do or say! Convicting I know. Transpose this to the Spiritual realm, how are we influencing? What does that look like and how is it done? What role do we play in influencing, if any, and what does that look like? Check out what Paul says in 2 Corinthians 10:<br />
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Scripture: <br />
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2 Corinthians 10:15-18 (NASB)<br />
15 not boasting beyond our measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but with the hope that asyour faith grows, we will be, within our sphere, enlarged even more by you, 16 so as topreach the gospel even to the regions beyond you, and not to boast in what has been accomplished in the sphere of another. 17 But HE WHO BOASTS IS TO BOAST IN THE LORD.18 For it is not he who commends himself that is approved, but he whom the Lord commends.<br />
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Observation:<br />
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As Faith grows the area of Influence grows. Paul is looking beyond the borders of Corinth to lands where the Gospel has not been preached where lives have not yet been changed by the power of the Holy Spirit understanding through Christ alone one must be saved. There is a direct correlation between "the influencing and growing and expanding borders" with "faith." Not to be confused both belong to God (influence & faith) but are also each given to us by Him. Lest we should ever think it is us that influence or we are the growers of our faith. It is only Christ in us. We see Paul quickly point back to the Lord "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord." <br />
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Application:<br />
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The vision is crisp, it is there. It's secure through Jesus. Through Christ alone we must be saved (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christus_Victor">Christus Victor</a>). The issue is how to advance in what God is doing. How do we move forward in faith with an intent to grow so that in the growth the number of believers also grow. The growing faith of believers is what God uses to increase influence to areas beyond our borders (more people believe in Jesus confess Him as Lord the Kingdom of God expands and influence grows with it, the light penetrates the darkness). I think back to <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%2012&version=NASB">Hebrews 12</a> the "cloud of witnesses" as the Kingdom of God expands the story of God's love also expands, the understanding of salvation in Christ also expands, the church does grow (through new believers not through a recycling of Christians) and all boasting belongs to God the Father! May this become our Kingdom cause, may we give our life to nothing short of this. May God be glorified in the sacrifice of this life that He has given each of us to live.<br />
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Prayer:<br />
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Lord grow our faith, grow the faith of those around us, & grow our churches faith. As this happens, expand the borders and boundries of Your influence. Let Your mission be fulfilled, lives change, and all glory be brought before You our God and King. As borders are extended and Your Kingdom grows and advances may all boasting belong to You our Lord. Amen.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589764471452727679.post-30777906947869501502011-09-07T13:42:00.000-07:002011-09-07T13:42:05.866-07:00The Least of These...When was the last time you saw someone who was in need? What did they look like? What did they need? Where were they? What was the circumstance? Take a few minutes to capture the detail of what happened and your reaction...<br />
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Now read the story in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2025:31-40&version=ESV">Matthew 25:31-40</a>. It’s obvious that Jesus is teaching the people about the “end times”, what it will be like when the King, Jesus himself, returns. As he describes how the people of the world will be separated into two groups: the blessed and the cursed, or the sheep and the goats, Jesus is also teaching us about obedient love. The first group of people Jesus describes are the ones “blessed by my Father in heaven”, or the sheep. They are about to receive their inheritance (heaven) that the Father has been preparing since the creation of the world. (imagine how crazy awesome that will be?) Then something interesting happens: Jesus begins to speak about the things that the “righteous ones” were doing with their lives--what their lives were all about. He lists what they did for Him: feeding Him when He was hungry; giving Him water when He was thirsty; welcoming Him into their homes; clothing Him when He was in need; caring for Him when He was sick; visiting Him when He was in prison. What is intriguing about this is after Jesus listed all of this, these righteous ones replied in an unusual way by inquiring of the King, “when did we do these things for You?” They then re-list the acts of love Jesus was blessing them for doing, unable to recall when they did any of these things for Jesus--they honestly don’t remember! Jesus then replies, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” vs 40.<br />
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What does this cause you to think? Who are the least of these?<br />
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The challenge for us, in the story, and in our lives, is for us to see where we fit in. The righteous ones were being obedient out of love--not because they were trying to earn anything. They didn’t even realize they were doing it when they were doing it. <br />
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I would propose that we cannot begin to understand the least of these until we look in the mirror and understand that the least of these is each of us! We are the least of these lost and broken without a Savior we are condemned and lost. We are the least of these that God has redeemed. Until we understand this and come to terms with this fact we have no lens to even see the least of these and we miss it. Our tendency is to look at people and categorize them as “us” and “them” especially when we talk of the least of these. <br />
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Everything changes when God’s love for us is understood and digested. It is only then out of love we begin to love everyone, especially the least of these. <br />
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This is the ministry that Jesus has called us to each and every day! From yesterday talking with a woman that has been abused physically and verbally since age 8 and has never really been loved. As a result she has made lifestyle choices that have caused addiction and pain as well as an aftermath of broken relationships. She came through our doors wanting help to make it through the day and experience real life change in Jesus. Last week there was a man who pulled into our parking lot broken with a 10 year old child asking for help to pray wanting God in his life. When I asked how he knew to come to our church he told me that he had been in this parking lot before for an MMA fight we put on months earlier. He heard about God’s love and that living for Jesus can change everything. These two have been overlooked by many and don’t fit in to most churches because of their background and the way they look or because of their struggles. They are the least of these. <br />
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The flip side of the story in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2025:31-40&version=ESV">Matthew 25</a> is the second group of people that Jesus calls the goats--those who are unrighteous before God. They are also called the cursed because they did not believe in Jesus. As a result they failed to see things as Jesus does and love the way Jesus loves. They missed it completely, as much as the righteous got it and didn’t even know they were doing it, the unrighteous missed it and didn’t realize that they weren’t doing it. <br />
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Now to be sure, we must understand that it wasn’t about the “things” they did. It was about loving God and believing in Jesus and this changed the way they loved and what they loved. Flip over to <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2022&version=ESV">Matthew 22</a> and we read about the greatest commandment. “Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, your mind, and your soul...” We believe in Jesus and we are assured of eternal life, and we love God with everything that makes us, us! That changes the way we see everything. The sheep were simply following Jesus, loving God, and loving what He loves--their neighbor. No matter if their neighbor was an addict, divorced multiple times, or didn’t look or smell right they simply loved. They were following the voice of their Shepherd Jesus and caring for those He cared for in His name, obediently loving others simply out of their love for God. The righteousness of the righteous came from Jesus and the result was following Him and doing things in His name that they didn’t even realize that they were doing. They saw the least of these and loved them as Jesus loves them.<br />
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The implications of these verses when fully understood can cause a complete shift in thinking, especially as to what it means to follow Jesus. What does that really look like to love what God loves and live as Jesus lived? Where do you fit in with the least of these? So I end where we began, asking the question: when was the last time you saw the least of these and how did you respond? How can you make a difference in the name of Jesus, sharing His love with all people? What does it look like to live life loving the least of these? How does this change the way you live and love?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589764471452727679.post-24135826194182043772011-07-04T09:07:00.000-07:002011-07-04T09:07:35.428-07:00What is FREEDOM?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsH82VirApBTDC8W-fdLevdyekdCaTFcozzVfVSA1hDjKKbqyUjxbwKKWVNeoj4zGsfos5LUcLb7dngsZ2rFp0bz0K55ptGW4Mjdb2y80wYcllUTtzCFwVopEXZSqr7sq2VIcu0coXUGX6/s1600/264789_10150221180221822_521681821_7484751_7377257_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="213" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsH82VirApBTDC8W-fdLevdyekdCaTFcozzVfVSA1hDjKKbqyUjxbwKKWVNeoj4zGsfos5LUcLb7dngsZ2rFp0bz0K55ptGW4Mjdb2y80wYcllUTtzCFwVopEXZSqr7sq2VIcu0coXUGX6/s320/264789_10150221180221822_521681821_7484751_7377257_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+8&version=ESV">John 8:32(ESV)<br />
and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”</a><br />
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I love this time of year, when we come together as a country to celebrate the gift our forefathers fought and paid for with their own life and blood--our American freedom. You will see people waving and high-fiving, sharing fireworks displays with neighbors and friends and united in a crowd of hundreds as they watch the public displays. There is a uniting that freedom has, it brings people together.<br />
I truly love fireworks and picnics and time out on the lake ,but my favorite 4th of July tradition is the Annual LakePointe on the Lake Worship Service & Baptism Bash!<br />
This is the fourth year we have held this event where we have a worship service out on the lake and invite the community to come and join us. <br />
This year we had free food for the community. We ended up feeding over 500 people BBQ and the trimmings and also raised money and support for a local charity, Stomp Out Hunger, by taking donations for their cause of eradicating hunger in Garland County in Jesus’ name.<br />
There were hundreds who heard the message of God’s love for them, which is seen tangibly in Jesus. This year we spoke on the Apostle’s Creed, the CORE of our faith. It was super cool to hear hundreds of people saying together the Apostles Creed, confessing what we believe together! We talked about how heaven and hell are very real places and how Jesus promised to return! We worshiped our God of eternal freedom and at the end of the service we had what we call a “baptism bash.” This year we baptized over 40 people, mostly adults. It’s incredible to see God at work in this amazing way. There is nothing more heart-warming then seeing whole families come into the baptismal waters, receiving new life and freedom found only in Jesus Christ. Whole families that are now living for Jesus and are sons and daughters of the King! <br />
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I want to thank all of the amazing volunteers that helped make this event happen, including our LakePointe Staff, who once again knocked it out of the park! If you missed the LakePointe on the Lake Baptism Bash this year, no worries, plan on attending next year, same time, same place, to God’s glory! <br />
Enjoy your freedom today! Don’t let it hinge just on our freedom as Americans but drill down to the root of our freedom seen in the sacrifice of Jesus, whose bloodshed sealed our freedom for:<br />
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+10&version=ESV">Romans 10:13 For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts%2016&version=ESV">Acts 16:31 And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household."</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589764471452727679.post-16176003570220023962011-06-25T17:48:00.000-07:002011-06-25T17:53:05.392-07:00Using Mixed Martial Arts Share The Love Of Jesus?<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Vdy7EXZaKr8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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It's been about 3 weeks since the 2nd Annual Spa City Stomp Out! This is the second time LakePointe Church has hosted this MMA Fight in Hot Springs, AR. Last year through this event we handed out 4 cases of Bibles and had an opportunity to pray with many families. We saw many people, including several fighters, begin to follow Jesus that day! It was a no- brainer when we had the opportunity to host the event again this year. The big difference, as our team recapped this event, was that we would be more prepared for those who needed prayer and didn't have a Bible. Last year we were prepared for people who would come drunk, high, or just ready to pick a fight. The only person we had to escort off the premise was some guy who was slamming people over the head with his Bible telling them that they were going to hell! A turn or burn talk, which we don't condone. When this man was asked to leave by one of our pastors, letting him know we had the teaching covered, he would not relent and continued to yell at the people. At this point one of the police officers helping with the event asked the man to stop at which he raised his hand toward the officer who forcibly removed the man from our campus. This offered an amazing opportunity for us to share with the crowd of over 2000 people that this man was not with LakePointe Church and that although hell is a very real place where some will go, we are concerned with teaching about the love that God has for them so that fewer will end up in hell, and that God cares more about their future than the mistakes of their past. <br />
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This year we doubled up on our police officers thanks to the Garland County Sheriff's department and some amazing volunteer officers. We also had the Marines with hummers on hand to help with crowd control. That afternoon before the fights we gathered all the fighters and explained the rules of the day as well as the reason we were having the fights. I was able to visit with them and tell them that although we were there to see them use their God-given martial arts skills we are more concerned about letting them know about the love of God through His Son Jesus. At this point I was able to explain the message of God's love and offered to any fighter that today was a day to begin living for Him. At this I several fighters say that they wanted to begin living for Jesus. It was truly awesome and as far as I was concerned we could have ended the day there in victory! But thankfully the day continued. We had over 1500 seats set out around the ring and we had 3 bands lined up to play. I could go on play by play but I will cut to the chase.<br />
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The chairs were full by 6pm and the bands began to play. We had slight rain showers that thinned the crowd but the event went off after an hour delay and the crowd returned. Throughout the night I was able to step into the ring and share a message of hope and love in Jesus. We had a prayer tent set up with volunteers ready to pray with families as well as give out a "what's next kit" that had a Bible, devotion book, and invite to church. <br />
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By God's grace we were able to hand out 1000 kits and pray with several families. There were no major security issues and we did not have to escort anyone from the event. This was the second year that we tethered the event to help the non-profit organization, Stomp Out Hunger. The mission of Stomp Out Hunger is to eradicate hunger issues in Garland County, especially with the children. This year we were able to collect several hundred bags of food that will be distributed by Stomp Out Hunger this year! Here is a video of one of the messages that was shared that night.<br />
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We understand and know that not every church can or should have an MMA Fight in their parking lot. What we do know is that God in His infinite grace and mercy has used this event to allow people that would never attend LakePointe or any other church in town to come to a free event and hear a message that God loves them, and that Jesus is the only way the truth and the life. That Jesus didn't tap, and our God is a Warrior King! For that we are extremely grateful.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589764471452727679.post-40072738191324609832011-03-21T18:08:00.000-07:002011-03-21T18:14:14.607-07:00Give God a Shot!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qvd2FYPfVVzOdIG_k3YJq4kEDZrSPExvldOBn3e-HpSLXbRKzgw4AKlR67DLeGDi9PI0kY6HlJ12a9f898Lj118pXXms1ps8IttttPwlutDe2Fb0HwZZmWL9DAejbbm4SHs-OMZ5mZbk/s1600/give+God+a+shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qvd2FYPfVVzOdIG_k3YJq4kEDZrSPExvldOBn3e-HpSLXbRKzgw4AKlR67DLeGDi9PI0kY6HlJ12a9f898Lj118pXXms1ps8IttttPwlutDe2Fb0HwZZmWL9DAejbbm4SHs-OMZ5mZbk/s200/give+God+a+shot.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The title of this blog may seem quite normal until you see the picture that goes with it. On St. Patricks Day in Hot Springs Arkansas we have a festival downtown where there is the <a href="http://www.hotsprings.org/events_calendar/stpat_parade.aspx">Worlds Shortest Parade and then Pub Crawl</a> that follows. This year we handed out 5000 beads all with a card that told them about Jesus loves for them and inviting them to check out LakePointe if they don't have a church home. We had another crew handing out helium balloons and invites. Then after the parade was over we handed out 1000 shot glasses with "Give God a Shot!" on them to the local bars. The response was pretty amazing! LakePointe's Intern Pastor Ben and I went into a local bar called Maxine's (after getting pre-approval from the owners previously we were welcomed with open arms…literally!) At Maxine's we had some great conversations with people. The whole point was to just love people where they were at, in our team meetings before the event we talked about how we are not there to smack people over the head with a bible but, we are simple there to let them know God loves them and so do we. Our prayer for doing this was that this would be an opportunity for them to know someone really cared about them. The net result was that we had people blown away that we would care enough to give them a shot glass and take time to chat with them about Jesus. We had several people offer to buy drinks :) (I'm only drinking water for Lent) while I did have someone give me some of their pizza (I did't give up pizza for lent:) The owners thought that is was so cool that we would come into their bar and share Jesus with their patrons. In fact they are going to continue to use the glasses and give them away! One of the stories we had was with a man that had a few too many drinks turned down the gift of the shot glass, and then later chased down our team mate and said, "As a matter of fact I do need God even when I'm drunk." Then there was the girl that had been to our church before that was struggling with some issues in her life and we had an opportunity to pray with her right there on the spot. There was another guy that was struggling with his marriage and had relapsed and wanted to get his life back on track with God. These are just a few of the stories where God was at work that night. See, our prayer is that the next morning people may have done things they regret that night, they may wake up in the wrong bed, they may not remember anything but in the floor board of their car or in their jacket they will pick up a shot glass and realize that they really do need God in their life and that things aren't working well without Him. <br />
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It was really neat to see how God would use this to spark conversations we would never have the opportunity to have and share His love with them. We are going to continue our "bar ministry" reaching people on their turf building relationships and sharing Jesus. We now have 3 bars that are going to "stock" these shot glasses in their pubs. <br />
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We realize this is not for everyone and some will not agree or understand. We are ok with that but we are not ok with the fact that there are many people who don't know of God's love that will never set foot in a church and we are willing to go wherever the people are that are far from God in the name of Jesus! <br />
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To God be all glory even from a shot glass that would have His name on it!<br />
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+9:11-13&version=NIV">Matthew 9:11-13</a> <br />
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11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”<br />
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12 On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’[a] For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589764471452727679.post-19567176311320456372011-03-14T08:55:00.000-07:002011-03-14T09:09:31.725-07:00In Greed We Trust?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiTCy8Sc0yAXztRCrZmx1-zVOs1Na7Y-_kJ4-jw1-Q3lNMJf2vfZdDuTsD7WUcuOzWJy5rTKQ-iWLAI0ASk6Rxtgq1gGhrlKdz-2E-9OHYBn1MJrpxiRWHCARH_EPW2vE2tAyY-bDb2_o1/s1600/in_greed_we_trust.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="140" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiTCy8Sc0yAXztRCrZmx1-zVOs1Na7Y-_kJ4-jw1-Q3lNMJf2vfZdDuTsD7WUcuOzWJy5rTKQ-iWLAI0ASk6Rxtgq1gGhrlKdz-2E-9OHYBn1MJrpxiRWHCARH_EPW2vE2tAyY-bDb2_o1/s200/in_greed_we_trust.jpg" /></a></div><br />
We talked about <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greed">GREED</a> yesterday and how it is this intense selfish desire of wanting more. The desires take over our hearts and minds and cause us to get lost chasing the "things" from "StuffMart." I received an email where someone gave me this definition for GREED: "get all you can, can what you get, and sit on your can." That certainly falls in line with what Jesus was talking about in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2014:3-11&version=NIV">Mark 14:3-11</a> with the Foolish Rich man. It is evident that "In Greed He Trusted!" <br />
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Today, studying the book of Numbers I'm wondering if there isn't a more subtle GREED that plagues our lives, especially those who are following Jesus? I've read the story before, as I'm sure you have too, in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%2020&version=NIV">Numbers 20</a> where Moses faces the grumbling people of God again for the umpteenth time. It seems like they have run out of things to complain about so they are back to an old complaint of no water. Moses and Aaron do the right thing in crying out to God, humbling themselves before God in the tent of meeting. I'm not sure I could have taken any more complaints, much less be Godly about it and pray :) But Moses does the right thing and God provides a plan: "Take your staff before the people...tell the rock to yield its water..." Seems simple-- again God will save the day. Here's where it gets sticky. Moses goes before the people and goes to the rock and lifts up his hand, strikes the rock with his staff twice and water pours out of the rock. I remember first hearing this story as a child and wondering what's wrong with what Moses did? Didn't they get the same results? Water. At first glance it just seems as a question of semantics but when one looks deeper there is seen the heart of man. God says to Moses "Because you didn't believe in me to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land I have given them" OUCH! Instead of letting God's Word reveal power Moses felt the need to raise his hand and use his staff and hit the rock not just once but a magical twice, bringing attention to himself rather than allowing God to do the work. Ever wonder what was going through Moses' head? Was he worried that God wouldn't do what He said He would? Had Moses just gotten confused and was just used to waving his staff around and hitting things with it? Hardly, for God know's the heart of man and nothing is hidden from Him. Moses failed to honor God by his actions, there was something missing that caused Moses to take some kind of credit. Or was it a lack of trust in God, wanting to make sure this miracle happened; did Moses feel that he had to add something to it??? We will never know what Moses was thinking, only that it didn't line up with what God told him to do even though the output was the same, the means were not. <br />
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For us today I see that happening so often where many come in the name of Jesus and often with really good intentions, but instead of listening to God and doing things His way we tend to take matters in our own hands much like Moses. Maybe it's a desire to trust ourselves more than God, that maybe God can't handle it so we need to add a safety net. Or possibly it could be our fleshly desire to receive the accolade and credit for something God has really done. Either way there is a subtle hint of GREED that seems to seep in and cause us to honor ourselves instead of honoring God. A sense of entitlement to doing things our way, no matter the way we justify it by the end result. Clearly this does not please God as Moses will not be allowed to enter into the Promised Land. <br />
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I think it's a constant "gut check" to see what is really motivating us and our actions. Is it about building our kingdom? Our reputation, our legacy, or is it about our GREED? <br />
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The great thing about Moses' story is that there is restoration, even in the midst of the consequences there is grace and mercy given to Moses. He will not enter into the Promised Land here on earth, but Moses certainly enters the final Promised Land in heaven with God Himself. I wonder what those first conversations were like in heaven between God and Moses?<br />
I bet God just wrapped His loving arms around Moses and told him good job My faithful servant!<br />
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That's what I've adopted from a mentor of mine, one day he told me that what kept him in the ministry (he's been in for over 25 years) was that he longed to hear those words from our Father in heaven, "well done, good and faithful servant." At the end of the day I pray that is our motivation for all that we do, for the kingdoms that we build here on earth would be for the true King God our Father. That in all we say and do we honor Him doing things His way netting His results not our own. May God give us as leaders courage and strength to do things His way, in His time, yielding His results, honoring His name above our own name, therfore sanctifying the name of Jesus before the eyes of all the people.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589764471452727679.post-57499297923377366812011-03-11T15:45:00.000-08:002011-03-11T15:45:56.964-08:00Are We Alone?<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2011&version=NIV">Read Romans 11 </a>before proceeding and you will understand the heart behind this excerpt. <br />
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I think that it's interesting that we look around often and wonder if anyone else is "in it to win it." By that I mean is anyone else following Jesus? I know that there are churches full on Sunday across the city, state, nation, but is anyone really following Jesus? Now at first glance that might sound brash or even prideful but that is not the point. Have you ever felt like Elijah? Have you ever wondered where are all the Christians at? Why aren't more people helping to feed the homeless? Why are there not more willing to visit prison and jail? Why are there not more that are looking not just to help fellow man but actually share the love of Jesus with them? Then the flip side is there is so much pain and heartache, there is such a focus on things that don't matter but yet take so much of our time and energy and resources. <br />
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This past week has brought many reminders, earthquakes, tsunami hitting Japan and the threat of more to come, couple that with funeral #3 tomorrow the evidence of life being short is an understatement. Our one life that we have to live will one day come to an end. The result of understanding the temporary nature of life on earth and the permanent nature of eternal life in heaven brings many emotions. The understanding that we have been grafted into the vine we have been brought into the family of God, not because of who we are or our heritage but because of God's great mercy for each one of us. <br />
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Romans 8<br />
1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.<br />
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In the midst of that we are called to live a life of service to God. Paul would say earlier we are "slaves to God" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+7&version=NIV">Romans 7</a>) meaning our every action and thought would be captive to Him according to His will and plan for our life of service. (part of the death of sin and the flesh in us)<br />
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When we have the question about who is following Jesus, who is really "in it to win it" I think we have to remember that there are many others that are living lives pure and holy unto God. In the midst of chaos of earth quakes and tsunami's we press on toward the goal of living life for Jesus and bringing with us a message of love for all we encounter. May our focus and attention be on things of God and may we to with Paul say the words of the Doxology:<br />
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33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! <br />
How unsearchable his judgments, <br />
and his paths beyond tracing out! <br />
34 “Who has known the mind of the Lord? <br />
Or who has been his counselor?”<br />
35 “Who has ever given to God, <br />
that God should repay them?” <br />
36 For from him and through him and for him are all things. <br />
To him be the glory forever! Amen.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589764471452727679.post-62194396995716517262011-02-04T07:34:00.000-08:002011-02-04T07:34:09.070-08:00(BE) Salty...<i>Matthew 4:17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”</i><br />
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Our team is reading through Matthew this month correlating the day of the month with a chapter. I just read Matt 4 & 5 as I watched the snow fall to the ground. I know that we are not at chap 5 yet call me an overachiever but with everything happening in the Middle East particularly Egypt (which is now only Christian ally of The United States ) it seems the following verses really apply to us today:<br />
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Salt and Light <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Te4-EEiZZLGQFk6Km8B4hR15by5rL07KwWuroXOIqDvZaop8BL8AB66iLS2TPRQMzFWkSp3I_ZPq_IdLcl2P-ncG5e9L1805U9ZEewrnc1yO6UNR-0nn9U6q88NzZAYC50rXexHGrv_U/s1600/salt-shaker-10821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Te4-EEiZZLGQFk6Km8B4hR15by5rL07KwWuroXOIqDvZaop8BL8AB66iLS2TPRQMzFWkSp3I_ZPq_IdLcl2P-ncG5e9L1805U9ZEewrnc1yO6UNR-0nn9U6q88NzZAYC50rXexHGrv_U/s200/salt-shaker-10821.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<i> 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.<br />
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.</i><br />
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Being Light and Salt in a nation that has religious freedom seems so easy. Least it seems it should be, yet we find it difficult to live out what we proclaim/profess to believe. It's ironic that it's difficult to stand for what we believe in a nation founded on Christian freedom and freedom of Christian speech. I wonder how much more it glorifies God for those "witnesses" in the Middle East and foreign nations where life is in danger for being "Salty?" It brings the following verses even more alive:<br />
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<i> 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.</i><br />
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Even now in the turmoilous times we know we have a faithful God who calls us to walk in faith. In fact we are not walking on new ground but standing on the shoulders of those who have gone before us the faithful who lived "Salty" lives even till death. May you have a "Salty" day what ever it brings from joy to persecution count it all glory to our faithful God who is true to His word and promises. Even in the uncertainty of what will happen in the Middle East, the future of our last Christian ally in a part of the world where Christendom was started we trust in our faithful God. Let's pray for those under persecution in the Middle East and around the world. Pray that God would strengthen them as they live professing their faith and trust in their King. May all praise and honor, glory to Him forever and ever, have a "Salty" day--AMEN.<br />
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ps here is a link talking about <a href="http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/articles/mb/pray_for_the_middle_east/">Egypt and their leaders in this crisis situation</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://lakepointefamily.com">www.lakepointefamily.com</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589764471452727679.post-67928185933312553052011-02-03T12:20:00.000-08:002011-02-03T12:20:12.575-08:00For MEN, protect your eyes!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrNIPpMoO_zBgmQm_SqbgEdVGpRoQQxvvE6VYXNrxjPY-FRJJpTPjUm3U_tjr0P1tpDFb58vx0K4MM8QdEryzrDFNLlcZEt9q5Fbrme1egvmahUXO6zmBv4ZKUhN7qUvPeNfnEnRVK2Mp/s1600/man_silhouette_clip_art_9510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="189" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrNIPpMoO_zBgmQm_SqbgEdVGpRoQQxvvE6VYXNrxjPY-FRJJpTPjUm3U_tjr0P1tpDFb58vx0K4MM8QdEryzrDFNLlcZEt9q5Fbrme1egvmahUXO6zmBv4ZKUhN7qUvPeNfnEnRVK2Mp/s200/man_silhouette_clip_art_9510.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Today I was doing my reading plan as I read through the Bible one of the verses from today hit me hard. This post is primarily for men but I do think it applies to women too. Stop and read <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=prov%206&version=NIV">Proverbs 6</a>. Verses 20-35 are ones that we as men must heed with great weight. I have seen so many pastors, friends, and followers of Jesus get trapped by adultery. It is a tactic that our enemy uses with great success and part of it really has to do with the "worldview" of sex and relationships. It's easy to see the beer commercials on tv not to mention Victoria Secret and laugh about it or play it off when in fact they lead our minds to dark places.<br />
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Men we often simplify lust as "I'm just a man and can't help it!" or "God made me this way." When this is the opposite of what God teaches us. I find it interesting how much Solomon(the wisest man to ever live) would have to say about lusting after women when that would become one of his greatest struggles. Solomon would disobey God by marrying foreign women with foreign gods. Ultimately it would cause Solomon to betray God by making altars to foreign gods. But his words in chapter 6, ordained by God are truth for us men and we must hear them. <br />
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We have to protect our eyes, in fact this is the job of the eyelid to protect the eye from things that would harm it...Right?!?! That's what we have to do men protect our eyes and guard our heart lest the enemy enter with seeds of lust that take root and over come us. Practical advice: when you are in a situation where you find yourself tempted to look at something lustfully physically turn your head and leave the room. Turn it off, go in the opposite direction. Learn to "bounce" your eyes when you catch a glimpse of something you shouldn't bounce your eyes off of it quickly and then flee from it. One of the things I teach our Band of Brothers (men's ministry) is when you catch a glimpse of a beautiful woman immediately bounce your eyes off her body and to her eyes and say in your mind, "God made a beautiful creation when He made her." Then turn away. Don't allow your eyes to focus on things that would enter your mind and ultimately your heart and cause you to sin. Men, we have control over our bodies and functions. As men of God continue to pray for the strength to overcome impure thoughts and ask for strength to protect our eyes. I have 4 children and every night when I pray with them I ask God to protect their eyes and ears from anything that would harm them. This is the same prayer we need as men of God. Lastly, get accountability. Find another Jesus-follower, someone you can talk about this with and trust that will help you through it and pray with you. That's the beauty of having a Band of Brothers you can talk with about struggles and be armor bearers as we battle through life together!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589764471452727679.post-40140926573383720592011-01-08T12:09:00.000-08:002011-01-08T12:09:56.897-08:002011 A Year of GROWTH!Last Sunday I declared that 2011 is going to be a year of growth. Now I'm not talking about trite growth like numbers or masses of people although I do believe that God is going to bring more through our doors because there area many still out there that are far from God that we will continue to reach out. The growth I am talking about and believe God is going to do is a Spiritual growth and a leadership growth. I know that our Father wants us to draw close to Him and grow our relationship with Him. My challenge on Sunday was to find a reading plan to get into God's word each day and grow closer to Him. Get into a ConnectionPointe group <i>(small groups of people 5-10 that meet at church or in homes throughout the week-call 501.623.4237 for more information about how to get in a CP group)</i> where you will be around other brothers and sisters that are going on this journey with you and grow together! Here is what our LakePointe Staff is doing as a reading plan:<br />
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<i>+ We are all reading through the book of Proverbs in January and sharing our Proverb of the day with each other.<br />
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+ Scott: Reading through the Bible in a year.<br />
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+ Brandon: New Thru 30 reading the new testament in 30 days<br />
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+ RKelley: Major Stories of the Bible (takes you through OT and NT to study major stories and themes) <br />
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+ Ben: Reading through the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John)<br />
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+ Katie: Proverbs<br />
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+ Brian: Reading through the Bible in a year.<br />
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+ Pastor Greg: Reading through the Bible in a year.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2w0LO9MPmPARVeCXV1KJ8WrZ__FjIOiPRdIu6Yk7Lr8ydDnSZH_jzufQP9Uz3jUlCtYGt4rreJLeBVl0Avw70sw1yGPoejy-6FCXZjuuG5OQHzeLFhztKoqp5cOE1cNA_u_-AWBJ3iqM/s1600/seed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="160" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2w0LO9MPmPARVeCXV1KJ8WrZ__FjIOiPRdIu6Yk7Lr8ydDnSZH_jzufQP9Uz3jUlCtYGt4rreJLeBVl0Avw70sw1yGPoejy-6FCXZjuuG5OQHzeLFhztKoqp5cOE1cNA_u_-AWBJ3iqM/s200/seed.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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I share this with you so you know what some of the leaders are studying and reading and that you're not alone in this journey that there are many who are serious about learning and growing. Also, I want you to know that our team is serious about growing in our relationship with God and learning more about His love and desires for us and our life! <br />
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Here are a couple of verses that stuck out to me from today's reading. They speak of God's love and providence for us. In Hebrew there are many names used to describe the attributes of God. They help us understand who He is and what that means for us. we see this as Jehovah-Jireh -- meaning the Lord our Provider. <br />
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JEHOVAH-JIREH: "The Lord will Provide." Gen. 22:14. From "jireh" ("to see" or "to provide," or to "foresee" as a prophet.) God always provides, adequate when the times come. <br />
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God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. God is our provider of all things in this life and He continues to provide. Check these verses out:<br />
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<b>Matthew 6<br />
31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.<br />
34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.<br />
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Psalm 8<br />
2 You have taught children and infants to tell of your strength, silencing your enemies and all who oppose you.<br />
3 When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers— the moon and the stars you set in place—<br />
4 what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?</b><br />
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God loves and cares for us His creation so much, I think often it's easy to forget the love of the Father. We can easily get caught up in worry, fear, and anxiety related to wondering how are we going to make it. How are we going to pay our bills, provide for our families, house, auto, and gas expenses. WORRY plagues our life and this is nothing new! Hear Jesus speak to the people: <br />
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<b>Matthew 6<br />
25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?<br />
28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?</b><br />
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Our security and comfort rest in our God the provider. The one who has and will continue to give us what we need. A promise from God is that He will take care of us, that He knows what we need before we even ask! We are to trust in Him and have faith that He will do what He says He will do! God also wants us to come to Him as we would our earthly Father and share the cares of our heart with Him. Check this last verse out:<br />
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<b>Matthew 7 Effective Prayer<br />
7 “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.<br />
9 “You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? 10 Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! 11 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.</b><br />
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As we are called to "grow" in wisdom and strength putting our faith and trust in God our Father may we be diligent to study His word and talk to Him (prayer) all the time. May we continue to trust that He hears and have faith that our God will do what He says He will do!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589764471452727679.post-18572146352987497222011-01-06T21:05:00.000-08:002011-01-06T21:05:44.343-08:00Join Us For A FREE Leadership Conference January 14th & 15th!<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/WiOVTEdVvNs?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/WiOVTEdVvNs?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589764471452727679.post-55344992855110035462011-01-06T08:29:00.000-08:002011-01-06T08:29:10.222-08:00What if...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdY-3iIDrnSggZxyPpjX6eu3HZyuVfuZrLp4iE0shoJ-LLpf-aNEiy4R8rGmo2bwF67MjbNLAkR2U_neWjdzCbZDUGG_qMBbMHoKJ2tgRAMhAhabToIuhbDe1q3rYpb7kSZfrwZj9bA4-C/s1600/job.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdY-3iIDrnSggZxyPpjX6eu3HZyuVfuZrLp4iE0shoJ-LLpf-aNEiy4R8rGmo2bwF67MjbNLAkR2U_neWjdzCbZDUGG_qMBbMHoKJ2tgRAMhAhabToIuhbDe1q3rYpb7kSZfrwZj9bA4-C/s200/job.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20thess%205:11&version=NIV">1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.</a><br />
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<i><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+3:13&version=NIV">Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians+13:11&version=NIV">2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.</a></i><br />
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What if...we became encouragers? What if...by God's grace we were able to do this everyday? What if...this "encouraging" was a part of our everyday conversation--wherever we went this was our attitude and focal point for every conversation. What if...we lived life to be a encourager and lift up build people up! What if...it became a thread of our life fabric and we went beyond just a daily thing but it became a moment to moment thing? What if...we searched out ways to be an encourager to our co-workers, spouse, children, friends, relatives? What if...it became a way of thinking--encourager would be our new name. What if...it became our reputation. <br />
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<b>What if... this became viral in a compromising-sarcastic-negative society? </b> <br />
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<i>Father, help us go beyond the "What if.." and be the encourager that You have called us to be, even when life is frustrating and difficult, give us the strength to still be an encourager to all those You have brought into our life. May we always remember the life and death of Jesus for each of us to level us when we feel less than an encourager and may that fuel us to honor You in all we say and do. Amen.</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589764471452727679.post-13599405712359788862010-12-23T15:56:00.000-08:002010-12-23T15:56:39.697-08:00The Next Gen Gets It!!! PointeBreak: Toys for Uganda 2 of 2<iframe width="480" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/SPyEtDuqoaE?fs=1" frameborder="0"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589764471452727679.post-59454846946646596512010-12-23T15:51:00.000-08:002010-12-23T15:51:02.374-08:00LakePointe Christmas<iframe width="425" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4IDYmRN_EOA?fs=1" frameborder="0"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589764471452727679.post-1977286708303810072010-12-07T10:44:00.000-08:002010-12-07T10:44:23.086-08:00(BE) loveSo I got a text message from a new pastor friend that came to visit as he has been contemplating being a part of the movement God has been doing through LakePointe. It was interesting that he related <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ps%20126&version=NIV">Psalms 126</a> to what God is doing at LakePointe and worship that he experienced. As I read it there were so many things that popped out that I couldn’t help but share:<br />
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This Psalm was written and likely refers to the return of the Jews from captivity and slavery from Babylon returning to Jerusalem c.a. 538B.C. can you imagine the feeling of being taken to a foreign land for almost 70 years and finally you get to return to your home? It’s must have been surreal--like a dream that you have been dreaming for so long when it becomes reality you still feel as though it’s a dream. (maybe the same way Peter felt being rescued & released from prison in the middle of the night by an angel of the Lord-<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2012:9&version=NIV">Acts 12:9</a>) This reminds me of what we have been seeing at LakePointe where there have been many who were once captives some not knowing others fully conscious and finally they find the freedom they have been dreaming about in Jesus Christ. Some have been willing held captive others unknowingly ignorant of the truth either way the chains and slavery of sin are finally broken as they realize the love of God. The understanding that they have been in the desert and are finally in an oasis immersed in grace received through Jesus death and resurrection. “The Lord has done great things for them, the Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” (vs. 2 refer to <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%201:49&version=NIV">Luke 1:49</a> as Mary says the same words realizing that she carry’s the Savior of the world in her womb just before the first Christmas) Those that once lived barren lives are now rich with rivers of grace and hope flowing. They now have reason for life and are returning home some for the very first time.<br />
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I love the prayer in verse 4 “Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the streams in the Negev.” What we have to understand is that Negev is a desert-like area that is extremely dry but there is a times a rainy season that causes pools of water and rivers that stream. This is the mercy and grace the “fortunes” that God gives to us, not worldly fortune that will have no eternal benefit but a treasure that cannot be lost, stolen, it will not tarnish or fade but will stand the test of eternity for all who believe in Jesus. The miracle of what our Father does for us is this--He brings in the rains of mercy which were poured our for us in Jesus on Good Friday and we reap the joy of our fortune found on the empty tomb Easter morning. I love the visual of a once arid desert now covered with lush vegetation and flowers as a metaphor for all who live a new life of faith in Jesus. <br />
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So out of joy we become sowers. Ones who scatter seed if you will. We as good farmers scatter seed into every nook and cranny that we cross in our life. “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy, he who goes out weeping , carrying seed to so will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.” (vs.5&6) <br />
When I hear the tears and weeping I visualize someone that cares so much about people who don’t know the love of Christ that they weep over those whom they plant the seed. They are on their mind, they care for them, pray for them, they want so badly for them to understand the unconditional love of the Father (that they have received) that it causes tears to form in their eyes and they hurt inside for them.(see <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%205:4&version=NIV">Matthew 5:4</a>) They remember what it was like to be captives, they remember what it was like to be a desert, and now they have been restored and brought home they have become lush fields because of the mercy rains that they want the same for all they come in contact with.<br />
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I was privileged to have a conversation with the lady who worked at the gas station this morning as I filled up (not excited about Christmas prices of gas $1.79 ☺). She was stressed out because the coffee pot was overflowing and seemed to be having a tough morning. I wanted to encourage her so I as I asked how she was doing and listened to her she took my money and at the end of the conversation I gave her an invite for our Christmas services and said we would love to have her and her family come and visit. She lit up and smiled, she said, “I have heard about LakePointe and have been wanting to come and visit, what time do services start?” This is where I am struck. It was easy to care about this lady when I took time to listen. It would have been easy to pay at the pump (often times I do because I’m “too busy” to go in and have a conversation), it would have been easy to ignore the rough day this gas attendant was having and reduce her to that, “gas attendant” who just needs to suck it up and take my money so I can get on with my day. But this was and is a child of the Living God. This is a child that He loves, and somehow I want to feel the same way that He feels about her. This is the journey we have been on, to live sold-out for Christ and asking Him to rain into our life and as we live in the lush valley of grace we sow seeds of hope, joy, and love into all we come in contact with. I’ll admit I didn’t cry or weep as I sowed a simple seed but I am thinking about her even right now, and her family, wondering what is going on. Why they have not been going to church? Why she has wanted to come? Is she living in a desert looking for water? I will pray for her and will “coincidently” stop in soon to fill up with gas and God willing have another conversation with her or another that is working there.<br />
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I love the way Psalm 126 ends. There is a promise there for all who sow. That there will be a harvest. That there will be fruit from the efforts. See the one who sows returns with sheaves with him. He brings back joy, so much joy that it causes him to shout. We understand that we don’t get to decide what seeds take root and which fall on unfertile ground any more than the farmer in Spring. What we do know is that as we sow seeds there will be a harvest. There will be those that will leave the desert, that will be brought out of captivity, that will come home. We trust in the promise of our Father and continue to do what He has called us to do be love to those who don’t know, show love in such a way that it inspires questions of “why” and scatter seed wherever we go in the name of Jesus.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589764471452727679.post-16842108974231646102010-10-30T12:46:00.000-07:002010-10-30T12:47:08.846-07:00We Are All Beggars<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Helvetica; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b>We Are All Beggars</b></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; min-height: 14px; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i>(Readings from the "Through-the-Bible Reading Plan" Oct 30th)</i></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; min-height: 14px; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b>Job 21, Mark 5 & 6</b></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; min-height: 14px; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b></b></span><br></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">What's been hitting me today is there are so many things that are out of my control. For a high "D" personality and a high "I" (meaning I'm a control freak that likes to influence people) this is very difficult to swallow. Even today my middle daughter is in the ER because of stomach pains she has been having and I cannot control this situation. I have been praying for God to heal her and His ultimate will to happen, I have asked several prayer warriors to join me in this prayer but ultimately I am just a beggar before God.</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; min-height: 14px; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Reading today more of Job's story-line is a reminder that the unjust prosper and the follower's of Yahweh don't always have it easy. We are just beggars of God's mercy and we pray for strength and understanding that can only come from Him when we are in the middle of some junk that we don't understand. We turn to friends around us that try to explain it but they are all whacked out and we really need to just fall on our knees and beg the Father to help us and look to Him when we have needs. This is not easy for a control freak or someone with influence. Because we cannot look to ourself but must turn away and look to Jesus.</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; min-height: 14px; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Then when you get to Mark 5 & 6 it wrecked me again with affirmation that all we can do is fix our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews again...see yesterday's post). Jesus is showing the disciples His deity and power, that He is fully God yet fully man. 5000 people just had a party of fish and bread, Jesus walks on water and calms a storm for the second time!!! Are the disciples so dense that they cannot see who this is in front of them can they not just look to Him? Then there's the demon possessed man, he has a legion inside of him this is many demons reflected also in Luke 8:30. The demons beg Jesus not to cast them back into the "abyss" (Luke 8:31, Mark 5:10) they don't want to be cast back to hell but into the pigs near by. We don't completely understand where demons go we only know what is shown to us that they were "beggars" before Jesus and ask for His mercy. (side note we don't worry about demons attacking us or possession of believers because they cannot enter where Jesus lives! When we believe in Jesus and His death and resurrection we proclaim the truth that hell has been defeated along with sin, death, and all the power of the devil and his demons, so we do not live in fear as we have been covered by the blood of Jesus and the enemy has NO POWER OVER US!) </span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; min-height: 14px; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">The herdsman of the pigs watch this all go down and they tell the people in the village so they all come out to see what happened. Then they become "beggars" of Jesus, except they beg Him to leave! They see the man sitting at the feet of Jesus, he has moved from a demon possessed man to a disciple at the Masters feet. They see the drowned pigs--this for the herdsman is an economic tragedy. They don't understand and cannot comprehend so they "beg" Jesus to leave because they were "afraid" (Luke 8:35). All the people from the surrounding country beg Jesus to leave. So what does Jesus do? He gets back into the boat, and they prepare to leave back to Galilee. Then as they are leaving the man healed "begs" (Mark 5:18) Jesus to let him go with them! But Jesus refuses, at first glance have a hard time understanding until we hear the words of Jesus, "Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." (vs. 19) That's exactly what the man does, goes the the Decapolis (10 cities east of the Jordon river with large Gentile populations) and throughout the whole city proclaiming how much Jesus had done for him! (Luke 8:39) </span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; min-height: 14px; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">So I wonder if we are all just beggars? Have you been begging? I have, but not to the extent that I see in scripture. I think it's easy for us to beg when we want. We beg when we need something or think we do, similar to a child that wants a piece of candy they think they need but as a good parent with caution we abstain. To truly be a beggar do we learn from the demons? From people who don't understand Jesus or what He has done so they beg Him to leave their presence? Which by the way Jesus obliges. Or are we begging like the man healed of demon possession. Who has no control of his ailment, probably has no recollection that he is even sick, no way of healing himself, he has no influence, but Jesus enters into his life, Jesus is the one who shows up for him landing on his turf in his cemetery and heals him. As a result of unwarranted grace the healed man becomes a beggar at the feet of Jesus. Jesus puts him back together, the man is clothed looking decent again up at the face of the Master. Looking up to Him now and wanting to follow Him where ever He is going. We have no knowledge that the man even knows where Jesus is going-he doesn't care! He only wants to be in the presence of Jesus, follow his Healer--follow his Savior. So if you're like me you're reading the storyline and saying great, luck number 13, new disciple that follows Jesus. Jesus is going to say "Climb in the boat mate!"--right?!?! NO, to that Jesus tells him to stay. Stay. Stay and go. Go and tell the story about Me--Jesus says. Return home, tell your family, tell your friends tell anyone who will listen how much the Lord has done...how much mercy He has given to you! That's what good beggars do, they tell what they know. How they have nothing and are in desperate need of help. They tell anyone who will listen. This once demon possessed man, this beggar, goes and does just as Jesus asked him, and he goes out into the cities--the Decapolis. Ten cities in his region where they are filled with unbelievers-Gentiles. This beggar tells them about Jesus his Savior and how He had mercy and grace and how He can heal them too! </span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; min-height: 14px; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">I am praying for God to make me a beggar. That I truly see the state I am in. My daughter does not belong to me, she belongs to the Father and He will care for her. I need to trust in Him and wait. To make me as I continue to die to the things I think I control begin to look only at Jesus and beg for Him to take over my life and teach me how to really live. Realizing that I really have no control, no influence, nothing of my own but I am only a beggar. As a beggar my prayer is that I only look to my Lord, to Jesus my Savior, and cling wholly to Him telling of what He has done for me. </span></div><div><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><br></span></div><br>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589764471452727679.post-57323921807253335132010-10-29T11:54:00.001-07:002010-10-29T11:54:56.399-07:00Crazy Love=Crazy Life<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b>Day 5 of Crazy Love readings!</b></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; min-height: 14px; "><b></b><br></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b>Readings for today are Matthew 5, Luke 5, and John 5.</b></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; min-height: 14px; "><b></b><br></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; ">Today I find myself still dealing with the tough words of Jesus. I am still pondering what it means to "die to myself, and live for God." I decided to read today's lessons from the "Authorized Version" the King James Version. It will make some of you happy as I have gotten emails asking why I don't use it and teach from it, but that is not my intent. I am reading it because that's what my browser in <a href="http://www.youversion.com">www.youversion.com</a> defaulted to and as I read it in the KJV, I actually had to think about what I was reading as some of the words are so different than the words we use today, so I actually have to think about what I am reading. </div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; min-height: 14px; "><br></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; ">See, it seems to me that the words Jesus says and teaches are easily read over and heads nod but the reality of them rarely sink in. I have to confess the same is true for me quite often I wander over words that I have read several times, agree that they are good, but rarely do much more about them then that. But check out these words again:</div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; min-height: 14px; "><br></div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 19.0px 0.0px; line-height: 22.0px; font: 14.0px Helvetica Neue; color: #4b4b4b; background-color: #f8f8f8"><span style="color: #000000"><b>2</b></span> and he opened his mouth and taught them, saying,</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 19.0px 0.0px; line-height: 22.0px; font: 14.0px Helvetica Neue; color: #4b4b4b; background-color: #f8f8f8"><span style="color: #000000"><b>3</b></span> Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 19.0px 0.0px; line-height: 22.0px; font: 14.0px Helvetica Neue; color: #4b4b4b; background-color: #f8f8f8"><span style="color: #000000"><b>4</b></span> Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 19.0px 0.0px; line-height: 22.0px; font: 14.0px Helvetica Neue; color: #4b4b4b; background-color: #f8f8f8"><span style="color: #000000"><b>5</b></span> Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 19.0px 0.0px; line-height: 22.0px; font: 14.0px Helvetica Neue; color: #4b4b4b; background-color: #f8f8f8"><span style="color: #000000"><b>6</b></span> Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 19.0px 0.0px; line-height: 22.0px; font: 14.0px Helvetica Neue; color: #4b4b4b; background-color: #f8f8f8"><span style="color: #000000"><b>7</b></span> Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 19.0px 0.0px; line-height: 22.0px; font: 14.0px Helvetica Neue; color: #4b4b4b; background-color: #f8f8f8"><span style="color: #000000"><b>8</b></span> Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 19.0px 0.0px; line-height: 22.0px; font: 14.0px Helvetica Neue; color: #4b4b4b; background-color: #f8f8f8"><span style="color: #000000"><b>9</b></span> Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called sons of God.</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 19.0px 0.0px; line-height: 22.0px; font: 14.0px Helvetica Neue; color: #4b4b4b; background-color: #f8f8f8"><span style="color: #000000"><b>10</b></span> Blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.<span style="color: #000000"><b>11</b></span> Blessed are ye when men shall reproach you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.<span style="color: #000000"><b>12</b></span> Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets that were before you.</p><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; ">Jesus opens His mouth and says these 9 blessings-we call them the Beatitudes. These are NOT easy words. We may nod our heads but do we realize the implications of them? How counter intuitive they really are to us and our human nature. That I, GREG, am blessed when I mourn(for the spiritually poor), I am blessed when people talk bad about me to my face and behind my back? That I, GREG, am suppose to be meek and poor in spirit(when I realize I am morally bankrupt by my own efforts)? That I am blessed when I make peace. I'm blessed when I have a pure heart, I'm blessed when I am hungry and thirsty for righteousness. What does that even mean? See, most of the time I can't even get the meaning of this it's so foreign and counter to our Western Culture. </div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; min-height: 14px; "><br></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; min-height: 14px; "><br></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; ">Then I have to deal with these words:</div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; min-height: 14px; "><br></div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 19.0px 0.0px; line-height: 22.0px; font: 14.0px Helvetica Neue; color: #4b4b4b; background-color: #f8f8f8"><span style="color: #000000"><b>43</b></span> Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy:<span style="color: #000000"><b>44</b></span> but I say unto you, love your enemies, and pray for them that persecute you;<span style="color: #000000"><b>45</b></span> that ye may be sons of your Father who is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust.<span style="color: #000000"><b>46</b></span> For if ye love them that love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?<span style="color: #000000"><b>47</b></span> And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the Gentiles the same?<span style="color: #000000"><b>48</b></span> Ye therefore shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.</p><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; ">Love my enemy? Pray for them blessings? Be perfect? See, most of the time I really want my enemy to suffer. Most of the time if I could be really honest before God and myself I want my enemy to learn a harsh lesson. I don't want to forgive them, it's easier to hold on to that anger and let if fuel my being and take over my heart. Motivate for revenge. But to extend grace or pray for them that they would be blessed-WHAT? I do good to forgive them, truly forgive from my heart and empty the content that I have been holding on to-not lip service " forgive!" I think that's really the struggle, to do what Jesus calls us to do we really have to look into our heart. If there is a hint of malice, lust, content, it has the capacity to condemn us. We often justify our actions by saying, "I'm pretty good, I'm not doing one of the big three-Killing, Adultery, Stealing. When in fact when we just think about these things it is as if we did them. Again-this is tough. Then Jesus ends with a call to perfection? How can we be perfect? Are you kidding me Jesus? Seriously...</div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; min-height: 14px; "><br></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; ">Our perfection is in Jesus. The perfection of His life and the perfect sacrifice He lays down by dying our death, then resurrection fulfills our gap of our brokenness for all who believe. When we talk about the grace that God has extended to us through Jesus we see it in the gift of Jesus body and blood. We receive it in communion and the words of Paul (1 Corinthians 11)</div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; min-height: 14px; "><br></div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 16.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Verdana"><span style="font: 10.0px Verdana"><b>23</b></span>For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, <span style="font: 10.0px Verdana"><b>24</b></span>and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." <span style="font: 10.0px Verdana"><b>25</b></span>In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." <span style="font: 10.0px Verdana"><b>26</b></span>For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.<span style="font: 10.0px Verdana"><b>27</b></span>Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. <span style="font: 10.0px Verdana"><b>28</b></span>A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. <span style="font: 10.0px Verdana"><b>29</b></span>For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself.</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 16.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">We have a new covenant, a new promise, a promise of forgiveness of sins through the body and blood of Jesus. We cannot keep the words of Matthew 5, when we "examine" ourselves we see that we have already broken them and we ask for forgiveness. We are restored through Jesus and forgiven and we turn away from the sin in our life and turn to Him for our righteousness-restoring the "right" relationship between us and God. It's out of these words we get to live a life striving to live for Jesus, doing things His way opposed to our own way. We have a life of "practice" living as God would have us live knowing for all who believe in Jesus will be saved and on that day our perfection will be realized. So now let us fix our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12) and look forward to that day. Until that day may we be the "light and salt" of the world living lives counter cultural and bringing honor and glory to our Father in heaven by all we say and all that we do in Jesus name-- </p><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; min-height: 14px; "><br></div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"> <br class="webkit-block-placeholder"></p><div><br></div><br>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589764471452727679.post-25662144760070161902010-10-27T18:09:00.000-07:002010-10-27T18:21:16.611-07:00Be Strange Alien!<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">This is the first blog that I have done since leaving for Uganda this Summer. It's long over due and I finally believe I have something that the Lord would have me share so hang on!</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; min-height: 14px; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">First I have to say that I love it when our church comes together and studies the bible everyday </span><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b>TOGETHER</b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">! We are reading through the Gospels(Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John) in the next 30 days. If you wanna join you can see the reading plan <a href="http://www.youversion.com"><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px color: #000099">www.youversion.com</span></a> and select the "gospel reading plan." </span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; min-height: 14px; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Today is day 3 and I love me some "J to da B!" I often wonder what people would do with John the Baptist today? Would he look like a hippie and be out in the desert somewhere in CA? Would people listen? Would the message be the same? What would people FB and Twitter?</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; min-height: 14px; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">This cat was wearing camel's hair, leather belt (before it was cool), and his dinner was locust and honey! This obviously would cause him to be different now and even then! </span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; min-height: 14px; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">So looking at Matthew 3 one would see that John was teaching a message that people wanted to hear but was tough to swallow. In Luke 3 verse 4 we see fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 40:3 telling of the Messiah the One who is to come. That there would be one before Him that would prepare the way "making straight paths for Him." So, of all the people to make straight paths to Jesus, God uses an seemingly "obscure" person. An alien type person that would make straight paths to Jesus. But if you remember John is never quite been ordinary. His father Zechariah was a priest, an angel of the Lord told him that he would have a son, (this is strange because his wife Elizabeth was old and they had no children and she was thought to be barren) this son he was to have will bring great joy to him is what he tells him in Luke 1:15, he's never to take in wine, he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth, he will prepare the way for the Lord! There is nothing normal about John even from birth he is strange! It's so strange that even his dad can't believe it and he loses his voice because of his unbelief (flip back to Luke 1 & 2)</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; min-height: 14px; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">But John is does exactly what God had called him to do. Prepare the way for Jesus, make a straight path to Him. So I'm thinking again what would this look like today?</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; min-height: 14px; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">What if God's whole plan is for us to see John as an example for our lives? An example for each of us to live? Now I'm not talking about being a "schizophrenic tree hugger" going all natural but at the same time wearing animal skins. What I'm talking about is what Jesus later teaches about the rejection that will come to all who follow Him, strangers and aliens to this world is how we are to be expected to be seen-even hated. In Luke 17 Jesus teaches about the coming of the Kingdom of God and the rejection that would take place. I can't help but think this is exactly what David was talking about in Psalms 69, the cost of living for God doing things His way opposed to our way:</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; min-height: 14px; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i>Psalms 69:8 I have become a stranger to my brothers, and an alien to my mother's children;</i></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; min-height: 14px; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">See, the more I read about Jesus and what it means to follow Him the more I see that I'm to be more like John the Baptist. As followers of Jesus we should make a straight path to Him telling others of His love and the fact that He is coming again. We may be looked at oddly when we don't do things that everyone else sees as normal. When our actions don't really make sense to people who don't follow Jesus. Not sleeping around having casual sex. Things like giving away large portions of income to help the poor or further the name of Jesus, not taking that high paying job but a lower paying job that would allow more time for ministry. Figuring out ways to serve Jesus instead of serving ourself. See, all of these are counter cultural for most Americans. All of these things would be seen as weird, strange, even stupid. I have a friend that gives away 60% of his income, he owns a company and tithes off of his company too. Most "people" would see this as odd, strange, and even again stupid. But he knows this is what God has called him to do. When I left my job in Denver I remember one of my co-workers asking me if I was leaving to make more money as a TV Evangelist. She couldn't figure out why I would leave a lucrative career to become a pastor. It was strange, the only thing she could see was it must be for more money-was she ever misguided :) Now, don't lose me here and think I am suggesting that you give all your money away or quit that sweet job where you're banking hard. Although maybe some of you really should :) I am simply suggesting that we are to look more like John the Baptist and less like the "normal people" of the world. That people who follow Jesus are strangers and aliens and should expect to be looked at this way. I hear Jesus saying things like "if you want to save your life you will lose it or if you lose your life for Jesus sake will find it" (Matthew 16:25), things like "what good is it to gain the whole world and lose your soul" (Mark 8:36). This is the journey people who follow Jesus are on. This isn't easy, in fact you may be saying right now "this is a hard journey!" I know, I am with you, I'm on this journey too and it's a constant fight and battle to be a stranger and alien rather than normal by the worlds standards. </span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; min-height: 14px; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">When we understand our call to "make a path to Jesus" for His return it all makes more sense. That by losing our life and living for Him not only do we really find life but it's abundant life(John 10:10) and the life God wanted for us. Our life then becomes a light in a dark world lighting a path to Jesus for all to see that they too may find abundant life only found in Jesus and believe. So ask yourself, are you strange? Why or why not? </span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; min-height: 14px; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Be encouraged when people look at you weird, when old friends don't understand your new life. Be good at being strange and be a good alien in the name of Jesus! </span></div><br>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2