What is 'Success'?

 

'I have glorified You on the earth...' John 17:4 NKJV


I hope everyone has a great Labor Day weekend...I hope you will choose to be in church...I was thinking today about what we think success looks like in life. At the end of His life, Jesus was able to pray, 'I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.' Jesus didn't try to compete with John the Baptist or model Himself after some Old Testament prophet. He knew what 'success' was for Him. To know what it is for you, you must:

(1) Discern what success really is. When others feel good about you, you're popular; but when you feel good about yourself, you're successful. Your life's highest calling will always create the highest level of joy within you. That's why the bible says "the joy of the Lord is your strength." (2) Before you set goals, pray. 'In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.' (Proverbs 3:6 NKJV) It's not wrong to set goals, it's just wrong to set them without first consulting God. (3) Stop expecting others to bring you success. Don't wait for flowers to arrive. God gave you seed; start growing some of your own. 'Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else.' (Galatians 6:4 NLT) And besides, when you're less needy you'll become more attractive to others. (4) Get over yourself - everyone else has. A minister said he was praying one day, 'Father, why does the devil keep reminding me of my past?' God replied, 'Because he's running low on material!' Repent, and then move on. God says He will '...not remember your sins.' (Isaiah 43:25 NKJV) There's only one good reason to bring up the past, and that's to learn from it and grow wiser. You are loved.... 

Political Correctness

Some of you today are going to say Pastor have you gone all extremist on us? My answer is no. But as I read this article today I had to pass it on. The author is Gary Randall and what he says is very thought provoking. Please read the article and come to your own conclusion. If we as Christians stand by idly and do nothing, then when our freedoms are taken away it was because of our own inaction!   

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Why Is The Defense Department Attacking The Founding Fathers?

Gary Randall

In teaching manuals obtained from the Department of Defense, Judicial Watch has discovered an Air Force student guide titled, "Equal Opportunity and Treatment Incidences." The segment labeled "Extremism" advises young airman to be aware that "many extremists will talk of individual liberties, states' rights, and how to make the world a better place."

However, it is the teaching under the heading "Extremist Ideologies" that I find almost unbelievable.

Our Founders certainly knew conflict and controversy and perhaps were considered "extreme" by tyrannical forces on the other side of the Atlantic---but our own Department of Defense?

Our Founders and the colonists began their Declaration of Independence with the words: "When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve political bonds...they should declare the causes..."

And they declared a long list of causes that included the King's disregard for the laws, oppressive taxation, interfering with the military efforts, harassing people, suppression of religious expression and about two dozen other causes.

Following the list of causes, they wrote, "In every stage of these Oppressions, We have petitioned for redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated petitions have been answered by repeated injury."

And they concluded that in declaring independence from a tyrant king, "We mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."

In this teaching manual, the present leadership in the Defense Department is, in my opinion, casting a shadow on the colonists, including those who signed the Declaration of Independence and later gave us our Constitution, and they are attacking the "Sacred Honor" of those Founders.

What are we thinking?

And what is driving this bizarre behavior?


You may review the Defense Department teaching manual titled, "Equal Opportunity and Treatment Incidences." 

You will notice under the section titled "Extremist Ideologies," the teaching material states, "In US history, there are many examples of extremist ideologies and movements. The colonists who sought to free themselves from British rule and the Confederate states who sought to secede from the Northern states are just two examples."

In our world, that has been changed forever by extreme Islamic terrorists who seek to kill Americans and destroy this nation, why does the United States Department of Defense feel compelled to use the colonists, which includes our Founding Fathers as examples of "extremist ideologies?"

Are they suggesting these people would not be welcome in today's US military? Or should they simply be kept under careful surveillance?

Are we so confused, we can no longer identify the enemy?

This teaching document says that, "Nowadays instead of dressing in sheets or publicly espousing hate messages, many extremists will talk of individual liberties, states' rights, and how to make the world a better place."

Who is advising the Defense Department on these matters?

We know the atheist Freedom from Religion Foundation is advising them in the quest to strip every Christian expression from the military and the DoD is standing at attention.

We also know Human Rights Campaign, the largest homosexual advocacy group in America, along with our own President is advancing the homosexual agenda in the military.

But who are they listening to in deciding who are extremists?

Judicial Watch has learned that it is the Southern Poverty Law Center, which has defined itself in recent years by identifying extremists in America. Their list is long, but it includes as "hate groups"; American Family Association, Concerned Women for America and Coral Ridge Ministries, among others.

Tom Fitton, president of Judicial Watch, said this in a press release a few days ago:

“The Obama administration has a nasty habit of equating basic conservative values with terrorism. And now, in a document full of claptrap, its Defense Department suggests that the Founding Fathers, and many conservative Americans, would not be welcome in today’s military,” And it is striking that some the language in this new document echoes the IRS targeting language of conservative and Tea Party investigations. After reviewing this document, one can’t help but worry for the future and morale of our nation’s armed forces.”

This is the result of "political correctness" in its ultimate and extreme form.

It's exactly what the creators of "political correctness" had in mind.

William S. Lind has written the following introduction to his booklet on the origins and history of political correctness:

As Russell Kirk wrote, one of conservatism’s most important insights is that all
ideologies are wrong. Ideology takes an intellectual system, a product of one or more
philosophers, and says, “This system must be true.” Inevitably, reality ends up
contradicting the system, usually on a growing number of points.

But the ideology, by its nature, cannot adjust to reality; to do so would be to abandon the system.

Therefore, reality must be suppressed. If the ideology has power, it uses its power
to undertake this suppression. It forbids writing or speaking certain facts. Its goal is to
prevent not only expression of thoughts that contradict what “must be true,” but thinking
such thoughts.

In the end, the result is inevitably the concentration camp, the gulag and
the grave.

While some Americans have believed in ideologies, America itself never had an
official, state ideology – up until now.

But what happens today to Americans who suggest that there are differences among ethnic groups, or that the traditional social roles of men and women reflect their different natures, or that homosexuality is morally wrong?

If they are public figures, they must grovel in the dirt in endless, canting apologies. If they are
university students, they face star chamber courts and possible expulsion. If they are
employees of private corporations, they may face loss of their jobs. What was their
crime? Contradicting America’s new state ideology of “Political Correctness.”

But what exactly is “Political Correctness?” Marxists have used the term for at
least 80 years, as a broad synonym for “the General Line of the Party.” It could be said
that Political Correctness is the General Line of the Establishment in America today; certainly, no one who dares contradict it can be a member of that Establishment.

I have linked the text of Lind's booklet here. I strongly recommend you read it. If at all possible, please invest in your child and read it with him or her. As they begin another school year in public school, they will again be immersed in "Political Correctness."

Lind says, "We need to understand what Political Correctness really is. As you will soon see,
(when you read the booklet) if we can expose the true origins and nature of Political Correctness, we will have taken a giant step to its overthrow.

There's No Place like God's Place!

“For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles - Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.” Ephesians 3:1-3 (NIV)

These verses have been hard for me this week. It’s not that the verses are hard to understand – in a sense they’re pretty simple. But when I do these daily devotionals one of my goals is always to leave you with something that you can apply in your lives and for some reason, I’ve had a hard time doing that with this passage. It’s not that there aren’t some important principles here. In fact, as I’ve discovered, there are some really crucial lessons for us to learn. One of the big ones is that we must always be paying it forward in our lives.

The grace that God has given to us is not just for our own benefit. Although we need to make sure we don’t carry the analogy too far, there is certainly a sense in which God bestows His grace on us so that we can “pay it forward.” So how do you "Pay it Forward?"

By now, we should realize that this first half of Ephesians is clearly focused on God’s actions – what he has done for us. And Paul continues that approach here in chapter 3. Once again the verbs are all passive verbs that make it clear that it is God and not Paul’s readers who are doing the action. It is God who has given His grace. And it is God who has made known the mystery. But those actions of God do require us to respond.

God Reveals so I can Respond
This is the second time that Paul has used the word “mystery” in his letter. I’m a big fan of mysteries. When I was a kid I loved to read Agatha Christie stories. And I still enjoy watching movies and TV shows that require the viewer to try to figure out a mystery. But when Paul uses the word “mystery” in his writings, it has a different meaning. The way Paul uses “mystery” here in Ephesians, it refers to something that God has revealed in the past in part, but which has now been more fully revealed through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Specifically, Paul is referring to the idea that Jews and Gentiles have been made one in the church through Jesus Christ. But that revelation of the church and Jesus, was not just for Paul’s benefit alone. Along with that revelation came the responsibility for Paul to pass that revelation on to others – in effect, to pay it forward. In fact, God called Paul to be the apostle to the Gentiles and to focus his ministry on sharing the revelation he had received with those he had previously persecuted.

But Paul is not the only one to whom revelation has been given and he is not the only one who therefore has a responsibility to respond to that revelation by sharing that revelation with others.
When we realize what God has done and the impact it has on my life, it leads me to want to pay it forward so others can enjoy the benefits of His grace, mercy, and love. You are loved!

There's no Place Like God's Place!

 

'I...am the Lord, and besides Me there is no savior.' Isaiah 43:11 NKJV

Another amazing day @CFW...Thank you to all of you obeyed the Lord's command to follow in Water Baptism. I love to hear the testimonies of what God had done in people's hearts and lives. It correlates into yesterday's message on the church. We need the church because we need each other. God setup and ordained the church to be a viable place where His people could come together to worship, be encouraged in the word, and to serve. One of the biggest things we must learn is we must LIVE BEYOND OURSELF because there are three things we must look at:
1. God has made me part of a new (Kingdom/Church)
…you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people…that means we God's people are working together with a common heart toward a common goal; to win the world to Jesus.
2. God has made me part of a new family
…members of God’s household…. As great as it is to be a citizen in God’s kingdom, it’s even better to be a part of His family. Look at how John described the greatness of being God’s children: “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”  1 John 3:1 (NIV) 3. God has made me part of a new building (The Church) 
We are being built by God together and it has three major characteristics:
• Based on God’s Word
…built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets…The principle that Paul is laying out for us here is that the church needs to be built on the accurate and authoritative proclamation of the gospel of Jesus. With out Gods word it's hard to have spiritual growth happen in our lives.
• Joined together in Christ
…with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling…
Jesus is more than just the cornerstone. He is the means by which all of the individual stones are being joined together in this building. Peter also described this process “As you come to him, the living Stone - rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him - you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 2:4, 5 (NIV)
• Indwelled by the Holy Spirit
…in which God lives by his Spirit. Most of us are probably familiar with this passage that describes how God’s Holy Spirit lives within us:
“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16 (NIV) In this verse from 1 Corinthians, all the words translated “you” are plural.

Now look at the word “temple”. Notice anything strange about that word? That’s right, it’s singular. I would have expected it to be plural – you are God’s temples. But as usual, Paul didn’t make a mistake here. He’s making the point that there is only one temple that consists of all believers. We’re all joined together into one spiritual temple where God dwells by his Spirit. God does not create individual Christian “blocks” which are designed to exist on their own. Every follower of Jesus has been designed to be joined together with other believers in this beautiful spiritual temple called the church in which God lives and works.

The underlying issue with all of the people who have either left the church or who are continually hopping form church to church is this – they are looking at the church for what they can get out of it. And when they perceive that the church isn’t meeting their needs, they just drop out. We all get benefits from being a citizen of our country or being part of our family. At the same time, we also recognize that no country, family or building is ever going to be perfect. But, if we’re rational and sane, we don’t just bail out when problems come. That’s because we have responsibilities to those entities. And even if the problems become pretty severe, we’re better off being part of those groups than trying to survive on our own.

The same thing is true of the church. There is no such thing as a perfect church. As someone once said, “If you ever find a perfect church, don’t join because you’’ ruin it.” But Jesus designed every one of His followers to be part of a local body of believers. I cannot become the person God wants me to become apart from life in the body. But even more important is the idea that my call to be a follower of Jesus Christ is a call to live beyond myself.

Hudson Taylor said, if He is not Lord over all, He is not Lord at all! You are loved!

Seasons

 

'...have your sandals on and your walking stick in your hand...' Exodus 12:11 NCV


I hope you've had an amazing time with God this week. Just got done with men's Prayer connection and I feel overwhelmed that God's men still choose to come and pray! We have an amazing church and I hope you all realize that and do your part as we walk this journey of faith together.

Love the Boy Scout motto 'Be prepared,' and it's a good one. In Exodus, God told Israel, '...eat...fully dressed as if you were going on a trip...have your sandals on and your walking stick in your hand.' In other words, 'Be ready when I tell you to move!' Maybe there's an area in your life where God is telling you it's time to move, but fear is making you hold back. Don't! Change is just evidence of growth. What worked yesterday can be tomorrow's recipe for failure. You can't become who you are destined to be, if you insist on staying as you are. I love the saying, 'Only fools and dead men don't change... Fools won't, and dead men can't.' Change isn't the enemy. Once you start seeing yourself as a lifelong learner looking for ways to grow and improve, change becomes your friend. Learn from the people you meet, pursue new ideas, strategies and ways to push yourself out of your comfort zone. Our bodies change no matter how hard we exercise to battle ageing... and I know all about that one. Our homes change as our needs ebb and flow. Our places of employment change as the winds of economic forces blow or new opportunities come... friendships change as family needs and employment pull us away... Many of these changes become enjoyable new seasons. But no matter what season of change you find yourself going through...you can find comfort in Malachi 3:6, "For I am the Lord, I do not change." His mercies endure forever...and it's an awesome feeling knowing He loves and directs you just like He directed all His people who came before you. You are loved!

LIVING BEYOND MYSELF

“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” Ephesians 2:19-22 (NIV)



God has made me part of a new (Kingdom/Church)
…you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people…

Paul is primarily writing to Gentile believers in these verses and here he returns to the thought he first raised in verse 12 when he described how these Gentiles were excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise. But the point he is making here is that it doesn’t really matter because they are now citizens of a new kingdom.

Citizenship is a really important thing. As citizens of this country, we have some benefits that we can expect to enjoy. We reap the benefits of being protected by our military and law enforcement officials. We have the right to travel wherever we want and to choose where we want to live and work. If we’re charged with a crime, our rights are protected by the Constitution. We get to elect the people we want to govern us. But we also have some responsibilities. We are required to pay our taxes. Although many choose not to, we have a responsibility to participate in the election process by voting. We have to submit to the laws that govern us. When we choose to be followers of Jesus Christ, we automatically become citizens of His kingdom. And that citizenship also comes with privileges and responsibilities.

We get the privilege of being part of a body where we can be encouraged and where we can grow in our faith. At the same time, we also have a responsibility to participate in the life of the body and submit to its leadership. We have a responsibility to provide our share of the financial resources that are needed to maintain and advance the kingdom.

God never created Christians to be foreigners and aliens to His kingdom and to the manifestation of that kingdom here on earth – the church. So I can’t understand why any believer would want to be an illegal alien here in this world when they could experience full citizenship in the kingdom of God. Take the full benefits and see what God does in your life...you are loved!

The Church

Ephesians 2:19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household, 2:20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 2:21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 2:22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. Thank you for those who were praying for Amy yesterday. The tests were taken; now waiting for the results. We are just praying that God will take care of everything in Jesus name! It's been a busy week. We've had a lot going on. Sprinklers broken at the church and hopefully fixed. (Thanks Larry, Larry, Danny, and Kevin.) Praying for a young boy, Brody...Not sure if we can pay the bills at the end of the month. Lots of spiritual warfare happening...In the midst a young couple gave their hearts to Christ last Sunday...The scripture we are looking at this Sunday in Ephesians means so much.  It means we are a part of something big, each of us are a part of the body. Paul here talks about Jesus being the chief cornerstone. Cornerstone of what?  The church..."In him the building (us) is being joined together and rises up to become a holy temple." Peter also described this process

“As you come to him, the living Stone - rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him - you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 2:4, 5 (NIV)

It’s interesting that Peter, just like Paul has done in this passage, uses passive verbs to describe this process. In other words, we can’t make ourselves into a building. It is Jesus who is doing all the work. Peter and Paul also use a present tense verb to describe the process – the NIV very accurately gives the sense that this is a continuing process – “we are being built” into a spiritual temple. What does that mean for you and me? It means that God is building a incredible church, all of us together doing the work making this a place were many will come and worship and serve. That's why we need you.

The big thing on my heart today and I've been seeking God over is this: How do we make it financially moving forward ? We have many who give faithfully every month to support the work that goes on through our ministries. But what about those of you who don't? I know God doesn't need our money...ect. I have heard all the reasons for not giving. But when I look at the word of God it says something totally different. Paul tells us in Corinthians to give and give cheerfully. For the mission of the church to continue we need those of you who call CFW home to become a part of the faithful who make the ministry happen. I hope you will ask God how you can help. This Sunday we will be taking an extra offering to help offset this months shortfall. Please be a part of the amazing solution as we continue to move forward Loving God and Loving People! Questions on how you can help? Give me a call. You are loved...

 

Trust Your Bible. It's True!

Trust Your Bible. It's True!

'...that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled...' Matthew 26:56 NIV


What an amazing day yesterday! God was in the house and we saw a move in peoples lives in an incredible way. Two gave their hearts to Christ and we saw the Holy Spirit draw many closer to Him! This Sunday we get to baptize six who have made a decision to follow Christ. God's doing some special things and I hope you will be a part of His Spirit's move in our church...

As I sat in my office speaking truth into someone's life, the question came back at me? Don't you use something other than the bible to counsel people? My answer, I do not! The bible has all the answers if we truly want His answers. The bible is filled with amazing facts; like the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. His death fulfilled no less than 29 different Old Testament prophecies. The odds of that happening are virtually impossible! Mathematician Peter Stoner has a graphic example similar to this: suppose Texas was covered in dollar coins half a mile deep. One of the coins has a mark on it. What is the probability that a blindfolded person could, on their first attempt, select that exact coin? That's the likelihood of just eight prophecies being fulfilled in one lifetime. However Jesus fulfilled 29 of them in one day! Let's look at some of the prophecies He fulfilled: (1) '...They pierced My hands and...feet.' (Psalm 22:16 NKJV) (2) 'They divide My garments...and...cast lots.' (Psalm 22:18 NKJV) (3) '...in that day...I will make the sun go down at noon, and...darken the earth in...daylight.' (Amos 8:9 NKJV) Jesus predicted both His death and His resurrection. He told His critics, '..."Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days."...the temple He had spoken of was His body.' (John 2:19-21 NIV) Jesus orchestrated every event, including Judas' betrayal, the high priest's hypocrisy and Peter's denial. Why? 'That the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.' So you can trust your Bible because it's true. And something else is true too. God is '...able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine...' (Ephesians 3:20 NIV) Note the words 'immeasurably more'. What seems impossible to you at the moment is all in a day's work for Him. So start trusting Him to work on your behalf. You are Loved...

Patria Potestas

 

'...you received the Spirit of adoption [the Spirit producing son-ship]...' Romans 8:15 NKJV


I was doing some research for one of my messages and ran across this. This is a incredible reminder that we are God's!

"Paul's audience would have understood his use of Roman adoption in teaching the benefits we receive as redeemed members of God's family. A Roman father held absolute right and control, legally entitled 'Patria Potestas', over his children at any age. Roman adoption was a two-step process that transferred children from one patria potestas to another. (1) Emancipation. This step included a symbolic sale where the natural father twice 'sold' and 'bought back' his child, and a third where he didn't buy them back, ending his paternal rights. (2) Vindication. Here the adoptive father presented his case for adoption to a Roman magistrate, who legally transferred the child to his patria potestas. Likewise, we have been transferred from Satan's grip to our heavenly Father's blessed patria potestas! The benefits of Roman adoption were Paul's chief focus in Romans chapter eight: (a) The adopted person lost all rights in their old family and gained a new father, plus all rights of a legitimate member of their new family. (b) They became heir to their new father's estate. When there were other siblings, they became joint-heirs together. (c) All their debts were completely cancelled, legal records of their history were expunged; the past had no effect on their new life. (d) Seven citizens witnessed all legal adoptions. If the adoptee's legitimacy was ever challenged, each witness could testify to their legitimate standing. Thank God, 'The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.' (Romans 8:16 NIV) No less than the sevenfold Holy Spirit Himself validates your membership in God's family!" You are loved...

'Trusting God's Promises!' (2)

 

'...no...Scripture is...of one's own interpretation.' 2 Peter 1:20 NAS


Sorry for not getting out yesterday's "Thought for Today" to you. My email server went down and I didn't get email till this morning. So if you want to read yesterday's thought, go to our website calvarychurch-ag.org, go to the pastor's page, and go to my blog. Then this blog might make more sense...lol.

 Here are two more principles for discerning which promises in Scripture are for you: (1) Try to understand the context. No Scripture stands in isolation, but should be read in conjunction with every other Scripture on the same topic. If you isolate 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me' (Philippians 4:13 NKJV), believing 'all things' includes leaping from a twelfth-story window, don't blame God's Word for your unexpected demise! I know that's a large exaggeration, but there are those who make that kind of leap with the scriptures everyday. If you had read the point Paul was in in it's true context, it would have said, '...I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all [these] things through Christ who strengthens me.' (Philippians 4:12-13 NKJV) This Scripture doesn't mean you can do anything you want, but that God will enable you to get through anything you encounter while doing His will. (2) Test Scripture by Scripture, not by your own desires. 'No prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation.' Some Bible promises are universal in application, and some are personal. The personal ones apply to the intended hearer; the universal ones apply to all believers. That's why it is important to know which is which. If you think the Scripture, '...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household' (Acts 16:31 NKJV), guarantees your entire family's salvation, you might be disappointed and think that God failed. No, that was a personal promise made and fulfilled to the Philippian jailer. A universal word for you and your family is, '...In fact, God...wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost.' (2 Peter 3:9 CEV) He wants your entire family to be saved! Learning to rightly divide the word is something God himself will help you with. You are loved...

'Trusting God's Promises!' (1)

 

'...when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.' Hebrews 10:36 NIV


I remember singing in church this song, 'Every promise in the Book is mine!' Exciting words and I can't really even remember many after all these years - and sometimes we ask are they really true? If you've prayed for the fulfilment of a Bible promise that didn't materialize, you may have wondered, felt disillusioned, or even stopped trusting.

In faith and trust we must believe that every promise in the Book intended for you, is yours! God is committed to keeping every promise He has made (Matthew 24:35). So how can you know which Bible promises are yours? Here are some Scriptural guidelines to help you: (1) Be sure you understand the promise. God is committed to His Word, not to your interpretation of it. That's a big one! We have this tendency to look at a promise and lay a expectation on it that doesn't fit the promise. When Jesus said, '...Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up' (John 2:19 NKJV), His audience completely misunderstood Him, thinking He meant the literal temple when He meant His body. (2) Walk in the Spirit, not the flesh. Walking in the Spirit, Peter received divine understanding of Christ's deity. When Jesus asked, 'Who do you say I am?' Peter answered, 'You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.' Jesus replied, '...this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by My Father...' (Matthew 16:15-17 NIV) Soon afterwards, walking in the flesh, the same man totally misunderstood Jesus and was severely rebuked by Jesus (Matthew 16:21-23). Why? Because '...the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God... nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.' (1 Corinthians 2:14 NKJV) So submit your thoughts to God; pray for His guidance, and in due course, you'll get the insight you need. You are loved...

Serving in the Kingdom (3)

 

'The father [or mother] of a righteous man has great joy...' Proverbs 23:24 NIV


Serving in God's kingdom is always a privilege...The hardest work is sometimes the most overlooked work. 'A husband came home from work one day and the house was an absolute mess. Clothes were strewn all over the floor, dirty dishes filled the sink, the kids were crying, the beds were unmade, the bathroom smelled badly and the TV set was blaring. When he asked his wife what was going on, she replied, 'You know how you ask me every night what I did all day? Well, today I didn't do it.' This morning as I was preparing for this blog, God brought to mind the biggest asset to His kingdom, mom and dad's. If you're a stay-at-home mom or dad, God considers your work to be important. It's more important to the future than just about any other profession - because you're determining the quality of the next generation. One of the biggest decisions Amy and I made was to have Amy stay home to be with our boys. Personally I think she did an amazing job. Look at what Martin Luther said, 'What you do in your house is worth as much as if you did it up in Heaven for our Lord.' One day God will say, 'Well done,' to parents who cared for children - bathing them, feeding them, cleaning up after them - when they were tired and thought nobody was looking. Somebody is looking. Somebody is keeping track. It is worth it! You are the one who makes your work significant - not the other way round. When you discover the gifts God has given you and the passions He has placed within you, and put them to work in the service of values you deeply believe in - you are 'working for God' in the truest sense. So each day ask God to make your work go well. And try to identify the larger picture in your work that makes it a 'calling'. You are loved....

Serving in the Kingdom (2)

 

'To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given...' Matthew 25:29 NLT


Your value in a job is determined by the value you add to the job. So when you go to work each day, God holds you accountable for adding, enhancing and improving things in your workplace. That's the way its supposed to work anyway.

I love the story Jesus told of the three men who were each given money. One was given five bags, another two, and another one. The first two '...went and traded with them, and gained...' (Matthew 25:16 NAS) They showed skill, initiative, and made 100 percent profit. So they were commended by their master. But the third man just punched the clock, called in sick, didn't train, try, dare or do. So his job review didn't go too well. And Jesus said something that ought to make us all sit up and take notice: 'To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.' That means if your attitude and work ethic are poor, you're in trouble with God. So, let's stop and think about your job. If Jesus were your supervisor, would you do your work any differently? How would you answer the phone, type documents, treat your employees, or teach your pupils if Jesus were checking your work? As a citizen of God's Kingdom you need to periodically review your attitude on the job, solicit feedback on how you can grow, demonstrate love and grace to those you work with, make your company profitable, and enjoy the work you do. You are Loved!

Serving in the Kingdom (1)

 

'...whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.' Mark10:43 NIV

My niece and her husband have yearly passes to go into Disneyland; something I couldn't understand because I've only been there a few times. I asked them why do they go almost every week to the park, and they shared because it's magical. There is something different there that draws people. We all know that Disneyland is referred to as 'the Magic Kingdom'. Something I didn't know is that for those who work there, one value is emphasised above all others. It's what puts the 'magic' into that kingdom. What is it? Servant-hood! Employees are told that when you walk through those gates, you serve. You treat every encounter with people as if they were your personal guest. If they need directions, you escort them. If they ask a question you've heard a hundred times, you answer it as if you'd never heard it before. There's a ride called the Jungle Cruise, and the most common question asked about it is, 'How long is this ride?' So the staff is given a prepared, standard answer: 'The Jungle Cruise is an exciting adventure ride that lasts ten minutes.' But one employee had been asked it once too often, so when a couple asked, 'How long is the Jungle Cruise?' he said, 'Three days.' The couple got out of the line, left the park, went back to Disney Hotel where they were on their honeymoon, packed up their suitcases, checked out, and came back to the line at the Jungle Cruise. The next day that Disneyland employee was gone. Someone else was standing at the line to say, 'The Jungle Cruise is an exciting adventure ride that lasts ten minutes.' When you represent God's Kingdom you're supposed to go out of your way to facilitate people, love them and meet their needs. Why? Because Jesus, the King in this Kingdom, said, '...the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve...' (Matthew 20:28 NIV) You are loved...

Carry God's Presence With You (3)

 

'...So He is first in everything.' Colossians 1:18 NLT

Last one this morning on Carrying God's Presence with you...I looked this up and the Ark of the Covenant is mentioned in Scripture about 180 times. Isn't that amazing! Every bit of activity in the outer court and inner court of the tabernacle was for one purpose, to lead you into the Holy of Holies where God's presence was.

Old Testament symbols, such as the Ark, are a picture of New Testament realities. In this regard, the Ark, which was the most important piece of furniture in the tabernacle, is a picture of the Christ we love and serve. He is Lord. He is supreme. There's no one like Him. And He alone is worthy of all praise! Paul writes: 'Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through Him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can't see - such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through Him and for Him. He existed before everything else, and He holds all creation together. Christ is also the head of the church, which is His body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So He is first in everything. For God in all His fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through Him God reconciled everything to Himself...' (Colossians 1:15-20 NLT) If your faith is 'me-centered', you'll get nowhere with God. But when your faith is 'Christ-centered', then everything Christ has becomes available to you! You are loved...

 

Carry God's Presence With You (2)

 

'...I am the Lord your God...who directs you...' Isaiah 48:17 NIV


Yesterday we begin to look at a three part series on taking God's presence with wherever you go...The Ark of the Covenant represented three things to the people of Israel because it represented God's presence in their lives. Each of us need these three things in our life as well. Let's look carefully at each:

(1) Victory. When Israel went into battle they must have looked strange to their enemies because the priests who carried the Ark of the Covenant went ahead of the army. Indeed, when their enemies saw it they may have laughed and said, 'What's that all about? What's the big deal with the box?' But after they had been humbled by defeat they realized they weren't fighting man, but God. And when you are in right standing with God He will go before you and fight your battles. And the great thing is God has never lost a battle. (2) Guidance. When the Israelites needed direction, God spoke to them in the place where the Ark rested in the tabernacle. And they discovered what you will discover: when you seek God's guidance and listen to Him, you won't get it wrong. His guidance system is infallible: '...I am the Lord your God...who directs you in the way you should go.' (Isaiah 48:17 NIV) (3) Prosperity. Prosperity simply means, 'Having enough to do the will of God.' And that's how much God wants you to have, no more and no less. When the Ark rested for three months in the house of a man called Obed-Edom, all that he had was blessed and multiplied (2 Samuel 6:10-12). Could you use more victory, more guidance and more prosperity? Spend time in God's presence, and then carry it with you wherever you go. You are loved...

Carry God's Presence With You (1)

 

'The poles...are not to be removed.' Exodus 25:15 NIV

Thanks to everyone who came and supported Teen Challenge yesterday, and for those of you who helped feed them after service. I am always blessed when they come and share their testimonies.

I love this picture of Danny as he was in the kitchen singing while getting more water for the carpet shampooer. He was here taking care of God's house and happy to be doing it. One of the points in my last message was we need to take God's presence with us where ever we go.

Look at the Israelites for example, the Ark of the Covenant represented the presence of God in their lives. When the Philistines captured it, they were smitten with tumors. When they placed it in their temple, their god Dagon fell to the ground (1 Samuel 5).

The moral of this story is - don't mess around with the things of God! Even if you are not prepared to serve God; at least be wise and revere Him.

When Israel conquered the Philistines, David decided to bring the Ark, the symbol of God's presence, back home to Jerusalem. Now, when God designed the Ark, He put rings on the side of it, and poles through those rings, saying it must only be carried on the shoulders of special priests. But somebody thought of 'a better way', so they put it on a new cart pulled by an ox. And that's when everything went wrong. When the Ark started to slip off the cart, a well-meaning bystander decided to steady it. And he died for it! You say, 'That's pretty extreme.' There's a lesson here for those who want to package God's presence, market it, and 'take it on the road'. Who is qualified to carry God's presence? Only believer-priests who have been cleansed by the blood of the Lamb, are washed by the Word at the laver, who fellowship with God at His table, who worship Him at the altar of incense, and who walk in the light of truth represented by the seven-branched lampstand. '...the Lord added to the church...' (Acts 2:47 NKJV) If we are going to carry God's presence and build His church, we've got to do it His way! You are Loved...

Storms in Life...

 

'The boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves...' Matthew 14:24 NKJV


In life each of us will encounter something that will challenge us beyond what we may think we can handle. The prophet Jeremiah could tell you the height of the waves and the speed of the wind in his storm. He realized how fast he was sinking, so he shifted his gaze. 'But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.' "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in Him."' (Lamentations 3:21-24 NRS) When Jeremiah turned his eyes away from the waves to look to God, he started to recite a quintet of promises: (1) 'The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.' (2) 'His mercies never come to an end.' (3) 'They are new every morning.' (4) 'Great is Your faithfulness.' (5) 'The Lord is my portion.' The storm didn't cease, but Jeremiah's discouragement did. Paul talks about 'speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.' (Ephesians 5:19 NKJV) Worship music is a great help. They help you to get your eyes on the One who walks on the water and calms the storm. 'Great is Thy faithfulness O God my father, there is no shadow of turning with Thee. Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not, as Thou hast been, Thou forever shalt be. Great is Thy faithfulness, great is Thy faithfulness, morning by morning new mercies I see. All Thou hast promised Thy hand hath provided, Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.' You are loved!

Are You Ready (2)

 

'...Underneath are the everlasting arms...' Deuteronomy 33:27 NKJV

I love my picture today, and thanks Melissa for all the new pictures I can draw from.

Picture this: A father and his two small children are playing. He's in the swimming pool, and he invites them to run and jump into his arms. One does, the other doesn't. The one who doesn't, watches gleefully, applauds and jumps up and down. But when her dad invites her to do the same she shakes her head and backs away. Is that you?

Living on the edge of the pool, never taking the plunge, happy to experience life vicariously through others? Preferring to take no risk, rather than any risk? For fear of the worst, you never enjoy the best. You say, 'But I'm not sure what I'm jumping into!'

Read this: 'Underneath are the everlasting arms.' Foolishness is closing your eyes and jumping before you know there's even water in the pool, or that your father has said, 'Come, I'll catch you.' Faith is knowing that the only way to conquer your fear of the water is to take the leap, because the One who is calling you has been there for you from the moment you became His child. Nothing is more important to Him than your safety, the development of your faith, and your total success in life. God told Joshua, '...arise, go over this Jordan...to the land which I am giving [you] ...Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.' (Joshua 1:2;7 NKJV) Note the words, 'Arise, go, be strong.' In other words: Get Ready...take the plunge! You are loved.