Coming Alive Means Dying to Self

'I have been crucified with Christ...' Galatians 2:20 NKJV

Good morning,
Something I've had to learn in my life is this concept of dying to self. When we are under attack our survival instincts come out. We are fighters! But that creates a problem, for Paul says, 'I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.' If your number one goal is self-preservation, you are no longer free to make the right decisions. You'll keep doing things based on what feels good, and what's acceptable to others, rather than what God wants you to do. You'll talk a lot about being faithful, but very little about being fruitful. You can only bear fruit if you are willing to die to self: '...unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies [to self], it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.' (John 12:24 NAS) The 'survival seekers' in the Bible forfeited God's best by looking out for their own interests rather than God's. Without considering Abraham, Lot chose the well-watered plains of Jordan, and lost his family (Genesis 13:10-11). The rich young ruler could have been numbered among Christ's disciples, but he'd too much to lose (Mark 10:22). Often, the more we have, the tighter we hold on. Jesus said, 'Whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses [invests] his life for My sake...will save it.' (Luke 9:24 NAS) Paul wrote, 'I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me...' (Acts 20:24 NIV). The safest place to be-the only place to be-is in the will of God!

 

If You Love Them, Level with Them (1)

     
'...each part...helps the other parts grow...' Ephesians 4:16 NLT

Good morning everyone,
It has been said that love is a tricky thing. Loving one another as the Bible says is more than tricky, its hard yet a command. If we want to be apart of a growing community we sometimes have to level with one another. Really, none of us enjoys confronting others, but sometimes it must be done. So be honest and direct. Tenderness is not a matter of being diplomatic or tactful, or using euphemistic language, or 'beating around the bush' and softening the blow. Don't do that. Weigh what needs to be said in clear and unmistakable terms, then lay it squarely on the line. If you love them, level with them! But a word of caution here: don't use words such as 'love' and 'transparency' to disguise a judgmental attitude. People get screamed at, chewed out and verbally abused in the name of love. Don't vent your anger at someone in the name of honesty. Not one of us is qualified to confront the other until we have carefully examined our motivations for doing so-including, as much as humanly possible, those motives that evade our conscious minds. You should always confront with reluctance, never with eagerness. You should confront directly, yet gently, and always with a desire to bring about God's best in the other person's life. It is far more Christ-like to confront another person through tears than with a voice raised in anger. At all points, the listener should never be in doubt as to your love and acceptance. Genuine love says, 'I've got something to tell you. I know this won't be easy for either of us, but I respect you enough to give it to you straight. I care about you, I'm committed to our relationship, and I want you to be the best you can be.'

How to Build Good Relationships

'...Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud...' 1 Corinthians 13:4 NCV

Thank you everyone for your love and kind words of affection. It meant alot to Amy and I that you choose to bless us and rebuild our hearts with your love and gratitude for Pastor Appreciation. My prayer this year is that God will continue to open the door for ministry and blessings to each of you as you are obedient ot the Spirit's leading. How do we learn to build good relationships? Do you remember the elder brother in the parable of the prodigal son? He wanted the privileges of being a son, but not the obligations that came with being a brother. And because he couldn't celebrate his brother's return, it cost him his joy. Contrary to what you may have heard, speaking critical words doesn't make you feel better, it just makes you more miserable and keeps the issue alive. The Bible says, 'Pleasant words are...healing to the body.' (Proverbs 16:24 AMP) If you value your opinions more than your friends, you'll defend your opinions and destroy your friendships. When conflicts arise, step back and look at what's really important. Give others the benefit of the doubt. When working with yourself, use your head; when working with others, use your heart. Learn to be flexible. Thomas Jefferson said, 'In matters of principle stand like a rock; in matters of taste swim with the current.' Don't major in minors, and stop fighting over things that ultimately make no difference. Be gracious with others in the same way God is gracious with you. Mature love allows someone who has failed to ease out of the situation with their dignity intact. Once you've made your point, back off! In life, you're always going to have disagreements. They'll either give you ulcers or give you understanding-the choice is yours. Don't over-react. When conflict arises make it a time to learn, not lose. If you're serious about building good relationships, live by the words, 'Love your neighbor as you love yourself.'

You Are Blessed for a Reason

'...in all things at all times, having all that you need...' 2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV

This morning I want to get you fired up for Sunday's message on "What is a Steward?" A good steward is one who desire's to promote God's Kingdom, because the word says He will teach you to profit (Isaiah 48:17 NKJV). Paul writes, 'Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.' (2 Corinthians 9:6-8 NIV) Beware of those who manipulate your giving for their own end. But also beware of those who cripple your faith and leave you wondering if it's all right to give, expecting God's blessing. The Bible says, 'Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.' (Proverbs 3:9-10 NIV) Just replace the words 'barns' and 'vats' with 'savings' and 'investments'. Here's the question: do you want to be a burden, or a burden-bearer? God wants you to have enough to fulfill His plan for your life, and enough left over to help others. Do you want just enough to take your family out to dinner, or enough to feed hungry children, print Bibles, and help your church fulfill its vision? Paul emphasizes the purpose behind our increase: 'He has dispersed abroad [missions]; He has given to the poor [charity]...' (2 Corinthians 9:9 NKJV) Your prayer should be, 'Lord, bless me so that I can be a blessing in Your kingdom!'

Be Careful What You Say

    

'He who guards his...tongue keeps himself from calamity.' Proverbs 21:23 NIV

If you don't want people to remember something, don't talk about it. If you don't want to hear about it later, don't sow the seeds of it into their minds. Arguments would cease and stress decrease if only we had the wisdom to know when to be quiet. In order to know what to say, when to say it, and whoto say it to, try to be guided by these Scriptures: 'The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts' (Proverbs 18:8 KJV); 'A wholesome tongue is a tree of life...' (Proverbs 15:4 KJV); 'He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.' (Proverbs 21:23 NIV) Be careful about confessing your mistakes to others. You may be sincere, but when you're hurting, vulnerable and in need of support, you can raise issues that live longer than the explanations you give. You can't stop people from shooting at you, but you don't have to give them ammunition. Certainly there are times when public disclosure is right and wise. Jesus said when someone sins against you, you should do these three things. First, go to them privately. If that doesn't work, take two or three mature people with you. If that doesn't work, bring it to the church leadership (Matthew 18:15-17). If you have sinned, ask God to forgive you and He will. Then focus on the future and put everything else into God's hands. If He can deliver you, He can also defend you. If He doesn't choose to do either, He will use it to develop you.

God Is Doing a Work in You

 

'...grace in which we stand, and...tribulation [that] produces perseverance.' Romans 5:2-3 NKJV

Good morning,

As I asked God what I should share today. He brought to mind that we must believe together that He is doing a good work in all of us here at Calvary. Remember the scripture Sunday...where Paul says, "fix your eyes on what is not seen, not on the seen". Believe with me today that God is doing a good work in you! So there are two things you can count on as you walk with God: tribulation that works for you; and grace that enables you to stand while you're going through it. Have you been praying for patience? Get ready for tribulation; there's no other way to get it! Patience grows only in the soil of adversity. The truth is, some of the people you can't stand right now are the very ones who'll mature you spiritually and get you to your destiny. God said, 'Moab is my washbasin...' (Psalm 60:8 NIV) The Moabites were Israel's troublesome next-door neighbors who drove them crazy. But such people can also drive us closer to God! So, who's your washbasin? Who brings out the worst in you? Who drives you to your knees? Who stretches your faith? Who develops your character? The problem is, we pray for certain things but God has a process; only as we get to know Him better do we begin to recognize it. Here's how it works: you ask God for strength and He allows you to go through struggles that develop you. You ask Him for wisdom and you get to deal with messy situations that have no easy solutions. You ask Him for success and He gives you ability to work and wisdom to produce. You ask Him for favor and you get responsibility. (Then you want to run from it.) There's a work going on in you right now! You may not be fully aware of it, but without it you'll never be qualified to handle what God has in mind.

Good Morning Everyone,

Thanks for allowing Amy and I the opportunity to take a week off and relax with friends last week. It was good for us physically and spiritually. We appreciate your prayers and love. I hope you will begin your week with God's word planted in your heart. So learn to Memorize the Scriptures the bible says '...The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart.' Romans 10:8 NKJV Nothing pays greater spiritual dividends than memorizing Scripture. Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be more effective. Your counseling will be in demand. Your outlook will change. Your mind will become more alert. Your confidence will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified. Even if you've tried memorizing Scripture and given up, try again using these seven simple steps. (1) Choose a time when your mind is free from outside distractions. (2) Learn the reference by repeating it every time you say the verse. Numbers are more difficult to remember than words. (3) Read each verse through several times-both in a whisper and aloud. Hearing yourself say the words helps cement them in your mind. (4) Break the passage into its natural phrases. Learn the reference, then the first phrase. Then repeat the reference and the first phrase as you go to the second phrase. Continue adding phrases one by one. (5) Learn a little bit perfectly, rather than a great deal poorly. Don't go on to the next verse until you can say the previous one perfectly. (6) Review the verse immediately. About 20 to 30 minutes later repeat what you've memorized. Before the day has ended, firmly fix the verse in your mind by going over it 15 to 20 times. (You can do this as you drive or do your job.) (7) Use the verse orally as soon as possible. The purpose of Scripture memorization is a practical one, not academic. Use the verse in conversation, in correspondence, in everyday opportunities. Relate what you've learned to your daily situation. You'll be thrilled with the results!