Reading Elom's blog, I was reminded the greatest HOPE we have is not what we do, but WHO we are. As a result of that FAITH in our GOD we live a life that gives others HOPE, like Elom and so many others have given me. The order is important: 1) Faith 2) Hope 3) Love
I only shared a part of her life, but much to thank her for. This is the short list I read to her last week:
1. You told me how to hold my fork 2. Made a custom coffee cup for me 3. Taught me how to be honest about mistakes with drinking 4. Showed me how to care about others you didn't know 5. Gave me appreciation for music an beauty 6. Made the dinner plates we use today 7. Drove me to Chapel Hill, the quiet times 8. Sat and talked with me in the morning on the farm 9. Never successfully got me to enjoy basketball (sorry) 10. Art of conversation, which is the art of listening 11. Took me to the dentist, the doctor 12. Gave me adventure 13. Made Picnics in the wicker basket 14. Let Dad live his dreams on the farm, the job and the truck 15. Fed us 19,710 meals, including Thanksgiving, Christmas and Birthdays 16. you always wrote the card, a funny card 17. You broke the chain of alcoholism 18. You endured 19. You bought the groceries week after week 20. Made hot cocoa 21. Made those things with chocolate, marshmello and graham crackers 22. Let us chew tobacco in the house! 23. Made snow cream 24. You forgave us 25. You were forgiven
I am free from condemnation. Romans 8:1-2 I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances. Romans 8:28 I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God. Romans 8:31-39 I have been established, anointed and sealed by God. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 I am hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:1-4 I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me. Philippians 1:6 I am a citizen of heaven. Philippians 3:20 I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me. 1 John 5:18
I am significant... I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life. John 15:5 I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit. John 15:16 I am God's temple. 1 Corinthians 3:16 I am a minister of reconciliation for God. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm. Ephesians 2:6 I am God's workmanship. Ephesians 2:10 I may approach God with freedom and confidence. Ephesians 3:12 I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
According to the book, it's the toughest dare....forgiveness.
A rupture that, if not repaired, can prevent a relationship from working. God is serious about forgiveness. He is merciful beyond comprehension, and calls me to that same place by His provision, by his word, and by the prayers of my brothers and sisters in Christ.
In Matt 18:34-35 the kings servant is forgiven his debt, then calls his own debtor for payment. The results are dramatic as that servant is thrown down into prison. God knows forgiveness is the way out of a prison we construct for ourselves, and just as important is the key to releasing others. The trap where we suffer endlessly.
In a liberating way, Love Dare describes that forgiving others doesn't absolve or condone them, it doesn't clear them with God, it just clears me of having to worry about how to punish them. See how that burden is lifted? Now I a free just to Love them (agape, phileo, eros). Last night on our trip at the beach, surrounded by temptations of judgment, we prayed with our boys about this aspect of Messiah's heart, "Father, forgive them". It could have been our prayer, Father, forgive us.
"Vengeance is mine, says the Lord" (Romans 12:9) How I have looked to that verse for comfort, that my enemies would be punished, but now the response can be concern even pity for those who will suffer the consequences, if they don't receive God's mercy. Haven't I received his mercy, far beyond what I could ask or imagine? Haven't you? Shouldn't they?
Great relationships are like great marriages.
"Great marriages are not created by people who never hurt each other, only by people who choose to keep no record of wrongs (1Cor 13:5)"
May Your will be done, Your kingdom come, on Earth as it is in Heaven. Amen
No Joke, this tag was on a car on the way to the Catalyst conference in Granger Indiana. I saw this and told the guys right there this is my besetting sin, trying to bring value I over-commit and fall short of the grace that has already given, and miss the opportunity to really grow as I invest in Him. Craig Groeschel nailed it in the conference. The notes below flow mostly from his thoughts in that time.
Less is More Energy is the most important thing you can bring as a Leader. Go slow to get there fast. Working outside of our of our giftedness takes more energy. I have to run my race, not race against others. Don't be like a swimmer who kicks off the wall. Build a ministry on who YOU are, not against those you are not.
Creating Spiritual Momentum
"I will DO TODAY what i can to TO ENABLE ME TO DO TOMMOROW what i CAN'T DO TODAY."
Sharpening the saw, guarding the heart, repentance that brings refreshing. Four things to do TODAY:
Do something to defeat the dark side (competitiveness, weakness, pride, ask how I can do better? My strength is made perfect in weakness)
Create Artificial deadlines (80/20). They force you to prioritize (make faster decisions), intentionally delegate, eliminate (disregard unimportant activities). Work on it, not in it. Batch phone messages, create a culture of fun.
Delegate what someone else can do, authority not just responsibility. Delegating responsibilities makes followers. Delegating authority makes leaders. Authority+Think+coach = leader
Do something only YOU can do (more preparation spiritually):
CARE for yourself. Refreshing activities (that you love to do) taking time off, spending time with God, eating right and exercising.
LEAD your responsibilities (ministry, family, job responsibilities).
Privately HONOR's Christ in you (burden of your heart)
HUSBAND/DADDY to your wife and kids.
It was Craig's last point that hit home, his daughter describing how work became "Dad's home." He thought he was not good enough, tried to prove he was. Now he needs to repent and de-commit. Reminds me of the license plate that read "ADD VALU". Men are programmed this way...by there jobs to constantly measure their performance. "The way I was doing the work of God was destroying the God in me." Christ in you, the hope of Glory.
A creek without momentum becomes a pond, algae takes the oxygen and the water becomes progressively lifeless until it evaporates and turns to mud. I've been to places like that corporately and personally.
In 2001 Bank One closed a division and I got laid off. People were just turning things off. Not much momentum. In the mid 90's at the Indiana Department of Transportation, again there was zero motivation and very little momentum. Long ago in a place far away(1980s) I was in a congregation that had basically grown satisfied with managing the building....deadness. Worst of all was an "innovative" group that fought "the traditions of men" only to bind themselves in legalistic fear of "the world".....rather than becoming compassionate and free in the rush to bring healing and find God in the process.
"Catalyst: an agent that provokes or speeds significant change or action"
Freedom comes with momentum, that's what it felt like last week in at Catalyst with Andy Stanley and Craig Groeschel. Several Brothers searching for a better way carpooled to Granger IN last week --Scott, Ryan, Tim, Ross, Danny, Jeremiah and Brooks (aka Danny :). A couple of the guys have written good summaries (Scott Himes, Ryan Crozier) Here is a bit (part 1) of what we learned:
"New" triggers momentum, positive or negative events lead to change (911, economy tanked, but heroes were born). Momentum is never triggered by tweaking something old with minor improvements, but with noticeable change (a Quantum Leap).
Be Bold. Often we try not to disturb people, small continuous incremental change, but that is not real change. Momentum is however continuous improvement, a rhythm of systematic evaluation that requires unfiltered feedback. Debrief is the key...Visit other organizations, people that you want to emulate. Get inside their head, ask not what they do but how they think.
Momentum stoppers: There is a healthy tension between Leader (bold vision) and manager (managing chaos towards predictability). However we can't allow managers to "manage away" momentum. Passivity, complacency, and complexity are created by age. Sometimes have to rip out good "old" things to make a way in our personal or corporate life. Finally, a breach of trust can be a real momentum stopper.
New implies that we remain dissatisfied (not discontent), and results in a process of gardening, growing and pruning. "Less is more" leads to corporate and personal opportunity as Craig described and Andy described later in the day (see next post).
Revelation from a Son: (Into the sky, by Jason Upton)
The best song I've heard all year. My favorite parts are the description from Jason of how the song writing event unfolded with his son. Its worth listening to a couple times.
Jason describes how He throws his son up, but its the falling back into his daddy's arms, being next to him that really constitutes the joy and the power of the relationship.
Made me think about the most precious times with God is not when everything is going well and I am lifted up, but when I needed a comforter, a redeemer, and a provider....a Dad, and He was there, next to me. Maybe there is more that I still don't get, if so, please let me know.
HABIT: In our men's group we are going through a book by Bill Perkins (Six battles every man must win). One is the battle Over pain, and how so many men get caught in the vortex of temptation. A critical step in the downward spiral is a point where we pathologically seek situations where we are tempted.
Why not do just the opposite...habitually put ourselves in a position where God can speak to us? (Darrell convinced me that the word RITUAL might sound scary). Today I found an article here that reminded me of the conversation. Now this guy (Scott the nametag guy) may not be talking about Christianity, but I think he has found a way to connect. Make an appointment with yourself every day.
The idea was expressed in a recent conference "Slow down so that you can go fast". In this frenetically-multitasking world where we constantly react to electronics, a little time alone with God can be a very good thing. I've been doing something like this for a while, and when I miss a morning with God, it makes a huge difference. Scott (the nametag guy) writes:
"I became addicted. I never missed a day. Even on the weekends. And no matter how busy, tired or stressed I was; there was nothing more critical to achieving daily success than my Daily Appointment."
A brother I met not that long ago took me to my very first professional ball game. He didn't know me, but he cared enough to invite someone he never met, to be a part of my rescue.
I met with Tom just a couple times, but I could see the calm patience of someone who prayed, trusted and believed he had a purpose beyond his job as an insurance company manager. His coworkers understood too.
He told me one day long ago someone prayed for him, and that they did not give up over many years. He found Life, then he shared Life. Now he is struggling against enormous pain and difficulty. I ask that God gets the glory, and Tom gets more of God. Tom is dying, as all men do--though when its someone you know, someone you love, someone like Tom...its strikes a chord.
My dearest sister sent the Songs of Water , thinking of Tom and the days ahead. Sister, if you read this, know that I am with you, I share your grief and the sure hope that Tom will be lifted up into the arms of his Papa. Tom, thank you for showing us The Way, in person...
In a lunch with Scott Himes long, long ago, he listed several questions we should be asking ourselves and others as we draw near to God. I wrote these down thinking then as I do now...do I have answers to these? Are they questions I want answers to...YES! How about you?
I get so distracted by life that sometimes I feel like there is not enough time to talk to God, let along answer all these questions. I spend so much time fighting fires that I never prepare, like real firemen do.
How is your walk with God? (regular, responsive, rewarding?)
What is the biggest challenge in your relationship with God?
What have you been studying in the Bible? What are you learning?
What are you reading?
What has God been saying to you and showing you lately?
A tale of a failed marriage built on a contract (mutual demands), restored to a marriage built on a covenant(mutual promise).
Some of the reviews were less than supportive...but they don't get it. If you get the message, it has the potential to blow you away. It's the story of journey, trust broken, sacrificial love, faith.
It's the way not just back to "successful" marriage, but a real faith. Anyone who thinks that's cheesy...well sorry, they just don't "get" the most important part of Life, and marriage.
It moved me to be a husband who loves from Christ's ocean of love, who gives without demanding, dies to self, and yet lives from the heart. It reminded me about the role of spiritual fathers, and the power of humility and true forgiveness. You will not be disappointed.
Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain.
Psalm 127:1
Saturday a few of the the guys in the men's group (The Band of Brothers) carpooled over to the east side of Indy to work on a Habitat for Humanity. I couldn't help but think about the weeks before where we talked about surrender as one of the supervisors insisted that we split up, and yet we were able to come back together and really help the guy out. They were really appreciative.
I think we each learned a little more about each other than we might just sitting around a table talking, and we definitely learned each others strengths and weaknesses. Tim and I talked about how much easier it it to work when your on a team that has "rhythm", that inner sense of not just WHAT to do, but WHEN and WHO should do it. We each have different strengths, and finding them is part of the fun.
We also realized that most of us areperfectionists(excerpt Tim, who is a professional!). I remembered back on the week when my boss and I talked about the Army's policy of 70/30. If you think you are 70% right, then go for it. (Bill laughed and said he hoped the military didn't have that policy when they dropped bombs). Seriously, we can quench the Spirit when we over-analyze, Garry and laughed about how much fun it was to cut the board quickly, with abandon.
We finished off with wings. Maybe my last visit to this loud restaurant, but I did enjoy the conversation. We reminisced what it was like to be 24 (Tim is 25 so it was easy for him!) We thought about the mistakes we had made, mostly about not trusting God like we should have. I think we are all far better off now, despite our little problems.
Actually, it had been a gravely serious week for several reasons, for many of the brothers, and it was just the medicine we needed to get things a little more back in perspective...it all belongs to God. We are His too.
If we only heard and saw and experienced a small portion of what God was doing, we would be like the guy here...and loving it. Better is one day in his house than a thousand elsewhere....
I don't speak Greek, but I bet the original language version of "awesome" is very close to what my friend Elom describes...a take-your-breath-away kind of feeling. Scott and I talked about this morning in this old commercial (think God instead of Maxell)....
In his message today Scott started with a true story about the greyhound race where the dogs are trying to catch the mechanical bunny. They are dumbstruck when the machine fails and the bunny stops. They have been chasing a false image of success. They lay down, howl, run all over the place but none finish the race.
People chase after possessions, Freedom, fame, power, money, spouse, and reputation even God. But the rabbit affects the trajectory of life. What is success?Like Tom Brady, sometimes we catch the rabbit and find it's not what we expected, its leaves us wondering "Why do I have three Superbowl rings and still think I have something coming?"
The answer, Scott says is that we DO have more coming, and the "formula for success" is in a character who symbolizes Jesus (the Lord saves) ....Joshua, son of Nun. Joshua 1:1-9 helps us anticipate...Don't turn to the right or left, God is in it, meditate on it. Be a sponge...Meditate day and night. We are sponges, but as sponges we can soak up water or poison. Pursue God first, then let the benefits flow. He gave examples of Talking to God first thing in the morning, reading, listening in the car, but also through the day.
REMAIN on the Vine (John 15: 1-8)
Asking "God give me the words, show me what to do.
After a hard day's work, "God I have nothing right now, help me to be a husband. Fill me up. "
Success by God's standards does not mean an absence of "failure". Jesus knows what failure looks like and who else could help us through that better? A lot of failure is what we view through the expectations of others. Joseph in Egypt is a perfect example of how God can take a failure and reveal in it success overnight.
To get there will require faith and surrender
My God is not a computer program...if you do "this" then you get "that"....but separate conversations with two brothers today reminded me that if our sponge is already full, there is not room for Jesus, and likewise, if we are filling up the tank with His Word, His passion, and the unseen things that are beautiful to Him...there will be no room for anything else.
That is something I fall to, and consequently don't experience the fullness of Him or become what I was meant to be. Another way I think about it is taking my identity from those other things (work, possessions, even friends and family), instead of being His child and letting God be my Father.
A song we sang was written by TJs friend, but one line was clear to me, "I give you my heart". I pictured the scene in "The Last Mohican" where the bad guy's heart was cut out, and the corpse lay on the ground. In our case God restores it, and puts it back in (Ezekiel 36:26).
"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. " Ezekiel 36:26
I don't even remember the last concert I went to....if you take out the piano recitals, and Joyce Meyer. Tonight I went to my first Christian concert, a fundraiser by the Vineyard for Costa Rica.
The power went out (literally) so we waited in line for an hour while things got put back in order...it was a wonderful time to get to know Danny, Courtney and Tim Golden...a wonderful and divine surprise. Tim and I had dinner afterward, and it was amazing how much I had to learn about someone I thought I knew.
Later in the concert it was a thrill to be reminded about how BIG God is. Seeing people I don't know worshiping in ways I have not seen before. Jeremy Riddle is someone I hadn't heard of, but he seemed to be genuinely talking to God as he sang, with little theatrics or special effects. His focus was getting closer to God, and seemed to marry well with the message earlier in the day to rejoin our "secular" and "spiritual" worlds into one world where God really does have our full attention.
How did I get here? Spiritual or Secular Disappointment
Tony told the story about Joseph (the coat of many colors), who grew from a seeming arrogant boy who could interpret dreams into someone who recognized only God can interpret dreams...who grew to trusted God despite all the seeming injustices of life, so that when the day would come (and it did), he could be taken from the prison into the throne room of the palace, to rule justly with mercy.
The message turned to ask "Are you discouraged"? Everything is spiritual....you are where you are so so He can work in your life. He wants us to flourish, we can't fall in the trap of cursing the darkness, he has you in that place to to bring Life.
Am I backed into a corner? If so, that's where I realize all I have is you...and then realizing that you are all I need. Until then some think they can still work things out when they just need to surrender. Your environment can change you, then you can change your environment. It all begins with that relationship with him.
The 1st thing in the morning should be "Father I am yours, I am working for you" (not just me, my boss or my family)
Gal 1:10Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Full Attention (Jeremy Riddle) ....
May Your voice be louder May Your voice be clearer Than all the others, than all the others May Your face be dearer May Your words be sweeter Than all the others Than all the others in my life Please keep my eyes fixed on You Please root my heart so deep in You Keep me abiding, keep me abiding Keep me abiding that I Oh, that I might bear fruit May Your presence be truer May Your presence be nearer Than all the others, than all the others May Your light burn brighter May Your love go deeper Than all the others Than all the others in my life
John and Jamie were married today, a good reminder for me in my own marriage about the nature of covenant, the role we have in marriage and the marriage of others, and the promise God offers if we will.
Our pastor Tony described marriage as the clearest picture we have of our relationship with God. Although covenant is very much like a contract, it is actually the opposite in one important way....a contract is written because there is no trust, while a covenant is an expression of trust. Marriage is a declaration that after God, you are the most important person in my life, an agreement I want to bless you.
Tony went on to explain how Jewish weddings deliberately had the brides family on one side, and the groom's on the other: marriage was the act of joining the two with God at the center. As a witness of the seal we have the responsibility to pray for the couple, point them to God, and each other. I mentioned the obvious to Jamie's mother; weddings are not just for the bride and groom.
2Cor 1:21
Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
Eccl 4:9
Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor.
Duet 15, 28
In his last address to the Jewish people, Moses tells of the blessings that go to those who fully obey God, blessed when you go in, and blessed when you go out.
Thinking about the weekend ahead, especially a breakfeast with some of the men. It could easily be the high point of my week. Why.....?
I wondered, what is Fellowship? Here is what I found without too much trouble, see if it works:
Fellowship is a devotion, about strengthening from humility in real relationships of the highest purpose.
(....a devotion...) Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
(... about strengthening...) 1Cor1-8-9 He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
(...from humility...) Phil 2:1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
(...in real relationships...)
1 John 1:3-7 3We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4We write this to make our joy complete. 5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
(...of the highest purpose. ) 2 Cor 13:14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
I don't usually make endorsements, but I have to point this out because I believe God is working here, and that others will find help at this blog.
Scott Himes has a way of mixing the ordinary things of Life and the fresh breath of God. I never miss a post. It helps to know he is personally the kind of person that I can trust. Many days, like today, it has been a place where I have been reminded that God works through others to speak to me....that our stories may overlap. Yours does too.
This morning of 9/11 my sons and I read from Corinthians about being weak, and remembered the world's compassion on America, and our own compassion for NYC at that time. That may have been our country's greatest moment of strength.
Later this morning I received the encouragement in the devotional below about sharing our weaknesses with others, and how our faith in God love is strengthed as a result.
Then Scott Himes called, and I told him about my back pain that is making this a really painful day, and the encouragement I had recieved from God about His power being made perfect in weakness (2 Cor12:8). He prayed for me on the phone (I love when people do that) and completed God's promise of grace. Thanks Scott.
Thought you all would want to be reminded (again)....God is for us. Jeremiah 29:11-14
Your brother
Brad
"Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
2Cor12:8
Connie G Beery/AM/LLY
09/11/2008 08:41 AM Subject Daily Devotion for 9/11/08
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come to pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord, "and will bring you back...to the place from which I carried you into exile." Jeremiah 29:11-14
The above scriptures were written by Jeremiah to the surviving elders among the exiles. The powerful words spoken then still pertain to us today. I love the word, declares! That means it must have very important for God to get His message across. Do you declare the power of God by receiving it as a precious gift? Do you declare His presence by seeking Him with all your heart or with just the little bit you are willing to share? Do you declare He has brought your through many trials? Do you declare the testimony of your salvation to others?
I feel strongly this morning that we need to declare more often what God has done is our lives. We tend to keep things to ourselves. I encourage you to share your burdens, your triumphs, your love for God to someone today. Don't try to prepare the "right" words, just tell them what God has done or is doing. Sharing your trials is powerful. It allows believers to pray for you and your situation. It allows others to see God working in your life. It allows others to understand that you are struggling, but have faith that God knows the plan. Open your heart to seek God and allow Him to use you today. God bless.
The fact that I am a little behind on recording these messages doesn't make time less timely or valuable. :) Here are some notes from a couple weeks ago.
Sometimes the best measure of impact is not how many words you remember, but how it caused you to change your perspective. This message was one of those that caused me to look as some (who made themselves my "enemies") from God's perspective, and reminded me that most of this is really not a battle of flesh and blood, but a spiritual battle. Scott's message about loving your enemies, started with forgiveness. I know how tough that is...and I have a way to go. He had a point though; if God is love, and he lives in our hearts, then God's love is in our hearts. Reminded me of being at the top of the Ferris wheel at the fair....things look a lot different from His perspective.
The passage that rang in my heart and then in my ears this morning; One of those scriptures you can hear coming down the tracks like a freight train miles before you see it....
I saw a comment on Scott Himes Blog (LifeChange), and reading it, I saw a special heart. Since then I have read her blog (The Eternal Student) and been refreshed by the clarity. In my last post she offered a question: The concept of obedience, total surrender. "What would it be like?"
What a delightful way to consider the riches, and beauty and pain and LIFE and freedom and joy of a life connected so clearly to one who loves us so dearly.
Rushing water, quiet wind, running race in the woods, a special friend?
Life where the only thing that mattered was the only one who matters. No ambition, but would there be shame, loneliness, pain, sadness, fear?
Would we watch the clock, depend on lists and schedules and people. Would we be comfortable?
Would we reflect Him, bring honor to His name, heal the sick and broken hearted? Would our life matter? Would He be pleased?
A few thoughts that carried me through the day....
He (Jesus) did not consider equality with God something to be grasped....and he became obedient to death. Phil 2
I looked over the "surrender" options to check from Sunday: time, rights, resources, reputation. I knew almost before I read which one it was. Sure, I could easily check them all, but one stuck out as I thought back to the phrase "false humility" and the times that I had resisted God because I didn't want anyone to think I was "________" (fill in the blank). A subtle form of pride. I read the night before where Jesus said those who worship will worship in Spirit and Truth (Jn 4:23). A yielding. I went back to find it and every page I turned said the same thing, "just obey":
"how can you believe if you accept praise from men yet make no effort to obtain praise from God" Jn 5:44,
"My food is to do the will of him who sent me" Jn 4:34
"Martha, Martha you are worried and upset about many things..but Mary has chosen what is better" Luke 10:38
I apologized to God for specific sin that I had "reasoned away". I got up to go to work, realized I had lost my wallet. My first impulse was to panic for being late, and tear up the whole house up looking for it. No, it seemed, just go straight to the car, take your coffee because you are not coming back. I opened the car door, there was the wallet. A small hint to just obey. Not by fear, analysis, second guessing or pleasing man for fear my reputation will be damaged. It was a good day. Will those of you who know me, please remind me?
I am a slow reader, but his is one of the books I have been working on since February (I know...real slow, the important thing is I finished).
Here is an archive a few key notes from this book that helped me see how precious our heart is our heart is to God, and how to break through. There is a source of freedom here that builds on the idea in John 10:10...Life to the full. This became the basis of our men's group Band Of Brothers 99, our men's group.
I typically don't recommend books, but this is one I would recommend reading over and over again.
I. Seeing our way clearly
8
Alert and oriented times Zero: his understanding of the world is reduced to the fact that he exists, nothing more (perfect Storm, the Guardian).
10
The Glory of God is man fully alive (St. Irenaeus). 2 Cor 3
17
Until we come to terms with war as the context of our days we will not understand life. We will misinterpret 90% of what is happening around us and to us. It will be very hard to believe that God's intentions toward us are life abundant; it will be even harder not to feel that somehow we are just blowing it.
19
A way of looking at life, created by fairy tales, now ratified by mere facts, and hidden by a veil of familiarity. GK Chesterton.
25
The best stories tell here is where meaning /destiny lie
36
Above all else guard the heart...it is the wellspring of life
46
Courage...the 1st of human qualities...because it guarantees all the others (Isaiah 61:1)
II. The Ransomed Heart
61
Death from the lie: Forgiven and on the way (Not Transformed). A shadow.
66
It has always been God's plan not just to FORGIVE you, but to RESTORE you
68
So what is the Holy of Holies? Your Heart.
87
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to manifest the glory of God that is within us... (Nelson Mandela)
III. The Four Streams
100
Wisdom: We don't seek wisdom because its a good idea; we seek wisdom because we're dead if we don't. We seek wisdom because the trail is narrow and hard to find...AND FEW find it together
124
Counseling: ...doesn't just flow to us directly from Christ...It flow through His people as well.
134
Restoration:..and I would HEAL them (Matt 13:15), that's different from forgive them, give them a place in heaven.
140
Forgiving others, and receiving forgiveness in His presence brings an undivided heart Ps 86:11-12
145
The hands of the king are the hands of a healer, and so shall the rightful king be known. (LOR)
163
Spiritual Warfare: IF it doesn't bring freedom and it doesn't bring life, it's not Christianity
181
"Open warfare is upon you " says Aragon, "whether you would risk it or not."
IV. The Way of the Heart:
187
Evil will hunt you. And so a fellowship must protect you.
187
Together they train for battle, together they plan their path.
192
A group is the right size, I would guess, when each member can pray for every other member, individually and by name. (the path is narrow, and FEW find it --together)
196
It was only through the eyes of our friends that we recovered our hearts, our true place, reality..."you remember my story for me"
199
Be kind, for everyone you know is facing a great battle. (Philo of Alexandria)
200
Community is no substitute for got..we go first to God, alone, so that we have something to bring back to the community.
218
The enemy satan wears us out to render us helpless to to others, so "Above all else guard your heart" Prov. 4:23
Jesus came not just to enhance, but to transform. Whatever God will occupy, he will rule. Make us a vessel of honor 1 Cor 6:19-20
"....You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."
He sees you not through Christ, but next to Christ, as his Child, Holy.
1)Jesus Rage: Matt 21:12 Jesus makes a whip. Purify this house.
2) House of Prayer Matt 21:13, Jer 7:10-11 Religious people had no regard for people of all nations.
All nations....Everyone is invited, we pray beyond ourselves. As we pray for others God pours out His heart through us. We are standing in the gap between them and the enemy.
How do we get there? "Holy hunches", Crumpling the Laundry list and letting him set the agenda. Following where he is leading us to pray, then we pray in His will . It is only out of His words, His compassion and overflow that people's lives are changed... We can empathize, God can transform.
4) House of Praise Ps. 8:2 "Out of the mouths of babes you have prepared praise."
Transformation Children --> Fathers -->Young men (Paraphrased from 1Jn 2) Hmmmm ...a lot to chew on here.
I write to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name, and because you have known the Father.
I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
Good news, God is giving you the power to please him, desire to obey. It's not us trying to struggle to please Him. Philipians 2:13
What do you do? Hide, sleep, graze, medicate? There may be a time for any of these...and I have done them all. You have too. Today I did something else. I called out for help. It isn't my intention to boast, but rather boast in the Lord.
1) In one situation I offered someone love, and they returned scorn. I felt rejected and hurt, God said.."put your hope in me". Somehow...I needed more. I let a couple of close friends know, and they immediately e-mailed back the most encouraging words and helped me look at the situation from God's perspective...It was like letting air out of a balloon.
2) In another situation that seemed like a huge knot of events that could not be untangled, I offered an apology for being angry. The man's response was tepid at first, but later he came back as a partner and a friend.
3) Sunday morning Tony suggested we ask that God give us a desire for Him. Today it seemed right to skip the sugar in my coffee, and all the other sugar, to remember he is my delight. We had doughnuts at the staff meeting...and someone asked why I wasn't having any, I told the whole staff. Later, someone told me their dream at a checkout line about forgetting their baby when they were buying shirts for their dog, then I told them that I was trying to skip something today to remember what was really important.
4) Best of all, a friend called me, crying out for help. I was reminded that there is no burden, but the Love of Christ in helping others. Those situations can provide everyone involved with deeper insight into why we were born and the high privilege to which we are called (Romans 12).
In all it was one of those days when God was showing me just how much he would fill my day...with meaning, if I would let him.
At the risk of looking like a full time blogger, I expose my addiction to this media, and this subject.
This week LifeChurch is reading Psalm 119. Some suggest its the Psalm that David used to teach Solomon as a child, though the authorship is not definitive (it sure sounds like David). David was not a lawyer, he was a musician, a shepherd and a lover and a king.
As many of you know, my background requires me to post a caveat to this treatise on "the law". I believe that the ONLY way to read this is by the Spirit (see Tony's 2 "rules" about reading the bible in prior post :). The law kills, but the spirit brings life (2Cor 3:6), Wretched man that I am (Romans 7:24-25), who will save me from this body of death? What follows are some of the most hopeful words ever written: "Thanks be to God--through Jesus Christ our Lord." God speaks to our heart through His living and active word (Heb 4:12), so I have to see this as a channel by which I can have that conversation.
All that said, here are a few resources that might help read Psalm 119.
The hardest part is being short. Blogs should be short.
Below are notes from the LifeChurch message today.
Any fool can count the seeds in an apple, only God can count the apples in a seed. His power is in the seed, our choice is in the soil (Hard, Rocky, Choked with weeds or good soil Mark 4:13-20).
The Path-Hard: We have allowed hurts and disappointments with people have to make us hard-hearted, stubborn and willful. God turns that manure into fertilizer, a place from which we can minister to others.
Antidote: Tell God "I am getting hard, cold not feeling, don't want to be that way. God will you just love on me? He will bring verses, remembrances
Rocky Places: Trouble and Temptations take you away Ps. 119:9-11
Thorns?: Our Own Kingdom, weeds
We are unfruitful, saved but little to show
Ps 119:105 Lamp to my feet
Ps 119:133 Direct our footsteps
Good soil, Bearing Fruit, whoever has will be given more, 30, 60 or 100 times
Two quick rules to Studying the bible:
Never open the Book without praying that "I believe you will speak to me through your word". God depends on us reading His word.
Don't open it unless you're committed to obey "Help me to receive the grace to obey". He will till the ground.
Eagle or Prairie Chicken? The eagle egg, rolling down the hill, adopted as a prairie chicken. Looked up one day to see a eagle flying. "WOW, I'd love to do that", the chickens told him to stick to pecking in the dust. You can soar with the eagles (Is 40), if you feed on the truth....
Read Psalm 119, a little each day
Melissa summed it up...I could "delve" into the word more, share what he says more. That's meat.
Ever since I began blogging, I don't remember taking the time to put down notes about my time with LifeChurch. This is actually some of the most special time, when I see lives that are changed, people who are hungry for Life, and we get to pray and worship our Father together, and get pearls of wisdom from our Leadership: Tony Portell, Scott Himes and TJ Hampton.
Recently we started a series on Revolution, with the idea that we must become the change we envision (Ghandi, no we are not new-age, he stole the idea from God).
Here I sit, every week, sometimes through the same message twice, and I do not allow this to change who I am. Shame on me, what a waste of my time and God's if I don't treat this at least as seriously as the "random" stuff that God lays in front of me. Last week, I took serious notes, and I while I was cleaning up and helping the band pack, someone threw away all that I had written....bummer. Here is what I can remember.
A lark, threatened by death from singing would still have to sing. Why should I change who I am in the presence of others? Where is my identity?
A revolution is not a bed of roses, ...a revolution is a struggle to the death between the future and the past. (Fidel Castro 1961)
Simply put, if you are not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people and kiss it goodbye, you can't be my disciple (Luke 14:33 the message bible)
Revolutionaries look like their leader, shouldn't we? (2Cor3:18)
Revolution is a sudden change in organizational Power (We give God control)
Question: What is holding us back? What are we not letting God have dominion over in our lives?
Answer: It's the stuff that upsets us when we don't get our way.
Revolutionary Love
David Crowder
Desperation leads us here Leads us here Illumination meets us here Meets us here Revelation brings us here Brings us here Restoration frees us here Frees us here
And I don't want to leave I don't want to leave this place No, I don't want to leave I never want to leave this place
CHORUS It's so amazing Your unchanging love Simply amazing Never changing love Love, love revolutionary love
Reparation leads us here Leads us here Liberation meets us here Meets us here Jubilation brings us here Brings us here Higher elevation frees us here Frees us here
Your revolutionary love Your revolutionary love, love, love
You're a revolution I want to be Revolutionary You're a revolution I want to be Revolutionary You're a revolution I want to be Love, love, love Revolutionary love
