Read Hebrews 12:1-2
Music has such an impact in life and in so many ways. Perhaps none more important than music with lyrics that call us back to our Heavenly Father. Third Day has a song titled Call My Name. It's lyrics and chorus go something like this:
When you feel like you're alone in your sadness
It seems like no one else in this whole world cares
And you want to get away from the madness
You just call My name and I'll be there
You just call My name and I'll be there
The pain inside
Has erased your hope for love
Soon you will find
That I'll give you all
That your heart could ever want
And so much more
Scripture gives us a passage that matches well with this song (at least as I see it). Hebrews 12:1-2 reveals a few things. First, there are things that entangle us. Things the author calls sin. And we're told to "throw off" the sin that so easily entangles us. But then it says "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith." Whenever life has you, whether in it's sadness or madness, let's focus on Christ who for the joy set before Him endured the cross and all it's suffering because there, in relationship with Jesus God gives us more than our heart could ever want.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Unplugged Power
Read Acts 1:8
Jesus promises His disciples when they see Him after His death they would receive power. And this power would be power from the Holy Spirit with a specific purpose. You see power can be used and generated for all sorts of things. Yet the power Jesus is talking about is the power of being His witness in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
When we think of this kind of power for this kind of purpose many of us would need to admit that we have an unplugged power within us. It's unplugged because we're uncomfortable sharing our faith with the world we live in. For some of us it's because we're not sure what to say or how to say it. This comes down to knowing how to comfortably and with clarity share the gospel, the good news of Jesus - who He is and what He's done for us in our lives. But for others, it's about not tapping into the power we have, the power of the Holy Spirit to share the message of Christ with the world. And if this is you here's a challenge - God has given us everything we need to live for Him. He's given us everything we need to be clear on what we're to be spending our time doing. All of us, as followers of Jesus, are commissioned to share the power of the gospel because as Jesus said I will build my church.
So if you're unsure what to say or how to say it - there's power in taking Class 401 at Hope. Class 401 is the class where you learn your personal style in sharing your faith; where you learn how to confidently share the message of Christianity with those in your circle of influence who so desperately need salvation. You're encouraged to sign up for this Discovery Class, which by the way is being offered March 27th at Hope.
Jesus desires you and I to go in the power of the Holy Spirit and share the power of the gospel with the world we live in. So let's take this promised power and plug into it so we may be a conduit of God Almighty's power.
Jesus promises His disciples when they see Him after His death they would receive power. And this power would be power from the Holy Spirit with a specific purpose. You see power can be used and generated for all sorts of things. Yet the power Jesus is talking about is the power of being His witness in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
When we think of this kind of power for this kind of purpose many of us would need to admit that we have an unplugged power within us. It's unplugged because we're uncomfortable sharing our faith with the world we live in. For some of us it's because we're not sure what to say or how to say it. This comes down to knowing how to comfortably and with clarity share the gospel, the good news of Jesus - who He is and what He's done for us in our lives. But for others, it's about not tapping into the power we have, the power of the Holy Spirit to share the message of Christ with the world. And if this is you here's a challenge - God has given us everything we need to live for Him. He's given us everything we need to be clear on what we're to be spending our time doing. All of us, as followers of Jesus, are commissioned to share the power of the gospel because as Jesus said I will build my church.
So if you're unsure what to say or how to say it - there's power in taking Class 401 at Hope. Class 401 is the class where you learn your personal style in sharing your faith; where you learn how to confidently share the message of Christianity with those in your circle of influence who so desperately need salvation. You're encouraged to sign up for this Discovery Class, which by the way is being offered March 27th at Hope.
Jesus desires you and I to go in the power of the Holy Spirit and share the power of the gospel with the world we live in. So let's take this promised power and plug into it so we may be a conduit of God Almighty's power.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Come Together
Read 1 Timothy 1:1-11
Years ago there was this song entitled Come Together and for some reason after reading this 1 Timothy 1 passage this title came to mind. So often in the church today we see sides drawn over issues that seem to divide us. Looking at 1 Timothy 1 we see Paul encouraging the Christian brothers to stay in Ephesus so they may "command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer nor to devote themselves" to things that stir up what promote controversies. Instead he writes what's most important to promote, what we're to come together on, is the work of God. So what is the work of God?
The context here is truth AND love. He's warning about heresy in doctrine and life. Today we need to be just as sure about our doctrine and our application of God's word. The two - truth and love - go hand in hand. Leave one out and we are sorely missing God's purpose, His plan for our daily lives where we're called to live completely devoted to the word and way of God.
The challenge this week - be a fan of God's law (His truth) and His love. Then go and be His disciples, giving glory to God as we come together sharing his truth and love wherever we go.
Years ago there was this song entitled Come Together and for some reason after reading this 1 Timothy 1 passage this title came to mind. So often in the church today we see sides drawn over issues that seem to divide us. Looking at 1 Timothy 1 we see Paul encouraging the Christian brothers to stay in Ephesus so they may "command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer nor to devote themselves" to things that stir up what promote controversies. Instead he writes what's most important to promote, what we're to come together on, is the work of God. So what is the work of God?
The context here is truth AND love. He's warning about heresy in doctrine and life. Today we need to be just as sure about our doctrine and our application of God's word. The two - truth and love - go hand in hand. Leave one out and we are sorely missing God's purpose, His plan for our daily lives where we're called to live completely devoted to the word and way of God.
The challenge this week - be a fan of God's law (His truth) and His love. Then go and be His disciples, giving glory to God as we come together sharing his truth and love wherever we go.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Change
Read Romans 12:1-2
Change is one of those words that conveys so many different concepts to so many different people. Some people love it and some people run from it. But the change the Bible tells us about is necessary, no matter if we love it or run from it.
Romans 12 speaks of the change we're talking about. Change that's real, that's genuine, that makes a difference in our lives and the lives of others. Have you thought about change lately? What kind of change God has made in your life (past tense) and what kind of change God's doing right now (present tense) and what kind of change God has in store for you (future tense)?
The words that jump out at us from Romans 12:1-2 are conformed and transformed. When we are conformed we're allowing the world to change us, influence our attitudes and actions. But the change God desires comes when we're transformed, changed by the Word. There's no substitute for the Word of God because the Word is where we receive our direction and connection with God.
Think of it this way, all of us are going to change over time. Some of us will be changed for the good while others changed for the not so good. And what God wants us to realize is we are transformed when we allow our minds to be influenced by God's words and not the words of this world. Now once we are transformed God calls us to be agents of change in this world we live in.
Consider how God has changed you over time and consider how you might allow God to use you in the transformation process of others. We were meant for so much more than just living for ourselves, so let's live with expectation as God continues to do His work in us and through us and may all the glory be His.
Change is one of those words that conveys so many different concepts to so many different people. Some people love it and some people run from it. But the change the Bible tells us about is necessary, no matter if we love it or run from it.
Romans 12 speaks of the change we're talking about. Change that's real, that's genuine, that makes a difference in our lives and the lives of others. Have you thought about change lately? What kind of change God has made in your life (past tense) and what kind of change God's doing right now (present tense) and what kind of change God has in store for you (future tense)?
The words that jump out at us from Romans 12:1-2 are conformed and transformed. When we are conformed we're allowing the world to change us, influence our attitudes and actions. But the change God desires comes when we're transformed, changed by the Word. There's no substitute for the Word of God because the Word is where we receive our direction and connection with God.
Think of it this way, all of us are going to change over time. Some of us will be changed for the good while others changed for the not so good. And what God wants us to realize is we are transformed when we allow our minds to be influenced by God's words and not the words of this world. Now once we are transformed God calls us to be agents of change in this world we live in.
Consider how God has changed you over time and consider how you might allow God to use you in the transformation process of others. We were meant for so much more than just living for ourselves, so let's live with expectation as God continues to do His work in us and through us and may all the glory be His.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
God's Perspective
Read Isaiah 1:1-17
So many times I think we get it wrong. We think God is just like us. Don't get me wrong we probably would never say it out loud but the way we act shows that we think we're better than we are. And the truth be told our perspective is completely different from God's perspective.
In Isaiah 1 we read how God gives the prophet this vision to speak to the people of Judah during the reign of several kings. And what's important to realize is what has God's attention is how God raised this nation as his own, they are His children yet the case against Judah is made - "they have rebelled against me." That's quite an accusation, but God builds on this charge to say the people have "forsaken the LORD" and "spurned the Holy One of Israel." Now these are serious charges, much more than a traffic violation or a misdemeanor in our day. They are serious because whenever the children of God by their words or deeds diminish the name of God there's a serious problem.
Later God reveals that it's their head and heart that are injured and afflicted; their sacrifices are "meaningless" and God simply says about all this - "my soul hates" these things. Wow! Can you imagine God's perspective being this way toward our actions and attitudes? He even says that when these people spread out their hands to pray that He will not listen to their requests.
Friends make no mistake this is God's perspective when we rebel against Him. Yet this isn't how the children of God need to relate to the Lord Almighty. He wants us 100% committed to our relationship with Him. So much so that everything else in life - our relationships, career, health, even our ministry falls into the right perspective when compared to the wisdom and knowledge of knowing our amazing God. You see our God is Holy and worthy of our praise and adoration. Let's remember God's perspective goes beyond this kind of judgment and accusation because He desires to receive our praise and honor and glory given to Him. There is no one like our God, let's make God's perspective our perspective and honor Him with our head, heart and hands.
So many times I think we get it wrong. We think God is just like us. Don't get me wrong we probably would never say it out loud but the way we act shows that we think we're better than we are. And the truth be told our perspective is completely different from God's perspective.
In Isaiah 1 we read how God gives the prophet this vision to speak to the people of Judah during the reign of several kings. And what's important to realize is what has God's attention is how God raised this nation as his own, they are His children yet the case against Judah is made - "they have rebelled against me." That's quite an accusation, but God builds on this charge to say the people have "forsaken the LORD" and "spurned the Holy One of Israel." Now these are serious charges, much more than a traffic violation or a misdemeanor in our day. They are serious because whenever the children of God by their words or deeds diminish the name of God there's a serious problem.
Later God reveals that it's their head and heart that are injured and afflicted; their sacrifices are "meaningless" and God simply says about all this - "my soul hates" these things. Wow! Can you imagine God's perspective being this way toward our actions and attitudes? He even says that when these people spread out their hands to pray that He will not listen to their requests.
Friends make no mistake this is God's perspective when we rebel against Him. Yet this isn't how the children of God need to relate to the Lord Almighty. He wants us 100% committed to our relationship with Him. So much so that everything else in life - our relationships, career, health, even our ministry falls into the right perspective when compared to the wisdom and knowledge of knowing our amazing God. You see our God is Holy and worthy of our praise and adoration. Let's remember God's perspective goes beyond this kind of judgment and accusation because He desires to receive our praise and honor and glory given to Him. There is no one like our God, let's make God's perspective our perspective and honor Him with our head, heart and hands.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Knowing God
Read Psalm 119:105
Everybody has an opinion about how to know God. But the only opinion we should really be concerned about is God's. The Bible tells us to know God, to really understand who He is We need to hear the truth of God.
And that starts with knowing the word of God. Now many of us dread reading, so we're not only talking about reading here. Reading the word of God is important but if you're not a reader don't fret. Simply find a way to listen to the word of God. Think about it, the earliest disciples and followers of Jesus didn't read the Bible. They listened to the word of God preached. So whatever your preference is, whether it's listening or reading, make sure you are in the word of God because it is living and active and is sharper than any double edged sword. When we are in God's word we are reminded of His great character and love for us as well as all the amazing things He's done throughout history. Truly, to know God is to love God.
Everybody has an opinion about how to know God. But the only opinion we should really be concerned about is God's. The Bible tells us to know God, to really understand who He is We need to hear the truth of God.
And that starts with knowing the word of God. Now many of us dread reading, so we're not only talking about reading here. Reading the word of God is important but if you're not a reader don't fret. Simply find a way to listen to the word of God. Think about it, the earliest disciples and followers of Jesus didn't read the Bible. They listened to the word of God preached. So whatever your preference is, whether it's listening or reading, make sure you are in the word of God because it is living and active and is sharper than any double edged sword. When we are in God's word we are reminded of His great character and love for us as well as all the amazing things He's done throughout history. Truly, to know God is to love God.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Until the Whole World Hears
Listen - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hc8y0DL8Hr4
Casting Crowns is one of my favorite Christian musical groups today. I enjoy their lyrics which call us to focus our lives completely on Christ and this generation which needs Christ. Until the Whole World Hears tells us it's our responsibility to always be prepared to share our faith. To ready ourselves simply means to share our praises of our Lord and Savior, lifting up His name for all to hear of God's grace and mercy. And we're to do this so that as the day draws near, when Christ returns or calls us home as many as we can positively influence for eternity and for Christ will make a choice to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
So the question to consider this week is this - will we live lives that are impassioned with the vision of this Casting Crowns song? Will we live lives that no matter what the cost we'll do whatever it takes and whatever is necessary so the people in our world will accept Jesus as the forgiver of our sins and leader of our lives. Friends live lives this week where your praises and service reveal that your single purpose for living is sharing the gospel message of Jesus Christ Until the Whole World Hears.
Casting Crowns is one of my favorite Christian musical groups today. I enjoy their lyrics which call us to focus our lives completely on Christ and this generation which needs Christ. Until the Whole World Hears tells us it's our responsibility to always be prepared to share our faith. To ready ourselves simply means to share our praises of our Lord and Savior, lifting up His name for all to hear of God's grace and mercy. And we're to do this so that as the day draws near, when Christ returns or calls us home as many as we can positively influence for eternity and for Christ will make a choice to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
So the question to consider this week is this - will we live lives that are impassioned with the vision of this Casting Crowns song? Will we live lives that no matter what the cost we'll do whatever it takes and whatever is necessary so the people in our world will accept Jesus as the forgiver of our sins and leader of our lives. Friends live lives this week where your praises and service reveal that your single purpose for living is sharing the gospel message of Jesus Christ Until the Whole World Hears.
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