Feet that Go - Jason

Feet that Go

How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!" (Romans 10:14, 15 NASB)

In this chapter, Paul is urging believers to increase God's word not only in our hearts but in each person He presents at our door. Paul's sharing his desire for each person to know Jesus for their salvation. But how will this happen? It won't just happen out of thin air. As the Father sent Jesus, so Jesus commissioned each of us to go forth and make disciples of all nations. We've been sent and it's our responsibility to get our feet moving.

Sometimes I feel I'm not good enough to deliver a message. Other times I feel it's my responsibility, my calling to preach the gospel. But what it really is, is that I'm called to respond to whom God delivers. I need to stop picking and choosing who to minister to; stop choosing how it's going to be done. I just need to get my feet moving in God's direction and He will anoint and touch hearts.

Father God, thank You for Your Word and Spirit. Help me to live a life full of obedience and boldness. You know my struggles and strongholds, I pray Father that chains are broken and Your mighty power and strength shines through so that I may be used to spread the wonderful news of salvation and not be a hinderance to all that You're doing. In Your saving name I pray, amen.

Faithful God - Jason

Faithful God

Nevertheless I will not do it in your days for the sake of your father David,  but  I will tear it out of the hand of your son. However, I will not tear away all the kingdom,  but  I will give one tribe to your son for the sake of My servant David and for the sake of Jerusalem which I have chosen." (1 Kings 11:12, 13 NASB)

Even when we're so unfaithful, God is perfectly faithful.  The LORD had every right to tear away the kingdom from Solomon because of his disobedience but acknowledged king David, Solomon's father and faithful servant of the Almighty, as being the reason why there's one tribe left under Solomon's son.  Why did He do this? Because God is true to His word and was faithful to David, His servant.  

When I try to be like Christ, I need to look at David's relationship with the Father as well. Yes, David made his mistakes  but kept his heart in tune (even if it went out of tune for a while) with the Creator.  No matter how many times I crash and burn I cannot deny the wonderful relationship God wants with me.  King Solomon did so much to build the temple, with all the riches; but David built it in his heart.

Father God, I want to be madly in love with You.  Help me to see and understand the undesired paths I take in my life and quickly readjust back to You.  I know it's my heart that You desire and I pray every action is a reflection of it.  In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

So Much More - Jason

So Much More

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1, 2 NASB)

There's so much more than what we can see or even experience spiritually with the Holy Spirit in these days. We've been given what we need to navigate and experience God's wonderful character but that's just the tip of the iceberg. Our minds cannot understand or fathom His full holiness so He gives us what we can process without hurting ourselves. Paul's letter to the Romans shows that the grace we're standing in is just the introduction; there's way more to come.

Sometimes I get trapped into feeling like this temporary world is all I have. I start questioning myself on whether there's anything more in store for me, my family. But passages like this quickly pull me back, knocking me on the head saying, "snap out of it!" This world is a passageway to something much, much greater that I can't even imagine. But there's going to be enough breadcrumbs along the way so I won't get lost. I need to take my spiritual rations and keep on course. I need to keep moving and not dwell in my earthly state.

Father God, please forgive me of my unfaithfulness at times. You know how I am, I overreact and start planning my future based off temporary circumstances. Lord, help me to always be on level ground, to check my heart and know my course. Thank You for leading me, my family, Your children into eternity! In the amazing name of Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Godly commissioning of our children

Godly commissioning of our children
S - 1 Chron 28: 8-10 (NASB)
⁹ “As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever. ¹⁰ Consider now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be courageous and act.”


O - These are the words of King David to his son Solomon at the time of his handing the throne over to Solomon.   They are words of encouragement, and of warning.    He gave him the keys to the kingdom by telling Solomon the keys to following God.    David long before this had been living a life likely visible to Solomon, and he did example a King who sought to follow and serve God, but yet these words are needed to both commission Solomon, and sum up how he is to rule.  


A-  The application for me comes in the area of raising and commissioning my own children.  I recognize that the most important thing to do is be an example to my children of a man seeking to follow God and serve Him with my whole heart and a willing mind.    But also I must not assume that without words they will understand and follow my example.  I believe I must tell them face to face these simple truths that David shared with Solomon:   


1.  Serve God with a whole heart and willing mind
2.  God knows our hearts and understands the intent of our thoughts.
3.  Seek him, and he will let you find Him.
4.  Follow your calling in life, whatever God asks you to do, be courageous and act.


While these words are wise advice for me to pass on to my kids, I recognize they still are words of truth for me today.


P -  Dear heavenly Father, thank you for your words of truth and wisdom through your word.   I pray Lord that you would lead me to be a Godly father like David, who knows well how to pass on the heart and calling of a man after your own heart.   I pray for my children as well as myself to receive these words and apply them to our lives.  I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen. 

Leading with fear and righteousness - Joe

Leading with fear and righteousness
 S - 2 Samuel 23:3-4 (NASB)

“The God of Israel said,

The Rock of Israel spoke to me,

‘ He who rules over men righteously,

Who rules in the fear of God,

⁴ Is as the light of the morning when the sun rises,

A morning without clouds,

When the tender grass springs out of the earth,

Through sunshine after rain.’

O - The leadership of men is something God observes closely.   While he knows us individually, and gives us grace, and salvation despite our flaws and shortcomings,  he watches our actions and motives in how we lead other people.   We know the Lord places and removes men from leadership roles.  "Promotion is from the lord" and the opposite is true.    So David, a man after God's own heart, here describes in some of his final words what it means to lead in a manner that pleases God.  We are to lead with righteousness and a fear of God if we are to be a light to those we lead and have the hand of God's favor upon us.

A - The application is always the struggle of a good leader and is the same for me.   First I must know what God's righteousness is and be consistently living by it and displaying God's values to those I lead.   I can know this by knowing his word and by seeking his righteousness in prayer and discernment.   I must learn to live with a healthy fear of God when leading others as well. For me this means I must recognize the people God places before me to lead are His and not mine and that if I mistreat or mislead even one I am accountable to Him.   I must remember my leadership occurs everywhere I am, at home, at work, at church,  and I must reverently honor God with how I lead.

P - Dear heavenly Father, thank you for today's devotion, may it be sealed to my heart.  I pray Lord that you would be my light and salvation and show me the path to your righteousness in leading your people.  I pray this in Jesus name, Amen.

Sin Breaks Hearts - Jason

Sin Breaks Hearts

Now he who was betraying Him gave them a sign, saying, "Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him." Immediately Judas went to Jesus and said, "Hail, Rabbi!" and kissed Him. And Jesus said to him, "Friend, do what you have come for." Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and seized Him. (Matthew 26:48-50 NASB)

Jesus allowed the Father's will to be carried out in the garden of gethsemane.  He could've called on the legion of angels and they would've rescued Him, but He didn't.  He could've also tried to reason with Judas and plead with him to stop what he's doing in order that he would not be given in to Satan.  But He restrained and allowed the Father's will to be carried out.  His heart must've been broken into millions of pieces as He watched His friend destroy himself.  

That heart and will of Jesus to allow the Father's will to prevail is amazing.  By sticking to the plan, the story of redemption and restoration has been completed.  How easily is it for us to allow emotions and even our love, to thwart God's best.  I need to learn to be so in love with what God's doing that it trumps even my most compassionate desires.

Father God, thank You for blessing me with compassion.  But just as wonderful, You've blessed us by Your all-knowing plan.  You know exactly what needs to happen and in what order for Your design to emerge.  Lord, help me trust and obey Your ways.  In the mighty name of Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Be Blessed or ... - Bob

S - Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.
(Matthew 24:46 ESV)

O - Jesus says that those who are faithful servants, performing His work and trying to live a sanctified life, are going to be blessed.  However, those who are not, i.e. beats his fellow servants (unkind and/or maliscious) and eats and drinks with drunkards (self gratification and continuing to live in your sin without true repentence), there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.  This was clearly a wake up call for everyone to be ready at all times not just when you think Jesus is coming.
 
A - This is a very poignant verse to me in that Jesus offers a blessing or eternal damnation.  It is a choice and there is no being luke warm about it.  For me, I must continue to strive to be obedient to God's calling on my life and continually seek Him and His repentence, not for fear (yes some healthy fear) but out of love for the God who loves me and saved me from my sins.  He paid my ransom with His own blood and for that I am eternally thankful and choose to serve Him.
 
P - Father, I am thankful for your mercy and grace.  I ask that you continue to allow your Holy Spirit grow in me.  So that I may hear your voice, remain obedient, and continue to serve You.  Keep me ready for that day when you will come again in Your glory.  Amen.

Choose to Come Back for Correction

S) I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; 
I will counsel you with My eye upon you. Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding, 
Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check, 
 Otherwise  they will not come near to you. (Psalm 32:8, 9 NASB)

O) A psalm of David about accountability with God, forgiveness for transgressions, and the blessings of trusting in the Lord.

Here God is speaking to David. He says he will keep his eye on him and instructs David to choose not to be a jackass. David must choose to come back to God for correction and not the other way around.

A) I should assess how often I come back to God for correction. I often find myself wanting accountability for my struggles because I am unwilling to be above reproach... Through this word, I am reminded that Jesus is there for me but I must go to him as I am, filthy and longing to be clean again.

P) Lord, thank you for reminding me to be above reproach. Please forgive me for my transgressions and thank you for your blood that covers my sin. Help me to stay close to you and to always come back for correction. I choose this today. Help me to do so everyday.  Amen.

By the Obedience of One

   “For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.”  Romans 5:15 

   This verse, written by the Apostle Paul, has special meaning for me.  I can still remember the day the Lord showed it to me in a fresh new way.  I was feeling very discouraged over the lack of faith of several of my loved ones, and I was pouring my heart out to the Lord, lamenting over my powerlessness to make a difference.  He led me to this Scripture, and it fairly leapt off the page into my heart.  It became God's special promise to me that if I would just concentrate on devoting myself to Him, and focus on my own behavior, He would honor and reward my obedience by using me to impact my loved ones and draw them to Him.   
Proverbs 10:17 NIV says:  “He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.”  The devil will try to convince us that it doesn't matter how we live, but the Bible says otherwise.  Each day, by our actions, we choose to influence others in a positive or negative way.  The Amplified Bible puts it this way:  “He who heeds instruction and correction is [not only himself] in the way of life [but also] is a way of life for others.  And he who neglects or refuses reproof [not only himself] goes astray [but also] causes to err and is a path toward ruin for others.” (Proverbs 10:17 AMP)  Just as we can do others a lot of good by living disciplined lives wholly devoted to the Lord, we can also do them a lot of harm by living sloppy lives.  When you say that to some Christians, they bristle, because they simply don't want to be held accountable to that extent.  But whether they like it or not, God sees them as role models, and they will answer to Him for their selfishness and lack of concern for their fellow man.  Instead of seeing this responsibility as a burden, believers should rejoice that they have God-given power to make a real difference in this world for His glory.  Job 22:30 NIV says:  “He will deliver even one who is not innocent, who will be delivered through the cleanness of your hands.”  We don't have to be perfect to have the “clean hands” that Scripture refers to here.  We just need to have a heart that is bent toward God’s will – a heart that wants above all else to please Him.  Then the Lord will save even those who are “not innocent,” simply because of our devotion to Him.  


 James 5:16 NLT says:  “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results.” 


 It's easy for us to doubt the truth of this verse when we have prayed and stood in faith for someone's salvation and deliverance, and have seen little to encourage us.  But God doesn't want us to depend on what we discern through our five senses.  He wants us to go deeper than that, and to firmly believe and hope in His Word.  If you have trusted Christ as your Lord and Savior, your prayers have immeasurable power.  Satan wants you to doubt that, though, because if you don't, you will persevere in prayer and eventually see the evidence of your prayer power.  One of the main reasons why we don't see a greater move of the Spirit of God in the lives of others is because most Christians lose heart and give up before they see the answers to their prayers and the fulfillment of God's promises.  I have a loved one who I have prayed for and ministered to for years, and who has persisted in unbelief and bitterness toward God and others.  Recently, I got so disgusted that I decided I would continue to pray for him, but to do no more than that.  I was astonished when shortly afterwards, he began telling me about all the wonderful Biblical teaching he was listening to and being blessed by.  These radical changes seemed to come “out of the blue”.  But the truth is that they were a direct result of the multitude of prayers I said for him, and my determination to set a Christlike example for him. 


  If there are some loved ones in your own life who you long to see saved and delivered, please know that “by the obedience of one,” many can be “made righteous”.  You can make a difference in your family, your school, and your workplace.  If you will just concentrate on serving the Lord with all your heart, and glorifying Him with your daily life, He will honor your obedience by using you in mighty ways to lead multitudes to Him! 


  Lord, I thank You for giving me the privilege and the power to touch and change lives for Your glory.  Today, I renew my commitment to love and serve You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Thank You for using me in new and exciting ways for Your glory as I walk in obedience to You!

The Determined Blind Dual

S As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him. And two blind men sitting by the road, hearing that Jesus was passing by, cried out, "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!" The crowd sternly told them to be quiet, but they cried out all the more, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!" And Jesus stopped and called them, and said, "What do you want Me to do for you?" They *said to Him, "Lord,  we want  our eyes to be opened." Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him. (Matthew 20:29-34 NASB)

 O As I am writing this I find myself in the midst of heightened allergies.  My face like a dried prune, my nose running a marathon, and my body aches. I was about to pop a pill to stop the marathon and its accompanying symptoms, but as I was finishing my reading, I passed by two blind men who had a need and wanted to do something about it. They must've heard about Jesus, who He was and what He did.  The blind men could hear the LARGE crowd get excited as Jesus grew near.  [What was the crowd  moved  by?] At the right moment, one of them began to SHOUT, "Jesus, Jesus, Son of David have mercy." Then the other followed as well.  Jesus, Jesus, Son of David, have mercy.  I could imagine the crowd looking at them in disgust.  "Who do they think they are?"  Hey you two, shut up!  Probably even pushed them aside...and threaten them.  But they [were determined and] cried, shouted, screamed, yelled even louder, moving their body and heads from left to right yelling, trying to locate Jesus by their hearing, until they got the Master's attention.  Their faith and determination moved Jesus to say, "What do you want me to do"?

 A I am glad that I passed by the two blind men today.  I've learned from them to call upon His name no matter what the crowd may say, might say, will say, and have said.  I've learned that when I have a need or a problem I must cry out and trust Him.  He is a compassionate Savior.  But most importantly, I've learned that there will be times that I will be a part of the crowd that is following Jesus, and in that crowd will be the two blind men, the woman with the issue of blood, the man whose daughter was ill and near death, the hurting, and the desitute. I must not try to quiet them down, but to help make way for them to see and meet the Master.

 P Father thank you for the lesson of my two blind friends who needed a healing and knew that You would heal them no matter what their surrounding circumstance was. Help me, when I am in the crowd to recognize and direct others to You when they are right next to me.  Help me to be patient and attentive and compassionate.  In Jesus name.  Amen.   

Giving Appropriately - Jason

Giving Appropriately

Show Me the coin used for the poll-tax." And they brought Him a denarius. And He *said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" They *said to Him, "Caesar's." Then He *said to them, "Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and to God the things that are God's." (Matthew 22:19-21 NASB)

God's response to the test question here was amazing and really strikes deeply.  We are to give God what's His, our hearts, our devotion and love.  The material things we have, it's not eternal so why store it up?  Yeah, it has worldly value and used to navigate through as sojourners but that's where it ends.  

In my devotion or giving to God, am I using worldly things?  Am I giving the world my eternal things?  Like, am I giving my spirit, my joy, my giftings to an eternal or temporal world?  I think I switch it around.  I think I give my heart to the temporal and my worldly sacrifices to God.  I need to be careful to give God what's His and the world what's theirs.

Father God, help me discern what these are.  Help me to know and guide me through these choices.  I fail so often that I become too familiar with my transgressions, may it not be that way.  I thank You for pouring life into me, help me steward that well.  Amen.

Matt 21 Jesus-Foundation - Gabe

S) Jesus *said to them, "Did you never read in the Scriptures, 

'THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED, 

THIS BECAME THE CHIEF CORNER stone; 

THIS CAME ABOUT FROM THE LORD, 

AND IT IS MARVELOUS IN OUR EYES'? Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people, producing the fruit of it. And he who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; but on whomever it falls, it will scatter him like dust." (Matthew 21:42-44 NASB)

O) Jesus quoted a scripture from Ps. 118 that was referring to "the coming King". Even though the Pharisees realized that Jesus' parable of the vineyards was about him, they still failed to realize that "the coming King" was right in front of them! This connects to "the blind leading the blind" word that Jesus spoke of several chapters prior to this time.

A cornerstone is "the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation, important since all other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure." (Wikipedia)

Jesus is the cornerstone or foundation of the new covenant and His kingdom.

A) Even as Jesus is the cornerstone, we too who are made new in Christ are living stones being shaped into His image like the other stones in masonry being structured around the first stone. Jesus is building his kingdom one stone at a time and Peter knew this as he wrote about it later on in 1 Peter 2:4-7.

We should not reject Christ as the Pharisees did even in our daily lives with the choices that we make. Jesus is still building his kingdom and if we choose to reject his promptings, we too will be considered as worthless as dust.

P) Lord, thank you for revealing the seriousness of kingdom building through this word.  Help me be a support to your kingdom by following you daily and doing what you desire.  Amen.

NEVER TO BUSY - Shon

"When Jesus heard them, he stopped and called, "What do you want me to do for you?" (Matthew 20:32)

Question: Why would God care about us? I don't know, but I know that he does. If it concerns us, it concerns Him. If it is a burden to us, then it is a burden to Him that He wants to deal with and resolve. We see in the life of Jesus, on His way to Jerusalem to die on the cross. His heart heavy, knowing that the end was near. Yet, He went out of His way and took time for two blind men who had a great need. These two men cried out to Jesus, "have mercy on us." and people tried to quiet them. This made them more determined to get His attention. So Jesus stopped and said, "what do you want me to do for you?"

They told Him, "Lord we want to see!" And Jesus with great compassion touched their eyes, and immediately they could see.

These two men disabled with their vision, and here I am able to see and not cry out like them is a reminder of how blessed I am. Sometime I take advantage of my blessings, and not seek the one who blesses(pride). I am also reminded that God is never to busy for me. I may think that God has so much going on, and He does. But I am his child, his son and He always has time for me and hearing my prayers.

Lord God, thank You for Your compassion. Have mercy on me Father! Allow me to see the things that You want me to see, and to see it with great compassion. I thank You for always making time for me. Bless my family, friends and my church Ohana. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

Comparing Gifts - Jason

When those hired first came, they thought that they would receive more; but each of them also received a denarius. When they received it, they grumbled at the landowner, saying, 'These last men have worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the scorching heat of the day.' (Matthew 20:10-12 NASB)

If those hired first didn't know others were being paid the same for working less, there wouldn't be grumbling amongst them.  They would think all is fair and nothing needs to be said.  But once they saw this they felt underpaid and devalued.  They rationalized that they worked more so they should be paid accordingly.  But that wasn't the agreement.  The agreement was a denarius for a day's labor.

This passage reminds me of David taking the 600 into battle.  200 of them could not go any further and stayed back to watch camp while the remaining 400 went into battle.  When the 400 returned victorious, they didn't want to share in the spoil because they didn't go with them.  And David's response was that they should receive their share of the spoil too.  That's what is right.  It didn't matter how far they went, the time spent on specific tasks or even the details on what they did.  It was doing the best they could at what they were asked.

I can easily be disgruntled by comparing what the next person has.  I could go through life so content and happy that I have this or that but as soon as something else catches my eye that satisfaction dwindles.  I want to keep up with the Jones'.  I want a better, shinier car because someone down the street got one.  I want a faster, flashier computer because a friend has one.  I want a fatter bank account because a relative just got a promotion.  Everything I had quickly becomes unsatisfactory because of greed and self-entitlement... all because I compared my gifts to another.

I really need to focus on my heart and the gifts of God.  It doesn't matter how God chooses to present gifts to His children, it's the equal gift of His love that matters.

Father God, thank You for pouring so much love, peace and joy into our lives.  I'm constantly amazed by Your delicate dealings with each of us yet never waiver in teachings and correction.  Lord, I pray for a humble heart.  Transform my mind so I'm always focused on You and You alone instead of the distractions of this world.  Only then will I be truly content and satisfied.  In Your Son's precious name I pray, amen.

Rebelliousness Stunts Growth - Jason

Many times He would deliver them;
They, however, were rebellious in their counsel, And so sank down in their iniquity.

Nevertheless He looked upon their distress
When He heard their cry;

And He remembered His covenant for their sake, And relented according to the greatness of His lovingkindness.

(Psalm 106:43-45 NASB)

This psalm reflects on the repeated cycles of Israel's rebelliousness and the Lord's deliverances. They quickly forgot the miracles done in Egypt and rebelled by the Red Sea. They made a calf and worshiped this molten image. They even grumbled and despised the pleasant land. But what did God do? He showed compassion and His lovingkindness shone through. He had every right to cast judgment and punish His people but there was still a plan in place and His will, not our imperfections, will be done.

This passage reminds me of how easily I'm swayed by the currents of the sea. When one gust of wind hits me, I'm pushed one way then a crash of another wave pushes me another way. And with each force I get discouraged, wanting to call it quits or change my course. These distractions are stealing my attention away from God's purpose and making me focus on me, myself and I. Yes, God's lovingkindness is always present in my life but constantly losing focus or forgetting Him and His great works causes me to walk in circles instead of moving forward.

My life is full of tasks. I'm constantly doing things and I fool myself in thinking by keeping busy, in Jesus' name, will keep me in God's path. But like Mary & Martha, it's not about being busy all the time. It's about choosing what is better and we need to sit at the cross, spending time with Jesus. Enjoying His compassion and shelter is great but we also need to remember the amazing works & great things our Father has done.

All praise and glory to You, my Amazing King. Thank You for Your love and compassion, we would be nothing without it. Lord God, thank You for all You've done. Help me to remember You in all Your mighty works so that I won't fall away into rebellion and alter the path You've set me on. In the greatness of our King Jesus I pray, amen.

Recipe for disastrous, spiritual leadership - Rod

Matt. 15:8  “ ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.  9  They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.’”

O

The Pharisees break and nullify the Word of God by their traditions.  They honor Jesus with their lips and their hearts far from Him.  Their teachings are rules taught by men.  The disciples told Jesus that He had offended the Pharisees.  I bet He did, with those strong, truthful, uncompromising and bold words of rebuke.

Matthew writes a contrasting scenario of a Gentile woman who is eager for Jesus to heal her demon possessed daughter.  Her faith to believe, willing to be as a “dog who eats the crumbs from the Masters table.”  This illustrates her as an outcast, second class person who is eager to receive, believing the Master.

Empty Heart, Vain Worship, Christ-less teaching:  That’s a recipe for disastrous, spiritual leadership.

A

A heart that is filled with love for Jesus, humility and brokenness, an eagerness for repentance, fervor for His Word, that speaks life filled, truthful words.

Worship that is sincere, transparent, selfless and Jesus adoring.

Teaching that is truthful, Biblical, full of love and the led by the Holy Spirit, Christ pleasing (not man centered).

These are the ingredients of the kind of heart I want to have and cultivate as a spiritual leader!

P

Dear Spirit of God!  You are alive in me!  Your Living Word is present in my heart, upon my lips.  I desire to worship You Jesus, with purity, in truth with a fervent, selfless love!  Convict Me.  Change Me.  To be and live like You - for Your purposes and honor!  My spirit is willing but my flesh is stinkin’ weak!

Sifted Ch. 2 - Identifying the 2 Greatest days of your life

My thoughts from this chapter:


When I’m tempted to compare myself (or my ministry) with another leader (or ministry), the temptation often looks like this: 


This question of comparison really boils down to what we believe about success. Does our idea of success relate to faithfulness, or is our notion of success more about influence? Or is it about something else entirely? The answer is found in the Word of God. How does God determine our success? And how do we learn to serve him in a way that avoids the trap of constant comparison with others?

Cordeiro, Wayne (2012-04-16). Sifted: Pursuing Growth through Trials, Challenges, and Disappointments (Kindle Locations 592-598). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. 



Discuss these questions:


1.  My greatest strengths in ministry are: 

2.  My greatest areas of weakness in ministry are:

Cordeiro, Wayne (2012-04-16). Sifted: Pursuing Growth through Trials, Challenges, and Disappointments (Kindle Locations 642-646). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. 

I tell people that the two greatest days in your life are the day you were born and the day you discovered what you were born for.

Cordeiro, Wayne (2012-04-16). Sifted: Pursuing Growth through Trials, Challenges, and Disappointments (Kindle Locations 660-661). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. 

Matt 18 - Bruddah Shon

"Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin! Such things must come, but woe to the man through whom they come." (Matthew 18:7)

Sometime I find/see other people who want to undermine the faith of a Christian. Believers, unbelievers and even young ones. God takes this very seriously. Jesus said in verse 6, "that for anyone who would go out of their way to try to hurt someone in their spiritual life or to challenge it or destroy it, it would be better if a millstone were tied around their neck and they were drowned in the depths of the sea."

Here is what I need to remember: I am being watched by the younger generation, believers and non-believers everyday. I should live in a way that others could see and find something in my life worth imitating. Imagine if all churches was like me? In a sense, it is...because it is made up of people like you and me. And everyone of us either contributes to its strength and growth, or we contribute to its weaknesses and decline. It is not an issue of I am or you are an example, because everyone is example. The only question is, are you a good one or a bad one?

Father, I come into your presence oh Holy God. Knowing that I am being watched by so many, and even you! I pray to be an example in what I say, the way I live, in love, faith and purity. In Your most precious Name, Amen.

Bible Interpretation

2 Sam 1 - Gabe

S) Then David said to him, "How is it you were not afraid to stretch out your hand to destroy the LORD'S anointed?" And David called one of the young men and said, "Go, cut him down." So he struck him and he died. David said to him, "Your blood is on your head, for your mouth has testified against you, saying, 'I have killed the LORD'S anointed.'" (2 Samuel 1:14-16 NASB)

O) At this time, there was a transition in leadership in Israel.  King Saul was killed while David was on the run but after endless times of persecution, God finally vindicated David.  At the same time however, David realized the importance of the Lord's anointed.  He believed that whoever God chose despite their character was still to be revered and when a young man gave the report to him about assisting in killing Saul, David knew that the young man lacked reverence and was to be killed for that.

A) God's choice and my choice are many times different from each other.  It doesn't matter who God chooses to lead, they are to be acknowledged as God's chosen.  There have been many times in my life when I despised certain leaders because I disagreed with their decisions or I couldn't understand what they were doing in a certain season but I am reminded here that whoever God chooses for leadership is chosen for a reason.  I must respect the decisions of God.

P) Lord, thank you for the reminder that what you choose is good and for your glory.  Help me to not worry about your decisions but to trust you and to support the leaders in my life.  Even though there are times that I cannot understand your decision, I know that there is a plan behind it.  Please help me to trust your decisions.  Amen.

Matt 12 - Gabe

s) But I say to you that something greater than the temple is here. But if you had known what this means, 'I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT A SACRIFICE,' you would not have condemned the innocent. (Matthew 12:6, 7 NASB)

O) Jesus was trying to show what was most important by quoting scripture to some Pharisees concerning the Sabbath.  They were focused on the Law but Jesus was drawing their attention to his authority.  At the time, it was only black and white in regards to following the Law but with Jesus, doing everything to the T was no longer required.  Jesus is trying to tell the Pharisees that what was greater than the temple was him.

A) Sometimes I find myself condemning those who don't do what I think they should.  It is easy to point a finger and blame others for not following "the word of God" but as I point one finger to another, there are three other fingers pointing at myself.  I need to be careful not to cast judgement and at the same time, I need to realize here that Jesus wants me to be compassionate toward others.

I've been in Japan now for almost two years and I have really lost compassion for people here because I focus too much on what I think they should do instead of remembering that they don't know any better.  This might not be in alignment fully with this passage of scripture but I know that's what God wants of me.  I need to stop condemning both those who are lost and those who follow Christ regardless of where they are in their walk.

P) Lord, thank you for reminding me of how you desire compassion more than sacrifice.  Help me to value this as you do and help me to see others the way you see them.  Amen.

Sifted chapter 1 Discussion highlights

Quotes from Intro and Ch. 1


When God begins a season of sifting in your life, the first thing that will be tested is the ballast of your life, which is your heart. It’s the weight beneath the waterline. You can’t see it, but any refining of your heart will affect everything else you do. The heart is not about skill, gifting, or even calling. It’s deeper still. It’s the epicenter, the core of everything.

Most of the growth and refinement that comes from the sifting process begins when you accept that you are exactly where God wants you to be, at least for the time being. The key is that we learn not to fight against the sifting, not to fight against what God is doing in our lives, and learn to acknowledge that he is ultimately in control of the process.

Our encouragement is that, rather than fighting this season of sifting, you learn the language of God, that you cooperate with what he is doing. Keep pressing the weight you are holding even though you may feel like quitting. God has promised to give you just enough assistance to lift the weight while still building the necessary depth of character and strength that he intends to develop in you. God will do something through you when you first allow him to do something in you. 

Focusing my attention on the cross, I was reminded that Jesus didn’t overcome the power of evil and sin by unleashing a legion of angels in righteous judgment. He was victorious through his willingness to suffer humiliation and die.

Discussion:  It's intriguing.  Jesus death - destroyed the enemy.  It was death, that brought us life!


An application:  When we “DIE” taking up our cross, dying daily, in the midst of controversy, hardships… we destroy the works of the enemy of gossip, arguments, jealousy, strife, pride, lusts…any and every opposing work of evil… 


Heb. 2:14   Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, *esv

17 For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.  18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.  NIV

A measure of my faith - Joe

 S - Matthew 17:19-21 (NASB)

19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not drive it out?” 20 And He *said to them, “Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you. 21[But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”

O -   Jesus says this statement of qualification of faith after the man brings his son who has a demon in him to Jesus.  The disciples earlier were not able to drive out the demon themselves.   Jesus seemingly rebukes all the people for their lack of faith, but later gets a chance to teach his disciples.  I appreciate the clarity Jesus brings that our faith is something to be measured and expanded all the days of our lives.  Like many things as a Christian we will fall short of Jesus but we are to reach for the standard he has set for us. If press in, we are guaranteed to be growing in our faith all the days of our lives.

A -  In this season I feel my faith being challenged.    I feel somewhat like the how I imagine the disciples must have felt when they went out on for ministry on their own.   They went out practicing all that Jesus had taught them and they likely had both successes and failures.   Their failures may have been disheartening, but ultimately was connected to their complete understanding of who Jesus is, and what the capability of our God is.   In this season I must continue to press in and expand my faith and understanding of who Jesus is, and how much He alone is whom I place my trust and confidence.

P - Dear heavenly Father, I come with humble heart to your throne of grace, and pray that you would help me grow and strengthen my faith, so that I may walk a walk of faith that glorifies your name.   I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen. 

Consecrating Ourselves - Jason

and said to them, "You are the heads of the fathers'  households  of the Levites; consecrate yourselves both you and your relatives, that you may bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel to  the place  that I have prepared for it. Because you did not  carry it  at the first, the LORD our God made an outburst on us, for we did not seek Him according to the ordinance." (1 Chronicles 15:12, 13 NASB)

David's order to the priests and Levites were to "consecrate themselves" before making a second attempt at moving the ark of the LORD.  The first time resulted in God striking Uzzah dead because of his irreverence.  David accepted the correction (even though he was angry) and made sure it wouldn't happen again.

I hope my lessons don't come down as hard as this but I'm learning more and more on what it means to be "all in" or "consecrating myself" for the Lord.  The more I'm around the things of God (church, people, scripture...) it can get too familiar; it can become regular or ordinary.  The danger here is making the reverent things irreverent and that leads to death, like Uzzah.

The way we value & steward God's gifts directly reflects on our reverence for God.    Like Uzzah's treatment of the ark, I've bent a few rules, put in my agenda and even treated precious things as ordinary.  My marriage is a reflection of that.  I'm not saying that it's in total disarray but it's nowhere near where I know God wants it to be.  I've treated Michelle, my wife, my flesh, as second best.  This happened because I'm still learning what it means to be consecrated, to be set apart for God's purposes.  I cannot have a divided heart to please Him.

Father God, thank You for Your Son and the blood of Jesus.  Jesus, Thank You for washing us clean by Your amazing sacrifice.  Please help me to see Your blood on each object You've set apart for kingdom purposes so I'm reminded of its reverence.  I choose to be holy because You are Holy!  In the name of Christ Jesus I pray, amen.