There is no greater joy than to have a relationship with God. Nothing! Within that relationship, there is no greater joy than to hear God speaking with you, conversing with you, hearing His voice speak powerfully, yet personally to you.
God's voice gives faith, confidence, stillness, peace, and unspeakable joy. God's voice gives direction, affirmation, confirmation, and even impartation. God longs to speak to you and I on an ongoing, daily basis.
But there's one problem. God does not shout and scream like the world does. Responsibilities scream to hurry up and finish. Work shouts, "Come on, another day." Temptation yells from the top of its lungs to take part. Stress is like a loud clashing cymbal. People's voices are always heard. The television screams, "Don't be disciplined." The newspaper ad yells, "You must buy!" The problem is that we listen to these voices and most often follow them if we are not careful.
In 1 Kings 19:11-12, God reveals to the prophet Elijiah how He speaks. God sent wind, earthquake, and fire. These were obvious signs. No one in their right mind would miss such an obvious and spectacular experience. But God was not in them. Then God sent a still, small voice in the quiet. Hear that? QUIET. That's right. God's voice is such a joy and we need to hear Him and when He does speak to us it is powerful. The fact is though, you will never experience His voice on a consistent, powerful basis until you get with Him and get quiet.
God doesn't shout nor does He force Himself on you. He calls you and waits for you to be wise enough to be quiet, listen. He will speak, and you will be in awe.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
COMMUNITY GROUP
Our Community Group meets this Thursday, October 25, 7-8:15pm. Call the church for more info and directions.
ABOVE
This life is too short. The Bible talks about life as being a vapor, here for a little time and then vanishes (James 4:14). We are finite. I humorously, yet seriously, heard a stat one time that 10 out of 10 people die. Death is inevitable. Our lives that we enjoy and may even struggle with here on earth will one day only be a memory. The relationships you enjoy will be a memory. Your job will come to an end. We will one day breathe our last breath.
You may say, "Why in the world would you think this is encouraging news?" Well, let me ask you a question out there in cyberspace. Have you ever planned for the future? In other words, did you ever sit down with a financial advisor before to plan your life insurance, your retirement, or even your child's college tuition? How about your plan career-wise? Did you ever take time to plan out a great vacation? That included time, effort, wise financial planning, etc. The fact is, we plan for many things in life and we all have found that to plan for the future is a blessing and for our benefit!
Yet, the greatest impact on your life is not your job, your money, your vacations, your house, etc. Why? Because these things don't last forever. It all comes to an end with we face death. There's a very important principle: the bigger the impact something is, one better make an investment. If you knew of a stock that would someday make you mega-rich, wouldn't you invest in it? Well, when death comes, where are you going to spend eternity? Shouldn't eternity be the most important investment to make since it will last longer than planet earth?
It's amazing that many people, including believers in Christ, are deceived and distracted into investing more here which passes away than eternity, which has no end! Even logic would say to invest in the things that last longer and stronger!
Question: Have you trusted Jesus to save you, knowing that you can't earn salvation but must receive the free gift of eternal life through the work of the cross? If you have trusted Jesus for salvation personally, are you laboring only for here? Have you lost sight of Jesus? Are you storing up treasure here or in heaven where neither moth or rust destroy? Where's your focus? Are you making an unwise investment or an eternal, wise investment? Are you living for stuff that you can't take, or are you living for Christ and the call He has for your life?
"Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:2-3).
You may say, "Why in the world would you think this is encouraging news?" Well, let me ask you a question out there in cyberspace. Have you ever planned for the future? In other words, did you ever sit down with a financial advisor before to plan your life insurance, your retirement, or even your child's college tuition? How about your plan career-wise? Did you ever take time to plan out a great vacation? That included time, effort, wise financial planning, etc. The fact is, we plan for many things in life and we all have found that to plan for the future is a blessing and for our benefit!
Yet, the greatest impact on your life is not your job, your money, your vacations, your house, etc. Why? Because these things don't last forever. It all comes to an end with we face death. There's a very important principle: the bigger the impact something is, one better make an investment. If you knew of a stock that would someday make you mega-rich, wouldn't you invest in it? Well, when death comes, where are you going to spend eternity? Shouldn't eternity be the most important investment to make since it will last longer than planet earth?
It's amazing that many people, including believers in Christ, are deceived and distracted into investing more here which passes away than eternity, which has no end! Even logic would say to invest in the things that last longer and stronger!
Question: Have you trusted Jesus to save you, knowing that you can't earn salvation but must receive the free gift of eternal life through the work of the cross? If you have trusted Jesus for salvation personally, are you laboring only for here? Have you lost sight of Jesus? Are you storing up treasure here or in heaven where neither moth or rust destroy? Where's your focus? Are you making an unwise investment or an eternal, wise investment? Are you living for stuff that you can't take, or are you living for Christ and the call He has for your life?
"Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:2-3).
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
YOU CAN DO IT!
Jerusalem was without a temple. In 536 B.C., the Jewish exiles returned to Jerusalem under the leadership of the governor, Zerubbabel. The priority? To build the temple once again in Jerusalem. However, as soon as the Jews began building the temple, enemies against the reconstruction caused the people to become discouraged and apathetic spiritually. The Samaritans who were at odds with the Jews were able to get an order from the Persian government to halt construction of the temple.
God raised two voices during this time: the prophets Haggai and Zechariah. God encouraged and reassured Governor Zerubbabel with this word, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord (Zech. 4:6). It's a popular verse. Oh how we can apply it to our lives today! God spoke to Zerubbabel to reassure him that it wasn't his power, strength, wisdom, wealth, or creativity that would build the temple once again. It was only done through the working of the Holy Spirit. Zerubbabel must rely on the Spirit of God, not himself.
Isn't that the Christian life though? God desires that we obey Him, follow Him, resist temptation, live according to the word of God, obey the call He has for us, but not in our own flesh or striving, but by depending and resting in the Holy Spirit.
Are there people that need to be changed by God that you are praying for? Is there a task at work that is overwhelming and the deadline is soon? Are you intimidated by the call of God? Does your family need to be built up? Is there sin that must be overcome? It's not by you; it's by the Spirit of the living God! Let Him do what He is able and willing to do. Surrender, yield. Then walk in His leading and power to accompish His good purpose in you and through you.
God raised two voices during this time: the prophets Haggai and Zechariah. God encouraged and reassured Governor Zerubbabel with this word, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord (Zech. 4:6). It's a popular verse. Oh how we can apply it to our lives today! God spoke to Zerubbabel to reassure him that it wasn't his power, strength, wisdom, wealth, or creativity that would build the temple once again. It was only done through the working of the Holy Spirit. Zerubbabel must rely on the Spirit of God, not himself.
Isn't that the Christian life though? God desires that we obey Him, follow Him, resist temptation, live according to the word of God, obey the call He has for us, but not in our own flesh or striving, but by depending and resting in the Holy Spirit.
Are there people that need to be changed by God that you are praying for? Is there a task at work that is overwhelming and the deadline is soon? Are you intimidated by the call of God? Does your family need to be built up? Is there sin that must be overcome? It's not by you; it's by the Spirit of the living God! Let Him do what He is able and willing to do. Surrender, yield. Then walk in His leading and power to accompish His good purpose in you and through you.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
THE NEGATIVE AFFECT OF COMPLAINING
Can you believe that the Word of God tells us in Philippians 2:14 to do ALL things without complaining? Did you ever complain before? (If I asked you this face to face you probably would just be staring at me with no response). The fact is, there is much to complain about in life. We complain about anything that doesn't feel comfortable, something that isn't our taste or way of doing things. We complain about struggles, disappointments, and trials. We even complain when we are fully blessed. We complain about people, work, churches, pastors, weather, bad experiences on vacations, spilled milk, AND THE LIST IS ENDLESS!
God not only commands us not to complain, but actually HATES complaining. Why does the Lord actually detest a complaining spirit? He seriously dealt with the complaining Israelites. The consequence of Miriam's complaining of Moses' leadership cost her to be full of leprosy. OUTCH! You may say, "just because she complained against Moses?" Yep.
God can't stand complaining because one who complains does not represent God's nature. I've been around complainers myself and let me tell you- complainers are not the type to get close to. Complainers have a negative spirit. Complainers crucify faith and belief and exchange it for "that will never happen." Complainers are full of pride, not humilty, thinking that it's their way or no way! Complainers can't submit to authority God has placed in their lives. Complainers are focused on how things affect them, not on how things affect God's will or kingdom. Complainers can never be pleased. Complainers are not worshipers but unthankful in life. Complainers look for the wrong when there is so much right to be appreciated. Complainers are not a witness of God's holy nature. Complainers don't encourage those around them, but tear people's sprits down, being more of a burden rather than lifting the load.
The deceptive truth about complaining is that you can not complain without adding other fleshly works to the list. Complaining hurts you, your relationship with God, and your relationship with others. Clearly complaining is not the will of God for your life. It does not bless you, but causes more harm.
Are you a complainer or a praiser? Are you thankful, submissive, joyful, encouraging, full of faith? As you lay a complaining attitude down, may you surrender to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to FILL you. When you are full of the Spirit and walk in the Spirit, complaining will have no part in you.
God not only commands us not to complain, but actually HATES complaining. Why does the Lord actually detest a complaining spirit? He seriously dealt with the complaining Israelites. The consequence of Miriam's complaining of Moses' leadership cost her to be full of leprosy. OUTCH! You may say, "just because she complained against Moses?" Yep.
God can't stand complaining because one who complains does not represent God's nature. I've been around complainers myself and let me tell you- complainers are not the type to get close to. Complainers have a negative spirit. Complainers crucify faith and belief and exchange it for "that will never happen." Complainers are full of pride, not humilty, thinking that it's their way or no way! Complainers can't submit to authority God has placed in their lives. Complainers are focused on how things affect them, not on how things affect God's will or kingdom. Complainers can never be pleased. Complainers are not worshipers but unthankful in life. Complainers look for the wrong when there is so much right to be appreciated. Complainers are not a witness of God's holy nature. Complainers don't encourage those around them, but tear people's sprits down, being more of a burden rather than lifting the load.
The deceptive truth about complaining is that you can not complain without adding other fleshly works to the list. Complaining hurts you, your relationship with God, and your relationship with others. Clearly complaining is not the will of God for your life. It does not bless you, but causes more harm.
Are you a complainer or a praiser? Are you thankful, submissive, joyful, encouraging, full of faith? As you lay a complaining attitude down, may you surrender to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to FILL you. When you are full of the Spirit and walk in the Spirit, complaining will have no part in you.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
DESTROY!
"For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil" (1 John 3:8).
We know all too well the destructive power of the devil. Scripture refers to him as an angel of light who deceives, a liar, deceiver, a lion seeking someone to devour, a thief, a murderer, and the list continues. His nature is to strip people of innocence, freedom, joy, strength, faith. He then moves in and wounds us with weapons such as crime, fear, doubt, addictions, broken homes, separated relationships, wrecked finances. He then leaves us for dead, powerless, hopeless, unable to cope or even survive life. Perhaps this sounds like you. At least you have seen this society and know what I'm talking about. The devil seeks to destroy people and the will of God, longing to rip His glory that alone belongs to God.
The good news is that Jesus, the Son of God, was manifested about 2,000 years ago. His purpose? To destroy the works of the devil's destructive affects. The Greek word for "destroy" in 1 John 3:8 is the word luo. This word refers to the act of untying or unloosing something. Actually, this word was used in Luke 3:16 when John the Baptist talked about Jesus as One whose shoes he was not worthy to unloose.
The purpose of Jesus coming to earth was to die for the sins of mankind, thus, destroying, or unraveling the bondage, or hold the devil has on humanity. Our liberty and freedom was purchased with the precious blood of Christ on the cross.
The question today is, "Do you feel bound, tied down, unable to be free?" What are you experiencing that is destroying you? Alcohol? Pride? Fear? Anxiety? Guilt? Lust? Materialism? Whatever it is, God desires that you know the freedom, the unloosing of your bondage through the power of the cross. Jesus came to destroy or unloose Satan's hold on your life, your soul, your relationships, your finances, etc. By faith, know and rely on the truth that in Christ, the devil's works are destroyed, have no hold on you. You are an overcomer!
We know all too well the destructive power of the devil. Scripture refers to him as an angel of light who deceives, a liar, deceiver, a lion seeking someone to devour, a thief, a murderer, and the list continues. His nature is to strip people of innocence, freedom, joy, strength, faith. He then moves in and wounds us with weapons such as crime, fear, doubt, addictions, broken homes, separated relationships, wrecked finances. He then leaves us for dead, powerless, hopeless, unable to cope or even survive life. Perhaps this sounds like you. At least you have seen this society and know what I'm talking about. The devil seeks to destroy people and the will of God, longing to rip His glory that alone belongs to God.
The good news is that Jesus, the Son of God, was manifested about 2,000 years ago. His purpose? To destroy the works of the devil's destructive affects. The Greek word for "destroy" in 1 John 3:8 is the word luo. This word refers to the act of untying or unloosing something. Actually, this word was used in Luke 3:16 when John the Baptist talked about Jesus as One whose shoes he was not worthy to unloose.
The purpose of Jesus coming to earth was to die for the sins of mankind, thus, destroying, or unraveling the bondage, or hold the devil has on humanity. Our liberty and freedom was purchased with the precious blood of Christ on the cross.
The question today is, "Do you feel bound, tied down, unable to be free?" What are you experiencing that is destroying you? Alcohol? Pride? Fear? Anxiety? Guilt? Lust? Materialism? Whatever it is, God desires that you know the freedom, the unloosing of your bondage through the power of the cross. Jesus came to destroy or unloose Satan's hold on your life, your soul, your relationships, your finances, etc. By faith, know and rely on the truth that in Christ, the devil's works are destroyed, have no hold on you. You are an overcomer!
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