It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. – Galatians 5:1
Why hasn’t anyone told Christians this? Why do we continually live in bondage to tradition, rules, performance, (modern-day)Pharisees, and sin?
One of the major shifts in my paradigm of religion in the last few years has to deal with freedom.
Paul says later in the chapter;
So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. - Galatians 5:16-18
Why do we continue to live under the law then? Is it that we aren’t living in the Spirit, we default to living under the law? Do we even know how to live in the Spirit?
Well, there are fruits….and they are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control….he says against these things there is no law. So, if we find ourselves doing things for these reasons, and with these as our motives….we need not be bound by any law.
Now…..Legalists – by definition are those who are bound to the LETTER of the LAW and not the INTENT. You’ll find these buttholes in churches everywhere. They are modern-day Pharisees. They outwardly live a life of piousness….then beat you up for your lack of it. They memorize scripture constantly but don’t do any of it. They will wear their religiousness on their sleeve and challenge your theology (even your freedom in Christ) and call you “luke-warm”. Maybe they should memorize the following.
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. - Galatians 5:25-26
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Slave to Son to Slave? - Galatians 4
But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir. - Galatians 4:4-7
Slave to Son to Slave?
I’ve always wondered about the attraction to turn back. It’s modeled perfectly when Moses was leading the Israelites out of Egypt (after the plagues) ….crossed the Red Sea (no small miracle) and provided manna daily for nutrition….The Israelites wanted to turn back, to go back to Pharaoh and become slaves again. I guess it was because, slavery was what they knew, it was their comfort.
You always hear about women who are abused by their husbands, but they won’t leave them. I never have understood this either.
I guess we have a little of this in us as well. After having been saved by grace, and delivered FROM sin, we return to the same SIN….time and again. Or maybe it’s just me.
Slave to Son to Slave?
I’ve always wondered about the attraction to turn back. It’s modeled perfectly when Moses was leading the Israelites out of Egypt (after the plagues) ….crossed the Red Sea (no small miracle) and provided manna daily for nutrition….The Israelites wanted to turn back, to go back to Pharaoh and become slaves again. I guess it was because, slavery was what they knew, it was their comfort.
You always hear about women who are abused by their husbands, but they won’t leave them. I never have understood this either.
I guess we have a little of this in us as well. After having been saved by grace, and delivered FROM sin, we return to the same SIN….time and again. Or maybe it’s just me.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Rescue for Sinners – Galatians 3
Rescue for Sinners – Galatians 3
For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. Galatians 3:21
The law can’t give life.
I read….If God have give the law power to activate divine life in man…then the righteous character of God could have been derived out of legal performance of the law.
It goes on to say that….But this is IMPOSSIBLE because God’s life and righteousness can only be derived out of Himself by the dynamic of His Grace.
The law put man under a curse…..Jesus justifies us.
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse (detested, loathed, a person assigned to damnation) for us….Galatians 3:13
The song Jesus Messiah comes to mind…and that line from it;
“He became sin, who knew no sin…That we might become His Righteousness”.
Last thought that occurred to me….was now Jesus, who sits at the right hand of the Father in heaven is our advocate….the same guy who became sin, became the curse, took all of our ugliness past present and future on Himself at the cross…. He knows us and our failures intimately….yet He loves us…and is speaking to the Father on our behalf.
Jesus Messiah ….the name above all names! Blessed Redeemer, Emmanuel. The rescue for sinners, Ransom from Heaven. Amen
For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. Galatians 3:21
The law can’t give life.
I read….If God have give the law power to activate divine life in man…then the righteous character of God could have been derived out of legal performance of the law.
It goes on to say that….But this is IMPOSSIBLE because God’s life and righteousness can only be derived out of Himself by the dynamic of His Grace.
The law put man under a curse…..Jesus justifies us.
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse (detested, loathed, a person assigned to damnation) for us….Galatians 3:13
The song Jesus Messiah comes to mind…and that line from it;
“He became sin, who knew no sin…That we might become His Righteousness”.
Last thought that occurred to me….was now Jesus, who sits at the right hand of the Father in heaven is our advocate….the same guy who became sin, became the curse, took all of our ugliness past present and future on Himself at the cross…. He knows us and our failures intimately….yet He loves us…and is speaking to the Father on our behalf.
Jesus Messiah ….the name above all names! Blessed Redeemer, Emmanuel. The rescue for sinners, Ransom from Heaven. Amen
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Spiritual Snobbery - Galatians 2
….if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!" Galatians 2:21
Great stuff this morning….had many things I thought AHA! I’ll write on that….but the key point in my opinion of the chapter was this last line.
The hypocracy that Paul called Peter out on was that, (keep in mind we are talking about ALL Christians now) Peter was dining and hanging out with Gentile Christians and being buddies with them….until the RELIGIOUS (Jew) Christians came to town. Then he would literally turn his back on his Gentile brothers.
What Peter was doing by his actions was saying that the Gentile brothers were inferior to the Jews because their were certain laws that Jews still observed as customs including circumcision, ceremonial washings etc….and Peter was giving credence to them.
It’s good to know this is still alive and well in the church today isn’t it. HA! At Restore Community this week, one of the ladies was weeping….because she had spent years in the church…and all she felt was guilt and embarrassment for never measuring up….attaining the level of biblical knowledge everyone else in the “Beth Moore Study” had…..and in her case, it didn’t have to overt “piousness”….but there was just a sense of NOT GOOD ENOUGH.....so she never spoke.
Paul is saying….none of us are good enough, we are ONLY justified through the body and blood of Christ. And if we put credence in things WE can do…..Jesus died for nothing.
Great stuff this morning….had many things I thought AHA! I’ll write on that….but the key point in my opinion of the chapter was this last line.
The hypocracy that Paul called Peter out on was that, (keep in mind we are talking about ALL Christians now) Peter was dining and hanging out with Gentile Christians and being buddies with them….until the RELIGIOUS (Jew) Christians came to town. Then he would literally turn his back on his Gentile brothers.
What Peter was doing by his actions was saying that the Gentile brothers were inferior to the Jews because their were certain laws that Jews still observed as customs including circumcision, ceremonial washings etc….and Peter was giving credence to them.
It’s good to know this is still alive and well in the church today isn’t it. HA! At Restore Community this week, one of the ladies was weeping….because she had spent years in the church…and all she felt was guilt and embarrassment for never measuring up….attaining the level of biblical knowledge everyone else in the “Beth Moore Study” had…..and in her case, it didn’t have to overt “piousness”….but there was just a sense of NOT GOOD ENOUGH.....so she never spoke.
Paul is saying….none of us are good enough, we are ONLY justified through the body and blood of Christ. And if we put credence in things WE can do…..Jesus died for nothing.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Who are we pleasing? - Galatians 1
I chose the book of Galatians to start. I wanted to jump right into Paul's letters.
Galatians 1
One thing I noticed about Paul's letter to the Church at Galatia, was that he felt that an "autobiography" of sorts was in order. He greets, rebukes, and then basically gives a testimony as to the authority he writes with.
As we live our lives on mission, the cool part about what we are asking people to do, is love your neighbors as commanded by Christ. In John 13, Jesus says that" people will know we are HIs disciples by our love for one another". But people want to know your life and what you are about before they are willing to honestly be open about "spiritual" things.
Am 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. – Galatians 1:10
We can’t expect to speak into someone’s life the moment we meet someone. People want to know your “deed matches your creed”. For what ever reason, people have a distrust of 'religious' things. Whether they have been burned in the past, bored in the past or have little to no faith backgrounds.....people have their reasons, and most of them are pretty good. When people tell me....."and thats why I haven't been back to church"....honestly, I can't blame them. So keep that in mind as we share our lives and our stories. Don't be offended if people aren't as excited about your life as you are.
As you guys probably know, Paul (then Saul) was a persecutor of the earliest Christians. He stood and gave approval as the first Christian martyr (Stephen) was stoned to death. He was a Pharisee...also the son of a Pharisee. These men were the most educated, religious, pious Jews of their day. They also were known to be very "works-centric" and self-centric. So as we will learn about Paul's conversion, Christ changed him from the inside out, starting with his heart and even changed his name. We will see Paul humbly yet full of conviction, rebuke churches, but also refer to himself as a "slave" or a bond servant. He also recognizes God's "call"...and introduce God's "elect" (those called by God).
I am seriously excited for you guys as men, to desire to walk through the bible with me. I would ask that you hold me accountable, read for yourselves, form your own ideas and bring them to the table. Even if this is a totally NEW concept to you….it’s okay.
I use commentaries…..all the time. You can google....Galatians Commentary…and find hundreds of documents from different writers. Also another tool that takes more getting use to....is the translator at Biblios. It breaks verses down by word in the Greek (New Testament) and Hebrew (Old Testament).
Today as you read, if you want to add anything….just reply all…and put it out there. It doesn't have to be ultra deep...it might just be a question, or a realization.
Sorry, today's post was a little nuts and bolts...NOW JUMP IN!
Galatians 1
One thing I noticed about Paul's letter to the Church at Galatia, was that he felt that an "autobiography" of sorts was in order. He greets, rebukes, and then basically gives a testimony as to the authority he writes with.
As we live our lives on mission, the cool part about what we are asking people to do, is love your neighbors as commanded by Christ. In John 13, Jesus says that" people will know we are HIs disciples by our love for one another". But people want to know your life and what you are about before they are willing to honestly be open about "spiritual" things.
Am 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. – Galatians 1:10
We can’t expect to speak into someone’s life the moment we meet someone. People want to know your “deed matches your creed”. For what ever reason, people have a distrust of 'religious' things. Whether they have been burned in the past, bored in the past or have little to no faith backgrounds.....people have their reasons, and most of them are pretty good. When people tell me....."and thats why I haven't been back to church"....honestly, I can't blame them. So keep that in mind as we share our lives and our stories. Don't be offended if people aren't as excited about your life as you are.
As you guys probably know, Paul (then Saul) was a persecutor of the earliest Christians. He stood and gave approval as the first Christian martyr (Stephen) was stoned to death. He was a Pharisee...also the son of a Pharisee. These men were the most educated, religious, pious Jews of their day. They also were known to be very "works-centric" and self-centric. So as we will learn about Paul's conversion, Christ changed him from the inside out, starting with his heart and even changed his name. We will see Paul humbly yet full of conviction, rebuke churches, but also refer to himself as a "slave" or a bond servant. He also recognizes God's "call"...and introduce God's "elect" (those called by God).
I am seriously excited for you guys as men, to desire to walk through the bible with me. I would ask that you hold me accountable, read for yourselves, form your own ideas and bring them to the table. Even if this is a totally NEW concept to you….it’s okay.
I use commentaries…..all the time. You can google....Galatians Commentary…and find hundreds of documents from different writers. Also another tool that takes more getting use to....is the translator at Biblios. It breaks verses down by word in the Greek (New Testament) and Hebrew (Old Testament).
Today as you read, if you want to add anything….just reply all…and put it out there. It doesn't have to be ultra deep...it might just be a question, or a realization.
Sorry, today's post was a little nuts and bolts...NOW JUMP IN!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Hearers vs. Listeners
Last night Jenny and I prayed together.
Profound huh? Well....we hadn't prayed together in months. How can this be? You are a pastor and you are suppose to do this. Well, for me this comes hard. Even though I do this every week in front of hundreds of people I love and consider family, this is such an intimate time between me and God, I would rather not share it. Selfish
We thanked God for our friends, the influence he has given us in our neighborhood, among our neighbors. We prayed for all of you...and for them. We thanked Him for entrusting us with the Gospel (the Good News) for those who don't know Him yet...and to make us diligent in sharing it. We prayed for a renewed vigor for His word and we prayed for our kids.
That was pretty much it.
Yesterday Brandon talked about while he was teaching at ANC, the closeness he felt to God when he studied God's word for two years with a handful of guys. I was fortunate enough to be one of those guys and we did.....for two years pour through God's word, devouring it like it was our sustenance.....and I loved it. But we took a break, then other things crept into my life...and I lost that discipline that I loved so much. So this morning, with no plan...I looked into Proverbs 19.
Proverbs 19:27 Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.
How easy was that.....Solomon knew this...and recorded it in Proverbs. Stop listening.....not just reading or hearing but listening to instruction (i.e. God's blueprint, his word to us, his bible) and you will stray from from the words of knowledge. Not because I don't believe them....but because they aren't on my heart and on my mind.
James 1:22 some translations say - We are to be doers of the word, not merely hearers.
I would venture to guess that in order to be DOERS....we can't merely be hearers but LISTENERS too.
I think about my son....I love him to death....but I can tell him something very important to me...and he hears me, but he isn't always listening to me. So he will either not do what I have asked him to do, or he asks me to instruct him on something I've already instructed him on. Maybe this is how God feels about us...when we hear but we don't listen.
God thanks for your word to us. Let us be not only hearers, but doers of it. Make your word come alive to me and let me run to it in the morning instead of Facebook.
You can hear yesterdays sermon here. SERMON
Profound huh? Well....we hadn't prayed together in months. How can this be? You are a pastor and you are suppose to do this. Well, for me this comes hard. Even though I do this every week in front of hundreds of people I love and consider family, this is such an intimate time between me and God, I would rather not share it. Selfish
We thanked God for our friends, the influence he has given us in our neighborhood, among our neighbors. We prayed for all of you...and for them. We thanked Him for entrusting us with the Gospel (the Good News) for those who don't know Him yet...and to make us diligent in sharing it. We prayed for a renewed vigor for His word and we prayed for our kids.
That was pretty much it.
Yesterday Brandon talked about while he was teaching at ANC, the closeness he felt to God when he studied God's word for two years with a handful of guys. I was fortunate enough to be one of those guys and we did.....for two years pour through God's word, devouring it like it was our sustenance.....and I loved it. But we took a break, then other things crept into my life...and I lost that discipline that I loved so much. So this morning, with no plan...I looked into Proverbs 19.
Proverbs 19:27 Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.
How easy was that.....Solomon knew this...and recorded it in Proverbs. Stop listening.....not just reading or hearing but listening to instruction (i.e. God's blueprint, his word to us, his bible) and you will stray from from the words of knowledge. Not because I don't believe them....but because they aren't on my heart and on my mind.
James 1:22 some translations say - We are to be doers of the word, not merely hearers.
I would venture to guess that in order to be DOERS....we can't merely be hearers but LISTENERS too.
I think about my son....I love him to death....but I can tell him something very important to me...and he hears me, but he isn't always listening to me. So he will either not do what I have asked him to do, or he asks me to instruct him on something I've already instructed him on. Maybe this is how God feels about us...when we hear but we don't listen.
God thanks for your word to us. Let us be not only hearers, but doers of it. Make your word come alive to me and let me run to it in the morning instead of Facebook.
You can hear yesterdays sermon here. SERMON
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Lord, let me walk like ELI.
I went to see "The Book of Eli" last night. WARNING: if you have not seen the movie...then you may not want to read any more.
This moving starring Denzel Washington was a great movie. I must say that the premise was a post-apocalyptic account of a man who was guided by God to a place where he found the last remaining bible. He unearthed the bible hidden by debris and was told (by God) to take it west. Not knowing any more than that....he headed west....walking. He walked for 30 years, across the United States...not being deterred by anyone or anything that stood in his way. He read God's word EVERY DAY....placing it in his heart.
He was confronted by vandals, vagrants, murderers, a comfortable life, sex, money, water (of which there was little supply).
One of the key lines in the movie when he was talking to the young girl who fled with him....when she asked about the "old times" or pre-apocalypse....he said;
we had way too much, people used to throw away things we now kill each other for(this may not be an exact quote...but its close)
As he fought off and killed those that would cause him harm, or keep him from what God called him to...he used uncanny skill in battle, and had unnatural ability to avert harm. He did however (eventually) forfeit the braille bible.
It wasn't until he reached the west coast of California...San Fransisco that we find out that he is blind and that he had walked for 30 years, fought and killed the bad guys and was directed only by his FAITH.
He then met up with a man that he completely orated the entire New King James Bible...which he had memorized.
The journey of Eli was so inspiring.....I was convicted that I live too much by sight... and not enough by faith. I was reminded that when faith is all that you have.....it is sufficient.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Well.....I did what I said I would NEVER do
This past Sunday I was given the opportunity to teach at ANC...and after only 2 years, I did it.
I was asked yesterday if there was anything different about studying God's word to preach vs. studying God's word for just me. I really think there is...
Obviously, when studying God's word for personal intake, you want God to speak to you through His word, but if He doesn't, or you are distracted, there is always tomorrow. No immediacy.
When I studied God's word in order to teach it, there was a weight to it that I had NEVER experienced before. There was a sense of expectancy that I had...for God to show me something, then allow me to directly relate it to my life so that I could communicate that.....as me.
This is another thing, when listening to guys sermons online....I have always thought...if I preach, I hope I sound like or can communicate with this guys passion. Well...I don't think I taught like anyone....I think it sounded a lot like me.
All that to say, I have a newfound respect for those that "Handle the Word" weekly, in order to teach. I enjoyed it, but my schedule doesn't have that much time to pull it together.
Click Here to Listen
I was asked yesterday if there was anything different about studying God's word to preach vs. studying God's word for just me. I really think there is...
Obviously, when studying God's word for personal intake, you want God to speak to you through His word, but if He doesn't, or you are distracted, there is always tomorrow. No immediacy.
When I studied God's word in order to teach it, there was a weight to it that I had NEVER experienced before. There was a sense of expectancy that I had...for God to show me something, then allow me to directly relate it to my life so that I could communicate that.....as me.
This is another thing, when listening to guys sermons online....I have always thought...if I preach, I hope I sound like or can communicate with this guys passion. Well...I don't think I taught like anyone....I think it sounded a lot like me.
All that to say, I have a newfound respect for those that "Handle the Word" weekly, in order to teach. I enjoyed it, but my schedule doesn't have that much time to pull it together.
Click Here to Listen
Monday, September 14, 2009
Proverbs 1 - True Wisdom
"Organized religion is a sham and a crutch for weak-minded people who need strength in numbers." – Jesse Venture, former Minnesota Governor and professional wrestler.
In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises. He boasts of the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD. In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God." (Psalms 10:2-4 NIV)
Today Proverbs 1:22 "How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?
This Proverbs is speaking to those who are obstinate in their foolishness masking as wisdom. We know that the foolishness of God is wiser than the wisdom of man
This ties in so well with the posture we like to talk about….and Brandon spoke on last night. I really do think that if we are willing to come to God, whether believer or not…and say, I’m not so sure about this but would you teach me…I think that in His mercy, God will reveal himself. As a Christ Follower, I am constantly reminded of my deficiencies in knowledge of Him…and I love him, and study his word, and strive to know him.
I think of those who know (or kinda know) religion and cast all its negativity on God. Who claim they know Him, when all they know is ritualistic traditions and “the motions” of religion. I pray that as believers, we can invite people to search the depths of God and not just scratch the surface of our churches.
In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises. He boasts of the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD. In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God." (Psalms 10:2-4 NIV)
Today Proverbs 1:22 "How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?
This Proverbs is speaking to those who are obstinate in their foolishness masking as wisdom. We know that the foolishness of God is wiser than the wisdom of man
This ties in so well with the posture we like to talk about….and Brandon spoke on last night. I really do think that if we are willing to come to God, whether believer or not…and say, I’m not so sure about this but would you teach me…I think that in His mercy, God will reveal himself. As a Christ Follower, I am constantly reminded of my deficiencies in knowledge of Him…and I love him, and study his word, and strive to know him.
I think of those who know (or kinda know) religion and cast all its negativity on God. Who claim they know Him, when all they know is ritualistic traditions and “the motions” of religion. I pray that as believers, we can invite people to search the depths of God and not just scratch the surface of our churches.
Friday, September 04, 2009
Psalm 98 – Let’s join the praise
Psalm 98 – Let’s join the praise
This morning….I just want to join the seas resounding, the rivers clapping and mountains singing. I know this from Luke 19:40…”if we remain silent, the rocks will cry out!”
What a great reminder of God majesty and dominion over the earth. As we sit Sunday…and hear the music being played…and hear, read or even sing the songs being sung, are we joining the rest of creation in it’s worship of its Creator or are we going through the motions?
This morning….I just want to join the seas resounding, the rivers clapping and mountains singing. I know this from Luke 19:40…”if we remain silent, the rocks will cry out!”
What a great reminder of God majesty and dominion over the earth. As we sit Sunday…and hear the music being played…and hear, read or even sing the songs being sung, are we joining the rest of creation in it’s worship of its Creator or are we going through the motions?
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Psalm 95 - Reminders
Matthew Henry’s Commentary on Psalm 95 reads;
Hardness of heart is at the bottom of all distrust of the Lord.
I hear people from time to time talk about a Life Verse. One of the one’s people like to use….is Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (I guess that’s actually two verses.)
What are you suppose to do if you have a hard heart? How can I trust Him in all things if I am unwilling to trust him in the little things? I know I have trusted him in HUGE things before….so is it a sign of a hard heart if I am unwilling to trust in the small?
The Psalmist reminds his people of a previous time in Meribah, where they questioned his provision….and according to Moses, they were testing God. Moses feared for their lives…and went on behalf of them to God. It was at that time that God commanded Moses to strike the rock, and water came out of it.
I understand…the Israelites reaction to running low on water, but their reaction was strictly self-focussed. Would the God who delivered them out of Egypt, or let them walk across the Red Sea on dry ground, not be able to handle a water crisis? Or was it a crisis at all….or just a way for God to make himself known? It’s when we take out eyes off of God that we forget that our provision comes from Him alone.
At ANC we have had so many God-sized provisions….and honestly, they keep coming, day after day, week after week, month after month….they are great constant reminders that God is doing something, this isn’t about us, keep our trust in Him….and do not let our hearts become hardened.
Hardness of heart is at the bottom of all distrust of the Lord.
I hear people from time to time talk about a Life Verse. One of the one’s people like to use….is Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (I guess that’s actually two verses.)
What are you suppose to do if you have a hard heart? How can I trust Him in all things if I am unwilling to trust him in the little things? I know I have trusted him in HUGE things before….so is it a sign of a hard heart if I am unwilling to trust in the small?
The Psalmist reminds his people of a previous time in Meribah, where they questioned his provision….and according to Moses, they were testing God. Moses feared for their lives…and went on behalf of them to God. It was at that time that God commanded Moses to strike the rock, and water came out of it.
I understand…the Israelites reaction to running low on water, but their reaction was strictly self-focussed. Would the God who delivered them out of Egypt, or let them walk across the Red Sea on dry ground, not be able to handle a water crisis? Or was it a crisis at all….or just a way for God to make himself known? It’s when we take out eyes off of God that we forget that our provision comes from Him alone.
At ANC we have had so many God-sized provisions….and honestly, they keep coming, day after day, week after week, month after month….they are great constant reminders that God is doing something, this isn’t about us, keep our trust in Him….and do not let our hearts become hardened.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Psalm 94 – Futile
Psalm 94 – Futile
I sometimes wonder why God puts up with us. Why he puts up with the wicked, why he deals with people who curse Him. Why he allows agnostics or atheists to breath the breathe he gives them. He doesn’t have to…but he does it because he loves us, he created us…and knows us.
The LORD knows the thoughts of man; he knows that they are futile.
And we also know that the Lord disciplines those he loves
Blessed is the man you discipline, O LORD, the man you teach from your law
So this is a great reminder for those seasons that we feel like oppressed, like the Psalmist…and we feel that people are getting over on us…that the ‘amoral’ person has the upper hand in life…as we see them screw their way to the top. God places the seasons of discipline in our lives…so that we can grow in character, learn to trust Him more, see His love for us in all things…and ultimately for our good and His glory!
I sometimes wonder why God puts up with us. Why he puts up with the wicked, why he deals with people who curse Him. Why he allows agnostics or atheists to breath the breathe he gives them. He doesn’t have to…but he does it because he loves us, he created us…and knows us.
The LORD knows the thoughts of man; he knows that they are futile.
And we also know that the Lord disciplines those he loves
Blessed is the man you discipline, O LORD, the man you teach from your law
So this is a great reminder for those seasons that we feel like oppressed, like the Psalmist…and we feel that people are getting over on us…that the ‘amoral’ person has the upper hand in life…as we see them screw their way to the top. God places the seasons of discipline in our lives…so that we can grow in character, learn to trust Him more, see His love for us in all things…and ultimately for our good and His glory!
Friday, August 28, 2009
Psalm 93 – Merely Waves
Psalm 93 – Merely Waves
The seas have lifted up, O LORD, the seas have lifted up their voice; the seas have lifted up their pounding waves. Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea— the LORD on high is mighty. Psalm 93:3-4
Im reminded and comforted this morning that God is on His throne. Whatever comes against us, speaks against us, persecutes us..will not prevail.
God’s kingdom is immovable, unchangeable and eternal.
This morning, my heart was thinking about a friend who stepped down from the church he pastored for 9 plus years. How what seems like a huge wave not only to him, his staff and his flock….is merely God moving. I pray for all of them to keep their focus on His Glory. Not to let the one who confuses or lies, keep them (or us) from advancing the Kingdom for His glory. His Kingdom will advance regardless
The Creator will not be taken down or lessened by the creation.
The seas have lifted up, O LORD, the seas have lifted up their voice; the seas have lifted up their pounding waves. Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea— the LORD on high is mighty. Psalm 93:3-4
Im reminded and comforted this morning that God is on His throne. Whatever comes against us, speaks against us, persecutes us..will not prevail.
God’s kingdom is immovable, unchangeable and eternal.
This morning, my heart was thinking about a friend who stepped down from the church he pastored for 9 plus years. How what seems like a huge wave not only to him, his staff and his flock….is merely God moving. I pray for all of them to keep their focus on His Glory. Not to let the one who confuses or lies, keep them (or us) from advancing the Kingdom for His glory. His Kingdom will advance regardless
The Creator will not be taken down or lessened by the creation.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Psalm 92 – Finish Strong
Psalm 92 – Finish Strong
I really don’t consider myself old. I seriously feel and behave like I’m in my 20’s (aside from the naps). But as a 42 year old dude, I am the guy, who 15 years ago…I was wanting to emulate. I think it is so important to be an example, to finish strong…and I pray like the Psalmist here is saying….that my latter years are even more productive than my earlier ones.
Verse 14 states (The Righteous) will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.
Knowing that it’s Christ’s Righteousness that allows us to bear fruit, I pray that I can continue to position myself to pour into other men, to be the guy that encourages guys to put their trust, and plant their roots in the Lord.
I think about Paul….and his analogy of ‘the race’…..and at the end of his life/ministry he was kicking to the finish line. He still had a lot in him….God, keep me fresh and green.
I really don’t consider myself old. I seriously feel and behave like I’m in my 20’s (aside from the naps). But as a 42 year old dude, I am the guy, who 15 years ago…I was wanting to emulate. I think it is so important to be an example, to finish strong…and I pray like the Psalmist here is saying….that my latter years are even more productive than my earlier ones.
Verse 14 states (The Righteous) will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.
Knowing that it’s Christ’s Righteousness that allows us to bear fruit, I pray that I can continue to position myself to pour into other men, to be the guy that encourages guys to put their trust, and plant their roots in the Lord.
I think about Paul….and his analogy of ‘the race’…..and at the end of his life/ministry he was kicking to the finish line. He still had a lot in him….God, keep me fresh and green.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Psalm 91 – Close
Psalm 91 – Close
God’s peace, God’s protection God’s Will.
All the protection that God provides….are for those who dwell in the shelter of the most high. One thing this passage screams to me this morning is STAY CLOSE! We must be close to be ‘in His shadow’ or ‘under his wing’.
And Happy Birthday Mom!
God’s peace, God’s protection God’s Will.
All the protection that God provides….are for those who dwell in the shelter of the most high. One thing this passage screams to me this morning is STAY CLOSE! We must be close to be ‘in His shadow’ or ‘under his wing’.
And Happy Birthday Mom!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Psalm 90 - Knuckleheads
Psalm 90:12 Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
I love this verse this verse this morning. To me, this verse is saying….give us perspective, Kingdom perspective, so that we aren’t knuckleheads.
I think if we truly gain perspective of the time we have on earth…as compared to eternity, things begin to look a lot different. The temporal things we work so hard for, pale in comparison. The lost brother…while he may be a screw up and be almost unlovable on earth….is condemned to die for sin.
I almost wonder if most of us don’t believe that Hell is a real place, or that separation from God…isn’t such a bad thing, for eternity.
God, I pray in my own life…that you wreck my stupid materialist, consumer, self-focused, temporal, insolent perspectives…and give me fresh new love for people and a heart of wisdom to minister to them. Protect me and my family as we wade through the mess where culture and Kingdom collide.
I love this verse this verse this morning. To me, this verse is saying….give us perspective, Kingdom perspective, so that we aren’t knuckleheads.
I think if we truly gain perspective of the time we have on earth…as compared to eternity, things begin to look a lot different. The temporal things we work so hard for, pale in comparison. The lost brother…while he may be a screw up and be almost unlovable on earth….is condemned to die for sin.
I almost wonder if most of us don’t believe that Hell is a real place, or that separation from God…isn’t such a bad thing, for eternity.
God, I pray in my own life…that you wreck my stupid materialist, consumer, self-focused, temporal, insolent perspectives…and give me fresh new love for people and a heart of wisdom to minister to them. Protect me and my family as we wade through the mess where culture and Kingdom collide.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Psalm 89 - Rogues Waves
You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, you still them. You crushed Rahab like one of the slain Psalm 89:9-10
At first glance I was a little surprised at this analogy….and I had to find out, why Rahab.
In this instance the Psalmist is either talking about a sea creature…or the guardian angel of Egypt. Either way…it represents chaos in the bible.
This morning I think about the headline I just read…Waves Pull 20 People to Sea. Hurricane now Tropical Storm Bill Skirted the eastern coast and is now headed back out to sea….caused huge rogue waves in Maine. Large enough to wash 20 people out to sea, including a 7 year old girl and her parents. The parents survived and the girl did not.
When there is chaos and devastation….it is a grim reminder for those closest to it, that death is real. It escapes no one….
47-48 Remember how fleeting is my life. For what futility you have created all men! What man can live and not see death, or save himself from the power of the grave? Selah
James 4 says that life is but a mist….here today and gone tomorrow.
The Psalmist asks, like we all would in this instance….”where is your great love, which in your faithfulness you swore to David?” And for us….that great love is manifest in Jesus, on the cross….in the grave…..resurrected!
At first glance I was a little surprised at this analogy….and I had to find out, why Rahab.
In this instance the Psalmist is either talking about a sea creature…or the guardian angel of Egypt. Either way…it represents chaos in the bible.
This morning I think about the headline I just read…Waves Pull 20 People to Sea. Hurricane now Tropical Storm Bill Skirted the eastern coast and is now headed back out to sea….caused huge rogue waves in Maine. Large enough to wash 20 people out to sea, including a 7 year old girl and her parents. The parents survived and the girl did not.
When there is chaos and devastation….it is a grim reminder for those closest to it, that death is real. It escapes no one….
47-48 Remember how fleeting is my life. For what futility you have created all men! What man can live and not see death, or save himself from the power of the grave? Selah
James 4 says that life is but a mist….here today and gone tomorrow.
The Psalmist asks, like we all would in this instance….”where is your great love, which in your faithfulness you swore to David?” And for us….that great love is manifest in Jesus, on the cross….in the grave…..resurrected!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Psalm 80 – Vine
Psalm 80 – Vine
I love the vine reference and how the verses in John were probably based on this scripture.
“If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit”
Apparently the vineyard the Psalmist is talking about, has recently been bearing fruit. However with the state of the church, the fruits were being plucked by anyone who passed by, the wild boars were devouring and all the creatures of the fields were feeding on it.
The language though is a little different.
“look down from heaven and see, watch over the vine”
“your vine is cut down, burned with fire”
Even in these scriptures that have very similar language, I just realized that we have a more personal God. One who is with us, via the Holy Spirit, one who has said, “surely I am with you” and “remain in me”.
But I believe that this Psalmist is calling for the Messiah. For the “son, at your right hand” to be raised up, so that we (the Israelites) may be restored, saved.
God thank you for your mercies…your Word…the written and the living. Give us tons of opportunities to love our neighbors this week.
I love the vine reference and how the verses in John were probably based on this scripture.
“If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit”
Apparently the vineyard the Psalmist is talking about, has recently been bearing fruit. However with the state of the church, the fruits were being plucked by anyone who passed by, the wild boars were devouring and all the creatures of the fields were feeding on it.
The language though is a little different.
“look down from heaven and see, watch over the vine”
“your vine is cut down, burned with fire”
Even in these scriptures that have very similar language, I just realized that we have a more personal God. One who is with us, via the Holy Spirit, one who has said, “surely I am with you” and “remain in me”.
But I believe that this Psalmist is calling for the Messiah. For the “son, at your right hand” to be raised up, so that we (the Israelites) may be restored, saved.
God thank you for your mercies…your Word…the written and the living. Give us tons of opportunities to love our neighbors this week.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Psalm 79 – Desperate
Psalm 79 – Desperate
I know the Bible, in it’s entirety, is the inspired word of God. But I think if God could hand pick one verse today….and say…..this…..this verse is why this Psalm was written, it would be;
8 Do not hold against us the sins of the fathers; may your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need.
I know this is where God wants me. Too often we, like the Israelites, rely on ourselves, our actions, our goodness, our checklists, our scales of justice to determines whether or not God should love us. These things produce arrogance, pride and physically push us further from his goodness.
Last night, right before service started…we had about a 7 minute gully washing rain. I am talking it came down hard. Brandon mentioned in the sermon about how many times we pray for rain…then argue about God’s timing.
Well another thing I have been praying about is the temperature in the building. And at 5:45 is was 80 degrees (and climbing) inside the building. The building is basically a hot tin can laying in the sun…and the insulation and a/c do little on the inside against what the elements are doing on the outside. Factor in a cooling rain on the entire structure…and by the time the service started….inside we were down to 78 degrees and by the end of the service 74. This provision of rain outside, did on the inside…what none of our best efforts couldn’t accomplish.
Coolness of a building and having your temple laid to waste don’t even compare….but He is saying to me this morning…..seek me when you have no control, when you are desperate…and before you become that way.
I know the Bible, in it’s entirety, is the inspired word of God. But I think if God could hand pick one verse today….and say…..this…..this verse is why this Psalm was written, it would be;
8 Do not hold against us the sins of the fathers; may your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need.
I know this is where God wants me. Too often we, like the Israelites, rely on ourselves, our actions, our goodness, our checklists, our scales of justice to determines whether or not God should love us. These things produce arrogance, pride and physically push us further from his goodness.
Last night, right before service started…we had about a 7 minute gully washing rain. I am talking it came down hard. Brandon mentioned in the sermon about how many times we pray for rain…then argue about God’s timing.
Well another thing I have been praying about is the temperature in the building. And at 5:45 is was 80 degrees (and climbing) inside the building. The building is basically a hot tin can laying in the sun…and the insulation and a/c do little on the inside against what the elements are doing on the outside. Factor in a cooling rain on the entire structure…and by the time the service started….inside we were down to 78 degrees and by the end of the service 74. This provision of rain outside, did on the inside…what none of our best efforts couldn’t accomplish.
Coolness of a building and having your temple laid to waste don’t even compare….but He is saying to me this morning…..seek me when you have no control, when you are desperate…and before you become that way.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Follow me here
Over the summer, we are reading the TK (Tangible Kingdom) Primer as a church.
Follow this interesting look at Missional "Sent"ness as our church body BLOGs daily.
http://anconline.wordpress.com/
Follow this interesting look at Missional "Sent"ness as our church body BLOGs daily.
http://anconline.wordpress.com/
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