Get it yet?
"Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]" John 14:27
We are overcomer's we need to walk in the confidence of who we are in Him and through Him..... That is all
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
let's go and make disciples
"For I am yearning to see you, that I may impart and share with you some spiritual gift to strengthen and establish you; That is, that we may be mutually strengthened and encouraged and comforted by each other’s faith, both yours and mine." Romans 1:11-12
The theme of discipling seems to be coming up again lately. For me personally it is something I am passionate about, it can be very fulfilling but involves investment. One thing that I have found in my discipleship experience, as Paul mentions in Romans above, is that as I take what I have learned and been given and share that with others in that sharing and teaching that it builds both of us up and increases our faith. I came across this quote from George Fox's journal this morning (thanks Derek Brown), it shows how important it is to do the Father's will, but in order to do that we need to know how to hear His voice, to recognize it for ourselves. As a discipler it is my responsibility to not only hear and be obedient to what Abba is telling me, setting the example, but to teach others how to hear themselves, for themselves. When we understand our identities in Christ and can discern His voice in our lives then we truly can fulfill our destiny. It also makes us the people that when we get up in the morning the enemy says "oh no here they come again."
So let's go make disciples, don't limit your view of who to disciple to those that stumble through a church door or Bible study. Let's start building these relationships at our work places, our favorite coffee shops, wherever it is that Abba leads us and to whoever He leads us.
"Jesus never said you could be saved if you say the sinners' prayer, or be baptized with water, or eat bread and drink grape juice; this is just heathenish ritual, the wide and broad way that leads to destruction. The deficit sects of Christendom have totally lost the narrow, true way that few will find; there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. Proverbs 14:12,16:25,21:2.
Jesus clearly tells us the only way: only he who does the will of the Father shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Mat 7:21. To do the Father's will is to stop making decisions for yourself, your will; and only do what the Father tells you to do, his will. This is exactly what Jesus told us that he did, and he only did; many, many times":~Quote from George Fox's Journal
Matthew 28:18-20 "Jesus approached and, breaking the silence, said to them, All authority (all power of rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go then and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you all the days (perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close and consummation of the age. Amen (so let it be)."
The theme of discipling seems to be coming up again lately. For me personally it is something I am passionate about, it can be very fulfilling but involves investment. One thing that I have found in my discipleship experience, as Paul mentions in Romans above, is that as I take what I have learned and been given and share that with others in that sharing and teaching that it builds both of us up and increases our faith. I came across this quote from George Fox's journal this morning (thanks Derek Brown), it shows how important it is to do the Father's will, but in order to do that we need to know how to hear His voice, to recognize it for ourselves. As a discipler it is my responsibility to not only hear and be obedient to what Abba is telling me, setting the example, but to teach others how to hear themselves, for themselves. When we understand our identities in Christ and can discern His voice in our lives then we truly can fulfill our destiny. It also makes us the people that when we get up in the morning the enemy says "oh no here they come again."
So let's go make disciples, don't limit your view of who to disciple to those that stumble through a church door or Bible study. Let's start building these relationships at our work places, our favorite coffee shops, wherever it is that Abba leads us and to whoever He leads us.
"Jesus never said you could be saved if you say the sinners' prayer, or be baptized with water, or eat bread and drink grape juice; this is just heathenish ritual, the wide and broad way that leads to destruction. The deficit sects of Christendom have totally lost the narrow, true way that few will find; there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. Proverbs 14:12,16:25,21:2.
Jesus clearly tells us the only way: only he who does the will of the Father shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Mat 7:21. To do the Father's will is to stop making decisions for yourself, your will; and only do what the Father tells you to do, his will. This is exactly what Jesus told us that he did, and he only did; many, many times":~Quote from George Fox's Journal
Matthew 28:18-20 "Jesus approached and, breaking the silence, said to them, All authority (all power of rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go then and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you all the days (perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close and consummation of the age. Amen (so let it be)."
Monday, January 28, 2013
honor and glory
"If we are being put on trial [here] today and examined concerning a good deed done to benefit a feeble (helpless) cripple, by what means this man has been restored to health, Let it be known and understood by all of you, and by the whole house of Israel, that in the name and through the power and authority of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Whom you crucified, [but] Whom God raised from the dead, in Him and by means of Him this man is standing here before you well and sound in body." Acts 4:19-20
We have been enabled by the Holy Spirit to go and do what Jesus told us to. You know the whole go make disciples, heal the sick, cast out demons, raise the dead, have compassion on and love others. The Bible says that signs and wonders will follow His disciples. There is a key factor here that we need to always keep in the forefront of our minds and that is the Source of our abilities. Abba's intent was not for us to be able to act supernaturally for our own gaining of position and respect, but that through these acts that others would recognize Him working through and in us so that others would come to know, love and honor Him. Sometimes in doing this we walk a fine line because we are supposed to have a confidence and boldness and we also need to remember that when we minister that we are partnering with Him, so we too have responsibility in the things we do. When we move in confidence in our God given identity then we are ultimately bringing Him glory, because in that we will naturally praise, and honor Him with our actions and with our voices.
Thank You Jesus that you made us with intent to have relationship with You and that You have made us worthy to partner with You to love on Your people, especially the ones that don't know they are yours yet!
Psalm 105:1-5 "O GIVE thanks unto the Lord, call upon His name, make known His doings among the peoples! Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; meditate on and talk of all His marvelous deeds and devoutly praise them. Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those rejoice who seek and require the Lord [as their indispensable necessity]. Seek, inquire of and for the Lord, and crave Him and His strength (His might and inflexibility to temptation); seek and require His face and His presence [continually] evermore. [Earnestly] remember the marvelous deeds that He has done, His miracles and wonders, the judgments and sentences which He pronounced [upon His enemies, as in Egypt]."
We have been enabled by the Holy Spirit to go and do what Jesus told us to. You know the whole go make disciples, heal the sick, cast out demons, raise the dead, have compassion on and love others. The Bible says that signs and wonders will follow His disciples. There is a key factor here that we need to always keep in the forefront of our minds and that is the Source of our abilities. Abba's intent was not for us to be able to act supernaturally for our own gaining of position and respect, but that through these acts that others would recognize Him working through and in us so that others would come to know, love and honor Him. Sometimes in doing this we walk a fine line because we are supposed to have a confidence and boldness and we also need to remember that when we minister that we are partnering with Him, so we too have responsibility in the things we do. When we move in confidence in our God given identity then we are ultimately bringing Him glory, because in that we will naturally praise, and honor Him with our actions and with our voices.
Thank You Jesus that you made us with intent to have relationship with You and that You have made us worthy to partner with You to love on Your people, especially the ones that don't know they are yours yet!
Psalm 105:1-5 "O GIVE thanks unto the Lord, call upon His name, make known His doings among the peoples! Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; meditate on and talk of all His marvelous deeds and devoutly praise them. Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those rejoice who seek and require the Lord [as their indispensable necessity]. Seek, inquire of and for the Lord, and crave Him and His strength (His might and inflexibility to temptation); seek and require His face and His presence [continually] evermore. [Earnestly] remember the marvelous deeds that He has done, His miracles and wonders, the judgments and sentences which He pronounced [upon His enemies, as in Egypt]."
Saturday, January 26, 2013
it's a matter of trust
"But instantly He spoke to them, saying, Take courage! I AM! Stop being afraid! And Peter answered Him, Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water. He said, Come! So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water, and he came toward Jesus." Matthew 14:27-29
Do you ever get discouraged and frustrated with the stuff that happens as part of life? What do you do with discouragement? I would say that the majority of us at some point or another will have a little woe is me pity party. Jesus knew it would be hard. He told us that it would be hard for us, just as it was for Him. He asks us to stick with Him, to keep our focus on Him. Scripture after Scripture encourages us to trust in the Lord. Making a difference in the lives of others doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a daily commitment, a lifestyle. Do you let your discouragement separate you from God? Or do you trust Him to be there with you as you work through it?
There is something about this verse in Psalm 27 especially where it says "let your heart be stout and enduring" that makes something inside say I can get through anything that life throws at me because I am a victorious overcomer and I was created to stand strong because the Creator of the universe is for me. (I can almost hear my cousin Harry giving a big oorah)
Psalm 27:14 "Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord."
Do you ever get discouraged and frustrated with the stuff that happens as part of life? What do you do with discouragement? I would say that the majority of us at some point or another will have a little woe is me pity party. Jesus knew it would be hard. He told us that it would be hard for us, just as it was for Him. He asks us to stick with Him, to keep our focus on Him. Scripture after Scripture encourages us to trust in the Lord. Making a difference in the lives of others doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a daily commitment, a lifestyle. Do you let your discouragement separate you from God? Or do you trust Him to be there with you as you work through it?
There is something about this verse in Psalm 27 especially where it says "let your heart be stout and enduring" that makes something inside say I can get through anything that life throws at me because I am a victorious overcomer and I was created to stand strong because the Creator of the universe is for me. (I can almost hear my cousin Harry giving a big oorah)
Psalm 27:14 "Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord."
Friday, January 25, 2013
transformers more than meets the eye
Jesus came to shine light into darkness to breath life into our hopeless darkness. His light brings change because the things that thrived in the darkness cannot stand the light. When Jesus calls you He isn't going to let you stay where you were. The call to follow Jesus is a call to transformation. He does not leave us as He finds us. He leaves no area of our lives untouched: family relationships, friendships, our perspective on life, work, leadership and the world in which we live, all are fair game. Sometimes that means that He will prune some of our relationships, sometimes even with family members that aren't healthy for you to be involved with. I think even when that happens He wants us to get a place where reconciliation can happen when He makes you strong and complete so those others can no longer have that negative effect on you. Jesus doesn’t come to justify our current lives, He comes to call us to real life. The key to us fully becoming disciples of Jesus is that we need to be like the early disciples, we need to be quickly obedient. When He said come follow me the dropped what they were doing, left their businesses and families and followed Him. When we fully give ourselves over to Him we then truly gain freedom that goes beyond anything we understand. One of the biggest lies that the enemy wants people to believe is that entering into a relationship with Christ will bind you and limit you, well we know he is a liar and will use religion to keep people from relationship.
We need to remember a relationship with Jesus is about a deep unfathomable love, it's about freedom and positive transformation that brings healthy life. If there is divisiveness and condemnation that is not from God and we need to run from it to the truth.
Matthew 4:16-20 "The people who sat (dwelt enveloped) in darkness have seen a great Light, and for those who sat in the land and shadow of death Light has dawned. From that time Jesus began to preach, crying out, Repent (change your mind for the better, heartily amend your ways, with abhorrence of your past sins), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. As He was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He noticed two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, throwing a dragnet into the sea, for they were fishermen. And He said to them, Come after Me [as disciples--letting Me be your Guide], follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men! At once they left their nets and became His disciples [sided with His party and followed Him]."
We need to remember a relationship with Jesus is about a deep unfathomable love, it's about freedom and positive transformation that brings healthy life. If there is divisiveness and condemnation that is not from God and we need to run from it to the truth.
Matthew 4:16-20 "The people who sat (dwelt enveloped) in darkness have seen a great Light, and for those who sat in the land and shadow of death Light has dawned. From that time Jesus began to preach, crying out, Repent (change your mind for the better, heartily amend your ways, with abhorrence of your past sins), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. As He was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He noticed two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, throwing a dragnet into the sea, for they were fishermen. And He said to them, Come after Me [as disciples--letting Me be your Guide], follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men! At once they left their nets and became His disciples [sided with His party and followed Him]."
Thursday, January 24, 2013
who ya gonna trust?
“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it” ~ C. Swindoll
Last night at home group one of the things that was talked about was choosing your attitude for the day when you get out of bed in the morning. Are you going to let your circumstances rule your choice or are you going to trust Abba who knows what you need better than you do? In making that choice alone you are potentially choosing between a day of depression and worry instead of a day filled with hope and joy.
Matthew 6:25-34 "Therefore I tell you, stop being perpetually uneasy (anxious and worried) about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink; or about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life greater [in quality] than food, and the body [far above and more excellent] than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by worrying and being anxious can add one unit of measure (cubit) to his stature or to the span of his life? And why should you be anxious about clothes? Consider the lilies of the field and learn thoroughly how they grow; they neither toil nor spin. Yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his magnificence (excellence, dignity, and grace) was not arrayed like one of these. [I Kings 10:4-7.] But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and green and tomorrow is tossed into the furnace, will He not much more surely clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying, What are we going to have to eat? or, What are we going to have to drink? or, What are we going to have to wear? For the Gentiles (heathen) wish for and crave and diligently seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows well that you need them all. But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides. So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble."
Last night at home group one of the things that was talked about was choosing your attitude for the day when you get out of bed in the morning. Are you going to let your circumstances rule your choice or are you going to trust Abba who knows what you need better than you do? In making that choice alone you are potentially choosing between a day of depression and worry instead of a day filled with hope and joy.
Matthew 6:25-34 "Therefore I tell you, stop being perpetually uneasy (anxious and worried) about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink; or about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life greater [in quality] than food, and the body [far above and more excellent] than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by worrying and being anxious can add one unit of measure (cubit) to his stature or to the span of his life? And why should you be anxious about clothes? Consider the lilies of the field and learn thoroughly how they grow; they neither toil nor spin. Yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his magnificence (excellence, dignity, and grace) was not arrayed like one of these. [I Kings 10:4-7.] But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and green and tomorrow is tossed into the furnace, will He not much more surely clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying, What are we going to have to eat? or, What are we going to have to drink? or, What are we going to have to wear? For the Gentiles (heathen) wish for and crave and diligently seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows well that you need them all. But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides. So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble."
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
reflect vs emanate
I have to admit that there are times when I read the Bible and get a little jealous of the disciples because they actually were able to physically touch sit next to and hang out with Jesus. But the Bible says that if we believe who has not seen has a greater faith, but I still think it would've been cool. That usually leads me into thinking about how they had Him available physically but we have Him indwelling us, which is a greater advantage in my opinion. You see when Jesus was here in the flesh there was a limitation on how many people could see Him at one time. Now via the Holy Spirit, Jesus can be seen multiple places at once, through us. Some people will say that we should be reflections of Christ, I don't agree with that. Reflections can be easily distorted ever look in a poor quality mirror or a piece of polished metal? You can see yourself but it doesn't look quite right, the reason is that the quality of the reflection is dependent on the quality of the surface reflecting it so it places the responsibility to reflect Him properly on us and if left to us alone it will become skewed. There are other things that can effect reflections look at the Moses, he would spend time with Abba and come away reflecting His glory, but the light would fade. The moon is another example it reflects the sun but has no light source of its own and only fully reflects the sun for short periods of time. But for us we have the ability to be more than just a reflection we have the Holy Spirit in us, we have the source of light that can emanate from us in fact it is part of our responsibility as Christians we may be the only people that can truly show others the heart of Jesus, love on them as Jesus would, bring healing to them, have compassion on them. You see when we choose to be obedient to what Abba is telling us and live our lives so His light shines from within us, it isn't dependent on the quality of our surface or what we have done to polish it and make it shiny. It's. About the transformation He has done in us so He can shine out of us.
You can choose to try and be a reflection if you want, I'm gonna choose to let the shine instead.
To reflect: To throw or bend back (light, for example) from a surface. To give back or show an image of (an object); mirror.
To emanate: to issue or proceed from or as from a source, to send forth; emit
1 John 1:1-4 (AMP) "[WE ARE writing] about the Word of Life [in] Him Who existed from the beginning, Whom we have heard, Whom we have seen with our [own] eyes, Whom we have gazed upon [for ourselves] and have touched with our [own] hands. And the Life [an aspect of His being] was revealed (made manifest, demonstrated), and we saw [as eyewitnesses] and are testifying to and declare to you the Life, the eternal Life [in Him] Who already existed with the Father and Who [actually] was made visible (was revealed) to us [His followers]. What we have seen and [ourselves] heard, we are also telling you, so that you too may realize and enjoy fellowship as partners and partakers with us. And [this] fellowship that we have [which is a distinguishing mark of Christians] is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ (the Messiah). And we are now writing these things to you so that our joy [in seeing you included] may be full [and your joy may be complete]."
You can choose to try and be a reflection if you want, I'm gonna choose to let the shine instead.
To reflect: To throw or bend back (light, for example) from a surface. To give back or show an image of (an object); mirror.
To emanate: to issue or proceed from or as from a source, to send forth; emit
1 John 1:1-4 (AMP) "[WE ARE writing] about the Word of Life [in] Him Who existed from the beginning, Whom we have heard, Whom we have seen with our [own] eyes, Whom we have gazed upon [for ourselves] and have touched with our [own] hands. And the Life [an aspect of His being] was revealed (made manifest, demonstrated), and we saw [as eyewitnesses] and are testifying to and declare to you the Life, the eternal Life [in Him] Who already existed with the Father and Who [actually] was made visible (was revealed) to us [His followers]. What we have seen and [ourselves] heard, we are also telling you, so that you too may realize and enjoy fellowship as partners and partakers with us. And [this] fellowship that we have [which is a distinguishing mark of Christians] is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ (the Messiah). And we are now writing these things to you so that our joy [in seeing you included] may be full [and your joy may be complete]."
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
somethings make mre sense when Amplifid
Have you read the beatitude's in the Amplified version lately?
Matthew 5:1-12 "SEEING THE crowds, He went up on the mountain; and when He was seated, His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous--with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the poor in spirit (the humble, who rate themselves insignificant), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven! Blessed and enviably happy [with a happiness produced by the experience of God’s favor and especially conditioned by the revelation of His matchless grace] are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted! Blessed (happy, blithesome, joyous, spiritually prosperous--with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the meek (the mild, patient, long-suffering), for they shall inherit the earth! Blessed and fortunate and happy and spiritually prosperous (in that state in which the born-again child of God enjoys His favor and salvation) are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God), for they shall be completely satisfied! Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous--with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy! Blessed (happy, enviably fortunate, and spiritually prosperous--possessing the happiness produced by the experience of God’s favor and especially conditioned by the revelation of His grace, regardless of their outward conditions) are the pure in heart, for they shall see God! Blessed (enjoying enviable happiness, spiritually prosperous--with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they shall be called the sons of God! Blessed and happy and enviably fortunate and spiritually prosperous (in the state in which the born-again child of God enjoys and finds satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of his outward conditions) are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake (for being and doing right), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven! Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous--with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of your outward conditions) are you when people revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things against you falsely on My account. Be glad and supremely joyful, for your reward in heaven is great (strong and intense), for in this same way people persecuted the prophets who were before you. [II Chron. 36:16.]"
Matthew 5:1-12 "SEEING THE crowds, He went up on the mountain; and when He was seated, His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous--with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the poor in spirit (the humble, who rate themselves insignificant), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven! Blessed and enviably happy [with a happiness produced by the experience of God’s favor and especially conditioned by the revelation of His matchless grace] are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted! Blessed (happy, blithesome, joyous, spiritually prosperous--with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the meek (the mild, patient, long-suffering), for they shall inherit the earth! Blessed and fortunate and happy and spiritually prosperous (in that state in which the born-again child of God enjoys His favor and salvation) are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God), for they shall be completely satisfied! Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous--with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy! Blessed (happy, enviably fortunate, and spiritually prosperous--possessing the happiness produced by the experience of God’s favor and especially conditioned by the revelation of His grace, regardless of their outward conditions) are the pure in heart, for they shall see God! Blessed (enjoying enviable happiness, spiritually prosperous--with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they shall be called the sons of God! Blessed and happy and enviably fortunate and spiritually prosperous (in the state in which the born-again child of God enjoys and finds satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of his outward conditions) are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake (for being and doing right), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven! Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous--with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of your outward conditions) are you when people revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things against you falsely on My account. Be glad and supremely joyful, for your reward in heaven is great (strong and intense), for in this same way people persecuted the prophets who were before you. [II Chron. 36:16.]"
Saturday, January 19, 2013
maintaining focus
Ever notice that just about everyone seems to have an agenda for our lives; our spouses, our children, our bosses, co-workers, friends, and children. Sometimes we even come up with our own agendas that keep us distracted from whatever it is that we are supposed to be doing. Many times especially in the church people run around busying themselves with everything that comes across their path and they never become fully effective in their call and never fulfill their destinies that Abba has for them, usually because somewhere along the way they were told or shown by example that true christians run around and do stuff. I also believe that the enemy has an agenda for us, and those that run around doing everything and accomplishing nothing he doesn't even bother with he knows that they will never take the time to sit at Jesus'feet and figure out Abba's agenda for them. Even Jesus had to work to maintain His focus in the midst of training followers, meeting needs, public speaking, demanding crowds, and healing the sick. How did Jesus maintain His focus, His vision and stay on track with His mission? He regularly made time to get away with His Father to talk things over. He would get away for a short time to detach from what was going on around Him and sit at Abba's feet to get refreshed and strengthened.
We also need to take this time away to reconnect, refresh and refocus our vision. I have learned the hard way that it's too easy to get busy doing good stuff and that in doing so you easily get on the path of getting burned out. We need to take time to take the "stuff" we are doing (especially the good stuff) and lay it on the altar and let go of it and ask Abba to show you the ones that you are supposed to be doing. But you need to be willing to lay aside what He wants and pick up what He wants even if it doesn't fit your agenda. Jesus did what He saw the Father doing, and said what He heard the Father saying and He loved folks regardless of wear they were from. We need to do what He did.
Luke 4:42-44 "And when daybreak came, He left [Peter’s house] and went into an isolated [desert] place. And the people looked for Him until they came up to Him and tried to prevent Him from leaving them. But He said to them, I must preach the good news (the Gospel) of the kingdom of God to the other cities [and towns] also, for I was sent for this [purpose]. And He continued to preach in the synagogues of Galilee."
We also need to take this time away to reconnect, refresh and refocus our vision. I have learned the hard way that it's too easy to get busy doing good stuff and that in doing so you easily get on the path of getting burned out. We need to take time to take the "stuff" we are doing (especially the good stuff) and lay it on the altar and let go of it and ask Abba to show you the ones that you are supposed to be doing. But you need to be willing to lay aside what He wants and pick up what He wants even if it doesn't fit your agenda. Jesus did what He saw the Father doing, and said what He heard the Father saying and He loved folks regardless of wear they were from. We need to do what He did.
Luke 4:42-44 "And when daybreak came, He left [Peter’s house] and went into an isolated [desert] place. And the people looked for Him until they came up to Him and tried to prevent Him from leaving them. But He said to them, I must preach the good news (the Gospel) of the kingdom of God to the other cities [and towns] also, for I was sent for this [purpose]. And He continued to preach in the synagogues of Galilee."
Friday, January 18, 2013
simple truth
Sometimes the simple truths hold so much power. It's kinda hard to be still when the revelation of this is so exciting.
Psalm 46:10-11 "Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our Refuge (our High Tower and Stronghold). Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!"
Psalm 46:10-11 "Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our Refuge (our High Tower and Stronghold). Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!"
Thursday, January 17, 2013
discipleship = investment
There are many who would call Paul (the former Christian killer) the greatest apostle, I think he would cringe at the title. But there is so much that we can learn from him that goes beyond just the letters he wrote to the many churches he helped to start. There is so much in his attitude and the investment required to identify and raise up leaders. His ministry wasn’t about making a name for himself; it was about bringing the gospel to people and establishing functioning local church communities that sometimes involved networks of house churches in similar areas. Servant leaders focus on calling out and developing the gifts of others, not on drawing attention to themselves. They call others to follow in Jesus’ footsteps as servant leaders.
Paul took Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations seriously he made it his life's mission. He understood the commitment it took. You see to truly make disciples you need give of yourself, your time, your love and sometimes even your money. Hitting the streets or holding crusades in an effort to get someone to repeat a prayer after you so you can count your notches without having a net in place to draw these people into a relationship where they can be discipled isn't following the example Paul set for us or more importantly the command that Jesus gave us. And let just say that standing on a corner waving a turn or burn sign yelling condemnation at passersby definitely is NOT making disciples. We need to take a step back and look at our methods, if they don't involve loving on people, investing time and ourselves then we are doing it wrong and need to make some changes.
2 Timothy 2:1-2 "SO YOU, my son, be strong (strengthened inwardly) in the grace (spiritual blessing) that is [to be found only] in Christ Jesus. And the [instructions] which you have heard from me along with many witnesses, transmit and entrust [as a deposit] to reliable and faithful men who will be competent and qualified to teach others also."
Matthew 28:18-20 "And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen."
Paul took Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations seriously he made it his life's mission. He understood the commitment it took. You see to truly make disciples you need give of yourself, your time, your love and sometimes even your money. Hitting the streets or holding crusades in an effort to get someone to repeat a prayer after you so you can count your notches without having a net in place to draw these people into a relationship where they can be discipled isn't following the example Paul set for us or more importantly the command that Jesus gave us. And let just say that standing on a corner waving a turn or burn sign yelling condemnation at passersby definitely is NOT making disciples. We need to take a step back and look at our methods, if they don't involve loving on people, investing time and ourselves then we are doing it wrong and need to make some changes.
2 Timothy 2:1-2 "SO YOU, my son, be strong (strengthened inwardly) in the grace (spiritual blessing) that is [to be found only] in Christ Jesus. And the [instructions] which you have heard from me along with many witnesses, transmit and entrust [as a deposit] to reliable and faithful men who will be competent and qualified to teach others also."
Matthew 28:18-20 "And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen."
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
getting a fresh start..... daily
Each morning gives us a new opportunity, the success or failure of yesterday is behind you, you are starting the day with a clean slate. In starting with that clean slate we need to start with a heart of forgiveness for others and ourselves. It is also an opportunity to change the tendency to edge God out and giving Him full control of our lives. The newness of each day reflects God’s ongoing work of grace, grace that frees us from the past and offers a way forward.
Romans 8:1-2 "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death."
Lamentations 3:22-23 "It is because of the Lord’s mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness."
Romans 8:1-2 "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death."
Lamentations 3:22-23 "It is because of the Lord’s mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness."
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
promises that bring hope
I love it when I unexpectedly read one Abba's promises to us and it causes joy and hope to stir my heart. A promise for today and for the future, for me and my children (spiritual ones too) and to those that come after them.
Thank you Abba for your promises!
Isaiah 59:21 "As for Me, this is My covenant or league with them, says the Lord: My Spirit, Who is upon you [and Who writes the law of God inwardly on the heart], and My words which I have put in your mouth shall not depart out of your mouth, or out of the mouths of your [true, spiritual] children, or out of the mouths of your children’s children, says the Lord, from henceforth and forever."
Monday, January 7, 2013
peace as a decision maker
There are many times as Christians that we that we almost paralyze ourselves trying to make decisions for our lives because we want to make sure we are doing what He wants for us. He has already given us the ability to make these choices. As is it says here in Colossians when we let the peace of Christ rule our hearts we should allow that peace to be our guide. If you have a peace, go for it. If you don't have complete peace or have a total check that should be a signal to stop and rethink or not do it. The hard ones are the ones where you have a peace deep inside but we let fear rise up and that keeps us from making the decision He wants. Honestly if some of the choices that you are having to make aren't a little"scary" sometimes or the don't make you a little uncomfortable as you move forward you may want to look at the choices you are making I'll can almost guarantee this is a sign of making fear and not peace made decisions.
Let's let His peace reign in our hearts in our decision making and in our lives, in this joy will rule and we will be able to sing and praise and have a good time, even through the uncomfortable stuff that causes us to grow.
Colossians 3:15-17 "And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always]. Let the word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] and dwell in you in [all its] richness, as you teach and admonish and train one another in all insight and intelligence and wisdom [in spiritual things, and as you sing] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts. And whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in [dependence upon] His Person, giving praise to God the Father through Him."
Let's let His peace reign in our hearts in our decision making and in our lives, in this joy will rule and we will be able to sing and praise and have a good time, even through the uncomfortable stuff that causes us to grow.
Colossians 3:15-17 "And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always]. Let the word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] and dwell in you in [all its] richness, as you teach and admonish and train one another in all insight and intelligence and wisdom [in spiritual things, and as you sing] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts. And whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in [dependence upon] His Person, giving praise to God the Father through Him."
Saturday, January 5, 2013
legacies
Lately I have been thinking about where we have been, where we are at and where we are going. Included in that are the people that have become family along the way. When I look at the relationships that have been built many through the investment of love, time, tears and laughter and I realize how wealthy we truly are. I think of those we call sons and daughters, and brothers and sisters (both natural and spiritual) and I am deeply honored that Abba brought them into our lives.
1 Kings 2:2-4 "I go the way of all the earth. Be strong and show yourself a man; Keep the charge of the Lord your God, walk in His ways, keep His statutes, His commandments, His precepts, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may do wisely and prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn, That the Lord may fulfill His promise to me, saying, If your sons take heed to their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and mind and with all their soul, there shall not fail you [to have] a man on the throne of Israel."
I came across this scripture in 1 Kings where David is fixing to die but his focus isn't on his death but on his son and the future generations, and he encourages his son Solomon and prophecies into his future and into the generations to come. David is concerned about the legacy he is leaving, the example he has set, as am I. No, I am not on my deathbed (the way I figure it I have about another 70-80 years, unless Jesus shows up before that or I get blessed with an Enoch or Elijah moment), but we have been in the midst of a pretty major transition for the several months and when major events happen that can cause changes in relationships as we all continue to grow and follow Jesus. And I look at these verses and think I would probably say what he did differently.
I would likely say: Man up you are strong and an overcome, take time to stop and sit at the feet of Jesus, read His word, pray relentlessly, do and say what you see and hear the Father doing, be quickly obedient to Abba and love others like Jesus loves you and in that you will be truly fulfilled
1 Kings 2:2-4 "I go the way of all the earth. Be strong and show yourself a man; Keep the charge of the Lord your God, walk in His ways, keep His statutes, His commandments, His precepts, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may do wisely and prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn, That the Lord may fulfill His promise to me, saying, If your sons take heed to their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and mind and with all their soul, there shall not fail you [to have] a man on the throne of Israel."
I came across this scripture in 1 Kings where David is fixing to die but his focus isn't on his death but on his son and the future generations, and he encourages his son Solomon and prophecies into his future and into the generations to come. David is concerned about the legacy he is leaving, the example he has set, as am I. No, I am not on my deathbed (the way I figure it I have about another 70-80 years, unless Jesus shows up before that or I get blessed with an Enoch or Elijah moment), but we have been in the midst of a pretty major transition for the several months and when major events happen that can cause changes in relationships as we all continue to grow and follow Jesus. And I look at these verses and think I would probably say what he did differently.
I would likely say: Man up you are strong and an overcome, take time to stop and sit at the feet of Jesus, read His word, pray relentlessly, do and say what you see and hear the Father doing, be quickly obedient to Abba and love others like Jesus loves you and in that you will be truly fulfilled
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
John 3:16..... and 17
I think one of the first scriptures that I memorized when I was a new Christian was John 3:16, I think this is the case for many new believers. But in my usual fashion I had to go beyond the borders of just verse 16, in case you haven't figured it out yet I have hard time staying in the box. Anyways I looked beyond 16 into verse 17 and while I know verse 16 stands pretty well on its own when I read 17 it just kind of completed verse 16, like they should have never been separated. In fact for me separating the two became a major point of frustration to the point of becoming a pet peeve. Over the years there have been times when I have pondered the eternal question "why would anyone want to separate them?" (ok maybe it isn't an eternal question but seemed important to me) So here are the various reasons I have come up with.
1) they were too new to know any better, yet
2) they weren't able to expand their horizons outside of the box
3) they limited themselves to only what they were taught, sometimes by people that didn't know they could expand on what they were taught
4) they don't like teaching that Jesus didn't come to condemn because if they don't teach it or hear it, then they don't have to abide by it.
I guess that let one might be seen as a little harsh by some, but hey truth is truth, and the truth I believe is the truth that is in the Bible, it is not up to us to divide Scripture at our whim or to meet our purposes. The Holy Spirit can rightly divide His word anyway He pleases but we cannot. As followers of Jesus it is our job to do what He did, to love people, to heal people, to show people His love and grace irregardless of their position or condition. So let's keep our eyes focused on what is important to Jesus calling out the treasures that Abba placed inside of others.
John 3:16-17 "For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him."
1) they were too new to know any better, yet
2) they weren't able to expand their horizons outside of the box
3) they limited themselves to only what they were taught, sometimes by people that didn't know they could expand on what they were taught
4) they don't like teaching that Jesus didn't come to condemn because if they don't teach it or hear it, then they don't have to abide by it.
I guess that let one might be seen as a little harsh by some, but hey truth is truth, and the truth I believe is the truth that is in the Bible, it is not up to us to divide Scripture at our whim or to meet our purposes. The Holy Spirit can rightly divide His word anyway He pleases but we cannot. As followers of Jesus it is our job to do what He did, to love people, to heal people, to show people His love and grace irregardless of their position or condition. So let's keep our eyes focused on what is important to Jesus calling out the treasures that Abba placed inside of others.
John 3:16-17 "For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him."
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
a dream from 12/12/12
On 12/12/12 I had a dream that I think is significant to our future I have been putting off sharing it publically but I feel that now is the time.
Had a dream on 12/12/12 there was a building that people were packing up their personal belongings and carrying them out it was a government building the building and stairs were cracking and crumbling and falling apart The crumbling governmental building represented our countries government (the government of man) I heard the Lord say that there is a breaking coming the choices that are being made are causing the breaking because they continue to separate Abba from the decisions being made to decide our direction and He says that His government is going to be established the only proper government is a Theocracy and He is establishing His government in spite if the decisions our leaders make.... Also notice the building stairs have crumbled but the foundation has not waivered and He will rebuild on that foundation There will be more persecution coming to the church but it will cause growth of His kingdom mega churches will fall as many have become the houses of Pharisees the church will grow outside of the walls of limitations His people will be expected to show an outpouring of love and mercy as has never been seen before. The church will be re-established as the care center for our country the government will no longer be able to support our welfare system that was never supposed to be their responsibility As the church moves into it's rightful place balance will be restored.
Oh and the number 12 is the number of His perfect government And this was on 12/12/12
Had a dream on 12/12/12 there was a building that people were packing up their personal belongings and carrying them out it was a government building the building and stairs were cracking and crumbling and falling apart The crumbling governmental building represented our countries government (the government of man) I heard the Lord say that there is a breaking coming the choices that are being made are causing the breaking because they continue to separate Abba from the decisions being made to decide our direction and He says that His government is going to be established the only proper government is a Theocracy and He is establishing His government in spite if the decisions our leaders make.... Also notice the building stairs have crumbled but the foundation has not waivered and He will rebuild on that foundation There will be more persecution coming to the church but it will cause growth of His kingdom mega churches will fall as many have become the houses of Pharisees the church will grow outside of the walls of limitations His people will be expected to show an outpouring of love and mercy as has never been seen before. The church will be re-established as the care center for our country the government will no longer be able to support our welfare system that was never supposed to be their responsibility As the church moves into it's rightful place balance will be restored.
Oh and the number 12 is the number of His perfect government And this was on 12/12/12
hope for the new year
"Let your Yes be simply Yes, and your No be simply No; anything more than that comes from the evil one." Matthew 5:37
Well the time is here again when many are making their New Years resolutions. So many times these resolutions become unachievable goals and the failure to reach them become a joke. Or they are used to quit smoking, drinking or eating poorly, unfortunately there is the underlying expectation of failure. Personally I have never really been one to make these resolutions, partially because I don't like setting myself up for failure but also I am more apt to succeed at something if I quietly make the choice and just do it. But one thing that has been impressed on me this morning is how many of us truly seek Abba and what it is that He wants for us. And in reading the verses below in Lamentations really spoke to me about what I need to do, I need to hope in Him more, I need to seek Him more and I need to wait expectantly for Him. I recognize that this isn't something that's just for the new year, but it is meant to be a life style and not just for me but for all that follow Christ.
Lamentations 3:21-25 "But this I recall and therefore have I hope and expectation: It is because of the Lord’s mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness. The Lord is my portion or share, says my living being (my inner self); therefore will I hope in Him and wait expectantly for Him. The Lord is good to those who wait hopefully and expectantly for Him, to those who seek Him [inquire of and for Him and require Him by right of necessity and on the authority of God’s word]."
Well the time is here again when many are making their New Years resolutions. So many times these resolutions become unachievable goals and the failure to reach them become a joke. Or they are used to quit smoking, drinking or eating poorly, unfortunately there is the underlying expectation of failure. Personally I have never really been one to make these resolutions, partially because I don't like setting myself up for failure but also I am more apt to succeed at something if I quietly make the choice and just do it. But one thing that has been impressed on me this morning is how many of us truly seek Abba and what it is that He wants for us. And in reading the verses below in Lamentations really spoke to me about what I need to do, I need to hope in Him more, I need to seek Him more and I need to wait expectantly for Him. I recognize that this isn't something that's just for the new year, but it is meant to be a life style and not just for me but for all that follow Christ.
Lamentations 3:21-25 "But this I recall and therefore have I hope and expectation: It is because of the Lord’s mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness. The Lord is my portion or share, says my living being (my inner self); therefore will I hope in Him and wait expectantly for Him. The Lord is good to those who wait hopefully and expectantly for Him, to those who seek Him [inquire of and for Him and require Him by right of necessity and on the authority of God’s word]."
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