Who is the greatest?
"They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them "What were you arguing about on the road?" But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."
-Mark 9:33-37
I do not know how many of us are willing to admit that we've had a moment like the one we catch the disciples experiencing in Mark 9. We might not be arguing with one another about who is the greatest, but we've thought about it. I mean, let's be honest...no one is looking...raise your hand if you have ever thought "I'm better than her/him"...raise your hand if you have ever wondered "why did they choose him/her over me"... Well, that brings us to this passage for the week. How easy it is for us as humans to compare ourselves to one another. It is simple to do without even thinking about it. However, I believe that Jesus teaches us an important lesson in this passage. We will know the greatest among us through service! Without service, there is no leadership!
In other words, we must humble ourselves and allow God to exalt us! I know it is difficult MOST OF THE TIME to do so because it seems like others minimize and even overlook your gifts, but who cares??? I would rather every human minimize my gifts if it means that it's a choice between them and God. So, who is really the greatest?
Have you served someone else lately? Have you placed someone else's needs before your own? Have you done the job that no one else wanted to or was even willing to do? Well, you are the greatest! For you have become servant...wait-it's not that easy!!! If it was that easy, then non-believers who are philanthropists would beat out many of us Christians. It seems like the world has this "giving back/service" spirit down to a science. However, I believe that Jesus draws a line in the sand with those last two verses. He brings a child among the disciples and says if you welcome him, then you welcome me. We must check our motives!!!
Our struggle is not simply over by deciding to serve, but Jesus challenges us to change our hearts as well. A child's heart is innocent and vulnerable. Think about the friends that you may have shared moments with at 5 years old that you couldn't if you tried now. We should ask God for pure hearts...a child's heart to love one another in true service as Jesus demonstrated. For those are the ones who Jesus says is the greatest!
So, who is the greatest? I pray you are...I pray we are...I pray we will be the greatest!
Blessings,
Pastor C
Pastor "C"
Reverend Conitras M. Houston
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
Question of the Week- 4.12.10
The Question:
The bible says something to the affect of "All things work together for good to those who love God, who are called according to His purpose." Could that also be a situation where you suffer your entire life only to have your perseverance be a testimony to inspire others? Is this referring to the greater good for everybody or is there always a "come up" for the individual sufferer?
Rev's Review:
Romans 8:28 is one of my favorite scriptures in the Bible! It says (in the New International Version), "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose".
The two most important words in this verse is "GOD WORKS"! I believe that each of us can look at some situation in our life and declare that it is or was "BAD". What do we do with the "BAD" stuff in life? As the submitted question says is there a "greater good for everybody"? I am encouraged today by this question because it reminds me that my life...your life...our lives are not about us!
I do believe that most things that we go through can be utilized as some of the most powerful witnessing tools ever known! In other words, yes- I do believe that sometimes we "suffer" in order to build a testimony to inspire others. However, I believe that we cannot be so overcome by what our testimony can do for others that we neglect what it means for ourselves. In a few chapters earlier, the book of Romans tells us that we should rejoice in our sufferings because it produces perseverance and perseverance produces character and character produces hope! (Romans 5:3-4) Now, I believe that is a benefit worth having! What this literally declares is that my experiencing a suffering is not to tear me down, but it is destined to build me up! It teaches me to persevere and it develops my character according to God's will.
So, there is a "come up" for the individual...but there is also a "come up" or benefit for those who see our suffering as well! Remember, in all things GOD WORKS for the good!!! It is not up to us to make "good" out of "bad" things or even to try and figure them out! As we trust God, we will begin to develop as believers. As we develop as believers, we are building a testimony that encourages others. However, it is that same testimony that will encourage us.
Rev's Conclusion:
When we experience moments or seasons of suffering, don't give up! When we experience moments or seasons of suffering, don't try to create the good! However, when we experience moments or seasons of suffering, let us remember that GOD WORKS it for our good! Not just a personal good, but a corporate good!!! Write down your testimony!!!
Blessings,
Pastor C
The bible says something to the affect of "All things work together for good to those who love God, who are called according to His purpose." Could that also be a situation where you suffer your entire life only to have your perseverance be a testimony to inspire others? Is this referring to the greater good for everybody or is there always a "come up" for the individual sufferer?
Rev's Review:
Romans 8:28 is one of my favorite scriptures in the Bible! It says (in the New International Version), "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose".
The two most important words in this verse is "GOD WORKS"! I believe that each of us can look at some situation in our life and declare that it is or was "BAD". What do we do with the "BAD" stuff in life? As the submitted question says is there a "greater good for everybody"? I am encouraged today by this question because it reminds me that my life...your life...our lives are not about us!
I do believe that most things that we go through can be utilized as some of the most powerful witnessing tools ever known! In other words, yes- I do believe that sometimes we "suffer" in order to build a testimony to inspire others. However, I believe that we cannot be so overcome by what our testimony can do for others that we neglect what it means for ourselves. In a few chapters earlier, the book of Romans tells us that we should rejoice in our sufferings because it produces perseverance and perseverance produces character and character produces hope! (Romans 5:3-4) Now, I believe that is a benefit worth having! What this literally declares is that my experiencing a suffering is not to tear me down, but it is destined to build me up! It teaches me to persevere and it develops my character according to God's will.
So, there is a "come up" for the individual...but there is also a "come up" or benefit for those who see our suffering as well! Remember, in all things GOD WORKS for the good!!! It is not up to us to make "good" out of "bad" things or even to try and figure them out! As we trust God, we will begin to develop as believers. As we develop as believers, we are building a testimony that encourages others. However, it is that same testimony that will encourage us.
Rev's Conclusion:
When we experience moments or seasons of suffering, don't give up! When we experience moments or seasons of suffering, don't try to create the good! However, when we experience moments or seasons of suffering, let us remember that GOD WORKS it for our good! Not just a personal good, but a corporate good!!! Write down your testimony!!!
Blessings,
Pastor C
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Lent- Week 6
HOLY WEEK
Scripture Focus: Deuteronomy 8:1-20
Objective: To discover our need to REMEMBER
Don't forget- no meat on Good Friday
It's HOLY WEEK!!!!!!!!
Holy Week is a time of remembrance! Holy Week represents the last week of Jesus' life before his resurrection on Easter Sunday. What does that mean for us? Isn't it just like the other weeks of Lent?
Holy Week is very important in the life of a believer for it gives us an opportunity to remember! To remember means to keep in mind for attention or consideration. So often we have encounters with people, places, and things and give no further thought to them. However, our encounter with God should be different! Because we have examined ourselves for over five weeks (seeking growth during desert experiences), we have demonstrated our desire to receive what God has for us. I believe that Holy Week is prime time for us to do so through remembering.
Deuteronomy 8:2 says "Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commands." In this passage, Moses is speaking to the children of Israel about God's great deliverance of God's children. However, the central theme is to REMEMBER! Moses explains throughout chapter 8 of Deuteronomy that remembering is necessary for fully obtaining the promise of God.
During this Holy Week, I challenge each of us to REMEMBER! Remember what Jesus did and experienced during His "Holy Week" and what that means for you as an individual, as well as the body of Christ corporately.
PALM SUNDAY- Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem when the crowds recognized Him as King crying "Hosanna" which translates "save now!"
HOLY MONDAY- Jesus cleanses the temple by turning over the tables when the moneychangers were inside of the temple.
HOLY TUESDAY- The Pharisees try to "trick" Jesus. Jesus delivers the best sermon known to the world- the sermon on the Mount of Olives.
SPY WEDNESDAY- Judas agrees to betray Jesus and schemes about Jesus' capture.
MAUNDY THURSDAY- Jesus experiences agony in the garden of Gethsemane but decides God's will is what is best. He has the Last Supper with the disciples and is arrested.
GOOD FRIDAY- Jesus' trial, crucifixion, death, and burial.
HOLY SATURDAY/BLACK SABBATH- Jesus' day of rest in the tomb.
And we know what Sunday morning brought for us! RESURRECTION DAY!
Let us remember Jesus' Holy Week as we walk through our Holy Week. Let us remember what God has already done for us and the revelations that God has given us during this Lenten season in order to GROW through our desert experiences. Let us experience our own Holy Week:
"Palm Sunday"- make our triumphant entry, "Holy Monday"-cleanse the temples in our lives, "Holy Tuesday"-spread the Word of God to others, "Spy Wednesday"-find out who our fake friends are, "Maundy Thursday"-surrender to God's will, "Good Friday"-die to ourselves, "Holy Saturday"-rest from the troubles of the world...because RESURRECTION DAY is just around the corner!!! Your elevation arrives when you GET UP!
Final Challenge: Take a calendar and write one thing that God has already done for you on each day of the week. As you continue through this month...next month...the months to come...REMEMBER that your desert experiences are opportunities for growth if you REMEMBER how good God has already been/how faithful God has already been/how miraculous God has already been!
May God cause of your cup to overflow with wisdom, power, restoration, and favor as you REMEMBER this Holy Week in preparation for Resurrection Sunday!
Blessings,
Pastor C
Scripture Focus: Deuteronomy 8:1-20
Objective: To discover our need to REMEMBER
Don't forget- no meat on Good Friday
It's HOLY WEEK!!!!!!!!
Holy Week is a time of remembrance! Holy Week represents the last week of Jesus' life before his resurrection on Easter Sunday. What does that mean for us? Isn't it just like the other weeks of Lent?
Holy Week is very important in the life of a believer for it gives us an opportunity to remember! To remember means to keep in mind for attention or consideration. So often we have encounters with people, places, and things and give no further thought to them. However, our encounter with God should be different! Because we have examined ourselves for over five weeks (seeking growth during desert experiences), we have demonstrated our desire to receive what God has for us. I believe that Holy Week is prime time for us to do so through remembering.
Deuteronomy 8:2 says "Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commands." In this passage, Moses is speaking to the children of Israel about God's great deliverance of God's children. However, the central theme is to REMEMBER! Moses explains throughout chapter 8 of Deuteronomy that remembering is necessary for fully obtaining the promise of God.
During this Holy Week, I challenge each of us to REMEMBER! Remember what Jesus did and experienced during His "Holy Week" and what that means for you as an individual, as well as the body of Christ corporately.
PALM SUNDAY- Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem when the crowds recognized Him as King crying "Hosanna" which translates "save now!"
HOLY MONDAY- Jesus cleanses the temple by turning over the tables when the moneychangers were inside of the temple.
HOLY TUESDAY- The Pharisees try to "trick" Jesus. Jesus delivers the best sermon known to the world- the sermon on the Mount of Olives.
SPY WEDNESDAY- Judas agrees to betray Jesus and schemes about Jesus' capture.
MAUNDY THURSDAY- Jesus experiences agony in the garden of Gethsemane but decides God's will is what is best. He has the Last Supper with the disciples and is arrested.
GOOD FRIDAY- Jesus' trial, crucifixion, death, and burial.
HOLY SATURDAY/BLACK SABBATH- Jesus' day of rest in the tomb.
And we know what Sunday morning brought for us! RESURRECTION DAY!
Let us remember Jesus' Holy Week as we walk through our Holy Week. Let us remember what God has already done for us and the revelations that God has given us during this Lenten season in order to GROW through our desert experiences. Let us experience our own Holy Week:
"Palm Sunday"- make our triumphant entry, "Holy Monday"-cleanse the temples in our lives, "Holy Tuesday"-spread the Word of God to others, "Spy Wednesday"-find out who our fake friends are, "Maundy Thursday"-surrender to God's will, "Good Friday"-die to ourselves, "Holy Saturday"-rest from the troubles of the world...because RESURRECTION DAY is just around the corner!!! Your elevation arrives when you GET UP!
Final Challenge: Take a calendar and write one thing that God has already done for you on each day of the week. As you continue through this month...next month...the months to come...REMEMBER that your desert experiences are opportunities for growth if you REMEMBER how good God has already been/how faithful God has already been/how miraculous God has already been!
May God cause of your cup to overflow with wisdom, power, restoration, and favor as you REMEMBER this Holy Week in preparation for Resurrection Sunday!
Blessings,
Pastor C
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Lent- Week 5
Lent (Week Five)
Scripture Focus: Jeremiah 1:17; John 12:1-11
Objective: To discover our need to GET READY for the plan God has for us
Welcome to week five of this Lenten observance- this is our last week before Holy Week!
Now that we have been renewed, it is important for us to GET READY! This coming Sunday, March 28th marks Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. We recognize this Sunday as Palm Sunday because of the palm branches that the people waved and placed on the ground as a sign of worship and recognition of Jesus as LORD! It is easy to get excited about the coming King, but the reality is we must be READY to receive Him.
When God called the prophet Jeremiah into ministry, Jeremiah had a host of excuses to validate his inability to do what God called him to do. However, Jeremiah 1:17 gives us a clear look into how God felt about Jeremiah's excuses: "Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them." In this one verse, God is teaching us the importance of fulfilling our call. Whatever God calls us to do, God has equipped us to do...however, we must make the decision to not let anything stand in our way!
When God told Jeremiah to "get yourself ready," God literally said "resolutely prepare for your appointed task". What is the "appointed task" that God has called you to? What moves has God told you to make? When we allow fear to be an excuse, God declares that same fear will be turned on our heads. It's almost like when we were children- "Stop crying before I give you something to cry about"! Do you remember hearing that? Oftentimes our parents said that because we were crying PREMATURELY! God is saying the same thing "stop being scared for I give you a reason to be scared"...yep, that's what He told Jeremiah! So, what does this have to do with Lent?
During this Lenten season of reflection, we are challenged by God to draw closer to Him. However, drawing closer to God does not come without its share of challenges. Drawing closer to God means that we hear God more clearly...as we hear God, we're challenged to move to higher heights--GET READY!!!!
Jesus sets this example for us in John 12:1-11. Prior to His entry into Jerusalem, Jesus stops in on his friends- Mary, Martha, and their brother Lazarus. While there, Mary breaks open her most expensive perfume and begins to anoint Jesus' body. Now what's the big deal???
In this culture, it was custom to anoint the dead prior to burial. Although Jesus was not dead, this was giving us a peak into what is to come. Jesus could have stopped Mary...even though Judas had wrong motives, he gave Jesus the perfect way of escape. However, Jesus declares that Mary is doing what was necessary. So, what can we learn from Jesus?
1-People will object (John 12:4-6)
When you make up your mind that you are going to GET READY for your next step in God, people will object. Imagine how hard it must have been for Jesus (remember Jesus was fully human and fully divine)! This means that Jesus felt emotion as we do. Can you honestly say that if your "cup" from God was to DIE on a CROSS for somebody else you would not have some emotions pulling at you? Jesus did...(check out his words in Gethsemane).
Ok...Judas objects to Mary helping Jesus to GET READY! The scripture tells us that his objection was not pure though- it wasn't about the poor, but it was about himself. We've got to be careful that we do not allow the objections of people to sway us from where God is guiding us. Remember, their objections are usually about them and really have nothing to do with your betterment!
A friend of mine was sharing with me his discontentment due to a lack of support from individuals who should be pushing and encouraging him. He called them "haters". As I told him, I must remind myself and you in this lesson of GETTING READY: we would not have haters if we didn't have anything they would want! I believe that objections (or haters) are God's best compliments to a believer!
2-Stand Up & Say What God Declares (John 12:7-8 & Jeremiah 1:17)
After Judas' objection, Jesus has the opportunity to stay silent or declare God's word! You know it...Jesus spoke what God had already declared to be so! Mary was acting in the will of God. Not only was Mary in the will of God, but Jesus showed us that He was ready to fulfill what God sent Him to the world to do. Jesus had done as God declared to Jeremiah "get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you..."!
Can we firmly declare that we can do this? Are we ready? God is seeking for those of us who are not looking for something to be afraid of...instead, we are "resolutely prepared for our appointed task"!!! Whatever God has declared to be your task, get ready! Don't sit and wait on the task/season/new level to appear...prepare for it! Nothing would be worse than getting a brand new car and not knowing how to drive! Ready or Not...it's time to GO!
May God allow your cup to overflow as you GET READY for your NEW THING!!!!
Scripture Focus: Jeremiah 1:17; John 12:1-11
Objective: To discover our need to GET READY for the plan God has for us
Welcome to week five of this Lenten observance- this is our last week before Holy Week!
Now that we have been renewed, it is important for us to GET READY! This coming Sunday, March 28th marks Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. We recognize this Sunday as Palm Sunday because of the palm branches that the people waved and placed on the ground as a sign of worship and recognition of Jesus as LORD! It is easy to get excited about the coming King, but the reality is we must be READY to receive Him.
When God called the prophet Jeremiah into ministry, Jeremiah had a host of excuses to validate his inability to do what God called him to do. However, Jeremiah 1:17 gives us a clear look into how God felt about Jeremiah's excuses: "Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them." In this one verse, God is teaching us the importance of fulfilling our call. Whatever God calls us to do, God has equipped us to do...however, we must make the decision to not let anything stand in our way!
When God told Jeremiah to "get yourself ready," God literally said "resolutely prepare for your appointed task". What is the "appointed task" that God has called you to? What moves has God told you to make? When we allow fear to be an excuse, God declares that same fear will be turned on our heads. It's almost like when we were children- "Stop crying before I give you something to cry about"! Do you remember hearing that? Oftentimes our parents said that because we were crying PREMATURELY! God is saying the same thing "stop being scared for I give you a reason to be scared"...yep, that's what He told Jeremiah! So, what does this have to do with Lent?
During this Lenten season of reflection, we are challenged by God to draw closer to Him. However, drawing closer to God does not come without its share of challenges. Drawing closer to God means that we hear God more clearly...as we hear God, we're challenged to move to higher heights--GET READY!!!!
Jesus sets this example for us in John 12:1-11. Prior to His entry into Jerusalem, Jesus stops in on his friends- Mary, Martha, and their brother Lazarus. While there, Mary breaks open her most expensive perfume and begins to anoint Jesus' body. Now what's the big deal???
In this culture, it was custom to anoint the dead prior to burial. Although Jesus was not dead, this was giving us a peak into what is to come. Jesus could have stopped Mary...even though Judas had wrong motives, he gave Jesus the perfect way of escape. However, Jesus declares that Mary is doing what was necessary. So, what can we learn from Jesus?
1-People will object (John 12:4-6)
When you make up your mind that you are going to GET READY for your next step in God, people will object. Imagine how hard it must have been for Jesus (remember Jesus was fully human and fully divine)! This means that Jesus felt emotion as we do. Can you honestly say that if your "cup" from God was to DIE on a CROSS for somebody else you would not have some emotions pulling at you? Jesus did...(check out his words in Gethsemane).
Ok...Judas objects to Mary helping Jesus to GET READY! The scripture tells us that his objection was not pure though- it wasn't about the poor, but it was about himself. We've got to be careful that we do not allow the objections of people to sway us from where God is guiding us. Remember, their objections are usually about them and really have nothing to do with your betterment!
A friend of mine was sharing with me his discontentment due to a lack of support from individuals who should be pushing and encouraging him. He called them "haters". As I told him, I must remind myself and you in this lesson of GETTING READY: we would not have haters if we didn't have anything they would want! I believe that objections (or haters) are God's best compliments to a believer!
2-Stand Up & Say What God Declares (John 12:7-8 & Jeremiah 1:17)
After Judas' objection, Jesus has the opportunity to stay silent or declare God's word! You know it...Jesus spoke what God had already declared to be so! Mary was acting in the will of God. Not only was Mary in the will of God, but Jesus showed us that He was ready to fulfill what God sent Him to the world to do. Jesus had done as God declared to Jeremiah "get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you..."!
Can we firmly declare that we can do this? Are we ready? God is seeking for those of us who are not looking for something to be afraid of...instead, we are "resolutely prepared for our appointed task"!!! Whatever God has declared to be your task, get ready! Don't sit and wait on the task/season/new level to appear...prepare for it! Nothing would be worse than getting a brand new car and not knowing how to drive! Ready or Not...it's time to GO!
May God allow your cup to overflow as you GET READY for your NEW THING!!!!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Lent- Week 4
Lent (Week Four)
Scripture Focus: Romans 12:1-2
Objective: To discover our need for RENEWAL
Only two more weeks to go during this Lenten observance! Now is the perfect time to focus on renewal! During the "desert experiences" of life, our relationship with God is challenged. The relationship is challenged due to our inability to see God in a positive light when it seems like everything around us is negative.
When this Lenten season started, were you excited? I know I was! I entered into this observation ready to see God in a new way...I committed myself to my fast and my extra devotion with God. Well, weeks have passed and this desert has gotten drier and hotter! That is what happens in a desert! When we have desert experiences, the growth does not happen without experiencing all of the natural elements. The reality is that sand storms and the burning sun will bring wear-and-tear; therefore, we must discover our need for RENEWAL!
To Renew: to make like new; to restore to freshness, vigor, or perfection
Do you remember when your relationship with God was "new"? It was exciting to have this understanding of a Savior who loved you before your birth! Now I am not saying that you are not still excited about God, but we all need to get the "freshness," "vigor," and striving for "perfection" back! Let us not allow this Lenten season to pass without experiencing a RENEWAL!
Romans 12:1-2 says, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will."
As we uncover our need for renewal, we must first begin with WORSHIP (Romans 12:1)
Throughout the Old Testament, we are able to see worship through sacrifice. In order to connect with God, the people would worship God by offering sacrifices. Remember, Cain and Abel's story...Abraham and Isaac's...and many more! The Apostle Paul urges the church at Rome to worship God not by shedding physical blood, but by shedding personality/behaviors/attitudes/actions and much more! This sacrifice is our act of worship unto God because we negate what we want in hopes of pleasing God. It's not easy, but it's time!
As we begin to worship God through sacrificial living, then we open ourselves to TRANSFORMATION (Romans 12:2)
It is so easy to get distracted by the "norm"! However, as we worship God through our daily living we cannot conform to the world! This is basic right? We learned about peer pressure in Elementary School, so this should be easy. Unfortunately, as a Christian, "peer pressure" is more heavily disguised. Let's unpack what our transformation looks like when lined up against conformity:
Sample Situation: You went to the doctor, and you got a "bad" report.
To be conformed: Weep and stay there! The doctor said it's over, so perhaps God is not really in control.
To be transformed: Weep and look for your joy! "It comes with the morning!" (Ps 30) You believe God is in control, and you ask God to help your unbelief.
Sample Situation: You are experiencing stressful situations at work or school.
To be conformed: Become so overwhelmed by the stress that you are unpleasant to people in your life and are pretty much ready to throw in the towel!
to be transformed: Begin to speak God's power over the situation. Invite God's peace and order into the circumstance, and then do what you have to do!
It is this transformation that brings you closer to your renewal! Freshness, vigor, and the pursuit of perfection in your relationship with God is born out of understanding and clearer communication. The Apostle Paul declares that our renewal must happen in our minds in order for us to better understand the will of God in our lives. I believe that this 2010 Lenten observation can be the start of something great for all of us-let's go back to the "honeymoon" period with God! Let's love on God...talk to God...listen to God...get to know God...while getting to know ourselves in Him in a FRESH, new way!
During this renewal week, I challenge you to take on the task that a friend gave me just yesterday- count your blessings! LITERALLY! This fourth week of our Lenten observance, grab some paper and begin to write down all of the amazing things God has done for you! As you review the God's power in your life, I believe you will discover your need for renewal!
My prayer is that your cup overflows as you strive for a RENEWED relationship with our awesome heavenly Father!
Blessings,
Pastor C
Scripture Focus: Romans 12:1-2
Objective: To discover our need for RENEWAL
Only two more weeks to go during this Lenten observance! Now is the perfect time to focus on renewal! During the "desert experiences" of life, our relationship with God is challenged. The relationship is challenged due to our inability to see God in a positive light when it seems like everything around us is negative.
When this Lenten season started, were you excited? I know I was! I entered into this observation ready to see God in a new way...I committed myself to my fast and my extra devotion with God. Well, weeks have passed and this desert has gotten drier and hotter! That is what happens in a desert! When we have desert experiences, the growth does not happen without experiencing all of the natural elements. The reality is that sand storms and the burning sun will bring wear-and-tear; therefore, we must discover our need for RENEWAL!
To Renew: to make like new; to restore to freshness, vigor, or perfection
Do you remember when your relationship with God was "new"? It was exciting to have this understanding of a Savior who loved you before your birth! Now I am not saying that you are not still excited about God, but we all need to get the "freshness," "vigor," and striving for "perfection" back! Let us not allow this Lenten season to pass without experiencing a RENEWAL!
Romans 12:1-2 says, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will."
As we uncover our need for renewal, we must first begin with WORSHIP (Romans 12:1)
Throughout the Old Testament, we are able to see worship through sacrifice. In order to connect with God, the people would worship God by offering sacrifices. Remember, Cain and Abel's story...Abraham and Isaac's...and many more! The Apostle Paul urges the church at Rome to worship God not by shedding physical blood, but by shedding personality/behaviors/attitudes/actions and much more! This sacrifice is our act of worship unto God because we negate what we want in hopes of pleasing God. It's not easy, but it's time!
As we begin to worship God through sacrificial living, then we open ourselves to TRANSFORMATION (Romans 12:2)
It is so easy to get distracted by the "norm"! However, as we worship God through our daily living we cannot conform to the world! This is basic right? We learned about peer pressure in Elementary School, so this should be easy. Unfortunately, as a Christian, "peer pressure" is more heavily disguised. Let's unpack what our transformation looks like when lined up against conformity:
Sample Situation: You went to the doctor, and you got a "bad" report.
To be conformed: Weep and stay there! The doctor said it's over, so perhaps God is not really in control.
To be transformed: Weep and look for your joy! "It comes with the morning!" (Ps 30) You believe God is in control, and you ask God to help your unbelief.
Sample Situation: You are experiencing stressful situations at work or school.
To be conformed: Become so overwhelmed by the stress that you are unpleasant to people in your life and are pretty much ready to throw in the towel!
to be transformed: Begin to speak God's power over the situation. Invite God's peace and order into the circumstance, and then do what you have to do!
It is this transformation that brings you closer to your renewal! Freshness, vigor, and the pursuit of perfection in your relationship with God is born out of understanding and clearer communication. The Apostle Paul declares that our renewal must happen in our minds in order for us to better understand the will of God in our lives. I believe that this 2010 Lenten observation can be the start of something great for all of us-let's go back to the "honeymoon" period with God! Let's love on God...talk to God...listen to God...get to know God...while getting to know ourselves in Him in a FRESH, new way!
During this renewal week, I challenge you to take on the task that a friend gave me just yesterday- count your blessings! LITERALLY! This fourth week of our Lenten observance, grab some paper and begin to write down all of the amazing things God has done for you! As you review the God's power in your life, I believe you will discover your need for renewal!
My prayer is that your cup overflows as you strive for a RENEWED relationship with our awesome heavenly Father!
Blessings,
Pastor C
Lent- Week 3
Lent (Week Three)
Scripture Focus: 1 John 3:7-24; Matthew 23: 37-40
Objective: To demonstrate the importance of love of one another in this season of growth.
Welcome to week three of the Lenten season of GROWTH! Are you growing? I hope so...if you can't see it yet, keep going...God is with you and your growth is inevitable! This is a very special week during our Lenten observance- it's all about LOVE!
Because we recognize our need to repent (for our wrong), we are reconciled to God (and each other) in order to demonstrate our relationship to God by love of one another. That's right...this week is about looking at how we treat others here on earth. Fun right!? I believe it is the most challenging part of our Christian walk, but it is foundational to our development as believers.
In Matthew 23: 37-40, Jesus answers the question of what is the greatest commandment: "Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Jesus is telling us through His conversation with the Pharisees (teachers of the Law) that our love of the Lord is paralleled with our love of our "neighbor". Now maybe you are already perfect, but that is a difficult pill to swallow for me! We know ourselves- we are hard to love right? Nah...not if we look at loving one another the way Jesus says we should!
So, how do we do this? During week three of your Lenten fast, I challenge you to join with me in focusing on 1 John 3:7-24 as a means for growth in our desert experience.
1. Stay FOCUSED as God's Child (1 John 3:7-8)
We learned last week that we are reconciled to God which means that we are now in relationship with God. Unlike our personal relationships that may change depending on a person's willingness to or not to commit, our relationship with God is SOLID and STABLE! We are children of God! As children of God attempting to LIVE IN LOVE, the text begins as a letter declaring that we must STAY FOCUSED! It says in verse 7, "Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous". In this Christian walk, especially in desert experiences, it is easy to become distracted by what others think about us instead of who God calls us to be-His offspring! As offspring of God, we must DO "right things" (what is right) instead of just "looking the part"!
2. Stay FRUITFUL as God's Child (1 John 3:9-12)
Are we fruitful? Of course we are! We are dropping some fruit each and every day in the words we say and the things we do. Now, the question is: are the fruit rotten? In this portion of the text, I believe that God is affirming our need to be fruitful as children of God! Luke 6:44 says, "Each tree is recognized by its fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers." Because a tree is known by the fruit it bears, we must bear fruit that look like God.
Ok, so step two is a little deeper than that! We can look around the ground and say "I got some good fruit...I volunteer...I work at the church...I sing in the choir...I help others...etc" Well, that is great but our fruit is also seen in our dealings with "our brother" and "our sister".
3. Stay FRIENDLY as God's Child (1 John 3:13-17)
Our growth in the desert experiences of life is most evident in our ability to LIVE IN LOVE! As we move from "death" (fleshly living) to "life" (heavenly living), our treatment of others changes. We begin to actually LIVE in love!
4. Stay FAITHFUL as God's Child (1 John 3:18-24)
Let us move beyond a love that speaks without action! Let us move beyond a love that worships God without witness! Let us move beyond a relationship with God that has no substance or evidence! God desires for us to demonstrate the truth of our love and relationship by our deeds!!! By doing so, we live in love by living in CHRIST!
In our pursuit of living a life of love, my prayer is that your cup overflows!
Blessings,
Pastor C
Scripture Focus: 1 John 3:7-24; Matthew 23: 37-40
Objective: To demonstrate the importance of love of one another in this season of growth.
Welcome to week three of the Lenten season of GROWTH! Are you growing? I hope so...if you can't see it yet, keep going...God is with you and your growth is inevitable! This is a very special week during our Lenten observance- it's all about LOVE!
Because we recognize our need to repent (for our wrong), we are reconciled to God (and each other) in order to demonstrate our relationship to God by love of one another. That's right...this week is about looking at how we treat others here on earth. Fun right!? I believe it is the most challenging part of our Christian walk, but it is foundational to our development as believers.
In Matthew 23: 37-40, Jesus answers the question of what is the greatest commandment: "Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Jesus is telling us through His conversation with the Pharisees (teachers of the Law) that our love of the Lord is paralleled with our love of our "neighbor". Now maybe you are already perfect, but that is a difficult pill to swallow for me! We know ourselves- we are hard to love right? Nah...not if we look at loving one another the way Jesus says we should!
So, how do we do this? During week three of your Lenten fast, I challenge you to join with me in focusing on 1 John 3:7-24 as a means for growth in our desert experience.
1. Stay FOCUSED as God's Child (1 John 3:7-8)
We learned last week that we are reconciled to God which means that we are now in relationship with God. Unlike our personal relationships that may change depending on a person's willingness to or not to commit, our relationship with God is SOLID and STABLE! We are children of God! As children of God attempting to LIVE IN LOVE, the text begins as a letter declaring that we must STAY FOCUSED! It says in verse 7, "Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous". In this Christian walk, especially in desert experiences, it is easy to become distracted by what others think about us instead of who God calls us to be-His offspring! As offspring of God, we must DO "right things" (what is right) instead of just "looking the part"!
2. Stay FRUITFUL as God's Child (1 John 3:9-12)
Are we fruitful? Of course we are! We are dropping some fruit each and every day in the words we say and the things we do. Now, the question is: are the fruit rotten? In this portion of the text, I believe that God is affirming our need to be fruitful as children of God! Luke 6:44 says, "Each tree is recognized by its fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers." Because a tree is known by the fruit it bears, we must bear fruit that look like God.
Ok, so step two is a little deeper than that! We can look around the ground and say "I got some good fruit...I volunteer...I work at the church...I sing in the choir...I help others...etc" Well, that is great but our fruit is also seen in our dealings with "our brother" and "our sister".
3. Stay FRIENDLY as God's Child (1 John 3:13-17)
Our growth in the desert experiences of life is most evident in our ability to LIVE IN LOVE! As we move from "death" (fleshly living) to "life" (heavenly living), our treatment of others changes. We begin to actually LIVE in love!
4. Stay FAITHFUL as God's Child (1 John 3:18-24)
Let us move beyond a love that speaks without action! Let us move beyond a love that worships God without witness! Let us move beyond a relationship with God that has no substance or evidence! God desires for us to demonstrate the truth of our love and relationship by our deeds!!! By doing so, we live in love by living in CHRIST!
In our pursuit of living a life of love, my prayer is that your cup overflows!
Blessings,
Pastor C
Lent- Week 2
Lent (Week Two)
Scripture Focus: Romans 5: 1-11; Genesis 45
Objective: To discover our gift of and need of reconciliation
Week TWO! How are you feeling? Now that we have discovered our need for repentance, I believe that this week we have a new focal point-reconciliation!
To reconcile means to restore to friendship or harmony. As we examine our desert experiences as opportunities for growth, it is necessary to first discover our GIFT of reconciliation. A gift is something that is given to another person without expectation of compensation. Before we were born or even THOUGHT ABOUT observing this Lenten season, God gave us reconciliation with Him as a GIFT! He sent Himself in the person of Jesus to shed blood as a sacrifice for our sins, so that we could be RECONCILED (in friendship and harmony) with God! WHAT A GIFT?!?!
During this week of Lenten observation, I invite you to focus on the following aspects that come along with the GIFT of reconciliation:
1-You have PEACE with God (Rom 5:1-2a) Our peace with God is not based on our own merit or other's vouching for our character and integrity! Our peace with God is here because of our FAITH in God! It is by this faith that you and I have been justified (made right) in the sight of God. This is a blessing because no one can take that away from us! You have PEACE with God. No matter your shortcoming or struggle...your faith and belief in God has given you peace with God!
2-You must REJOICE in the HOPE & in the SUFFERING (Rom 5:2b-5)
In Job 2:7-10, Job questions his wife "Shall accept good from God and not trouble?". Now how could Job boldly respond to his wife in this manner? Perhaps, Job understood what Paul would later explain to the church at Rome and now to us during this Lenten season: suffering gives birth to hope! It is easy for us to rejoice in the hope because it rests in Jesus, but how can we learn to rejoice in the suffering of life? We rejoice in the suffering because it is literally a setup for growth. Paul tells the Romans that suffering produces perseverance and perseverance produces character and character produces HOPE!
What this literally means is when we suffer we are in a position for growth! Think about the greatest athletes...no marathon runner starts off running the full distance! He or she starts with short distances and builds up their ability to run the full distance. How about now? Ready to rejoice in your suffering...it's getting you ready to go the distance!
3-Rejoice in your RECONCILIATION (Rom 5:6-11)
While we were ungodly (and if we are honest...ok, I won't go there), God gave us friendship! Now, that's a blessing! So let us rejoice!
Wait a minute...now week two is more challenging than just rejoicing! I said in the beginning that this week's objective is to not only discover the GIFT of reconciliation but also the NEED of reconciliation! We cannot create the CROSS with just a vertical line, but as we carry our CROSS we must get the horizontal in line also! Who in our lives do we need to offer TRUE RECONCILIATION to? It takes more energy to carry the anger...resentment...jealousy, etc. than to simply offer reconciliation.
In Genesis 45, we get a glimpse of what that reconciliation looks like. Joseph had been treated horribly by his own brothers out of their fear of who he could become. They sold him into slavery, but God was really setting him up-it was ALL GOOD! After reuniting with his brothers, he had the opportunity to get revenge. Instead, he offered TRUE RECONCILIATION! Genesis 45:15 tells us that he kissed his brothers, wept over them, and talked WITH them! During this season of growth, I challenge us to talk WITH those who have done us wrong or don't talk AT ALL! For if we believe like Joseph that God sent us ahead...that what people mean for our evil, God means for our good...then we will begin to see in this walk of reconciliation that IT'S ALL GOOD!
My prayer is in our gift of reconciliation with God and our need of reconciliation with people, our cup will overflow!
Blessings,
Pastor C
Scripture Focus: Romans 5: 1-11; Genesis 45
Objective: To discover our gift of and need of reconciliation
Week TWO! How are you feeling? Now that we have discovered our need for repentance, I believe that this week we have a new focal point-reconciliation!
To reconcile means to restore to friendship or harmony. As we examine our desert experiences as opportunities for growth, it is necessary to first discover our GIFT of reconciliation. A gift is something that is given to another person without expectation of compensation. Before we were born or even THOUGHT ABOUT observing this Lenten season, God gave us reconciliation with Him as a GIFT! He sent Himself in the person of Jesus to shed blood as a sacrifice for our sins, so that we could be RECONCILED (in friendship and harmony) with God! WHAT A GIFT?!?!
During this week of Lenten observation, I invite you to focus on the following aspects that come along with the GIFT of reconciliation:
1-You have PEACE with God (Rom 5:1-2a) Our peace with God is not based on our own merit or other's vouching for our character and integrity! Our peace with God is here because of our FAITH in God! It is by this faith that you and I have been justified (made right) in the sight of God. This is a blessing because no one can take that away from us! You have PEACE with God. No matter your shortcoming or struggle...your faith and belief in God has given you peace with God!
2-You must REJOICE in the HOPE & in the SUFFERING (Rom 5:2b-5)
In Job 2:7-10, Job questions his wife "Shall accept good from God and not trouble?". Now how could Job boldly respond to his wife in this manner? Perhaps, Job understood what Paul would later explain to the church at Rome and now to us during this Lenten season: suffering gives birth to hope! It is easy for us to rejoice in the hope because it rests in Jesus, but how can we learn to rejoice in the suffering of life? We rejoice in the suffering because it is literally a setup for growth. Paul tells the Romans that suffering produces perseverance and perseverance produces character and character produces HOPE!
What this literally means is when we suffer we are in a position for growth! Think about the greatest athletes...no marathon runner starts off running the full distance! He or she starts with short distances and builds up their ability to run the full distance. How about now? Ready to rejoice in your suffering...it's getting you ready to go the distance!
3-Rejoice in your RECONCILIATION (Rom 5:6-11)
While we were ungodly (and if we are honest...ok, I won't go there), God gave us friendship! Now, that's a blessing! So let us rejoice!
Wait a minute...now week two is more challenging than just rejoicing! I said in the beginning that this week's objective is to not only discover the GIFT of reconciliation but also the NEED of reconciliation! We cannot create the CROSS with just a vertical line, but as we carry our CROSS we must get the horizontal in line also! Who in our lives do we need to offer TRUE RECONCILIATION to? It takes more energy to carry the anger...resentment...jealousy, etc. than to simply offer reconciliation.
In Genesis 45, we get a glimpse of what that reconciliation looks like. Joseph had been treated horribly by his own brothers out of their fear of who he could become. They sold him into slavery, but God was really setting him up-it was ALL GOOD! After reuniting with his brothers, he had the opportunity to get revenge. Instead, he offered TRUE RECONCILIATION! Genesis 45:15 tells us that he kissed his brothers, wept over them, and talked WITH them! During this season of growth, I challenge us to talk WITH those who have done us wrong or don't talk AT ALL! For if we believe like Joseph that God sent us ahead...that what people mean for our evil, God means for our good...then we will begin to see in this walk of reconciliation that IT'S ALL GOOD!
My prayer is in our gift of reconciliation with God and our need of reconciliation with people, our cup will overflow!
Blessings,
Pastor C
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