Galatians 5:22-23 10/26/2016

Galatians 5:22  "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control..."

When we accept Christ,  we receive the Holy Spirit of God and become His children. This is what rescues us from the "body of death" Paul refers to in Romans, and it is what changes us
.... in this verse God defines what that change should look like.

This is your spiritual thermometer.  It doesn't matter how much you give to the church, how often you attend, or how hard you work...these attributes are what is expected and what gives your life power.

So let's take our temperature.  Let's assume we are all eager to attain  love, joy and peace, but what about the last seven?

Patience?  We are a society of instant gratification with little to no attention span.

Kindness?  Mention the political candidate your voting for and see how that goes.

Goodness? We can't even define it, as there is no accepted moral code.

Faithfulness?  that has been "missing in action"  from the boardroom to the bedroom for years.

And if you want to see the opposite of gentleness and self-control - try merging onto the freeway.

That's the bad news ... The good news is  - a price was paid to make this fruit available to you. You can live differently than the world .. You have been GIVEN the ability to live out the fruit of the Spirit in your life.

I dare you to access that ability for one week.

Start today with Patience.  Set your phone to remind you  throughout the day to deliberately work on being patient with your family, friends, and co-workers. Tomorrow is Kindness, won't that surprise a few people?  Next is goodness...and continue through the week.

If you will  intentionally pursue the fruit of the Spirit each day for just one week.  I assure you, you will never be satisfied with a small, powerless, self centered life again.

"The fruit of the Spirit is not push, drive, climb, grasp and trample. Life is more than a climb to the top of the heap."
- Richard Foster

2 Samuel 23: 16 1 John 4:8 John 13:35 10/18/2016

2 Samuel 23: 15-16 "... ¹⁵ David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” ¹⁶ So the three mighty warriors broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David.."

That is what love looks like.

The Philistines had captured Bethlehem and pushed David and his army to a cave outside of town. Three of David's men heard their King, probably under his breath, wish for a drink from the well of  his youth.

They  didn't call a meeting, they didn't form a committee, they sought no reward for good intentions. Their love for David demanded action, so they saddled up, broke through enemy lines, and risked their lives to get that water.

Love is something you do, not something you talk about.

Maybe we use the word "love" too much.  We say we love ice cream, and sunsets..... Perhaps we water down the only word we have for the most powerful force in the universe.  Love is epic. It is sacrificial.  It never fails.   It is the pinnacle of all emotion ... There are no degrees of Love. If it is not glorious, then it is not love.

It's important we understand the word.  It defines us. "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."(1 John 4:8).

Does your love spur you to action?  Would people say it defines you?  When you say you love someone one, it should change everything.  Don't accept, or practice some passive, discounted, version of the greatest power ever known.

Let me challenge you  this week to "get some water" for someone you love.  It shouldn't be reasonable, necessary, or expected.  Do something outlandish.  Decide to be a "mighty warrior" and recklessly live out extravagant love ....The world cannot argue against this, and it will brand you a Christian.

"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
- Jesus
John 13:35

Galatians 6:1 10/11/2016

Galatians 6:1  "Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted."

Two clear instructions here. Help your brother when he falls.  Watch yourself. 

The first one seems simple enough. If we live by the Spirit we should be in the restoration business.  Instead often we find ourselves in the condemning, and avoiding business.

If a brother or sister is caught in a sin...and let's assume that sin is outside your "acceptable sin circle".  What is your response?  Do you avoid them?  Do you gossip?   Do you use the "who am I to judge" phrase as an excuse to do nothing?

This verse would say we should address the problem.  That with hearts full of mercy, we should pick up the phone and call.  Stop by their house in an attempt to help.  

This is the messy, uncomfortable, and inconvenient part of Christianity.  This is not scheduled Sunday Morning worship, it is being a soldier of Christ on the battlefield helping the wounded, and it is what we are called to do.  

The second point is important as well...be careful.  In this fallen world there is constant conflict between the Spirit and the Flesh. The same enemy that has tripped up your brother is looking to destroy you.  It may be the same sin your comrade has succumbed to, or it may be self righteousness ..but rest assured the attack will come. Keep your eyes open.  

Your life is not meant to be a sterile, safe existence....If you "live by the Spirit" you are one of God's "first responders".  You run toward the gun fire, and look to restore those who have been overcome...it's dangerous business and you should stay alert.

If God has placed someone on your heart this week...call them, go to them...put your earthly schedule on hold, and live by the Spirit.  Boldly and prayerfully help restore a fellow soldier back into the battle, it is why we are here.

"The ones who disappoint you need you the most"
Jack Hyles

Romans 8: 7- 8 Ephesians 1:13 Romans 10:13 10/4/2016

Romans 8: 7 " because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s Law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the flesh cannot please God"

We spend a lot of time discussing how the Christian life should look.  But it can only look that way through the power of the Spirit of God.   If you're applying these studies,  but have not accepted Christ, you are in essence, taking sky diving lessons without a parachute.

You can learn techniques to make you look like you are in a controlled fall...but you are still falling. 

This verse makes it clear that if you haven't "come to the end of yourself" and had that moment when you have given your life to Christ, it is impossible for you to change your course.  You are a slave to sin and there is only one key that will release you from it's power. 

If this was not the case, and there was a way to "work hard enough", the Cross would have not been necessary.

If you are constantly discouraged and unable to change your life, make sure you have received the one gift that makes change and renewal possible.  

"... you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit" (Ephesians 1:13)

Be sure you have believed in Him and are sealed with the spirit of God ... That is what frees you. That is what makes you new...without it, everything else is useless details.

If you're not sure, don't waste another minute not knowing.  Call me, talk to your pastor, find someone who can help you through the process.

God made it simple  "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
(Romans 10:13).  The change is instant, and eternal,  and it can happen now.  Then, and only then, are you free to begin a lifetime of growth.

No lesson in this series is more important.

"The greatest enemy to human souls is the self-righteous spirit which makes men look to themselves for salvation."
- Charles Spurgeon

1 Peter 5:6-7 Mark 10:5 9/27/2016

1 Peter 5:6-7 "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

We lost something in the garden, and need to get it back.

Living in a constant state of anxiety is not what we were created to do, and it has negative consequences physically and spiritually.

We are electronically connected 24/7 to our "busyness", and have completely lost the concept of "downtime". Having achieved a perpetual state of work and worry, going to bed connected and waking up unrested, just to reconnect.

We have become so busy and sophisticated that the act of faithfully being "still" seems childish...and that is what it is...in fact Jesus was very clear on the subject. "I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it." (Mark 10:5) 

When is the last time you approached God like a child?  With no instructions for Him, only the realization that you need Him?   Without demands or negotiations...just trusting that your Heavenly Father can deliver you?

What would it take to "cast all your anxiety on Him?  This verse says it takes humility, trusting in His timing, and knowing that He cares about you. 

This week stop.  Change your life, by intentionally unplugging and being "still" - before you start your day.  Humbly realize that you are loved.  Rely on God's protection, trust His heart and His timing ... and relax.

Anxiety can be deadly... cast it on Him, and walk free of fear...like a child holding their father's hand.

That is how we walked in the Garden, and He paid a great price so we can walk like that today. 

"Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of it with the handle of anxiety or the handle of faith."
- Henry Ward Beecher

Exodus 3:14 9/13/2016*30*

God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites:
'I AM has sent me to you.'"

Last week we established that we are important to God. Today, let's discuss why that matters.

If I grab a pencil and a napkin and sketch a picture, it would not be worth the value of the paper it was drawn on...but if I find a sketch on a napkin with the name Picasso on the bottom, it would be worth a fortune....Why? ...  Because the value of the art is derived from the value of the artist.

I am not valuable because of who I am...I am valuable because of whose I am. 

So whose are we? ... How do we describe God to the world?  God answered the question of who He is, the only way He could.  "I AM".  Nothing describes God but God.  Nothing compares to God but God.  "I AM" is the only possible answer.  Anything else diminishes His Glory.

That is your pedigree...He is the artist that created you, and He is the reason you are valuable. Like a planet that reflects the light of the sun, our value is a reflection of his brilliance.  

Moses wanted to explain who God is...but you cannot explain the in-explainable. There are no words to describe His glory. 

When the world questions "who sent you" and attempts to devalue your message...show them.
Don't just speak of love - love. Don't just talk about forgiveness - forgive.   If you can be at least a dim mirror of the Great "I AM" it will impact people and change the world.

... your job is not to explain Him...but to reflect Him. 

“There is no knowing that does not begin with knowing God.”
- John Calvin

Psalms 8:4 9/20/2016

Psalms 8:4 -
"What is man that you are mindful of him...?"

This is a fair question. Obviously the rest of the passage speaks to the awesomeness of God, but what about this question? Why would a Being so magnificent even be aware of something so insignificant?

The answer is our lineage.

I am a child of God, and that fact alone, means I am cherished.

When my children were born I loved them instantly.  From birth, they were immeasurably valuable to me. Before they did anything good or bad. Before they succeeded or failed, prospered or struggled ... they were loved.  Instantly, this small helpless being, became a permanent part of my heart, that has never, nor will ever have to do anything to gain my love.

If I, as an imperfect earthly father, can so easily feel that kind of Love, just imagine what
God, who IS Love, feels for you.  Stop for a moment and contemplate the depth of importance God has placed on you. Consider the incomprehensible cost He paid to deliver you from sin, and allow you to be "born again" as His.

The ramifications of being a child of God are staggering. You are never absent from God's thoughts....
it is not only that He is aware of you ... you are constantly on His mind.  He created you in His image, is aware of your every activity,  and loves you more deeply than any earthly father could.

If you have accepted God's offer of Grace and Redemption, you need not struggle for importance any longer. On the Cross He said "it is finished" - you are His child, you have a glorious inheritance, and you are cherished.

Live in the freedom of being valuable to God, and use that freedom to love others, and lead them to the same reconciliation you have experienced.

No other opinion matters...you are important to God.

“The mystery of seeking God is that HE is the One who finds you.”
― Kingsley Manuel

Matthew 7:22-23 9/6/2016

Matthew 7:22-23  "Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness."

These are some of the scariest verses in the bible.

Once you get over the shock of their content, there is an observation to consider.  When confronted with the fact that they were not qualified for salvation, this group immediately recited a list of their accomplishments.  They had apparently pinned their hopes on their "religious busyness" to earn eternal life.

What about us?  If our Christianity was questioned would we recite all we have done for God?  Would we tell Him how busy we have been for Him.  Would we argue that we hosted bible studies, or taught Sunday school, or that we were deacons at the church?  Would we assume our qualification is based on our religious effort?

The heart breaking response to their argument was simple...."I never knew you." Not that they hadn't done enough, but that they had missed the point completely. It is not about what you have done, it is about all He has done for you.  And once you realize that - the natural response is to "be still and know".  To fellowship with God. To worship the God that loves you.

The great gift of God is that we now have a true best friend.  We can enter the throne room. The veil has been torn, the sin has been removed and we can now have a relationship with our Creator. Not based on what we have done - base on what He did.

This week, make sure your service to God comes from a heart full of gratitude for your Savior. Spend time alone getting to know God.  Meditate on His word, spend time in prayer.
....Not so you will be saved, but because He already saved you.

"A rule I have had for years is: to treat the Lord Jesus Christ as a personal friend. His is not a creed, a mere doctrine, but it is He Himself we have."
- D.L. Moody

Revelation 4:4-5 8/30/2016

Revelation 4:4-5 " Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen!"

Interesting comment to a church that appeared to be dong well.  

The Church at Ephesus had just been commended for hard work, perseverance, not tolerating sin, and enduring persecution and hardship. Many would say that is a vibrant, healthy church.

Yet even after acknowledging their work, God had a problem with them.  It wasn't "what" they were doing - it was "why"... They were serving with their heads, and not their hearts.  They had fallen into the trap of religion.

God's response to this was direct and forceful..." I will remove your lamp stand"... in other words, I can't use you to illuminate the world, if your heart doesn't burn for me.

So the obvious question to us is - why do we do what we do?  Is it from an overflow of our heart?...or have we been tripped up by religion as well?

God wants you to remember how if felt when you first understood what Christ had done for you.
He wants you to spend time reminiscing about the moment you first realized that God actually loves you. Re-kindle the amazement you had at His grace, and make sure your heart still glows with it's "first love".

Your lamp stand can only be effective if the lamp it holds burns true and bright with the gospel and the love of God.  He has no need for the light of religion and tradition.

"Consider how far you have fallen". Abandon your rituals and traditions and set out today to serve God with a heart re-ignited by the love and gratitude you have for what He did on The Cross. Do the things you did before, share your love for Christ and the amazing grace that pulled you from the darkness of sin.  This is the light God will elevate to illuminate the world.

“Light yourself on fire with passion and people will come from miles to watch you burn.”
- John Wesley

1 Corinthians 8:12 8/23/2016

1 Corinthians 8:12  "When you sin against them in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ."

The interesting thing about this verse is Paul is referring to eating meat sacrificed to an idol. An activity that he has already stated was not a sin... Sacrificing an animal to an inanimate object has no impact on the meat....Paul even states that those offended by this, are weaker in their faith.

As a society, we focus on our rights so much that it may seem to us that we should press forward in the exercise of our freedom, and let the weak learn to be stronger.

However this verse says pressing on in an apporved activity, in spite of the negative consequences to a brother,  changes it to a sin ... and a sin against Christ.

So an action that by itself is allowed, can become a sin if it wounds a brother.

That is a huge concept and it should dramatically impact our thoughts and actions.

I am free in Christ, and that freedom should be cherished as it came at a great price.

However if my freedom causes a child of God to stumble I must willingly abdicate that freedom for the preservation of my brother.  This requires a change in my mindset,  and a redefinition of the concept of liberty.

I now must consider my language, what movies I attend, what I eat and drink, the jokes I tell...everything - to be sure it doesn't place a stumbling block in front of a weaker brother.

Not because I am not free ... but because in my freedom, I have chosen to serve the law of Love.

Jesus made it clear that if my actions offend His child...then my actions offended Him.

The paradox of the Christian faith is that our freedom allows us to be a slave to Christ, and our liberty allows us to serve others.

Evaluate your activities today.  Not in an effort to defend your actions, but in an effort to make sure nothing you do hinders the ultimate goal of leading others to Christ.

"It is our duty and our privilege to exhaust our lives for Jesus. We are not to be living specimens of men in fine preservation, but living sacrifices, whose lot is to be consumed"

-Charles Spurgeon