On Mission

In order to move forward as a disciple in Christ we must be intentional in all we do. Here are two things to remember about what it means to be a Christian, a disciple. When we are “on mission”:

1. We love those who probably can't give anything in return. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:35

2. We do “unto others” as an expression of the love of God that is inside of us, bubbling up, spilling over, and flowing out! “For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” – Galatians 5:14

Christians on a mission are giving two gifts -- one gift which satisfies a practical need, and one gift which opens a window to the love and grace of God.

Be Jesus to the world – one kind act at a time (love and do) …

Our Good

The same dependable guidelines that were given to Joshua and the Israelites, are for us as well. We must be deliberate and intentional in following them.

We must intentionally rely on God’s Provision (And the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses. - Joshua 3:7) God was with Moses and is now with Joshua. He has not changed, doesn’t forget, slow down, or need time off! Jesus knows perfectly well what we need even before we ask.

We also must intentionally rely God’s Prescriptions (Tell the priests who carry the ark of the covenant: ‘When you reach the edge of the Jordan’s waters, go and stand in the river. - Joshua 3:8) God makes no mistakes. He gives us exactly what we need.

We need to follow directions and take our medicine! The priests moved – stood – then the people followed. Life would be so much simpler and richer if we would just do what God says. – like Israel we must Follow directions, take a step, stand, and encourage movement within the body of Christ. God means what He says and says what He means, and it’s always for our good. Remember to listen intently and follow intentionally!
Amen?

Power

The same dependable guidelines that were given to Joshua and the Israelites, are for us as well. We must be deliberate and intentional in following them.

We must intentionally rely on God’s Power (Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” Joshua said to the priests, “Take up the ark of the covenant and pass on ahead of the people.” So they took it up and went ahead of them. - Joshua 3:5-6)

The Lord allowed them for three Days to see the impossibility of mission. Everything from a flooded river, fortified cities, and the enemy armies awaited them. But God was with them and would bring victory, but required a step of faith!

God’s power is evident and His presence real today as well. You should have no need to fear when your hand is in His, but God is calling us to take intentional steps of faith. Remember He will provide the strength to do all things in His Name. Amen?

Presence

The same dependable guidelines that were given to Joshua and the Israelites, are for us as well. We must be deliberate and intentional in following them.

We must intentionally rely on God’s Presence (Early in the morning Joshua and all the Israelites set out from Shittim and went to the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over.  After three days the officers went throughout the camp, giving orders to the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it.  Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between you and the ark; do not go near it.” - Joshua 3:1-4)

The Lord said keep your eyes on the Ark! In other words - follow God! Don't try to control Him. The same is true for us today. The problem is that we forget He is always with us. A consciousness of God’s presence will produce a life without fear and dread. Watch for God sightings and join Him where He is at work. Be intentional about this. Amen?

Intentional Faith

If we spend too much time looking at our circumstances and culture, it can be disheartening. If you are not careful your faith will become weak. We must intentionally be focused on the things of God and not this world. We need to rely on God's power and promises.

Abraham was one who relied on God’s promises. "By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.  By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.  For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.  And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore. All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth." - Hebrews 11:8-13

A promise was given to Abraham and yet we do not find that God gave any other information whatsoever. God did not identify the country nor tell Abraham where he was to go. Neither did God tell Abraham when his wife (Sarah) would bear the seed (the male child) from whom the promised nation would be born.

God made a simple promise, and all Abraham had to go on was that simple promise, that is, the sheer Word of God. Only one condition was attached to the promise. Abraham had to have faith and believe God, and so should we. Amen?

Intentionality Defined

I believed I had an original thought that would rock the Christian world, but sadly no. Many Christ followers have been exploring the word “Intentional” for years. In fact, there are; intentional ministries, churches, youth groups, bloggers, devotions, and Bible studies all over the world (and the internet). That still didn’t dissuade me because I also thought I came up with a new word: Intentionality. Sadly, I wasn’t the first on that boat, but I do believe I am taking a totally different look and definition of the word.

According to Oxford dictionary the word is defined as - the fact of being deliberate or purposive. In philosophy it is the quality of mental states (e.g., thoughts, beliefs, desires, hopes) that consists in their being directed toward some object or state of affairs.

I am not questioning the existence of God or engaging in that “philosophical conversation”. I am starting at the position of being a born again believer through the power of Jesus Christ. God is intentional and He desires us to be the same. We need to have the same focus as Paul who wrote, I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. - Galatians 2:20

God’s Word gives us all we need to intentionally live for Him. Amen?

Intentionality

In this year of “Moving Forward” we should use all resources available to help us on our journey. Three years ago I preached a sermon series on “Intentionality”. The next few weeks I will be re-posting (and updating) some of that teaching to help us in 2019’s quest.

 We have all had those ah-ha moments. It's when we've heard something that brought clarity and direction to our lives. Maybe it was at a conference, a church service, on TV, or you read it somewhere. If your like me you wanted to write it down so you wouldn't forget. Sometimes this moment occurs with a thought that you speak yourself.

This happened to me a few years ago when I was speaking at a conference. My topic was on breaking down barriers that separate God's people. It was not in my notes, but it came out like this, "Don't wait for something to happen. Be intentional". It was quoted by the rest of the speakers - Be intentional about what God is calling you and His church to do. 

That thought has been on my mind. It raises a serious question: How much Godly intentionality is there in my life, family, or church? May we be like the psalmist who asked God to: Open my eyes to see wonderful things in your Word.  I am but a pilgrim here on earth: how I need a map—and your commands are my chart and guide.  I long for your instructions more than I can tell. - Psalm 119:18-20

I invite you to join me on this "intentional" discovery journey. Let's find what we're called to and put a smile on God's face. Amen?

Forward Discipleship

It is hard to “move forward” if you don’t know the way! The Bible clarifies our path and there are great resources and teachers who can help us on our journey. All Christians are confronted with the command of Jesus found in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) that says, “Go and make disciples of all nations.”, Have you thought through this verse? There are three questions presented whose answers provide the framework for the task to which Jesus has called us to. The questions are:

1. What is a disciple?  Jesus calls us to “make” them. So, we must first understand what their characteristics are. A simple definition is found in Pastor Rick Warren’s book, “The Purpose Driven Life.” A life of discipleship is understood in terms of living out the five purposes.

 A disciple is one who:

• Is pleasing God every day, this is true Worship. They realize that they are planned for God’s pleasure.
• Is an active member of a local body of believers, which is Fellowship. They understand that they are formed for a family.
• Is learning to be more Christ-like in their behavior every day, which is Discipleship. They realize they are created to become like Christ.
• Is serving sacrificially within the local body of believers, which is Ministry. They know how they have been shaped for service and live it out continually.
• Is sharing God’s love, forgiveness and hope with people who do not know Christ, which is Mission. They declare openly and confidently, “I was made for a mission.”
2. How does one make disciples? If we use the purpose definition of a disciple, then it follows that we must be about inserting these purposes into our lives, and of the people whom God has entrusted us to us. This is the work of the church. We must set up an environment that leads people along a developmental path such that these purposes become fully integrated into their lives. We preach the purposes from the pulpit, teach them in small groups, we model them in our lives, we provide opportunities for our people to live them out individually and in fellowship with others, and we expect them to mature and envision and equip others to this same life of obedience. This is how we become a Purpose Driven people and church.

How does living like a Christ Follower look like? What steps do you need to take?

3. How are disciples sent to all nations? The third question infers that the “go” requires the church to “send.” It is our task to be strategic and intentional about infusing the five purposes into the lives of our people so they can truly be disciples. For the purpose of mission, and if we are to be obedient to Jesus, we must strategically and intentionally send people into the world, locally and globally, to carry the Good News to a hurting world. The best way to do mission is to do church, and the best way to do church is to do mission.

Insanity has been defined as, doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. I heard a different slant recently, Doing the same old things and expecting a different outcome.

Is the church guilty of insanity? - Doing the same old things and expecting a different outcome. How can we change that rut or routine and become a true Christ follower?

If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got! Amen or Oh-Me?

Timely Decisions

Spiritual battles take place all around us. Let's take a page from our American history books to learn a lesson about making decisions. On the battlefield discernment is critical. An officer leading his men into battle must be able to make decisions quickly and accurately. Decisiveness can spell the difference between victory and defeat. During the Civil War, General Robert E. Lee, one of the South’s greatest military strategists, knew this well. He was fond of saying that “battles neither turn on a division or a brigade let alone a company or a squad. Rather, battles turn on the will of a man holding a rifle who takes aim or takes to heel.” Battles turn on individual decisions. Such was the case of the battle of Gettysburg on July 2, 1863. Lee, with a force of several hundred thousand Confederate troops, had marched through Maryland and into the lush Pennsylvania countryside. With surprise and speed on his side, Lee took to the offensive and pushed into the city. He knew that the Union army was to his rear and that by tomorrow he would be facing them. Nonetheless, there was high ground just outside of the city, a hill called Culp’s Hill. With the city under occupation and his artillery on that hill, Lee could command the approach of the Union army and put them on the defensive. However, everything hinged on taking that hill.

The hill was on Lee’s left flank directly in the path of General Richard Ewell’s corps. Lee sent a message to General Ewell directing him to “take that hill if feasible.” As Ewell’s corps advance through Gettysburg and over the field leading to Culp’s Hill, the Union Army began to pour into the Gettysburg countryside. Elements that had been routed earlier in the day were streaming eastward toward General Meade’s Union army encampment on Cemetery Ridge just to the east of Culp’s Hill. If Ewell could take that hill, his guns would be trained right down upon them. Ewell paused his forces. What should he do? Should he attack with full force and push them off the hill? Should he take a small detachment and engage the enemy for strength? Should he stop his advance and wait until the next day’s light? Ultimately, Ewell decided to do nothing. Two days later the Confederate Army, defeated, straggled back toward the Potomac River and the safety of Virginia. The moment had been lost. The day had been lost. The battle had been lost. And, ultimately, the war had been lost. For the sake of a moment’s indecision, all had been lost. 

Ewell risked failure because he couldn’t make a timely decision. Only one decision, but so much depended upon that moment’s value. When you think about it, our lives are like that terrible battle. Satan’s army lies before us waiting to destroy us. God is behind us, though. He tells us to take the high ground and put the foe on the defensive. We can either advance or retreat. But, remember, this battle hinges on your ability to be discerning. Delay can be costly when you are fighting the good fight. Every moment has its value. We should live life in a spirit of knowing this and accepting our responsibility to understand that our decisions, good and bad, are critical to the path we walk in this life. Obedience to God's plan and ways are always best.

Choose God's high ground. Amen?

Going Fotward

Consider Paul's advice about life, and let it guide you in the year to come. It is found in Galatians 6:1-5 – The Message. Let’s take another look at it as a four-point Bible study and (hopefully) application.

(How to) Live creatively, friends.

1.  If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out.

2. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ's law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived.

3. Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that.

4. Don't be impressed with yourself. Don't compare yourself with others.

Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.

This year be creative - be a better you through Jesus, the Holy Spirit, God’s people, and the Bible. Take all these things and apply them to your life. Amen?

Change?

WHERE IS GOD IN CHANGE? (Here are 3 Ways)

1. God does not change. “I Am the Lord, I change not” (Malachi 3:6).

2. God allows us to change. “He changes the times and the seasons” (Daniel 2:21).

3. The crucial change is inward. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17)
a. Some are changed by sin. “For even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature” (Romans 1:26, KJV).
b. Some are changed by God. “We all, with open face . . . are changed into (His) same image” (II Corinthians 3:18).

How has God changed you?

He has so much more in store for us. Amen?

Pray

Consider today praying Ephesians 1:15-23:

"For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people,  I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.  I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.  I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,  and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength  he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,  far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.  And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church,  which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way."

 Praying God's Word helps keep us focused in the right direction. 

Amen?

Conduct

The Bible is very specific on how we are to conduct our lives. We need to build intentionality in to our minds, hearts, words, and actions. We see this throughout the Word but it is especially pointed out in John 8:31-32 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

We should accept and live out the truth of Christ's teaching. Believers are to:

- Learn the Bible and apply it to their lives.

- Be a life long student and an intentional follower of it’s truths.

- Know what it says.

- Be set free by the truth.

Are you ready to commit to the authority of the Word of God?  

Let’s start living life Not as the world instructs, but as the Word of God instructs. Amen?

Living It

I love Christian music. There are so many reminders of how we should be living out our lives. Rich Mullins wrote a song called Step by Step:

Oh God, You are my God, and I will ever praise You, Oh God, You are my God, and I will ever praise You, I will seek You in the morning, and I will learn to walk in your ways, and step by step You’ll lead me, and I will follow You all of my days.

It’s a great and simple song to sing, but hard to live out. Think about it:

-         Ever (always) praising God

-         Seeking Him every morning (all day)

-         Learning His purposes and ways

-         Step by step dependence on His leadership

-         Commitment to follow God for your whole life

Great goals for this and every year - Amen?

Revival Possibilities

In Psalm 85:6-7 we see God’s people praying for revival.   - Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?  Show us your unfailing love, LORD, and grant us your salvation. Let’s look today at some questions concerning this movement of God.

What is Revival? Not evangelism even though many may be saved as a result of it. It is not emotionalism although there may be emotional manifestations connected to it.  It is a renewal of spiritual life in an individual or among a group of people.

When is Revival Needed?  Whenever the love of God's people has grown cold revival is needed.

What Kind of Revival Do We Need? We need a revival that will resurrect the church, rekindle our passion for God, and restore joy and victory to the child of God.

How Can We Have Revival? Only God can send revival. We must face up to spiritual realities, and commit to do things God’s way and not our own.. We must desire and pray to be revived.

Let's pray for revival. Amen?

Protected

Jesus ended the Sermon on the Mount, in Matthew 7, by telling a story.  “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” 28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

We need to learn to build our life on the Bible so that we’re building on solid rock. When the storms and trials and difficulties of life come, you’ll be able to handle it. Knowing Jesus as Savior and applying the Bible to your life enables you to withstand life’s storms.

Thank you Jesus for always being there for us. Amen?

In Front of You

The Lord created you and has a purpose for you, and has given you five senses – hear, smell, see, taste, and touch.  Everything we know and experience in life comes through one of those five senses. We encounter life that way, and God wants us to learn to encounter the Bible with all of your senses.

We find these experiences in James 1:19-25, My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,  because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

Use everything that God has given you to experience His Word in a very real way. Amen?

Attitude Adjustment

Change is the only way to get right with God. We "change" through Jesus Christ from lost to found. Paul knew that change was part of our human condition. He also knew the steadfastness of God. "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all this through him who gives me strength." - Philippians 4:12-13 

Let's take a look at three attitudes and three principles of change:

3 ATTITUDES TOWARD CHANGE
1. The future will not be like the past.
2. The future will not be like what we expect.
3. The rate of change will be faster in the future than in the past.

3 PRINCIPLES OF CHANGE
1. Growth equals change; you cannot grow unless you change.
2. Don’t confuse immobility with stability.
3. Change is the price we pay for growth. We must give up to grow up.

Today may we consider our attitude towards change and make sure it lines up with Jesus'. Amen?

Changing Things

The definition of preparation is: readiness; organization; arranged in advance; provide needs; make complete

Is God involved in your preparation for 2019? Or, do things just happen, and you respond to them?

Maybe your perception about “things” in life needs to change.

We are on the road of life, but we are not alone. By recognizing who is walking with us can change your whole perception and understanding about your situation. The question would be, “Are you close enough to hear?”

We listen with our heart, mind, soul, eyes, and ears. It is out of our intimacy with God that comes life, service, care, wisdom, and ministries. Jesus is willing to prepare you for what the year will bring. We need to spend time with Him. Who are you listening to?

May we spend more time getting closer to God through Jesus this year. Amen?

Obedient Listening

The Lord is calling to us just like He did Samuel!

    1 The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions.  2 One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the LORD, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the LORD called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.” 5 And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”  But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down.

   6 Again the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”  “My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD: The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. 8 A third time the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.  10 The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”  Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”  11 And the LORD said to Samuel: “See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears about it tingle. -1 Samuel 3:1-11

What’s wrong in this story? (Sounds a lot like today)

- The Word is not preached.

- Few are seeking the Lord.

- Church is business as usual.

- The Voice of God is not recognized or understood.

Just like Esther maybe we were made for such a time is this (Esther 4:13-14) We must ask ourselves who or for what  are we living for?

What We Need to Do: (Respond as Samuel did)

- Realize God’s voice and follow His plan.

- Listen and Answer Him.

- Be about His purpose and be obedient.

What areas in your life do you need to get better at, and where should you start?

Resisting

In order to be better and be more positive this year let's remember there has to be change. The problem is that we are slow to keep resolutions that have a cost. Consider the following:

10 REASONS WHY WE RESIST CHANGE
1. People misunderstood why they must change.
2. People lack ownership in the changing process.
3. People don’t like to change their habit patterns.
4. People feel the new is not worth the price.
5. People resist when they are threatened with the loss of something valuable.
6. People are satisfied with the old.
7. People are just negative towards change.
8. People don’t respect the change agent.
9. Tradition: we have never done it that way before.
10. People have greater resistance when change comes as a surprise

A change for the better is a change that involves following Jesus better. Amen?

Moving Forward

One of the greatest challenges for every Christian is to follow Jesus and pursue His purpose for our lives without looking back. Imagine trying to drive a car on the highway while looking the whole time in the rearview mirror; you’d be challenged to stay in your lane and avoid a collision. Jesus’ illustration of plowing a field would have made perfect sense to his listeners living in an agricultural context

61 Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” 62 Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:61-62

 If a farmer did not focus on what is ahead but was distracted by what was behind or on the periphery, it would be impossible to plow in a straight line. The ox and plow would certainly veer off course.

Both positive and negative aspects of our lives have the potential to become distractions:

Past successes.  Past failures. Internal insecurities. External circumstances.

Comfort & security. Even meaningful relationships.

Luke 9:51 As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.  Luke 9:56 and they went to another village.

It’s interesting that the man who wants to follow Jesus is distracted by something that we would consider a positive: his home and family. Jesus is letting us know that even something that’s a huge blessing in our lives can become a distraction if it becomes more important than pursuing Jesus and His purpose. As we continue to seek Jesus, we must constantly be aware of the potential distractions in our rear view mirror of life. There can often be a tendency to look back and remember the good, instead of the great in front of you with Jesus.

How can you look ahead and refocus on Jesus and His purpose for you this coming year?

Reveal

Increase in your territory this year –Live out the Prayer of Jabez:

"Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.” Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request." 1 Chronicles 4:9-10

How can we apply this prayer to our lives this coming year? Look at the five things Jabez requested - blessings, influence, guidance, protection, and good health.

Learn to hear God’s voice and become: Rested, Refreshed, Revived, Restored, and Refilled.

Which one of these do you need to ask God’s help on?

Always remember - “Where your help comes from?”

Move forward in and with the Lord in 2019! Amen?

Living In

For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. - Romans 14:7-9

Three truths found in the In-betweens:

1.     It is God’s way and His world. Am I a God’s way or my way person?

2.     It is God’s will and our wonder. How can I work on being more faithful and obedient?

3.     It is by Jesus’ wounds and His work. Where will Jesus send me to be His “hands and feet”?

How will I process this truth?

It will be seen in the way we worship, our study of His Word, and doing things the way He wants us too.

Be Creative

Consider Paul's advice about life, and let it guide you in the year to come.

"Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ's law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived. Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don't be impressed with yourself. Don't compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life." - Galatians 6:1-5 – The Message

This year be creative - be a better you through Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Bible. Take all these things and apply them to your life. 

Amen?

God Wins

A friend of mine was sharing about a great Youth ministry he led a few years ago. He told me their success was achieved by concentrating on two things: service for the Lord and Outreach (witnessing). The willingness of the students and leaders to get out of their comfort zones enabled them to grow both spiritually and numerically. They were able to grow because they were following the words of Jesus 2000 years ago when He was asked about the greatest commandment. Jesus said to love God with all you have, and your neighbors (the world) as yourself.

Loving God is serving Him, and you cannot show love any better than to tell someone about that love shown through Jesus Christ. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. And whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life. The truth and message never changes – only the methodology of accomplishing it changes.

In the last year at Hopewell we have tried to implement these truths to reality in individuals, families, community, and around the world. We have seen some accept salvation through Christ for the first time, and witnessed many lives transformed in living more for Him. According to the Great Commission the church is to make and grow disciples. As we enter into a new year let us focus on doing church Jesus’ way, regardless of the cost. I know that change is hard, but the reward is great. God wins in 2019!

Amen?

Resolute

This year, as God’s people, as His church, let’s make this one simple resolution - we’re going to make a change for the better.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14

 

1. DEVELOP A POSITIVE OUTLOOK TOWARD LIFE Paul was positive about life because he realized that life is a very precious gift God has given us. It must sadden the Lord that oftentimes we take this gift He has given, & don’t treasure it for the precious thing that it is.

2. DEVELOP A POSITIVE ATTITUDE TOWARD THE CHURCH
I would rather be trying something great for God & fail than be playing it safe & succeed.

3. DISPLAY A POSITIVE ATTITUDE TOWARD OTHERS
The church must be a place where we all can come & be accepted & loved& encouraged & built up - a place where there are people to help us carry our burdens & everyone feels welcome.

Amen?

God's Work

In the Scripture today we see the boy Jesus at the Temple. It is a story most parents can relate to. The Mom and Dad were separated, and each one thought Jesus was with the other! They found him days later in the Temple! They were rightly upset, but His answer astounded them.

 ⁴¹ Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. ⁴² When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. ⁴³ After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. ⁴⁴ Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. ⁴⁵ When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. ⁴⁶After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.⁴⁷ Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. ⁴⁸ When his parents saw him, t

hey were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”  ⁴⁹ “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” ⁵⁰ But they did not understand what he was saying to them.  ⁵¹ Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. ⁵² And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. - Luke 2:41-52

“Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” Wow! They didn’t see that coming; did they? I think people would be surprised by that answer from us as well, but aren’t we to be constantly about God’s work?

I want to encourage you to think like that this coming year. Ask the question every day, “What does God want me to do today?” It’s good to be at work when God is your boss! Amen?

Predictions

THE TOP TEN PREDICTIONS FOR 2019

1. The Bible will still have the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost.

I use these same predictions every year, because I know they're true.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows - James 1:17

Always remember that God never changes! Amen?

Following Directions

One to two years after Jesus' birth. Joseph was given direction by angel in a dream. 

    When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

   So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son. When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:“A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” - Matthew 2:13-18

Life is full of pain, but sometimes it can be avoided. Obedience to God’s law, and willingness to be led by the Holy Spirit can save us a lot of anguish. So, as we get ready for another year let’s decide to do it God’s way and not our way. See what happens. It will change your life. Amen?