Make Giving Common

3But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. - Matthew 6:3-4

Jesus is encouraging us to allow giving to be so much about God and also so common in our lives that it becomes second nature. Remember our second nature is who we are when we live by the Spirit and not by the flesh. It is who we are because we have been radically changed by the grace and presence of Christ. Where we don’t even think about keeping track of what, how often, or how much we give. We don't add it up in our minds so that we become proud of our own generosity.

We shouldn’t keep the account. God does that. He sees everything and He records it all. And, do you know what he will do? He will reward us.

The Orchestra

God showed me a picture this morning of a massive orchestra and told me that this orchestra is His church. The orchestra is made of up many kinds of musicians playing all kinds of instruments that are all needed in order to produce the beautiful music that has been written by the composer – God. Jesus stands as the conductor and masterfully brings the orchestra to life as He calls each of the musicians to play their part at the perfect time. The musicians must keep their eyes on the conductor as He calls for a crescendo, points out a rest in the music, speeds up the tempo, and emphatically points for the crash of the cymbals.

The music produced by this orchestra is beautiful and is moving heaven and earth. However, there is something missing. What is it? It appears as though there are orchestra members who are absent, there are also members who are not holding their instruments, and other members are not playing because they are missing their cues from the conductor while their eyes are looking elsewhere.

We are the orchestra, Jesus is the conductor, and God has a part for us to play. We must first show up. Then we must take hold of the instrument assigned to us. Finally, we must keep our eyes on the conductor and follow His lead - not letting our attention be compromised, but always looking at our conductor and taking our cues only from Him. God has created beautiful music for us to play together and we all have a part to play. What a privilege to be a member of God’s orchestra.

Jettison the Junk

Memory Verse:

“And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.” - Matthew 5:30

Big Idea:

Jesus is calling us to jettison the junk. He is emphatically urging us to remove anything from our lives that competes with Him and causes us to sin. Jesus loves us and wants us to be free from the grip of sin and to live forever in His arms of love. What does Jesus mean by these radical statements? Is He advocating self-mutilation? Let me quickly say no. Remember, Jesus is concerned with our hearts. He knows that cutting off a hand won’t truly make you pure. However, He is using shock and awe in order to make a serious point. He is waking us up and calling us to get rid of the things that cause us to sin.

In Matthew 5:29-30, Jesus is telling us that we have a role to play. We are called to take action and to take the necessary steps to remove those things from our lives that cause us to fall into sin. We must remember that God’s grace OPERATES powerfully in our lives and His grace also calls us to CO-OPERATE with His work in our lives.

We live in a culture where people love their sin. They are so comfortable with sin that they fill their minds and ultimately their hearts with it on a regular basis as they watch TV, go to movies, or surf the internet. We lie to ourselves and say we can handle it, but we can’t. What we put in us affects us and either builds us up or tears us down. It either brings us life or brings us death. It either glorifies God or it offends Him. What we look at matters. What we listen to matters. Where we go matters. Who we hang out with matters. It either builds us up and promotes holiness or it tears us down and breeds sin. We need more of the stuff that promotes holiness and lifts up the name of Jesus. And we need to remove those things from our lives that breed sin, that draw us away from God and into sin, that entice us to commit spiritual adultery and forget our first love – Jesus Christ. We have all we need in Christ Jesus to jettison the junk and live for God.

Scripture and Discussion Questions: Read the Bible passage(s) and discuss the questions.

1. Matthew 5:29-30 – How serious is Jesus about removing the things from our lives that cause us to sin? Who is supposed to throw away the things that lead to sin? What kind of things can cause us to fall into sin?

2. Colossians 3:1-10 – Why are we able to jettison the junk that leads to sin? Have you experienced how God’s grace empowers you to say no to temptation? Share them and write them down.

3. Philippians 4:8 – How do you feel after filling yourself with these kinds of things? Make a list of things that you can add to your life or increase in your life that lead to God instead of to sin.

Kids Corner:

Talk to your children about the need to stay away from things that cause them to sin. Have your child get a handful of dirt and then have them bring it into the house and run around. What happens to the dirt? It gets all over the house and makes things dirty. (Sorry parents, maybe you will just want to talk them through this one.) Talk with them about how bringing dirt inside can often make things dirty and even ruin things. However, keeping the dirt outside keeps things clean. Now explain to them how this relates to other things in their lives. Explain how what they look at and what they listen to can have this kind of effect on their lives. God tells us to stay away from the dirty things in the world that can mess up our lives.

Prayer Time:

Have a discussion with God about what you have just studied. Ask God to expose those things in your life that pull you away from Him and breed sinfulness. Ask for forgiveness and ask God to help you jettison the junk. God has promised that His grace gives us all we need to say no to sin and yes to Him. God’s grace is more powerful than temptation and sin. If you have given your life to Christ, His grace is in you. Live in His powerful grace and let it free you.

Go Deep

Memory Verse:

“But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.” - Matthew 5:22

Big Idea:

Jesus uses the topic of murder in His sermon to remind us that it’s not about the letter of the law; rather, it’s all about the heart. Yes, our actions matter and our words matter, but ultimately, it’s about the condition of our hearts that really matters.

Jesus affirms that murder is wrong – it is sinful. However, He takes it deeper and tells us that our words can also be sinful. In fact, Jesus tells us that calling someone bad names and speaking evil towards them is the equivalent of murder. Calling someone a “fool” is so bad because our words matter, and they “have the power of life and death.” But Jesus keeps going deeper and also tells us that anger is equivalent to murder. Anger is a sin, and Jesus shows us that murder actually starts with anger. Anger is the root. Anger is at the heart of the matter. What you are in your heart is who you really are. So, what’s in your heart? Let me remind you that if you are in Christ Jesus, He is in your heart. If Christ is in your heart, you have a new heart that is powered by His amazing grace. You have all you need for Life and Godliness. You can GO DEEP without fear because that is where Jesus is.

Finally, where there has been anger or any other sin, there is a need for reconciliation. God loves reconciliation. He desires it so much so that He sent Christ Jesus to pay the ultimate price for our reconciliation. He reconciled us to our Father God. Jesus loves people and He wants us to be reconciled with one another. He wants us to forgive one another and love one another. Listen to the voice of Jesus and respond to His call to GO DEEP!

Scripture and Discussion Questions: Read the Bible passage(s) and discuss the questions.

1. Matthew 5:21-22 – Do our actions matter to God? Why is God even more interested with what’s in our hearts? How can a changed heart change our actions?

2. Proverbs 18:21 & James 3:9-12 – Have you ever been the recipient of hurtful words? Do you see how words can cause severe damage to a person? How can a heart that is purified by Christ affect how we speak to others and how we treat others? Make it a point this week to speak life.

3. Matthew 5:23-26 & Romans 12:18 – Why is reconciliation so important? How can unforgiveness affect our relationship with God? Have you ever tried to reconcile, but the other party wasn’t interested? What should you do? Ask God to reveal anyone you to be reconciled with.

Kids Corner:

Talk to your children about how we need to remove sin from our lives, but we must go deeper than what we just see. We must deal with sin at the root level or else it might come back. Now, it’s time to do some gardening. Find some weeds that need to be pulled and tell your children that the weeds are like sin, they don’t belong and they can make things look ugly and actually kill the good plants. Cut the top of a weed off and then talk to your children about how that weed will grow back because the root is still there. Now help your child pull some weeds – root and all. Explain how that weed won’t grow back and that when we allow God to pull the sin out of our lives, roots and all, that the sin can be gone and not return.

Prayer Time:

Have a discussion with God about what you have just studied. Ask God to examine your heart and to reveal any corruptness or impurity that is present at your heart level. Repent. Ask for God’s powerful grace to purify your heart and to separate you from the junk that had attached to your heart. The grace of Jesus is amazing and powerful and will purify a heart that is surrendered to Him. Do not be afraid. Jesus is at the heart level and He is full of grace, mercy, forgiveness, and love. GO DEEP!

A Whole Notha' Level

Memory Verse:

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” - Matthew 5:17

Big Idea:

Jesus very clearly tells us that He didn’t come to “do away” with the law and bring a new law. Rather, Jesus tells us that He came to fulfill the law and to fulfill all the prophecies that proclaimed the coming of the Messiah. The law represents the character of God. The Law represents the righteous requirements of God. The law has not changed just as God has not changed. However, scripture tells us that we have a new covenant in Jesus Christ because only in Christ can we fully meet the requirements of the law. This new covenant is all about the heart. God wants our hearts, and when He has our hearts, we can live for Him like we couldn’t before - because of Christ.

With Christ, it is different. When we accept Him as our sacrifice, we not only receive forgiveness, but we are actually made into new creations. The old passes away and the new comes. Our hearts are filled with His grace that gives us what we need to live for God in a new way. Jesus takes it to a “whole notha’ level”. He fulfills the law.

God’s grace changes our hearts and empowers us to live for God - to live for righteousness and say no to evil. Sin is dead in us and we can now walk in newness of life because the work of Christ on the cross is complete and fulfills the law. The grace of Jesus Christ is powerful! The law hasn’t gone anywhere. God’s requirements remain the same. God still requires holiness and righteous living. However, in Christ “we now have all we need for life and godliness” - 2 Peter 1:3.

Scripture and Discussion Questions: Read the Bible passage(s) and discuss the questions.

1. Matthew 5:17-20 – Why is the Law still good? How did Jesus fulfill the Law? How did Jesus fulfilling the Law change everything? What does it mean to you and your daily life?

2. Ezekiel 11:19-20 – Why did we need a new heart? How does a new heart of flesh change us? Have you experienced an ability to follow the commandments of God since receiving your new heart in Christ?

3. Titus 2:11-12 –Beyond forgiveness, what does God’s grace do for Christ-followers? What areas of your life need a dose of this kind of grace? Take hold of God’s grace and in faith ask God for deliverance.

Kids Corner:

Setup a racecourse or an obstacle course in your backyard or in your living room. Race your children. Have fun with it. Next, tell your children that they can only hop on one leg for this next race. Then have one final race using both legs again. Read Matthew 5:17-20 and ask your children the following questions: (1) Was it easier to run with both legs or just one? (2) Where you faster with one or two legs? (3) Can you run longer one two legs or using just one? Talk to your children about the new covenant in Christ Jesus where He fulfilled the law which means we have His powerful grace that has two spiritual legs – one leg provides for our forgiveness while the other leg empowers us to say no to sin and to live for God. Read Titus 2:11-12 again and talk about how God’s grace helps them do the right thing.

Prayer Time:

Have a discussion with God about what you have just studied. Repent if you have only looked to His grace for forgiveness and not for the power to say no to sin. You are forgiven. Now confess Titus 2:11-12 and thank God for the new covenant in Christ Jesus that both forgives you and empowers you to kill sin and break bondage. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any area where you need God’s grace to break bondage. Ask God for His grace to destroy that bondage, sin, habit, or lie from the enemy. Jesus Christ has fulfilled the law and in Him you have all you need for life and godliness. It is by His grace.

Live It & Share It

Memory Verse:

“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” - Matthew 5:16

Big Idea:

In this sermon, Jesus tells us that we are different and that we must maintain our difference. We are called to be salt to a rotting world. We are called to be light in a world of darkness. However, simply being different is not our entire mission. Jesus also tells us to go and share the difference with others. He tells us to bring His righteousness into this lost world. We are called to be holy as Christ is holy and then to bring the holiness of Christ into the darkness. We are called to be salt and light and we are called to be change-agents for the glory of God.

Jesus tells us that if we lose our saltiness, then our ability to help save the world is compromised. We can lose our saltiness and our impact for Christ in this world by allowing impurities into our life, like ongoing sin, and worldly affections. Likewise, if we cover up the light of Christ in us, our usefulness is snuffed out. If we don’t share Christ with others, His flame in us can actually be extinguished because we do not let it shine. Jesus calls us to live for Him and to share Him with others.

There are many ways to be salt and to be light. There are many ways to bring righteousness and share Christ. Here are three places to start. (1) Prayer: praying for others and also praying with others who need a touch from God. (2) Living it out in actions and deeds: We are light in the darkness as we daily say yes to righteousness and no to evil; as we show others love and compassion; as we love our neighbor as ourselves. (3) Sharing truth: Ultimately, we must open our mouths and share the gospel of Christ with others. We are called to go beyond living an obedient & godly life. We are also called to tell others about Christ. LET’S LIVE IT AND SHARE IT. Let’s be salt and light for the glory of God.

Scripture and Discussion Questions: Read the Bible passage(s) and discuss the questions.

1. Matthew 5:13-16 – What kind of things can cause you to lose your saltiness? Discuss practical ways you can protect yourself from these things. Strategize how you can “let your light shine” in your family, neighborhood, work, friends, and community. How do you feel when you live it and share it?

2. Romans 10:14 – It is important to live in such a way as to glorify Christ, but why is it important to tell people about Jesus? If you had two minutes to tell someone about Jesus, what would you say?

3. Romans 1:16 – Why is sharing the gospel with people so important? What has prevented you from sharing the gospel with others? What can help you push past your fears of sharing Christ?

Kids Corner:

Make some popcorn without any salt (or butter) and have your children have a few bites. Now add salt (be generous) and ask them if they like it better with the salt. Read Matthew 5:13-16 and ask your children the following questions: (1) What made the popcorn taste better? (2) Why does Jesus call us the salt of the earth? (3) Why does bringing Christ into the world make it better? (4) Have your children brainstorm and come up with ways they can be salt in the world.

Prayer Time:

Have a discussion with God about what you have just studied. Repent of past failures to be salt and light. You are forgiven. Now confess Romans 1:16 out loud three times. Cry out to the Lord for boldness and courage. Reject the spirit of fear and ask the Lord for His powerful grace for you to be salt and light in the world. Challenge: (1) Map out your “network of influence” and plan how you will share the light of Christ and then go for it. (2) Commit to praying with at least 4 non-family members every month. Be salt and light. Live it and share it.

Where does persecution come from?

For the enemy has persecuted my soul; - Psalm 143:3 nasb

Persecution comes from the Devil, not people. It comes through people, not from people. This is how Jesus, while He was being crucified, was able to say, “Forgive them for they know not what they do.” Because He knows it is the Devil who persecutes.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. – Ephesians 6:12

We live in a lost world. We live in a world that is ruled by an anti-Christ spirit. We live in a dark world. And, if we live in a dark world, then the darkness will persecute the light. If we live in a world that is against Christ, then we who are in Christ won’t fit in and we will be persecuted.

Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. – John 3:19 18

"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.” - John 15:18-21

Jesus tells us, “If they persecuted me, they will persecute you." There are people who believe that if they love the world enough; if they do enough good things for people; they will be loved. But, you just can’t love people enough for them to love you back. Jesus is perfect love. He loved the world in word and in deed. He healed, He comforted, He forgave, He even made water into wine, but the world still crucified Him.

In fact, the more loving you are, the more Satan hates you and the more you will be persecuted.

Why do we get persecuted? Because of righteousness; because of our relationship with Christ; because we live for Him; because we bring Him into our lives and into the lives of others. Being persecuted because you tell a bad joke or because you don’t shower doesn’t count. Jesus is talking about the persecution that comes because He is evident in our lives. This is what the Devil hates and this is what He fights against.

Got persecution?

In His final Beatitude, Jesus tells us that it is about to get tough. Persecution happened to the prophets, it is happening to me, and it will happen to you.

10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. – Matthew 5:10-12

In our sterilized view of Christianity (primarily here in America), we think that once we get saved that everything should work out for us. In fact, if we have any problems we are shocked. “How can this happen to me? I am a Christian. Where is God? Everything should be ‘hunk dory’ in my life because I am a Christian. Right?” Most Christians throughout history and even now throughout the world know that problems and persecution don’t disappear when we come to Christ, but in many ways, they begin. God actually promises us…

In fact, everyone (all) who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. – 2 Timothy 3:12

How many followers of Christ will experience persecution? ALL. In other words, ALL who live the Beatitudes will suffer persecution.

Some Christians try to hide from the persecution. But, God doesn’t want us to live under the radar. The devil would love for us to hide and not let anyone see Christ in us and not share Christ with anyone else. The devil tries to convince us that it is best to just not make any waves; don’t rock the boat. But, we know that that is not what we are here for. We are here to make a difference. We are here to bring Christ into the lives of a lost and dying world. We are called to be peacemakers. We are called to be salt and light. We are called to be let the light of Jesus shine. And when we do, we will be persecuted. Many people don’t like Jesus and if we are ambassadors of Christ, many people won’t like us. That is just the way it is and we must be OK with that.

So are you suffering for Him? Are you catching some flack for your faith or are you a secret agent. Do people know that you are a follower of Christ?

Got Peace - Part Two

We are called to be peacemakers. So, what is a peacemaker? A peacemaker is someone who brings righteousness (Jesus) into a situation. You actually make peace by sowing righteousness. For instance, if you don’t have peace in your marriage, don’t avoid the conflict. Rather, bring your marital relationship into right standing with God. Bring righteousness into the relationship and peace will follow.

If there is an area of conflict in your life, then examine to see if it is in right standing with God. Bring righteousness into that area of your life. Make it completely right before God. Totally surrender it to Him. Give it to Jesus! Righteousness will bring peace!

How do we stay in the place of peace? We stay focused on God. Check out this scripture:

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. - Isaiah 26:3

We stay in perfect peace when we stay focused on God. No matter what the world says, no matter what our circumstances are, no matter the economy, no matter the doctors reports, no matter what. So, do you want peace? Then bring God into your situations and stay focused on God and His truth. What does God say about it? Believe it, confess it.

Got Peace - Part One

Peace is being in right relationship with God! Peace is being in right standing before God. Peace means that Jesus is Lord of your life, your relationships, your attitude, your finances, your everything.

Peace is not the absence of something, but rather the presence of someone. You can have a storm, but if Jesus is in the boat, you can have peace. Peace is the presence of Christ. Peace is present when Christ is present. Peace is present in your relationships when Christ is the Lord of your relationships. Peace is present in your finances when Christ is the Lord of your finances. Peace is present in your marriage when Christ is the Lord of your marriage. Peace is present in your heart when Christ is the Lord of your heart.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. – Matthew 5:9

Keeping the heart pure

"If the pure in heart see God, then tell me how to have a pure heart because I want to see God."

Let me start out by emphatically stating that the only way we can ever have a pure heart is to invite Jesus to reside, rule, and reign inside our hearts. He alone is the essence of purity and holiness. So, there’s no hope for a pure heart without God.

But know that in Christ, we now have the ability and responsibility to actively pursue this progressive work of developing a pure heart. “I can do all things through Christ…” My heart can be purified. I am called to "work out my salvation with fear and trembling.” I am called to work on my heart.

Our responsibility in our relationship with Christ is to give our heart to Him every day and not give it to the world. We must build our affections for God and allow the affections for this world to be cut off. How do we do this? Scripture clearly points to some things that must be present in the life of one whose heart is being purified. These are often called the spiritual disciplines. Don’t discount them, because they are used powerfully by the Holy Spirit to transform us and to purify us. Here they are...

1. Repentance: “Thinking differently about things.” Thinking God’s way about stuff.

“8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. – Phil. 4:8

2. This involves RENEWING OUR MINDS: We renew our minds by reading the Word of God – the Bible. When we read God’s Word, we fill our minds with life and with truth – with purity instead of filling it with the filth and follies of this passing world.

2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed (be purified) 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. – Romans 12:2

3. Prayer & Fasting: Communing with the Holy One purifies our hearts. When we pray and when we fast, our focus is on God and nothing else. This strengthens our heart. In fact, scripture tells us it is so important that we should, “pray without ceasing” – 1 Thes. 5:17. Always be in a state of prayer (communing with God); allowing God to be involved in our everything. We need to wake up praying, not planning our busy day – Praying. It is no accident that I see God and His will so much clearer when I am purposely focused on Him during times of intense prayer and fasting? Could it be that my heart has undergone a cleansing from other affections? Could it be that I have just taken a spiritual bath and come to a place where my heart has been rinsed of gunk that had attached itself?

4. Fellowshipping with Christ Followers: You have probably heard the saying, “you are who you hang out with.” This is so true. Hanging out with negative people will suck the life out of you and you will become negative and critical. Likewise, if you hang out with people who are passionately pursuing God, you will find yourself passionately pursuing God. You will find your heart being purified and you will see God and you will be Happy in God! AMEN!

He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. - Proverbs 13:20

5. Let me add one more thing: Ask God for help. Not just once, but daily. Listen to King David, the man after God’s heart,

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. – Psalm 51:10

Tell God you want the other stuff that is trying to pull your heart away from Him to be cut off.

Want to see God?

So, the pure in heart will see God. To “See God” means to see Him both in eternity and now. Again, we see the eternal blessings and the now blessings in the Beatitudes. Yes, the pure in heart will see God in eternity. They will see Him face to face in heaven. They will actually live and rule with Christ in the new earth. The pure in heart will be forever in His presence. Hallelujah!

But, the pure in heart will also see God now. The pure in heart will see God moving in powerful ways. They will see God in miracles; they will see God move spiritual mountains and heal physical disease. They will see God changing hearts and transforming lives. They will see God defeat the Devil and drive back the enemy. They will see God in dreams and in visions. They will see God in the midst of life’s circumstances – holding you up, protecting you, and walking with you. They will hear His voice and feel His touch. God is alive in amazing and awesome ways to the “pure in heart”.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. – Matthew 5:8

The way to God is through the heart

Yesterday we talked about how the PURE IN HEART chase after God and not other stuff. The PURE IN HEART pursue God and not selfish things. The PURE IN HEART seek God and they find Him because God has told us, “If you seek me, you will find Me.” The PURE IN HEART forsake all other affections and long for God alone. The PURE IN HEART are crazy in love with God and don’t allow anything else to compete for His affection.

You see, God wants our hearts. He wants us to crave Him. When we do, we will see Him.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. – Matthew 5:8

What motivates you?

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. – Matthew 5:8

Pure in heart means to be “free from corrupt desire.” It means that we are motivated by God and not by self. Pure in Heart means that we are led by the Holy Spirit and not by our corrupt flesh. It means that Christ is our deep desire. It means that we have died to self and that our inner motivation and the craving of our soul is Christ centered.

“A wicked heart is a mind in a state of devotion to self; a pure heart, a mind in a state of devotion to God. It is a state of moral purity, resulting from a committal of the soul to God.” – Charles Finney

So, what is your devotion? What is your motivation? Is it your happiness, your comfort, your reputation, your acceptance, your desire to avoid pain? Or, is it a heart-felt desire to obey God, to follow Jesus, and to glorify the Lord? How you answer this question matters tremendously. It is all about the condition of your heart – your motivation. Is your motivation (heart) turned to you or is it turned to God.

What you want...

Do you want your soul to be revived? Do you desire wisdom beyond your years and beyond your peers? Do you long for more joy in your heart? Do you want to see the world in a new light? Do you desire to stay out of trouble and to succeed where others fail? What you want are the things of God. What you want is His truth. What you want is found in God's Word - the Bible. Go after it; read it; trust it; mediate on it; devour it and you will be filled. Do what it says and you will be blessed.

7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. 10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. 11 By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. - Psalm 19:7-11

Forgiveness is hard, but...

God never told us it would be easy to forgive. He never said that showing mercy was easy – it cost Jesus His life to show us mercy. But, Jesus has clearly told us that it is the only way; that it is a non-negotiable. We have to forgive because we have been forgiven much. We have to show mercy because we have been shown much mercy.

Left to ourselves, we couldn’t do it. But, we are not left to ourselves. We are in Christ Jesus. We are Spirit led people who are no longer controlled by our flesh: our own mind, will, and emotions. And in Christ, we can do all things. In Christ, we have been given all we need for Life and Godliness. In Christ, we can forgive. In Christ, we can show mercy.

Sow justice - reap justice. Sow mercy - reap mercy.

37"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." - Luke 6:37-38

The principle of sowing and reaping is always at work:

• When you don’t judge others for their junk, you will receive good measure (loads) of mercy.
• When you don’t condemn others for the things they have done against you, then you will not be condemned.
• When you forgive others (even forgive them for the extremely hurtful, horrible, sick stuff), then you will be given complete forgiveness – overflowing.
• When you give out this mercy, it will be given to you in such large amounts that it will be running all over you and this will make you happy in God. AMEN!

Notice the context of this passage. It isn't talking about financial sowing and reaping. Jesus isn't talking about receiving amazing gains in the area of money and finances. Rather, He is talking about reaping amazing gains in the area of mercy, grace, and forgiveness. That blows away financial blessings any day of the week.

Judging others is a way of seeking justice

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. – Matthew 7:1-2

This is a very clear statement from Jesus: If we demand justice and repayment for the sins that others have committed against us, then we will be dealt with in the same manner. OUCH! Let God judge. Leave any vengeance to God. We are called to be merciful.

The way we treat others is the way God will treat us. If we seek justice for others, then God will hand us over to justice. I don’t know about you, but I can’t handle that kind of justice. I can’t handle what I deserve - not from God, not from Satan, not from this cruel world. But, when I extend mercy to others; when I don’t judge others; when I forgive others for their sins against me, I then remain in the place of mercy and escape the place of justice – Hallelujah.

Got Mercy?

Our flesh cries out for justice. "They owe me and I want it. What they did to me was wrong and they should pay. Give me justice!" Our world is built on the principle of justice. Look at the court systems, look at the massive numbers of lawsuits. It is all about justice, but where is the mercy?

Even though we have received ultimate mercy from the Creator of the Universe – God almighty. Even though He has forgiven our gross actions and our hard hearts, we still gravitate towards justice. But Jesus tells us many times, “Don’t go there.” In fact, He says: “You really, really, really, don’t want to go back to that place of justice.” He is warning us; He is pleading with us to stay away from justice and to remain in the place of mercy. Why? Because when we seek justice from others, it requires us to step down from the place of mercy. Jesus paid the ultimate price to get us to the place of mercy.

You see, we can’t have it both ways; “I want mercy for me, but I want justice for others.” It just doesn't work that way in the Kingdom of God. When we seek justice for others, we forfeit mercy.

GOT MERCY?

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. – Matthew 5:7

Justice, Mercy, Grace

Justice is giving someone what they deserve.

Mercy is not giving someone what they deserve.

Grace is giving someone what they don’t deserve.

It is justice to send me to hell.

It is mercy to not send me to hell.

It is grace to send me to heaven (to be in God’s presence for all eternity).

When we received God’s mercy given to us through the sacrifice of Christ on that cross, we were lifted out of the place of justice (getting what we deserve) and lifted to the higher place of mercy. Hallelujah!

Desperate for the Righteousness of Christ

The righteousness of Christ isn’t something we just wear like a mask. Rather, it is who we must become. His righteousness must be allowed to fill us to the full; to take us over. So that, we begin to become righteous as He is righteous - "Be Holy as He is Holy". So that we think like Jesus and act like Jesus. That is the real transformation that happens to those who are in Christ, who are meek, who are led by the Spirit and not by the flesh.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. – Matthew 5:6

Finding Happiness in God - Audio Teaching

At Evident Life Church we started our journey through Jesus' Sermon on the Mount three weeks ago. For the past two weeks I have taught through the first 4 Beatitudes. God is blowing our minds, bringing us to repentance, and filling us with a happiness in Him that the world can never come close to delivering.

You can listen to these teachings at www.EvidentLife.org. Click HERE.

Got mourning?

Do you need to be comforted? Do you need the comfort of your Heavenly Father? Well, Jesus tells us that “those who mourn will be comforted.” The specific word that Jesus used here refers to the mourning that we should have, not over loosing a business deal or the loss of a pet hamster, rather a mourning that we should have over our sin.

So, when we are truly sad for our sin; when we have godly sorrow; when we then humbly ask for forgiveness and repent of our sin; then we will experience the comfort of God. This comfort is the forgiveness given by our Creator and a freedom given to us to live for Him and not for our sin. God will comfort us by releasing the grip that the sin had on us. WOW!

So, do you “got mourning?”

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. – Matthew 5:4

Life after death

New life only comes after death. If we want new life in Christ, we must die to self. This is true about our lives and it is also true about ministry. We must allow our plans to die so that God can bring His plans to life.

I just experienced this kingdom principle at work as I laid down something I was holding too tightly. In fact, holding on too tightly caused God’s plans to come to a screeching halt. Well, I finally woke up, released my grip, and laid down my plans. Immediately, God showed up and brought everything to life. That ministry is now the East Valley House of Prayer. You can check it out at ArizonaPrayer.com.

Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. – Luke 9:23-24

I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds – John 12:24

In the battle? Start crying.

When we find ourselves in the middle of the battle. When we find ourselves under attack. When our lives feel threatened and when things are spinning out of control all around us, we must not retreat, we must not despair, we must not look to our own understanding or our own strength. Rather, we must cry! We must cry out to the living and powerful God of all creation. We must trust in Him and His ability to deliver us. We must allow the battle to be the Lord’s. This is when we will find victory. This is when we will find our prayers answered.

20 They were helped in fighting them, and God handed the Hagrites and all their allies over to them, because they cried out to him during the battle. He answered their prayers, because they trusted in him. 21 They seized the livestock of the Hagrites—fifty thousand camels, two hundred fifty thousand sheep and two thousand donkeys. They also took one hundred thousand people captive, 22 and many others fell slain, because the battle was God's. And they occupied the land until the exile. – 1 Chronicles 5:20-22

The extreme makeover

We must remember that when we ask Christ into our lives that we are asking for Him to both save us and to change us. We are asking for His forgiveness and for His love, but we are also asking Him to come in and clean house. We are asking Him to make us like Him - full of love, mercy, grace, righteousness, and holiness. This means we are asking Him to drive out the selfishness, pride, lust, and sinfulness. We are asking for the extreme makeover.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! - 1 Corinthians 5:17

Jesus said it’s all about repentance

Many say that the primary message of Jesus when He ministered on this earth was love. No doubt about it, Jesus spoke a lot about love and demonstrated pure love. However, the primary spoken message of Jesus was really repentance. Yes, repentance.

Scripture even makes a very clear point of this reality:

From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." Matt. 4:17

In fact, Jesus’ the whole Sermon on the Mount is a cry for repentance. This all starts to become clear when we see that the word “repentance” as used in the Greek means to “to change one’s mind for the better, to think differently, and to allow this new way of thinking to thoroughly change one’s actions and lifestyle.”

So, Jesus taught that it was time to stop doing things the same way. It was time to repent. It was time to think and act differently. It was time to do it God’s way. And it is now possible to do it God’s way because Christ has brought the kingdom; He has conquered sin and death. His grace now gives us all we need for life and godliness.

Are you living a life of repentance? Are you thinking differently? A great litmus test is the Sermon on the Mount. Does this describe your thinking and your life?

Answer the call and see miracles

Amazing things happen when we do what God has called us to do. Let’s look at the Gospel of Mark’s take on the Great Commission to see what kind of results we can expect when we live out the calling that Christ has placed on our lives:

15He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. 16Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17And these signs will accompany those who believe (those who have come to Christ as a result of us going and making disciples): In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well." - Mark 16:15-18

When we fulfill the calling that has so clearly been placed on our lives by Jesus Christ Himself, we will see miracles. We will see the kingdom of God advance in power and in might. We will see things be made right again. We will see order come where there was confusion, we will see health where there was sickness. We will see freedom where there was bondage. We will see hope where there was despair. We will see life where there was death.

Let's GO!

Let's save the world

As a red-blooded man, I have had my fill of dreams where I was the one who came crashing through the door to save the day; where I was the one who blew up the plans of the enemy; where I was the super hero. In the Great Commission, Jesus gives His followers an amazing gift; He gives us clear insight into why we exist; why we are here. Additionally, He makes us part of the greatest possible adventure that life can offer - we get to partner with Christ to SAVE THE WORLD. Check it out...

18Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." - MAtthew 28:18-20

Jesus tells us to join Him in bringing people out of darkness into His marvelous light. He invites us (well, actually He commands us) to help save the world. This is so cool. Let's deploy. Let's engage. Let's do this thing and fulfill our calling in life.

Find the wall and tear it down

We know that Jericho was a barrier to Israel’s advancement. It had to be removed. It had to be destroyed for them to fully occupy the land. Is there a Jericho in your life today? With some it is selfish ambition: the desire for fame or success. For others it is covetousness: the desire to accumulate wealth – stuff. Still others it is worldly pleasure. Only by active faith can obstacles be overcome.

“The frowning walls of Jericho must fall before there can be spiritual progress and enjoyment of the riches of grace in Christ Jesus.” H.A. Ironsides

Is there something that is keeping you from going to the next level; to the next season; to the next blessing that God has for you? If so, seek God for His plans to destroy that Jericho in your life and step out in faith and do battle against it. God will cause it to crumble. But just like the Israelites, you have got to obediently stand up, walk around the wall, and declare it to be removed. IN JESUS NAME!

God get’s His people involved

God can do things anyway He desires. For instance, He could have caused the walls of Jericho to fall and crumble with one word from His mouth. But instead, He got His people involved. He required that His people stand up and engage in the process. His people had to stand up and walk or nothing would have happened. God’s people had to take real steps of faith.

As followers of Christ, we see this same call on our lives. Jesus tells His disciples to follow Him. He tells us to step out of the boat. He tells us to take up our cross and follow Him. We are called to GO; not sit, not observe, but GO! God wants us to be involved in His kingdom coming to earth. He wants us to be active participants. This is a mandate to us just like the Israelites were commanded to get up and walk around the city of Jericho.

Let’s get involved. Let’s be active participants in God’s kingdom plans.

Is it really foolishness?

Some people think that the things of God are foolish. They say, “prayer is a waste of time, it doesn’t do anything; fasting is ridiculous, what does not eating have to do with God moving in our lives; going to church and singing songs is silly, nothing changes." That is what the world thinks.

Jesus said that, “The things of His kingdom will look like foolishness to the world.” But, it is exactly that foolishness, driven by true faith and the grace of God, that moves mountains, that changes nations, that brings healing to bodies and to relationships, that frees us from bondage, and that causes the walls to crumble.

Bring on the foolishness. Bring on the power of God!

Did you know that you already have it?

The Promised Land was given to the Israelites before they ever attacked Jericho. It was already theirs by title, but they still had to truly make it their own by driving out and destroying the vile inhabitants.

If you are a follower of Christ, a child of God, then this is also how it is in your life. We have been given the kingdom. We have been given the victory, but we are still called to make it our own by doing battle against the enemy and driving out the yuck from our lives. We know we don’t battle against flesh and blood, but we do battle against the ruler of this lost world, against evil spiritual forces of the devil.

There is a blessing, a Promised Land, a victory for those who are in Christ Jesus. Sadly, many fail to grab hold of it by faith and practically enjoy it because of ignorance, laziness, or selfishness. Let’s not miss it. Let’s take what has been given to us and not miss out on any of it. Let’s advance the kingdom for the glory of God.

Then the LORD said to Joshua, "See, I have (past tense) delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. – Joshua 6:2

Evident Life Church is moving! "Read" all about it...

That’s right, effective this weekend we are moving our Sunday meeting location from the Freestone Recreation Center to the Southeast Regional Library (755 N. Greenfield Rd in Gilbert). The library is on the Southeast corner of Greenfield and Guadalupe. It is a wonderful facility and gives us more room for growth at virtually the same weekly cost – praise God! We will continue to meet on Sundays at 4:00pm and have our time of dinner and fellowship afterwards.

The church website has been updated, but please let your friends and family know of the change and invite them to join us on Sundays. There is a tool on our website that allows you to easily invite friends and family to Evident Life. Take advantage of it and let’s keep growing the church for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom.

Click this link for a map to the library.

In amazement of Him,
Pastor Eric

I don’t want to miss Him

In the Gospel of Mark we read that Jesus had just fed the 5,000. He had performed an amazing miracle of turning a few loaves and a couple fish into enough food to feed thousands. His disciples were right in the middle of it all. In fact, they were the waiters. They distributed all of the food and even carried off the 12 baskets full of leftovers.

But, apparently it didn’t sink in. It didn’t stick. For some reason they still didn’t understand who Jesus really was. You see, soon thereafter they were blown away that Jesus was walking on the water. Scripture says that, “They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.” OUCH! Why? How?

Before I judge the disciples for their error and their lack of recognizing the person and power of Jesus Christ, I must ask myself, “Have I ever missed it?” Are there times when Jesus has shown himself powerful and moved mightily in my life, but I have flat out missed it? Have I ever not recognized His presence, His healing, His provision, or His mercy in my life?

Lord, may I have eyes that always see and ears that always hear; a heart that is always tender toward you. I never want to miss you. You are my desire. My heart is yours.

Don’t be a boiled Christian

Are you familiar with the boiling frog story? “It is a widespread anecdote describing a frog slowly being boiled alive. The premise is that if a frog is placed in boiling water, it will jump out, but if it is placed in cold water that is slowly heated, it will not perceive the danger and will be cooked to death. The story is often used as a metaphor for the inability of people to react to important changes that occur gradually.”

Unfortunately, I think we can find more than one Christian who has experienced this phenomenon as it relates to being slowly, but eventually completely, infected by the things of this world that are against the character and will of God. Do you know what I am talking about? You allow a little of the world in and then it gradually expands. It starts with small amounts of compromise, but before you know it, it has you and you are all in. You are being boiled alive.

“I can handle looking at that stuff. It won’t affect me. I can hang out with those friends. I won’t start using those bad words or doing the things they do." But, it happens. You slowly get sucked in and before you know it, you’re seemingly small compromises result in all-out sin and sometimes addiction. You feel far from God, you are cooked, and you wonder, "how did that happen"?

We must be aware of this tendency and not allow ourselves to fall into this trap of the enemy. We are in the world, but we are not supposed to conform to it. Have you taken the temperature lately?

Book of Joshua - Audio Teaching

I am posting my weekly teachings in audio format on the Evident Life Church website. You can check them out HERE. I hope to get them in a podcast format on iTunes in the near future.

Because God is our hero

Why does God call His people to establish memorials: things that help us remember the great things He has done in our lives? Why is it important for us to have testimonies? Why does God perform miracles? Why did God deliver us? Why? Ultimately, so that His name is glorified. So that people will be drawn to Him. Memorials proclaim the greatness, faithfulness, and the almighty power of God. It reminds the world that He is King, He is good, He is just, He is Lord, and He is our HERO!

He did this (stopped the waters of the Jordan and had the Israelites build a memorial) so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the LORD is powerful and so that you might always fear the LORD your God." – Joshua 4:24

One day we will need to remember

Why is it a good idea for us to heed God’s word and build memorials to His greatness and His faithfulness in our lives? Because, one day the river could be low. One day, things could get tough. Where’s our memorial? What will we be able to look to that helps us say, “OK, I remember what God did and I have come to trust Him?" Some day our river will be low, we’ll need some stones, a memorial, that helps us remember that God is good, that He is great, and that He is able. Something that reminds us that God has done it before and He is our hope.

One day it will be essential, because the day will likely come, when the memorial, our memory of God’s faithfulness, may be all we have to hang onto.

Memorials help us pass on our faith

We are still on the topic of memorials. We tend to witness that the children of believers have the best opportunity to come to faith while they’re in the home of their believing parents. That personalizes the memorial a bit, doesn’t it? That’s why the Bible here deliberately introduces the notion of children and memorials. So that we can pass on the faith to the next generation!

We need to identify the spiritual high water marks that have occurred in our lives so that they can be shared and transferred to the next generation?

Where were you when God did a work in your life? Is there a memorial? Can it be shared? Stop and think. When did God move? Where? Have you told anybody? If you have children at home, share these important stories with them! Pass it on…

Memorials help us pass on our faith to future generations. There’s a reason that Deuteronomy 6 talks about Israel remembering the things of God and transferring them on a daily basis as a way of life to the next generation. It’s a family thing and memorials help raise children of faith. Build memorials and use them to display God’s goodness to your children and your children’s children.

6 "Let this be a sign among you, so that when your children ask later, saying, 'What do these stones mean to you?' 
7 then you shall say to them, 'Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off.’ So these stones shall become a memorial to the sons of Israel forever." – Joshua 4:6-7

God wants us to remember

God clearly calls His people to build spiritual memorials. A definition of a spiritual memorial, what the Israelites set up in Joshua 4 after being led across the Jordan on dry ground, would be "a monument to a spiritual high water mark in life."

What has God done in your life, in my life? And what have we done to commemorate it? Have we established things that will cause us to remember the wonderful things God has done? When was our latest trial? When was our latest victory? When have we seen God move? How are we commemorating that?

Why build memorials? Why remember? So we can say, "Those were the good old days"? Maybe, as long as the good-old days point us to a very good God, because that’s what He wants of us.

It was God’s idea to build memorials because He knows the hearts of people; He knows us very well. He knows how self-centered we are, how forgetful we are. How many times we gone before God, saying, "Lord, I need help -- again." How soon we forget. GOD WANTS US TO REMEMBER.

1 When the whole nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the LORD said to Joshua, 2 "Choose twelve men from among the people, one from each tribe, 3 and tell them to take up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan from right where the priests stood and to carry them over with you and put them down at the place where you stay tonight." - Joshua 4:1-3

The river is raging, but it's harvest time

I think it is very significant that the Israelites where called to cross the Jordan river into the Promised Land when the river was at flood stage. God could have chosen any time during the year for His people to cross this river. Why not drought season when the Israelites could have tiptoed across?

“Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest.” - Joshua 3:15

This is the most difficult and dangerous time to cross a river. If you have ever been around a river that was flooding, you know it can be a terrifying thing. The waters were rushing and the river was at its widest. But, it was harvest time. This is often how it is. When it appears to be the most difficult time, that is when we are called to cross over and take the land. This is when we are called to step out and follow God into our calling. This requires faith; a total dependence on God.

Today, we see financial instability, things are being shaken, the world is confused and in a state of panic, yet it is HARVEST TIME. We are being called to cross over and take the land. WE ARE CALLED AT SUCH A TIME AS THIS. THE RIVER IS RAGING, BUT IT IS HARVEST TIME! LET’S TAKE THE LAND!

When God moves, follow Him

"When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests, who are Levites, carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it.” - Joshua 3:3

The Ark of the Covenant in those days represented the very presence of God. It was His seat. It was the place where His Spirit dwelled. To follow the Ark meant to follow God.

So God is saying: “When you see me move, follow me.” Follow God. That is what we are supposed to do. We are not called to follow our own plans and our own desires. We are not called to follow what the world is doing and where they are going. We are not called to follow everyone else. We are not even called to follow our friends and family. We are called to follow God.

“Then we will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before.” - Joshua 3:4

How often do we ask, “What should I be doing? What is my purpose? Which way should I go?” The answer is always “FOLLOW GOD”. Go where God is going. We can look to the life and words of Christ to help us understand this. What did Jesus do? How did He live? Where did He go? He didn’t live for His own comfort – He didn’t even have a place to lay His own head. He lived for His Father and for others. He gave everything for everyone else. So, which way should we go? Where is God going? What is on His heart? What does God want us to be doing? Too many people end up like a deer staring into the headlights of life and not moving – they’re frozen. They want to do what God wants them to do, but they keep sitting around, paralyzed, waiting for His direction. The problem is, most people are looking for some kind of miraculous sign or wonder – like a cosmic billboard with their name on it and a big blinking arrow saying “go this way!" However, God has already given them the answer in His Word. He wrote it out for us so that we would know exactly what we are supposed to do and which direction we are to take. He has shown us which way to go.

Ready to take the land

You can now listen online at www.EvidentLife.org to last weeks teaching from the Book of Joshua: "Ready to take the land - Let's GO!"

CLICK HERE to go to the Evident Life Sermons page.

Motivation matters

When we ask God for something, our motivation matters. King Solomon was motivated by a desire to be a good leader and faithfully govern Israel. He was motivated by a desire to help others and do good for others. He wasn’t motivated by personal gain and wealth. Because his motivation was pure in the sight of God, his request was answered. But we see that God went way beyond Solomon’s request and blessed him with so much more than wisdom and knowledge.

10 Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?" 11 God said to Solomon, "Since this is your heart's desire and you have not asked for wealth, riches or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, 12 therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, riches and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have." – 2 Chronicles 1:10-12

God will lift up the humble and He will reward a heart that is motivated by love for Him and love for others. Lord, by your grace, help me root out any selfishness in my heart. I desire to be motivated by love. I want my desires to be your desires. Make me an instrument of your peace. Create in me a pure heart.

God rescued me. I am His. I will live only for Him.

Psalm 116 is my hearts cry this day. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord. I will follow His plans. I will chase after Him and Him alone for He has rescued me.

Fear God and not man

God deserves our full reverence and respect. God deserves all honor and praise. He is holy; He is almighty; He is all-powerful. There is no one like God – NO ONE.

Man cannot save us and man cannot condemn us. Do not fear man. It is only God who saves. He is the author of life; He is the giver of life; He is the restorer of life; He is the judge of life. Blessing and prosperity are found in fearing God and not man. Life is found in fearing God and not man.

1 Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways. 2 You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. 3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your sons will be like olive shoots around your table. 4 Thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD. 5 May the LORD bless you from Zion all the days of your life; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem, 6 and may you live to see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel. – Psalm 128

Moving forward without fear

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. - Joshua 1:9

If we are living in His will, following Him, going where He tells us to go – then we don’t have to worry because HE will be with us – even when it gets tough, even when it is not easy, even when others come against us. Don’t worry because God is with us. If God is for us, who can be against us --- NO ONE! No person. No addiction. No circumstance. No one.

Sometimes my younger children don’t want to go to the other side of the house alone when it is dark. They are fearful of the unknown. However, when I go with them, they go without fear. When their father goes with them, when their father leads the way, the children confidently follow – without fear! Our father is with us when we follow His calling, when we live for Him. We can go in confidence; we can proceed and walk to the other side, to the new land, into the unknown, without fear, boldly and courageously. GOD IS WITH US.

Want success?

Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. - Joshua 1:8

The opposite of success and prosperity is failure and poverty. We find success and prosperity when we live for God. Things go well for the people of God when they obey Him. Things go very wrong when they don’t obey. There is a direct correlation between obedience and successful living - accomplishing God's plans for our lives.

How do we live obedient lives? God's Word clearly tells us that we meditate on His Word. We read the Bible. We diligently seek Truth so that we can live Truth. Obeying God’s Word is vital to following Him. He has written down so much for us to know and to do right here in the Bible. We must embrace His Word. We must hunger for His Word. We must get His Word into our hearts and minds and do what it says. It must consume us and we must be consumed by it.

Yes, God will give us special revelation. Yes, the Holy Spirit will speak specific words to us. But, we must not neglect His written Word. This must be where we start. This is our home base. This is our manual for daily living. When we live by this Book, we will find great success and accomplish God’s plans and His call on our lives. If we neglect His Word; if we seek to once again do it our way; we will fail. With that said, LET'S DO IT GOD’S WAY!

HE HAS OUR BACKS

No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. - Joshua 1:5

This is the nature of God. This is how He deals with His people. This is how He protects His people who call upon His name and step out in faith and pursue His calling. This is how He will be with us. WOW! God, the Creator of the universe, the Almighty One, the All Powerful One will be with us and never leave us as we obediently step into the plans He has for us. HE HAS OUR BACKS!

Go and God will give it

I will give you every place where you set your foot." - Joshua 1:3

What an incredible promise. What an amazing reality for God’s people who follow Him and obediently go where He is leading.

I also find it interesting that God is saying He will give His people the land when they step out and move. They must place one foot in front of the other and move in God's direction, toward His calling, into the new place He has for them.

We too must go. Following Christ is not a spectator sport; rather, it is an action packed adventure where our full participation is required. We must walk it out, we must run the race, we must get up and GO.

What has your attention?

Have you ever been so wrapped up in a TV show, a book, or a project that you completely ignore someone (your spouse or child) who asks you an important question or requests help? You kind of heard them, but you were just too captivated by something else. I know I have done this too many times.

Sometimes I find out that I missed out on a critical conversation or I really let someone down or I was left out of all of the fun. I think most of the time I never knew just what amazing opportunities I passed by. Has this ever happened to you?

Have we ever done this to God? Do we sometimes get so busy and wrapped up in the minutia of life that we blow off the call of God? What have we missed out on?

It is one thing to hear the voice of God and yet another thing to sit up, pay attention, and respond to it.

Are you paying attention?

When we don’t pay attention to instructions, bad things can happen. My oldest son just returned from a week of fishing in Canada with his grandpa. They caught a boatload of huge fish. I am somewhat jealous, but am getting over it.

Anyway, they took a helicopter to their floating fishing lodge. Before taking off, the pilot gave some important instructions about the aircraft, the flight, and safety. One of the instructions was, “Do not apply pressure to the windows during flight because, as a safety measure and point of emergency exit, they are designed to dislodge and eject when pressure is applied.”

My son was listening intently as he had never flown on a helicopter before. However, the young man sitting next to him was not paying attention. Well, you can imagine what happened next. During the flight, the inattentive young man pushed a little too hard on the window as he was amazed at the view of some feeding whales and out popped the window. Not a good thing, but a natural result of not listening to instructions.

This is the kind of thing that can happen when we don’t pay attention to the instructions given to us by our Maker – God. How many “windows” have we popped out in the mid-flight of life because we haven’t listened to God’s instructions? Read His manual – the Bible. Listen to His voice. Keep your focus on Him, and have a safe, successful flight.

Need help?

When I need help; when I need hope; when I need direction; when I need love; when I need comfort; when I need healing; when I need strength; when I need protection; when I need clarity; when I need peace; when I need joy, I can go to God and be completely satisfied. I cannot look to anyone else or anything else. I cannot depend on this world for these things. As amazing as my wife is, I can’t even expect her to meet my needs; however, I can always count on God. He is able. He is always there. He will meet my needs. My help comes from the Lord!

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from?

2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber;

4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The LORD watches over you—the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life;

8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. (PSALM 121)

Launching a church in Gilbert, Arizona

After 16 incredible years at City of Grace Church in Mesa, Arizona, I am following God’s call to launch a new church in Gilbert, Arizona called Evident Life Church. I enter this season of life with great expectation and with great reverence.

Evident Life Church will be a multi-generational and family integrated group of Christ followers who are pursuing God in His fullness of Spirit and Truth. Our passion is seeing people saved, set free, discipled, and empowered to live for God and advance His kingdom.

Our official launch date is scheduled for September 13th; however, we are currently meeting as a launch team on Sundays at 4PM at the Freestone Recreation Center in the Assembly Room with a time of food and fellowship following.

For more information, contact me at eric@evidentlife.org or visit us online at www.EvidentLife.org.

Let it be EVIDENT to the world that Christ is in us.

Prayers that reach heaven

Do you want your prayers to reach heaven? (2 Chronicles 30:27) Do you want God to hear your cries? (Psalm 40:1) Do you want your prayers to be powerful and produce results? (James 5:16) Well, we see throughout God’s Word, both Old Testament and New Testament, that God hears the prayers of those who have humbled themselves, those who have consecrated themselves to His will, those who have prepared a place for Him, those who have purified themselves, those who have waited patiently for Him, and those who have passionately pursued Him with righteous abandonment.

By God’s grace and our willingness to respond to Him by living solely for Him, we can be people whose prayers reach heaven - may it be so.

Sometimes we need a little push

I am spending a few days at the lake with my family. The weather up here is gorgeous and the water is perfect. My kids love to swim, they love to play in the water, and they love to tube and ski behind the boat. You would think that every morning they would immediately run down the dock and jump into the water. However, it is quite the opposite. Even with all of the fun awaiting them, it is very typical that one or more of the kids are hesitant to enter the water. Something keeps them from jumping in and enjoying what they love.

I think we sometimes experience this same type of hesitation as it relates to spiritual matters. We know that time with God is awesome. Yet we find other things to fill our days. We know that reading His Word blows our minds and brings amazing change. We know that worshipping God with songs of praise bring us closer to Him. We know that obedience brings favor and blessing. We know these things, yet we sometimes hold back. We don’t always jump in. Sometimes my kids need a little encouragement to jump in and enjoy the water. Sometimes they need a little push. Likewise, there are times that we need a little encouragement to jump in and enjoy God. Sometimes we just need a little push. JUMP IN!

Spiritual stimulus is what we need

Last night was spent talking through all of the issues we are facing here in the United States. We came up with a lot of things that need to be addressed economically, politically, socially, and educationally. However, we concluded that none of these solutions will really matter if this country continues to turn from God. Ultimately, our condition is a spiritual one. It is only when we humble ourselves before the Creator that we will again experience favor. It is only when we turn from our evil ways and pray that God will heal our land. We must turn our hearts back to God. We need spiritual stimulus. People of God, let’s pray!

Passionately pursuing?

In his letter to the Christians in Philippi, the Apostle Paul, states, “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.” – Phil. 3:10-11

Paul is the man. If anyone knows Christ, it would be Paul at this point in his life. If anyone should be able to sit back and relax, it should be Paul. However, Paul states that he wants to know Christ and the power of His resurrection. Paul’s attitude and understanding of his Savior and Lord is one of awe, of Godly fear, of humility, and of pursuit. Paul knows enough to know that he doesn’t know everything and that he needs to continue pursuing Jesus every day of his life. He is driven by an overwhelming desire to pursue Christ and to know Him more and more.

Paul’s passionate pursuit of his Savior is a model for the rest of us. Are we consumed with a deep desire to know Him more? How great is our need for Christ?

Motivation matters

What is your motivation? Is it your happiness, your comfort, your reputation, your acceptance, your desire to avoid pain? Are you looking to earn points with God? Is it all about looking good to God and to others? Or, are you motivated by a heart-felt desire to obey God, to follow Jesus, and to glorify the Lord? How you answer this question matters tremendously. It’s all about the condition of your heart – your motivation. Is your motivation (heart) still turned to you or is it turned to God?

Maybe you need to cry out, like David did, “create in me a clean heart O’ God. Renew a right spirit within me.” Is this your prayer? Is this your deepest desire? Are you willing to allow this to happen? Caution - you will have to give up yourself for this to happen. However, there is really no option. We are must be completely His. We must be willing to love God with our whole heart.

God will do it

God will accomplish His plans. He will complete His work in us and in the world. His name will be lifted up. God will save those who call upon the name of Jesus Christ. God will do it.

God will deliver His children. He will set the captives free, He will bring liberty to the oppressed, He will bring sight to the blind. God will do it.

God will lift up the humble and bring peace to the broken hearted. He will show Himself to those who seek Him. God will do it.

GOD WILL DO IT!

Fearless Christianity

The early Christians were fearless. They were being thrown into prison, tortured, stoned, and run out of their homes, yet they kept telling people about Christ. Check it out: 

“On that day (the day that Stephen was stoned for preaching Christ) a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. 2 Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. 3 But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison. 4 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.” Acts 8:1-4

May God pour His powerful grace on us, that we may be this fearless for Him. 

They waited for the gift

I am still hanging out at Pentecost and stopped for a moment to contemplate the following statement:  

“We (the apostles) are witnesses of these things (the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ), and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him." – Acts 5:32 

It is interesting to see that the presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the apostles was correlated to their obedience. I think we can better understand this passage and this correlation between the fullness of the Holy Spirit and our obedience by looking at the following instructions that Jesus gave to the apostles:  

"Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." – Acts 1:4b-5   

Would the apostles have experienced the fullness of the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem if they did not obey God and wait? Would the miracles surrounding Pentecost have happened if the apostles had not obeyed? Would the number of believers have grown to 3,000 on that day if the apostles had not obeyed?     

If we want all that God has for us, if we want to be used by Him, if we want to see His glory, if we want to be used for kingdom advancement, if we want the fullness of the Holy Spirit in our lives, then we need to obey God. We need to go when He tells us to go and we need to stay when He tells us to stay.  We need to be about His work and fully submit our will to His will. 

If we don’t remain when God has called us to remain, we are being disobedient, and we will miss out on His fullness. If we don’t go when and where He has called to go, we are being disobedient and will miss out on His fullness. Let’s be people who submit to God in obedience and really follow Him. Let’s be people who love God with everything in us and at all times. Let’s be YES men and women. And as a result, we will be people who advance the kingdom of God while being filled to the overflow with the fullness of the Holy Spirit. 

It’s not really about the shock and awe

Continuing on the topic of miracles, I wanted to point out that miracles aren’t simply for the shock and awe factor. They have a greater purpose. In fact, throughout the New Testament, miracles weren’t really even for the edification of the saints. Rather, miracles got people’s attention and drew men to Christ. Miracles showed the greatness of God and gave opportunity to lift up the name of Christ, resulting in the lost coming to Him.   

Check out Pentecost. The Holy Spirit came in power and the believers spoke in different tongues. This definitely displayed some shock and awe, but the final result wasn’t just a bunch of open mouths; rather, it resulted in 3,000 people coming to Christ. When Peter and John healed the lame man in the name of Jesus, it provided a lot of shock and awe, but it ultimately resulted in the name of Christ being glorified and the number of believers growing to 5,000.

It’s not really about the shock and awe. It’s about advancing the kingdom of God by lifting up the name of Jesus and drawing men unto Him. So, may we see miracles today, resulting in the name of Christ being lifted up and the lost being drawn to their Savior. 

It might take a miracle

As I was reading through the first several chapters from the Book of Acts this morning, the presence of miracles in the ministry of the apostles once again appeared front and center. This wasn’t new, as miracles were instrumental in the earthly ministry of Jesus. They were just continuing the ministry of Jesus.   

God uses miracles to touch people’s lives and to get people's attention. Turning water into wine got people’s attention. Feeding the 5,000 got people’s attention. Raising Lazarus from the dead got people’s attention. Conquering the grave got people’s attention. The move of the Holy Spirit and the speaking in tongues at Pentecost got people’s attention and 3,000 came to Christ. The lame man walking got people’s attention and the number of believers grew to 5,000. The list goes on and on.     

But what about today? Does God still use miracles? He is the same today as He was yesterday. Around the world, God is still using miracles to get our attention. I have seen it first hand. While in Africa, I saw a man who was lame for four years get up and walk. This got everyone’s attention and pointed them to Christ. I have also seen many people physically healed and/or delivered from addictions right here in America. But, it still seems like we live in a culture, even in the church, that doesn’t fully expect God to show up in miraculous power. Is it a lack of faith? Is it a lack of desperation? I don’t know, but throughout history and in the lives of countless many around the world today, God is showing up in power and showing Himself to be the God of Miracles.

Can He do this in our generation right here in the United States? I know He can, but it might take a miracle. Let’s be people who continue the ministry of Christ and in faith allow Him to be glorified as He touches the lives of people through miracles.

Put others before ourselves

As the Apostle Paul pointed out at the beginning of the 2nd chapter in his letter to the Christians in Philippi, the key ingredient to unity is humility. We must humble ourselves and, like Christ, die to our own rights and desires and put others before us. 

By God’s grace, let’s shed the old selfish tendencies and be people who are motivated by loving God and loving people. In fact, let’s be people who don’t go to church looking for how we can be blessed; rather, let’s go to church looking for opportunities to bless others!

Happy Anniversary

Today, June 8th, is my 18th wedding anniversary. I am blessed to be married to an amazing woman of God who loves Jesus with a tender and pure heart. Velvet is my faithful partner, my co-laborer in ministry, my encourager, my helpmate, and my best friend. She is so much more than just a good catch, she is a precious gift from the Creator of the universe. She is a gift from God.

May God continue to take us where we could never go in our own strength; may we always keep our eyes on His cause; may we accomplish every good thing that He has planned for our lives; may our children rise up to call us blessed and may they never depart from the Lord; may the name of The Lord be glorified in our marriage; may we grow old together.

Let's lay it down

In his letter to the Philippians, the Apostle Paul demonstrates his willingness to forgo his personal desires in order to minister to others.   

We need to learn this kingdom quality from Paul and be willing to lay down our own preferences, comforts, time, and resources in order to reach others. Let’s be willing to not have everything just the way we personally want it so that we can minister to others. Let’s put the cause of Christ above our own cause.   

In fact, even when we gather together for worship and prayer, let’s not simply seek what will bring us joy or even give us those wonderful spiritual goose bumps, rather let’s seek what will advance the gospel and show love to others. Believe me, then the true joy and spiritual goose bumps will happen.

Things I Love: The Bible

Big Idea:
Beyond being the best selling book of all time, the Bible is the divinely inspired Word of God that reveals the character and majesty of the Creator of the universe, while also presenting His love and purposeful plan for us. However, the Bible is only effective when we allow it to penetrate our hearts, minds, souls, and spirits. We must receive the Word and permit it to take root in our lives, resulting in change that will last for all eternity.     

Summary:
The Bible is a special book because it is God’s Word.  Although written by human beings, it is also the inspired Word of God.  God has revealed Himself to us through His written Word, which points us toward Christ. He shows us truth, reveals our hearts, disciplines us, encourages us, and prepares us for life. Reading the Bible helps us maintain and refresh our relationship with God. Additionally, the Word of God has the power to heal and transform our lives. God's word is not like the word of man; it is living, effective and self‑fulfilling. It diagnoses the condition of the human heart and brings blessing to those who receive it in faith.   

Jesus tells us that people have different responses when they encounter the Truth found in God’s Word – The Bible. The first hears the Word, but the philosophies of this world drown it out and actually make it sound like foolishness. This person rejects the Truth of God because they did not understand. The second person hears the Word and initially believes, but because they receive no instruction, they sadly end up falling away and rejecting Truth. The third person hears the Word, believes it, grows in it, but after time they become distracted by the cares, worries, lusts, and riches of this world. However, there is the person who hears the Word, believes it, grows in it, embraces it, perseveres in it, and allows it to completely transform them. The power of God’s Word will change this person and cause them to fulfill the very plan that God designed for them. They end up living a life of spiritual victory and abundance.

Discussion Questions: (read the scriptures & discuss)

Luke 8:4-15 

1.     What does the seed represent? What is the growing process? 

2.     Elaborate on each of these types of ground:  

• Along the path: How does the devil take away the word from their hearts? 
  
• Among the rocks: What do the rocks represent? Why do you suppose they fell away? 
  
• Among the thorns: How do these things "choke" the Christian life? What are indications of maturity? 
  
• On good soil: What are characteristics of people who not only receive the message well, but also produce fruitfulness after much perseverance? 

3.     How can people in the first three categories develop good soil? 

4.     And how can those in the good soil maintain the condition of their soil? 

5.     What type of soil are you growing in?   

Taking Action: Analyze the condition of your soil. Is your life experiencing spiritual growth and are you producing much fruit? Intentionally nourish your soil by frequently watering it. Spend time in God’s Word; allow Him to renew your mind. Put the things of God’s Word to work in your life and watch the growth and transformation happen. 

Ministry Time

“The proof of desire is pursuit.”

Do you want to know what you really desire? Take a look at your life. What are you pursuing? Are you pursuing the things of God? Are you going after righteousness, godliness, faith, and love? Are you taking advantage of every opportunity to advance the Kingdom of God? If so, then Jesus is your desire? Or, are you pursuing the things of this world - wealth, pleasure, comfort, and reputation. Is it the applause of man that you seek? Is it your next purchase or your next vacation that fills your thoughts and drives you? If so, then that speaks volumes about your desire.

Take inventory of your life. God wants to be your deep desire. He will not share that with anyone or anything.

Take hold of the eternal life

Being a follower of Christ is not a one-time decision. It always starts with the loving work of Christ on the cross and His grace that He freely offers to us. We then have the opportunity to accept this gift. But, this is not the end of the story. It is still just the beginning. Check out this passage from the Apostle Paul to his protégé, Timothy. Let’s remember that Paul is writing this to an established man of God – a leader in the church.   

“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12 

Notice how these passages remind us that being a Christian is not a one-time decision. It’s not simply about saying a prayer and becoming a member of “the Christian club”.  It’s about taking hold of the eternal life. It’s about bringing the kingdom of God to this lost world. Our confession of faith is just the beginning. It is not the end! Let’s fight the fight. Let’s take hold of what Christ has taken hold of for us. Let’s live everyday for Him and for His glory. Let’s finish well.   

Here’s some more good news. Jesus never told us that being His disciple would be easy, but He did assure us that He has given us all we need and that He will be with us throughout the process until the very end. We are not left to our own strength. Christ is with us. Praise God for His goodness and for His deliverance. Now, let’s take hold of it!

Are you fleeing? Are you pursuing God?

In Paul’s first letter to Timothy, he states, “But you, man of God, flee (run) from all this (greed, bad doctrine, divisiveness, controversies, sinful behavior), and pursue (chase after) righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” 1 Timothy 6:11   

I submit that each of us should heed these words of encouragement from the Apostle Paul. I love the use of the words flee and pursue. Paul uses strong words of action. When Paul tells Timothy to flee bad doctrine, the things of the world, and Satan, he is instructing him to run from them as fast as he can. Have nothing to do with this stuff. Turn away and hi-tail it out of there. When someone flees from something, they flat out run away from it as fast as they can. Are you fleeing?   

I also appreciate the use of the word pursue. To pursue something means to chase after it. Pursuit means that you are diligent and unwavering. You press on, keep going, and do what you must until you get it. It drives you. Paul says to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Don’t pursue money, fame, or comfort – the stuff of this sick world. NO! Pursue the things of God! Are you pursuing?   

One other thing, Paul doesn’t simply tell Timothy to think about these godly things or just long for these things, instead he tells him to get up and go after them with passion and with everything in him. Take action!

As followers of Christ, these are our marching orders. We must go after God with everything that is in us. We must pursue Him with passion. 

What's Impressing You?

Part four of our "Tattoed" series challenges us to be aware and be careful of what we allow to impress us because it will affect how we impress others and it will ultimately affect what kind of mark we leave on the next generation.

Big Idea:
Impressions shape our lives in big ways and in small ways, and what we allow to impress us will affect what kind of impression we leave on others.

Summary:
Impressions are more than words that we remember; they impact and change us, sometimes ever so slightly, and yet, a few times in life we encounter moments, events or influential people that leave an unmistakable imprint on our souls. Have you ever thought about what kind of impression you are leaving? We will all leave an impression on the world around us and on the generations that follow us.

Here are three types of impressions we are called to leave: (1) Intentional Impressions: We are called to intentionally shine the light of Christ in a dark world and to teach the ways of the Lord to the generations that follow us. We intentionally make impressions upon others when we live like Christ is the King of our lives and when we make disciples. (2) Righteous Impressions: As agents of righteousness, we have the privilege of working with God to build up, encourage, speak the truth in love, and bear the burdens of others. If we choose to ignore or put down others, we are abandoning our assignment to bless them. Your blessing has the power to change the atmosphere in a room, in a relationship, and in a community. (3) Lasting Impressions: We should not be satisfied with leaving a few “warm fuzzy” feelings and some inspirational thoughts with the generations that follow us; rather, we should be driven to leave an indelible impression that cannot be erased or ignored - an unforgettable reminder that people matter because they are loved by the God of heaven, that their faith response to the call of God will make a difference in a hurting world, and that the only life worth living is the one that represents Christ.

Finally, what you are impressed with will determine what kind of an impression you leave on others. If you are impressed with the things of this world, then you will leave the mark of this world on others; however, if you live a life that demonstrates the evident impression of Christ, then you will leave the mark of Jesus on those around you and the generations that will follow. The world needs people who have been truly changed because the King of Kings has impressed them to the core. Let God impress His Son so deeply on your life that He is seen in everything you say and do. Let’s leave an impression!

Discussion Questions: (read the scriptures & discuss)

Deuteronomy 6:1-9
How can we practically impress the ways of God on the next generation? What is the result of discipling others? How have you seen this precept work in you and in the lives of others around you?

Matthew 5:13-16
Why is it important to intentionally display Christ in our daily lives? Discuss how we can we “let our light shine”. What are you personally doing in this area?

Philippians 4:8-9
Discuss what things you are allowing to impress your life. How is this affecting the kind of mark you are leaving on others? How does the truth of this scripture change what you will allow into your life?

Taking Action: Write down those who you are purposefully impressing (discipling) in the ways of God. If the list is short, ask God to reveal those you are called to intentionally impress for His glory. Begin making a lasting impression of righteousness in their lives as you teach them the ways of God.

Ministry Time

The Stigmata of the Cross

Here is part three of our "Tattooed" series.

Big Idea:
Just as God has our names tattooed on His hands and His image imprinted on our hearts, He also wants His mark of identification branded on our lives. This mark separates, regenerates, and unites us.

Summary:
The Apostle Paul once said that he bore the “marks” (or “stigmata”) of the Lord as a result of his life and ministry. The Greek word “stigmata” represents ownership. We all wear marks and show our allegiance to something. We tell the world and God where our allegiance lies by what we say, what we do, where we spend our time, how we spend our money, and how we treat others. There are times when we show our allegiance to the world, to our friends, to our political party, and to our social clubs more clearly than we do to the Kingdom of God. There is really only one thing that truly matters in this life, one event which divided the History of the world, one payment which covers the cost of sin: it is the cross of Jesus Christ. May our lives be branded with the symbol of His amazing sacrifice.

God took the vilest of symbols, the cross, and turned it into the ultimate sign of victory! That God became one of us and allowed Himself to be viciously nailed to that “emblem of suffering and shame,” is remarkable. Only God would do such a thing. Only God could bring glory from shame, taking the stigma of the cross and turning it into a tattoo of beauty - a priceless piece of art. But is this stigma just a symbol, or is it an instrument of deliverance? Do you wear the stigmata of the cross, not just around your neck, but also in the way you live? Do others associate you with what the cross truly represents? 1) The stigma of the cross represents separation. The Greek word for separation basically means to be holy, righteous, and sanctified. When we fully identify with His stigmata, God instantly separates us from our sinful past. Then he progressively separates us from the behavior that keeps us from fully becoming like Jesus. And ultimately, we will one day be completely separated by being given perfect and sinless bodies. The goal of a Christian is to be more and more like Jesus until this happens. 2) The stigma of the cross regenerates us. The work of the cross is what brings us into newness of life and removes the old sinful nature that used to rule us. We are new creations. The old has passed away, and we can now live for God while we shed our sinful lifestyles. 3) The stigma of the cross unites us by making those who believe in Christ into a family. So, what brand to do wear? What stigma do you bear?

Discussion Questions: (read the scriptures & discuss)

Galatians 6:14-17
What does it look like to “die to the interests of this world”? Give examples of how we can bear the “stigmata” of Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:14-17
What does Paul say will happen when we wear the brand of the cross and fully associate with Christ? Share what “old things” have disappeared in your life since coming to the cross.

Hebrews 2:10-11
How can the cross change our identity? What does it mean to you to be called a brother of Christ and also a child of God? Discuss the implications of being a member of God’s family.

Taking Action: Write down where you spend your time and money. Based on this list, what brand are you wearing? Purpose to associate more with the cross and less with the world.

Ministry Time

Time in the parking lot

Late last week I went through a couple of days feeling overwhelmed and anxious. This is not at all a normal experience for me, and I must admit that I was not handling it well. Finally, at the prompting of the Holy Spirit and my wife (sometimes the two of them work hand in hand), I grabbed my Bible and quickly left the house in order to run from the temptation to overreact to the anxiety and instead, to cry out to God for some help. I stopped off at the QT market and grabbed an extra-large Dr. Pepper before finding myself in an empty parking lot. I opened my Bible and started reading. After about 10 verses I shut my Bible and told God, “I need something right now!” God is good, and I believe He very much likes it when we cry out to Him in desperation. That’s where I was – desperate. He immediately told me to read Psalm 43. Here is what God gave me: 

“Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy? Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God. Why are you downcast, O my soul?  Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. 

I declared this scripture a dozen times continuing to speak it out louder each time. I followed it up with speaking other truth from God’s Word over my life, reminding my self who I am in Christ Jesus. In other words, I engaged in some spiritual warfare. Here’s what happened - the enemy fled. The overwhelming sense of anxiety left. I was back at home only 40 minutes after I had left. I walked in the door and announced to my family, “I am back!” And I was, to the glory and praise of God. 

The battle was not a physical battle against people or even my busy schedule of life and ministry; no, it was a battle against Satan himself. Satan is a liar. He wants to mess with us and he doesn’t want us to live out the purposes God has for us. He is bad news, but in Christ and the truth of God’s Good News, we can drive the enemy away and move forward in joy, peace, and victory as we minister the life of Christ. Hallelujah! We serve the risen King who is victorious. 

What's our motivation?

What’s our motivation for Christ? Is He our ticket out of hell? Is He the means to our best life now? Or, is He our deep desire and our great expectation? Are we Christians because we are afraid of hell and would rather have an eternity of comfort instead of torment? Or, are we Christians because we crave to be in the presence of God? If we crave to be in God’s presence, then why aren’t we chasing after His presence right now? Why don’t we rearrange our day to make significant time for him? Why do we allow the distractions of this world to crowd out Christ from our daily life? Why do we choose 3 hours of watching football or shopping over 3 hours of worship, prayer, and time meditating on His Holy Word? Is He our deep desire? Do we want to really know God? We can be in His presence today. Let’s go for it. Let’s choose God. 

Foundational Truths

During my time in the prayer room on Tuesday, the Lord brought to the front of my mind some foundational truths that can sometimes get lost in the hustle and bustle of life and ministry. It’s good to have them front and center in my heart and on my mind this day.

“Lord, why did You create me? Was it to make money? Was it to satisfy the cravings of my flesh? NO! You created me to be loved and to love. You created me to love you and to love others. You created me to bring glory and fame to Your name – Jesus Christ, the hope of the entire world.”
 
“The work of Christ is enough to fully justify me and to fully sanctify me. His grace is enough! I have all I need for life and for godliness. I am fully equipped in Him. He will complete His work in me. May His full sacrifice be made fully evident in my life for His glory. My flesh is not in charge. It does not control me. I am a child of God who walks by the Spirit! In Him, nothing is impossible.”
- Eric Jones

The humble and God-fearing heart of our President ... Lincoln

Proclamation Appointing a National Fast Day 

the President of the United States of America.

A Proclamation.

Whereas, the Senate of the United States, devoutly recognizing the Supreme Authority and just Government of Almighty God, in all the affairs of men and of nations, has, by a resolution, requested the President to designate and set apart a day for National prayer and humiliation.

And whereas it is the duty of nations as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.

And, insomuch as we know that, by His divine law, nations like individuals are subjected to punishments and chastisements in this world, may we not justly fear that the awful calamity of civil war, which now desolates the land, may be but a punishment, inflicted upon us, for our presumptuous sins, to the needful end of our national reformation as a whole People? We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven. We have been preserved, these many years, in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power, as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us!

It behooves us then, to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.

Now, therefore, in compliance with the request, and fully concurring in the views of the Senate, I do, by this my proclamation, designate and set apart Thursday, the 30th. day of April, 1863, as a day of national humiliation, fasting and prayer. And I do hereby request all the People to abstain, on that day, from their ordinary secular pursuits, and to unite, at their several places of public worship and their respective homes, in keeping the day holy to the Lord, and devoted to the humble discharge of the religious duties proper to that solemn occasion.

All this being done, in sincerity and truth, let us then rest humbly in the hope authorized by the Divine teachings, that the united cry of the Nation will be heard on high, and answered with blessings, no less than the pardon of our national sins, and the restoration of our now divided and suffering Country, to its former happy condition of unity and peace.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the City of Washington, this thirtieth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the United States the eighty seventh.

By the President: Abraham Lincoln
William H. Seward, Secretary of State.

What is imprinted on your heart?

Ths is the 2nd small group study from the "Tattooed" series.

Big Idea:
All of us have something imprinted deep upon our hearts and minds; something that forms our perspective on life, shapes our attitudes, and drives our behavior. What image is imprinted on your heart?

Summary:
The great and wise King Solomon tells us that, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he…” In other words, whatever you have imprinted upon your heart will eventually reveal itself in your character and how you live life. Your “heart” is the place of your deep-seated beliefs. It is the core of your identity and the hidden vault of your values. Your heart is where you develop an image of worth and value or of hopelessness and despair. Ultimately, your inner world always determines the success of your outer world. In order to live a life that glorifies God, benefits the world, and brings fulfillment to your soul, you will have to invest more time and effort into building your inner world than you do in building your outer world. So, what image is imprinted on your heart? Do you walk around with an inner image of despair that says, “Yesterday was bad, today is worse, and tomorrow will take me to new lows?” Or do you embrace the image that says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me?”

There are three things that can greatly affect our inner image. (1) Our beliefs form our inner image. If you want to change anything about your life, you have to change what you believe deep within your heart. You can change your inner image by choosing what you believe. (2) Our expectations form our inner image. What do you expect out of life? What do you expect God to do in you, and through you? If you expect to live a defeated life, then, regardless of the potential that lies within you, your expectations will produce defeat in your life. You can change your inner image by changing what you expect. (3) Our experiences form our inner image; and our attitudes become hardened when we fail to properly process the pain of past experiences. Past experiences often form present attitudes and present perceptions. You can change your inner image by releasing the past; however, changing your inner-image is only useful if you choose to exchange the old image with the image of Christ Jesus. This is accomplished by walking in submission to God, living secure in His love, acting selflessly toward others, and focusing on your God-given purpose in life.

Discussion Questions: (read the scriptures & discuss)

Luke 6:43-45
How does the condition of your heart affect how you live life and treat others? What faulty things have you programmed into your inner image? How has this affected your relationships, your character, and your overall success in life?

Romans 12:1-2
Discuss different ways we can be conformed to this world. How have worldly influences affected your life? What are some ways that we can renew our minds? How does God’s Word renew our minds? Give examples.

Philippians 2:1-11
Discuss how we can have the same attitude of Christ and (1) be submissive, (2) be secure in our identity, (3) be selfless, and (4) be single-minded.

Taking Action: Purposefully write down what is really forming your inner image. Is it external forces and other people, or is it God? Purpose to spend significant time in God’s Word each day this week and allow God to transform your thinking into His reality. Take notice of the change in you.

Ministry Time

Everyone's lookin' for it

This is the 1st small group study in our "Tattooed" series.

Big Idea:
Every one of us desperately wants to be loved and we will often do desperate things in order to find that love. We must come to the realization that we can only find this love in the One God who has always loved us.

Summary:
We all have a deep desire to be loved and accepted. In each of our lives there is a fundamental need to be accepted, understood, and unconditionally loved. Your greatest need is not money. Your greatest need is not success. Your greatest need is not fame. Your greatest need is not a better job. Your greatest need is to be loved. Not with sentimental love, not with sexual love, and not with brotherly love, but with a love that is transcendent, a love that is unconditional, and a love that only God can give.

However, many of us, in search of perfect love and acceptance, have inscribed some ugly images upon our lives: the image of performance, the image of a person, the image of position, the image of physical affection, the image of pleasure, the image of possessions, or the image of pity. The problem with these images (tattoos) on our lives is that they never really produce what they promise. They may produce momentary gratification and meaning, but they always leave you wanting more and, ultimately, wishing you could remove the marks that they leave on your life. That’s where God’s love is so different. It’s a love based on giving. A love based on serving. A love based on an eternal commitment. Here are four beautiful truths that you can safely tattoo on your life without the fear of having to remove them later. (1) God’s love is unmerited. God loves you simply because He wants to. (2) God’s love is unconditional. He loves us at all times. Even in our weakness and failures. (3) God’s love is unchangeable. His love is eternal. (4) God’s love is unforgettable. He will not forget you for “see, He has inscribed you on the palms of His hands.” – Isaiah 49:16. If you have been looking for love in all the wrong places, God is calling you to Him. He desires to be the image that is tattooed on your heart. He is waiting for you to turn to Him, leave the unfulfilling traps of this world, and find meaning, purpose, and acceptance in His amazing love.

Discussion Questions: (read the scriptures & discuss)

1 John 4:9-19
How does embracing God’s love for us change everything? How can we be confident that God’s love is in us? How has your understanding of Gods unmerited and unconditional love changed your life?

Romans 8:35-39
Have you ever believed that something has separated you from God’s love? How did that affect your relationship with God? Why do you think Satan uses this lie? How can you experience victory in this battle?

Hosea 1:2-3 & Hosea 3:1-3
How does this story of Hosea’s love for his unfaithful wife parallel God’s love for us? In what ways have you experienced God’s unconditional love?

Taking Action: Examine yourself and list what images you have tattooed on your life in an attempt to find love and acceptance. Now, make the decision to lay those down at the feet of the cross and embrace the unconditional and unending love of your Creator – God Almighty.

Ministry Time

Command, don't suggest

In his first letter to Timothy, Paul instructs him to, "Command and teach these things." Notice that he doesn't tell Timothy to suggest the things of God. Rather, he tells Timothy to command these things. The truths of God are not simply recommendations, they are non-negotiable commands. 

As a follower of Christ, are you prepared to receive commands. As a maturing Christian, are you prepared to present the commands of God to others? This is what we are called to do; submit to God's commands and teach them to others. 

Jesus put it this way in the Great Commission, "teach them to obey all I have commanded." 

Adios Diablo

The Apostles James makes an amazing statement, “Resist the Devil and he will flee from you.” What an incredible truth. We actually have all we need in Christ to say no to the Devil; to resist his will on our lives. It is also incredible that when we exercise this God-given grace, that the Devil flees. The devil actually runs from us. We don’t have to live with the Devil. The Devil doesn’t have to be a companion of ours. When we live in the spirit and not by our flesh, when we take hold of the victory that we have in Christ Jesus, when we humble ourselves and receive the amazing grace of God, the Devil will run from us. Hallelujah!

Taking care of ministers

If you have been following Transformed Daily, you know that I have recently been spending a little time in the book of Joshua. Much of this book is dedicated to the distribution of the Promised Land to God’s chosen people. It is always interesting to note that as all of the land is being distributed among the tribes, it is very obvious that the Levites are left out. In fact, it is clear that they are intentionally left out of the land distribution bonanza. Why weren’t the priestly people given any land? Doesn’t this seem like a severe oversight or a grievous error? It seems backwards. Wouldn’t God take extra-special care of His priests by blessing them with the lion’s share of the land? Why didn’t the men of God get the largest allotments of land? Why did they just get some cities that they were allowed to live in, rather than thousands of acres of land to call their own?

Maybe it is because God set apart the Levites to be priests, not farmers. They were called to devote themselves to the work of God Almighty and pastor the people, not concern themselves with clearing land, growing crops, digging wells, and raising livestock. God’s plan was to keep His priests focused on serving the spiritual needs of His people. But, that doesn’t mean that the priests were left to lives of poverty or reduced to begging in the streets in order to survive. On the contrary, God makes sure that His servants, who work in His house, are well taken care of by providing places for them to live and plenty of provisions. God does this by commanding the other tribes to make sure the Levites have all they need.   

We also see that God takes care of His priests by setting aside a large portion of the sacrificial offerings for their food, as well as the best of the oil, and the wine, and the first-fruits, with the tithes of the children of Israel (Num. 18:9-19, 24). God also made provision by commanding the other tribes to give unto the Levites, out of their own inheritance, cities to dwell in (Num. 35:2-5). God makes it clear that those who receive from the spiritual service of His servants, should, in turn, minister to their temporal subsistence. By the way, this is a common thread that is continued into the New Testament as the Apostle Paul tells the Corinthians,

“But we did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. Don't you know that those who work in the temple get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:13-14) 

Before I conclude, it is also interesting to note that the Levites didn’t all live in just one city. Rather, they were appointed to live all throughout the land of Israel. God never intended there to be one centralized community of Levites, but every tribe was to have the priestly influence and presence among them. This is also true of the Christian church today. Christ has called us to be among all nations, all tribes, and all people groups. The church is intended to be throughout the entire world and all of society, instead of heading off to make a “Christian country” somewhere. We are called to go. We are called to plant churches in every community. The ministers of the gospel are called to live among the people of this world as they minister the love, compassion, righteousness, and justice of Christ Jesus.  

Who do we associate with?

Do we associate with the world or do we associate with Christ? Do we display worldly things or do we display Christ? Let’s make a bold statement and be "tattooed" with the name of Christ and not with the vanities of this world. May our association with Christ be evident to the world. May we be people of light, like a shining city on a hill. May we be in Christ and in Christ alone. As He has written His name on our hearts, let us boldly display Him to the world. May we get up and follow Christ in all that we do and in all that we are.

AWAKEN

Here is my small group curriculum from this past Easter's teaching. 

Big Idea:
There are moments in life when we face the choice to either remain in the pain of our own disappointment or to awaken and enter the hope of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
 
Summary:
The disciples of Jesus spent three amazing years walking with Christ, witnessing miracles, receiving His teaching, and experiencing His love. However, after the crucifixion, we see them retreating to three different places: (1) sitting in a room enveloped with hopelessness and despair, (2) stumbling down a road going nowhere important, and (3) fishing from a boat as they try to forget the pain of the past.  These three locations reveal three spiritual conditions many people find themselves in. First, there are those who are entombed in hopelessness. Like the disciples, they have come to believe that their condition or situation is beyond hope: “this marriage is beyond repair, this career is going nowhere, this family cannot be healed, or there is no answer for my medical condition.” But what the events of Easter show us is that if God can raise His Son from the dead, He can raise your dead marriage, your dead career, and your damaged relationships; He can deliver you from your addictions, heal your body, and resurrect your dreams. Awaken to the Hope of Christ in you.
 
The second condition we can sometimes experience is a loss of direction. Like the disciples who were found stumbling down the road to Emmaus, we can find ourselves sleepwalking down a road to nowhere without purpose or direction. But, aimlessly living life without knowing God’s plan is petty and pointless. When we discover Whose we are, we will finally understand who we are. We were made by God and for God. Awaken to the truth of Whose you are. Finally, some disciples lost their focus and retreated to their pasts in hopes of numbing their pain and forgetting what had just happened. They were distracted by what their old life was calling them back to. We are too often enslaved by our distractions, which have become our addictions and have lulled us to sleep from the greater purpose of our lives. Awaken to your God-designed purpose in life. “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” Ephesians 5:14 (NLT)
 
Discussion Questions: (read the scriptures & discuss)

1 Peter 1:18-21
Discuss the empty and temporal ways the world encourages us to cope with life? Which have you tried and how has it turned out? Share how Christ is your redeemer and how He has restored an area of your life.
 
Psalm 42
When you feel hopeless, what thoughts go through your mind and how do you respond? What did King David do when he began to lose hope? Give examples of things we can speak when we feel hopeless.

Jeremiah 29:11-14
How does this passage depict God’s heart toward you? How can you discover and realize God’s plans for your life? Share what prevents you from running to God in times of trouble.

Taking Action: Spend this next week daily reminding yourself of the hope you have in Christ, who you are in Christ, and the kingdom purpose you have in Christ. Speak these truths over yourself and your family members so that as Christ is fully alive, you too become fully alive in Him.

Ministry Time

Happy Resurrection Sunday

I thank God for His Son. I thank my Savior Jesus for His obedience and love. His act of amazing love on the cross has justified me and it is sanctifying me. Because of the cross, I am forgiven and because of His glorious resurrection, I have been set free. 

The tomb is empty! He's alive! Christ has risen! 

"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" - 1 Corinthians 15:55

"My chains are gone, I’ve been set free. My God, my Savior has ransomed me. And like a flood His mercy reigns. Unending love, Amazing grace"

We can!

I have been spending time studying and contemplating the lives of Joshua and Caleb. One characteristic that sets them apart from others is their unrelenting faith that responds to the things of life with a passionate “WE CAN”. From their initial reports about the prospects of taking the Promised Land, up until their last days, they were men who said, “we can.” Let’s fight the natural human responses of fear and complacency with a shout of faith and trust in who we are in Christ by adopting the cry of Joshua and Caleb – WE CAN!

Thoughts on faith

It doesn’t take faith to complain and criticize. It takes faith to go and do the things God has placed on your heart and called you to do. We are called to go, not to grumble. We are called to believe, not to belittle. We are called to shine the light, not to curse the darkness.  

Wholehearted Faith

I love the passages in Joshua chapter 14 where it commends Caleb for following God wholeheartedly. It depicts a man who would not fear the things of this world because of his faith in the Lord. Because Caleb completely trusted God, he was able to enter the promised land, live a long life of purpose, receive the blessings of the Lord, and still have the energy at age 85 to go to battle.

Caleb followed God with every fiber of his being. He trusted God with everything. He didn’t give God most of his life, rather he gave God his whole life. He didn’t hold anything back; he surrendered it all. His entire being was wholly the Lords.

Are you wholeheartedly following God? Is everything in your life submitted to Him or are you holding something back? If we want to take ground for God’s kingdom and win spiritual battles, then we must have wholehearted faith and confidence in God. God is still looking for Caleb’s. He still desires our whole heart - our everything. Let’s be the Caleb’s of this generation who lay it all down for the sake of our God, our King, our Savior, our Lord.

Check it out in Joshua 14:6-15

The counter-cultural King

This week's small group curriculum focuses on our Savior King.

Big Idea:
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, He didn’t enter with pomp and circumstance. He didn’t enter with military power and worldly might; rather, He entered humbly on the back of an ordinary donkey. Who is this Savior King?

Summary:
Throughout the life of Jesus, He confounded conventional wisdom. He never fit into the world’s mold. Jesus came, the first time, as a humble servant born in a stable. Throughout His entire life and ministry, He didn’t live like the royalty of this world, but lived simply and modestly. His entry into Jerusalem was no different, as He triumphantly entered on a donkey. God’s kingdom is vast and without end, set apart from the kingdoms of this world. It started with a few unimportant people who passionately pursued the Man on the donkey. It has not grown by a large takeover or great force, but by one person at a time accepting the Savior King and His ways.

The message of Christ has always been a counter-cultural message. His kingdom has never been in-step with the kingdom of this world. His kingdom is opposite world: a kingdom where the last shall be first and the first shall be last; a kingdom where the greatest of all shall be the servant of all; a kingdom where those who give their lives away shall find in return a greater life, and those who seek to preserve their own lives shall lose them. It’s a kingdom where the best seats at the banquet table are reserved for the least, the last, and the lost. A kingdom where the broken are healed and the seemingly whole are broken. A kingdom where the outcasts are the inner circle and the “know it all’s” are left outside.

The power of God is concealed in what the world considers weak and despised. The glory of God is revealed in what many of us overlook as insignificant. How many times have we missed the presence of God because our eyes where searching for what the world considers greatness? How many times have we missed the supernatural because we were searching for the spectacular? If we are looking for the presence of God, we had better get our eyes off of the things of this world and humbly tune into the heart of God and His kingdom by surrendering our lives to Him and focusing on the things of God – the pure, holy, righteous, and lovely. Remember, God’s ways are not necessarily our ways.

Discussion Questions: (read the scriptures & discuss)

1 Corinthians 1:27-29
Jesus riding into town on a donkey seemed foolish to the world. Has God used something “foolish” to get your attention or draw you to Him? Share an example where you personally or someone in God’s Word has missed a move of God because it wasn’t recognized.

Isaiah 55:6-11
How are God’s thoughts and plans learned? Share personal experiences or insights from the Word that demonstrate that His ways are different from our own.

Matthew 5:1-12
How does Jesus describe a citizen of opposite world? Discuss how these character qualities should be demonstrated in our lives. How does this differ from the qualities promoted by this world?

Taking Action: Make a concerted effort this week to tune out the noise of the world and tune into God by spending time in His Word and in prayer. Make your ways, His ways.

Ministry Time

God’s Merciful Heart

Big Idea:
As citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven, we must embrace the heart of our merciful King by demonstrating a sincere concern for the needy and being moved by the desire to reach the lost, the oppressed, the haggard, the hungry, the homeless, and the dispossessed.

Summary:
God is deeply moved by compassion and mercy for the poor and the needy in this world. Mercy is treating others better than they deserve to be treated and sparing them from harm. Our guest speaker, Jim Cantelon, provides this insight: “I talk a lot about righteousness and justice, but the forgotten part of this equation is often mercy. Simply put - God requires us to love mercy. It’s easier said than done. Being merciful takes a lot of maturity; especially in a culture that jumps on weaknesses. Just watch the evening news today and try and find even a thread of mercy. Most of us have a judgment reflex when somebody around us falls. 

But the Kingdom of God requires something completely different - we are to love mercy… Can you imagine if the Church stood up and decided to exercise mercy as Christ called us to? Think of the orphans and widows in your community, the poor and destitute, the single moms - and in addition to that, the millions of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. What could the body of Christ accomplish if it was truly mobilized with mercy? I’ll tell you - transformation would occur. The Body of Christ would rise up like we’ve never seen before.”

The prophet Isaiah helps us understand the merciful heart of God for the marginalized when he contrasts the type of fast the Lord desires with the kind of religious fasting that was popular at the time. What God wants, says the prophet, is true fasting, demonstrated in these behaviors: standing against injustice, freeing the oppressed, feeding the hungry, giving shelter to the homeless, and clothing the poor. If we are going to be followers of Christ that are actively living-out the heart of God, then we must roll up our sleeves and truly help those in need by giving more generously, sharing more readily, living more simply, and loving mercy. This truly is the “road less traveled” - the call of God on our lives.

Discussion Questions: (read the scriptures & discuss)

Isaiah 58:5-11
According to the prophet Isaiah, what pleases the heart of God? What would the world look like if all of God’s children helped the oppressed in these ways? Discuss ideas and strategies of how we can live-out these things that please God.

Micah 6:8
What character qualities does God want to see in His people? Are these qualities optional?  Explain and apply each characteristic from this passage. Discuss different ways you can show mercy to others: your family, your friends, and strangers.

James 2:14-26
What does a life of “faith without works” look like in today’s world? Can we be Christians without actively helping those in need? Why or why not?

Taking Action: As you are read, watch, or listen to the news this week, allow yourself to become aware of the lack of mercy in today’s society. By God’s grace, retrain your personal “judgment reflex” by purposefully exercising mercy in real ways to others – family, friends, and strangers. Bless, feed, and/or clothe someone in need this week. 

Ministry Time

Take it by force

As I was reading through Joshua chapters 11 and 12, I was again struck with the totality and even the brutality by which the Israelites took the Promised Land. They didn’t mess around. God gave them the land and told them to completely destroy the enemy. When the Israelites obeyed God, He gave them victory after victory. 

These passages give us a picture of the God's nature and His heart for His people. How does this apply to us today? Well, as children of God, we are supposed to take the land and bring His kingdom to this world. We have been commissioned to take the nations. Just like in the days of Joshua and Caleb, this requires some serious warfare. Taking the land involves a fight. It involves destroying the enemy. However, we are reminded by the apostle Paul that, “our struggle is not against flesh and blood (people), but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” – Ephesians 6:12 

Warfare will be a common experience in the life of a Christian. I have said it before, “the Christian life is not a passive experience.” Rather, the life of a Christian is a life of action, a life of warfare against Satan and his demons, a life of passionate obedience to our Commanding Office, and ultimately a life of victory.   

Let’s remember what Jesus said, “From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.” Let’s take up arms and forcefully advance God’s kingdom!

Making peace with the enemy

The Israelites were on a mission from God. They were directed to take the Promised Land and destroy the enemy. However, in the middle of this mission from God, they found themselves making peace with the enemy. How did this happen? In Joshua 9:14 we see that the Israelites foolishly made peace with the enemy because they acted in their own wisdom apart from seeking God. They decided to walk by site and not consult the Lord whose mission they were on.

Do we do this in our own lives? Do we find ourselves allowing the enemy to have access into our lives because we act in our own wisdom apart from God? Do we unknowingly make peace with the enemy because we leave God out of our decisions and live our lives without inquiring of our commander – God Almighty? God has a plan and a mission for our lives. He wants to use us for His kingdom purposes. However, we must seek Him for our marching orders and not take things into our own hands.

The dangers of walking in our own wisdom and by our own site is amplified when we consider that we are in a war against the Prince of Darkness and evil spiritual forces that desire to destroy us. Therefore, we must have spiritual eyes and not trust our physical site. We can look at something with our physical eyes and think we can handle it. However, we are blind to the massive spiritual danger that desires to destroy us. Let’s learn from the mistake made by the Israelites and let’s inquire of the Lord. Let’s never allow ourselves to make peace with the enemy.

The men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the LORD. Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath. – Joshua 9:14-15

Who’s the miracle worker?

When we pray for the sick and they are made well, have we just done a miracle? If this becomes a common occurrence, can we call ourselves healers? Do we ever really do miracles or is it really God who has done a miracle through us?

Based on the Apostle Peter’s words at Pentecost, it looks like he would not only tell us that we are not healers, but that we shouldn’t even fool ourselves into thinking that we have any business doing miracles. In fact, Peter indicates that Jesus himself didn’t even do any miracles, signs, or wonders while He walked this earth. Rather, Peter indicates that it was God the Father who worked through Jesus His son to perform the miracles, signs and wonders. Check this out:

"Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know.” - Acts 2:22

If this is true of Jesus, then how much more is it true of us. We shouldn’t allow ourselves to fall into the trap of thinking we can do something that only God can do. However, while we cannot perform miracles ourselves, God does want to work through each one of us. Remember what Mark wrote, “And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."

Make no mistake about it, God is doing miracles in the world today. He is healing the sick, providing for the needy, freeing the captives, and even raising the dead. If we are truly in Christ and surrendered to the will of God; if we make ourselves available to Him in faith and obedience, then we will be used by Him in ways that are truly miraculous. It is really a wonder in and of itself that God would choose to use us. What a humbling thing – praise God Almighty. 

Finally, let's press into God, make ourselves available to Him, and see Him do miracles in us and through us today.

Influence

This week's small curriculum reminds us that we can all make a difference if we choose to.

Big Idea:
Just as Christ influenced the world for all eternity, each of our lives is meant to have significant influence on the world around us - both locally and globally.

Summary:
God has called us to be good stewards of our lives and the gifts He has given us – relationships, time, talent, and treasure. But none of those things may matter as much as the influence that God has entrusted to you. Influence is so important because it is the power to affect how someone develops, acts, or thinks. Influence shapes our world and can affect the eternal destiny of people. This is why influence requires careful stewardship. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are called to influence the world for the sake of Christ, His gospel, and His kingdom. Therefore, we must become the most influential people on the planet. Having a heart for the world is making the commitment to become a person of influence who stands for righteousness, truth, and justice. In fact, neglecting to influence the world around you for the sake of Christ is to completely miss the calling of Christ on your life.

How can we best steward this gift of influence? The Bible teaches us the following three principles. First, we must recognize our influence. Everyone has influence. We are far more influential than we realize. Each of us has some measure of influence over every person we come in contact with in life. Second, we must exercise our influence; otherwise, it is irrelevant. Influence is like money. We can use it for good, we can use it for evil, or we can save it and never use it. The way that we influence the world is through compassionate engagement - through loving, giving, serving and sharing the Good News of the Gospel. Third, we must maximize our influence. There are two legitimate reasons for expanding your sphere of influence – ministry and missions. The enemy is working hard every day to maximize and expand his influence of unrighteousness in the world. Therefore, as Christ followers, we must be about expanding and maximizing our kingdom of God influence. If we do this, we will make a difference in this world and the world to come. 

Discussion Questions: (read the scriptures & discuss)

Matthew 5:13-16
This passage encourages us to be influential. Give examples of how we can be salt and light. How does Christ look upon those who neglect their influence? What is the result of us exercising our influence? Share a specific story of what has happened as a result of letting your light shine.

Daniel 3:13-30
How did these guys influence a nation? Discuss how your obedience to God’s commands can influence others.

1 Peter 5:8-11
Discuss how the Devil is exercising his influence in the world today. What is the result of his influence? How can our influence make a difference? Discuss ways we can maximize our influence in the world.

Taking Action: Exercise your influence in a real way by engaging individually or as a group in the upcoming “Project Homeless Connect,” by signing up for a short-term missions trip, or use your financial resources to send someone else. Contact Katie in or Outreach Department this week.

Ministry Time

One Degree of Seperation

This is part one of my Heart for the World small group curriculum. Let's get out of our bubbles and reach the world for Christ.

Big Idea:
“I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

Summary:
According to what the Bible teaches us, there is only one degree of separation between us and every other human being on the planet. That one degree is the person of Jesus, who not only stands between God and man as the only true mediator, but He also stands as the only common denominator that draws us together in healthy community in spite of our vast differences. Jesus underscores this truth when he tells us that how we treat one another, especially the needy and broken, is how we treat Him. In fact, the very acts of mercy toward others, which we are called to perform every day of our lives, are the evidence of the reality of our salvation?

If this is true, then what keeps us from serving those in need? Here are five common objections. 1) I don’t feel called. This objection is based on the faulty belief that one has to be “called” to serve the world. You don’t need a call when you’ve been given a command: “Go into all the world.” In fact, you need a permission slip from Jesus to stay home. 2) I don’t know how. However, God said that HE would guide and direct you. He will be with you when you step out in obedience and show His love to others. You don’t have to be perfect; you just have to be willing enough to actually “go”. 3) I don’t have time. It is often not convenient to serve, but we can always find time for what we value. 4) I don’t know if I can make a difference. All of us can, because all of us have been called by Christ to make a difference. We can do all things through Christ. We can go, we can pray, and we can provide financial support. 5) I don’t want to. This is simply your selfish flesh talking and isn’t consistent with a heart that has been changed by Christ. Say no to your flesh and say yes to the will of your Savior. Go and be His hands and feet.

Discussion Questions: (read the scriptures & discuss)

Matthew 25:36-40
What is the fate of the two groups? What are the standards by which the two groups are judged? Whose needs had they met or failed to meet? Did everyone get a fair chance? Imagine yourself in each group and discuss what would be going through your mind. What are some specific actions that can be taken in meeting each of the needs mentioned?

Isaiah 58:6-9
What are God’s promises to those who take action and help the oppressed, the hungry, and the marginalized? How do our actions in this area affect our relationship with God and our prayer life?

Matthew 28:18-20
Is sharing Christ’s love and compassion to others optional? Why can we confidently do this and know that we will be successful? Discuss practical ways that you can overcome the objections mentioned in the summary of this study.

Taking Action: At some point this week you will find yourself just one degree away from Jesus as you look into the eyes of the broken and the hurting. Don’t turn them away. Treat them as if they were Jesus. Share your experience with the group.

Ministry Time

A BIG Rock

There are BIG rocks and small rocks in the Christian faith. There are ESSENTIALS and non-essentials. The Apostle Paul presents us with one of the NON-NEGOTIABLES in his letter to Timothy:

“For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,” - 1 Timothy 2:5.

Jesus said it this way, “I am the way, the Truth, and the Life … no one comes to the Father except by me.” John 14

Believe it or not, this is not the popular view in the world today. In fact, the truth of only one God and Jesus being our only way to Him is even a fuzzy concept in the minds of many “Christians” today. Check out this scary statistic: 57% of evangelicals believe that other religions can lead to eternal life? Whether or not this is a completely accurate statistic, the possibility of any significant number of evangelicals believing that there is any way other than Christ is troubling.

Claiming that there can be another way other than Christ is to nullify His sacrifice. It is to spit on the cross. Jesus said, “if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins” (John 8:24).

It might be politically and socially correct to say that God could make another way for people of other religions, but God has clearly told us in His Word that the only way is through Christ – PERIOD! Paul very clearly says that if you want access to the Father for now and for eternity, then you had better know the Son – Jesus Christ. When I say know – I don’t mean know of Him, but rather KNOW him as you savior and your Lord. Again, “There is only ONE GOD and THERE IS NO OTHER WAY TO THE FATHER, BUT THROUGH HIS SON – JESUS CHRIST!”

It's a battle, not a cuddle session

In his first letter to Timothy, Paul encourages him to “fight the good fight.” – 1 Timothy 1:18. Paul also talks about himself fighting the good fight in his second letter to Timothy when he stated, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” - 2 Timothy 4:7.  The concept of the fight is a common view that Paul has of the Christian life. Paul doesn’t talk about the Christian life as a walk, a stroll, or a cuddle session; rather, he speaks of it as a fight, a war, a race, something full of intense action. 

Make no mistake about it, we are in a fight (a war) for our very souls. But remember, “our struggle (battle) is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” – Eph 6:12 

As men and women who are in the middle of this battle, we had better follow the instructions of our commanding officer – Christ Jesus. Living the Christian life without an understanding of our marching orders can result in whole lot of unnecessary pain, being taken as a prisoner of war, or even the loss of our lives. We have been given the offensive weapon of God’s Word – the Sword of the Spirit. It is very advisable to use it and carry it with us at all times by hiding His Word in our heart. Let’s not be clueless soldiers; rather let’s know God’s Word so that we can take hold of the victory that is our in Christ Jesus. 

Get out of the bubble

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners…” 1 Timothy 1:15

When the Apostle Paul tells us that he has a trustworthy saying for us, we had better sit up and listen.  This is important stuff. In this statement, Paul clearly and concisely let’s us know that Christ came for sinners, not the righteous. He came for the (spiritually) sick, not the healthy.  We also see that in the ministry of Christ, He intentionally shared His hope with sinners – the ignorant and the unbelieving. If Christ came into the world for sinners, and if we are called to continue the ministry of Christ, then we had better be sharing Christ with sinners. Are we Christ-like and intentionally sharing the gospel to the lost or do we spend all of our time in our little church bubble? It can become very easy to insulate ourselves from those who need to hear the good news of Christ. Jesus didn’t say that He came so that believers could circle the wagons, be comfortable, and sing Kumbaya. No, He said that He came to save sinners.

We must be people who are continuing the work of Christ by presenting Christ and His saving grace to people who need it. Let’s get out of the bubble and be about our Saviors business. Let’s share the good news with the lost, the dying, the ignorant, the unbelieving, the sinners. 

Becoming a poster child

The Apostle Paul called himself the worst of sinners. He called himself this because he was a really bad guy who violently persecuted Christians. However, because of God’s strength, mercy, and grace and Paul’s faithfulness to Christ, he was transformed into an Apostle that would carry the gospel message of Christ to the ends of the world and write half of the New Testament. (read about it in 1 Timothy 1:12-16) 

Paul’s testimony reminds us that the grace of Jesus Christ can change any of us and when we cooperate with God’s calling on our lives, we can be used in mighty ways for His kingdom. Paul is a poster child of God’s mercy, grace, and powerful transformation. We can be too. If God can change and mightily use a bad guy like Paul, then He can do the same in our lives. We must reject the lies of the Devil that say God can’t use us because of what we have or haven’t done. Christ came to make us new creations that are fully alive, victorious, and useful in God’s hands. Faithfully chase after the kingdom of God and His righteousness and be amazed at where God takes you and how He uses you for His glory. Become a poster child!

Honor's Reward

Here is the small group curriculum I wrote to accompany the message John Bevere presented this weekend in our church services.  

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Big Idea:

God made it very clear that showing honor is essential when He stated, “Those who honor Me, I will honor, but those who despise Me will be disdained.” Understanding the Biblical principle of honor is critical to all followers of Christ.

Summary:
Honoring others is not a popular theme promoted in the world today. The spiritual law of honor is often overlooked by a self-focused and critical generation. However, our decision to integrate the principle of honor into every aspect of life, both functionally and spiritually, will significantly affect us today and for eternity. The Greek word used for honor in the Bible is best defined as “valuing”. To show someone honor is to treat him or her as valuable, precious, and esteemed. We are called by God’s Word to extend honor to our Creator, those in authority over us, our peers, and those who are under our authority. This extends to the four areas of New Testament delegated authority: civil, family, social, and church. 

How we value, respect, and treat others matters so greatly to God that it affects our heavenly and earthly rewards. The Bible gives us examples of how a full reward is offered to those who truly show honor to others by valuing and respecting them; a partial reward is experienced by those who are selective in how they honor others; and no reward is given to those who handle God and others with indifference. Our ultimate reward is eternity in the presence of God Almighty. In several parables, Jesus indicated that faithful disciples would receive great rewards. Sometimes the reward is described as rulership, but Jesus also used other ways to describe our reward: the gift of salvation is symbolized by one day’s wage, a marriage banquet, inheriting a kingdom, being put in charge of all the master’s possessions, rulership over cities, and authority over the nations. However, we don’t want to be people who simply obey God for what we can get out of it. Rather, we need to catch His heart and allow His precepts to penetrate us. Let’s make honor an integral part of who we are and how we treat others. 

Discussion Questions: (read the scriptures & discuss) 

Matthew 10:40-42

In this passage, Matthew uses the word “receive” which is a synonym for “honor”. Based on this passage, who does Jesus say we should honor? How does this passage associate honor and reward? Discuss what kind of rewards Matthew may be referring to. 

Romans 13:3-7 & 1 Peter 2:17

How can you show your civil leaders honor when you don’t agree with them politically or morally? What should we do if honoring our civil authority compromises honoring God? Discuss ways that we can honor our pastors and spiritual authorities. 

Matthew 19:27-29 & Mark 10:29-30

Is giving everything for the sake of following Christ worth it? What kind of rewards does Jesus outline? Does Jesus promise an easy life for His followers? 

Taking Action: Does your life exhibit honor? Are you showing honor to God, those in authority over you, your peers, your spouse, and those under your authority? Choose this day to honor God and others, and enjoy the rewards. 

Ministry Time

Don’t get the cart before the horse

Why do you want to be in ministry? If it is for prestige, power, or profit then you had better think again. Ministering as a means of providing for your own needs is backwards and is not God’s design. It does make a difference which one comes first – the cart or the horse. Ministering to others must come before your own needs. The calling and heartfelt desire to serve others and further God’s kingdom must precede your need and aspiration for an income, job, or career. Yes, a workman (minister) is worth his wages, but that should never be the goal or purpose for ministry. God’s Word tells us to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and then He will take care of our needs. 

Being driven by financial gain has led many ministers to drift far from the will and presence of God, leading to ungodly behavior. This was one of the many reasons Martin Luther protested the Catholic Church. Church leaders were selling forgiveness in the form of indulgences. The church leaders were putting their needs first and lining their pockets instead of ministering the gospel to a needy generation. Pastors and teachers can fall into this trap when they water down the Word of God in order to appeal to a larger audience for the purpose of increased tithes and finances. We are told to freely give because we have freely received (Matthew 10).  We must not minister out of greed or out of fear. God will provide all of our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. He is faithful and will bless those who lift up His name and proclaim His Truth. 

Crazy Love

This is the fourth and last small group study discussing the topic of relationships. It is appropriate that we conclude by focusing on the power and importance of God's extravagant love. 

Big Idea:
Your relationships will mold you and contribute to who you are: however, it is your relationship with Jesus Christ and the impact of His crazy love that will impact and forever change your very soul and spirit.

Summary:
God’s crazy love for us is commonly referred to as “agape” love. The Greek language has three words for love, which enable us to distinguish agape love from passionate devotion (eros) and warm affection (phileo). Agape love is a gracious, determined, and active interest in the true welfare of others, which is not deterred even by responses of hatred, cursing, and abuse, not limited by calculation of results, but based solely on the nature of God. It is crazy because it is love with no boundaries and no end.

There are two important characteristics of agape love. First, crazy love is intentional. God didn’t accidentally send His Son Jesus Christ to die for our sinfulness. No, He intentionally exhibited His agape love to us. “For God so loved the world that He gave.” If you are not purposefully pouring unselfish love into your relationships, then you are not following God’s example of intentional, crazy love. Love that heals our hearts, transforms our homes, betters our marriages, guides our relationships, and saves our souls is intentional love. Second, crazy love is relentless. Love that changes lives and the destiny of souls is unconditional and eternal love. Agape love doesn’t give up because the going gets tough or because it is not immediately received. This is Energizer Bunny kind of love – it keeps going and going. Just like Jesus Christ intentionally and relentlessly came for you and to you, you must also demonstrate His crazy love to others. This is how people are drawn to Christ and away from spirit of this fallen world. This is how lives are changed and nations are won.

Discussion Questions: (read the scriptures & discuss)

1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Discuss how agape love is different from other types of love. How can these qualities of crazy love be demonstrated in our relationships? What makes it hard to show this kind of love? Why is it possible?

John 1:14 & John 3:16
These passages show the intentionality of God’s love. Share how God has shown you His agape love. Discuss how we can follow Christ’s lead and intentionally show love to others. What does that look like?

1 John 4:7-21 & John 14:15-21
What two principle outcomes of God’s love are presented in these passages? How do we know we have received God’s love? How do obedience and love relate to one another?

Taking Action: Have you accepted the crazy unconditional overflowing love of Christ? If not, do it today. Your LifeGroup will pray with you and your life will be changed for all eternity. If you have been changed by this kind of love, then pay it forward by demonstrating crazy agape love to others. Be intentional and be relentless.

Ministry Time

Living above the snake line

Snake bites can be extremely painful and very often deadly. Many people are petrified of snakes. But are you aware that there is a place where snakes do not go? Snakes do not go above a certain elevation. This invisible line of elevation is often called the snake line. Many hunters and campers are keenly aware of this fact and intentionally pitch their camps above the snake line.  

We know that the devil is often referred to as a serpent and a snake. Just like a snake can cause pain and death, so can the devil. He is poisoning people every day all over the world. It is true that we live in a fallen world and bad things happen to good people – even Christians. However, we can restrict the enemies access into our lives and live above the snake line by following God’s prescription for living life. God’s Word calls us to a lifestyle of repentance, forgiveness,  obedience, and love. We can pitch our tents above the snake line by not allowing ourselves to be “conformed to the things of this world, but rather be transformed by the renewing of our minds” - Romans 12:1-2.

God has enabled His children to live above the snake line. “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness" - 2 Peter  1:3.  We should not fear the enemy because the work of Christ has given us victory over him. “I will not fear what the devil may bring me because I am a child of God.” Live for God, follow His precepts, know the authority you have been given in Christ Jesus, and live above the snake line.

Friendlationships - Part 3

This is our third episode of friends and uncovers the all-important dimension of covenant. 

Big Idea:
Do you want your relationships to go to a whole new level? Do you desire deep, meaningful, and life-transforming relationships? Then you are looking for the dimension of covenant.    

Summary:
Why do people feel so lonely, disconnected, and empty in a hi-tech world where we seem to be in touch with more people than ever? Maybe it is because much of the world is settling for imitations rather than pursuing real relationships. Meaningful relationships require serious investment and commitment. The Bible reveals that the dimension of a relationship that makes it special is the covenant. A covenant is the commitment to love and be faithful in all things and at all times. A covenant in the Biblical setting was a pledge to death and was cut in blood. Can you imagine being loved so much that someone would pledge himself to die for the security of your well being? Staggering, isn’t it? In His love, Jesus cut a covenant with us and freely gave His life for us. This covenant also serves as an example of the kind of relationships we are to have with other members of God’s family - the church. These relationships should be the richest and most rewarding we have in life. They should be filled with love and compassion, grace and mercy, encouragement and affection.

The friendship between Jonathan, the son of King Saul, and David, the king-to-be, is a stunning picture of taking a relationship to a whole new level of covenant. The story is summarized in 1 Samuel chapters 18 through 20. Let’s look at five qualities of covenant that made their friendship special and that can take your friendships to that new level. (1) Covenant friends are committed to caring for one another. (2) Covenant friends are faithful, loyal, and trustworthy. (3) Covenant friends are committed to the principles of honesty, transparency, and truth. (4) Covenant friends protect and cover one another. (5) Covenant friends encourage and empower one another. The dimension of covenant is essential if we are going to be the kind of “friend” to others that Jesus was to people during his ministry, the kind of friend that Jesus is to us today. Ultimately, it is essential if we are going to win people to faith in Jesus Christ.

Discussion Questions: (read the scriptures & discuss)

1 Samuel 18:1-4 and 1 Samuel 20:41-42
Do you have this kind of covenant relationship with another person? If so, please share how it works and what it means to you. How have you shown covenant friendship to others?

Galatians 6:10 & John 13:35
Have you witnessed or experienced first-hand a difference in friendship between Christ followers that is not present with others? Why does the way Christians treat one another matter? Give examples of how our relationships with believers can be enhanced.

Romans 5:8
How did Jesus demonstrate a covenant relationship toward us? Explain why we can commit to a covenant relationship without the other persons commitment? Discuss the kind of relationships that require the dimension of covenant.  

Taking Action: Read 1 Samuel chapters 18 through 20. Examine your friendships. Are you reflecting the qualities of covenant? By God’s grace, commit to exhibiting the qualities of a covenant friend to those closest to you.

Ministry Time

A night of creativity

Last night I watched a movie with my family about the life of Beatrix Potter - "Miss Potter". She was a best selling author of children’s books like “The Tale of Peter Rabbit”. It was very interesting to notice that after watching this movie which highlighted a very creative and artistic person, that we found ourselves playing music, dancing, singing, and our youngest two children even spent time drawing and coloring. Our home was alive with creativity. It was an amazing example of how what we put into ourselves affects who we are and what we do. We watched a movie about creativity and we were drawn to creativity. 

It is so important what we allow into our lives, what our eyes see and our ears hear. I venture to say that if we had watched a movie about fighting and murder that our natural reaction would not have been to sing and dance. This is why God’s Word tells us to think on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). God’s Word also tells us to be careful what our eyes see and what our ears hear because what we put into ourselves matters greatly and will contribute to making us who we are.

Friendlationships - Part 2

This second installment of our small group curriculum focusing on friendship gives us insight on how to avoid toxic relationships. 

Big Idea:
Relationships are a gift from God, but when they go sideways things can become painful and toxic. However, dealing with toxic relationships in our own strength and wisdom will typically almost always make things worse. This is why we need the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the patience and love of Christ, and the grace of God.  

Summary:
Relationship with others is one of the most powerful forces in the universe outside of God. They can bring us indescribable joy or unbelievable despair. They can make us whole or fragment our souls. They hold the potential to coach us into destiny or restrain us from our life’s purpose. When ruled by selfish desires, relationships are the greatest challenge you will encounter in life, but when governed by the Word of God, relationships are a treasured joy in life. The relationships that affect us the most are the ones that are closest to us. When these are toxic, they can have a significant affect on us emotionally and ultimately spiritually.

The world teaches us to think of ourselves as victims when we find ourselves in a toxic relationship and to dismiss those who don’t enhance our lives. However, Jesus taught us to love the unlovely and the unlovable. The way of the kingdom is to draw on God’s grace, take a stand, and speak the truth in love. That means confronting issues, situations, and people who put us in bondage and pain because God’s Word clearly shows us that people can change and relationships can be redeemed for the glory of God. Here are 5 simple steps to detoxify your relationships: (1) Confrontation. As long as you ignore the situation, it will not change. Own up to your share of the mess and approach your friend in love. (2)  Grab More Grace. Be grounded in your identity as one who is loved by God and be filled with the power of Jesus Christ that has redeemed. (3) Build Righteous Boundaries but don’t let these boundaries be rooted in selfishness. Begin to shape your life by making Godly choices. Do not allow your friends to keep you from doing what’s right. (4) Forgive the Offender. This is not optional. ’t live in a self made prison of unforgiveness because you could not forgive. (5) Give Change a Chance. Don’t abandon a relationship before you’ve made all the changes you need to make.

Discussion Questions: (read the scriptures & discuss)

Luke 6:39-42
What does this statement from Jesus indicate should be our first step in the process of detoxifying a relationship? Is Jesus advocating mean-spirited rebuke of your toxic friends? Discuss ways in which we can lovingly help remove the speck from our brother’s eye. 

Luke 17:3-5 & Matthew 6:14-15
Why do you think the apostles responded the way they did when Jesus told them to forgive over and over again? How does your willingness to forgive affect your relationship with God? Discuss how forgiveness has been instrumental in detoxifying one of your relationships.

Ephesians 4:15 & Romans 15:5
Why is love and patience so important in a relationship? How has someone spoken the truth to you in love? Have you seen relationships end because of a lack of patience? Discuss how can we be patient and loving without being a doormat for abuse? How does the character of Christ encourage us in this area of relationships? 

Taking Action: Examine your toxic relationships, but before you approach your friend, make sure your heart is right and that you have dealt with any of the toxin that you might be bringing into the relationship. Daily ask God to create in you a clean heart and to give you the grace to be patient with others. Pray for your friends and your relationships. Lay them at the feet of God.  

Ministry Time

Friendlationships - Part 1

This is the first of our small group study about relationships. 

Big Idea:
Friendship is one of the greatest gifts in life. The success or failure of our friendships will be greatly determined by the most important relationship in our lives – our relationship with God.

Summary:
From the beginning of time, man has longed for friendship. Even in the Garden of Eden when Adam walked and talked with God in perfect relationship, the longing for human companionship still existed. Adam’s life was incomplete without the companionship and fellowship of another human being. He craved it. And every human being since then has struggled with the innate craving for human companionship. God created man in His image, knowing that for man to be spiritually, emotionally, and even physically healthy, man needed more than just his relationship with God, he needed relationships with other image bearers. This shows us that our craving for relationship with others doesn’t necessarily diminish our passion for God because God created us this way. We were designed to live in relationship with other people, and when we are deprived of those relationships, we feel empty and incomplete. However, these relationships can only be as healthy as your relationship with God. In fact, relationships become contaminated without God. God created you with a capacity, a craving and the power of choice, but it takes His involvement to keep you from contamination.

There are three primary choices that everybody makes in life which determine the quality, the productivity, and the ultimate destiny of their lives. The first choice is the god that you’re going to worship; the second choice is the person you’re going to marry; and the third choice is the friendships you’re going to keep. Choose wisely - choose friends who model the values you appreciate; choose friends whose influence you welcome in your life; choose friends who welcome your influence in their life; choose friends who are considerate, confidential and candid. Ultimately, our horizontal relationships with others should strengthen and build-up our vertical relationship with God.

Discussion Questions: (read the scriptures & discuss)

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
How have you benefited from friendships? Describe how your relationship with others has made you more effective and useful to God. What role does God play in your close relationships? How does this help the relationship?

Proverbs 12:26 & 1 Corinthians 15:33
How do our relationships affect us? Share how relationships have helped you and how they have hurt you. What do you look for in a friend? Why?

John 15:13-17 & Proverbs 18:24
How did Jesus model true friendship? Have you experienced this type of friendship with others? How can we practically lay our lives down for our friends? How does Jesus say we can show him friendship? How does your vertical relationship with God affect your horizontal relationship with others?

Taking Action: Analyze your current relationships. Are they healthy or are they contaminated? Do they bring life and glory to God? Intentionally bring Christ into your relationships with others. 

Ministry Time

The fullness of ministry

This passage in the Gospel of Luke gives us a wonderful picture of Christ’s earthly ministry. He preached the gospel message to the lost; He announced the freedom we now have from our sinful ways, from our addictions, and from the forces of darkness; He brought physical healing; He proclaimed that life in His kingdom is abundant life. In other words, the ministry of Jesus was about preaching, teaching, healing, and deliverance. This is also a clear description of what our lives should be about as we continue the work of Christ.

18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." - Luke 4:18-19

Fighting the Devil?

Is it God's plan for the Believer to be in direct confrontation and conflict with the Devil? If we are called to do the work of Christ, then the answer is yes. Jesus was all about battling the Devil and driving out demons and He clearly tells us repeatedly to do the same. Because of Christ and His victory, we can go boldly into battle. Let's roll...

The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work. - 1 John 3:8

5These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. 7As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' 8Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. - Matthew 10:5-8

17And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons - Mark 16:17

Innocent people can get hurt

I was reading in 1 Chronicles chapter 13 today and noticed that when leaders mishandle the things of God, innocent people get hurt. A man named Uzzah can testify to this fact. Here is what happened. When David called for the ark of God to be brought back to Israel, a decision was made to transport the ark on a cart. This seemed like a logical and expedient decision. However, the ark of God was not supposed to be transported on a cart; instead, it was to be carried by Levite priests on poles. Their plan seemed to be working out just fine until they hit an unexpected bump in the road, which required someone to touch the ark. Touching the ark was forbidden, and Uzzah died as a result of this act. 

They had violated the ways of God and a man lost his life. We must handle the things of God His way. We must not rely on our own understanding and do it our own way. We must not compromise and believe the lie that "the end justifies the means." We must do it God's way or innocent people will get hurt.  

Read it firsthand in 1 Chronicles 13:5-14. 

Is Jesus Your Hope? (Audio Teaching)

On Wednesday, February 4th, I taught from the book of 1 Timothy. As is customary with the Apostle Paul, the greeting in his letter packs a punch. This teaching covers the first two verses and drills down into two critical truths: (1) Jesus our Hope and (2) the importance of having spiritual children. It is worth the listen. (Click on the audio player button below to listen to this teaching.)

1 Timothy 1:1-2, City of Grace Church (February 4, 2009)

Taking the Baton

On January 21st. I talked to the Band of Brothers men about the importance of taking the baton from Jesus and running our leg of the race. My primary texts were from 1 Corinthians 9:23-25 & John 14:12. I posted a brief discussion about this topic back in January and titled it "Take the Baton and Run". But, here you can get the whole teaching in audio format. (click on the following audio player to listen)

Taking the Baton, City of Grace Church (January 21, 2009)

God's kingdom advances

When I was in Ghana, I visited the village of Ohawu with my friend Pastor Emmanuel Fiagbedzi. This village was about 6 miles from the village of Afife where Pastor Emmanuel pastors his church. Several people travel from Ohawu to Afife to attend church because there is no church in their village. They travel the 6 miles by foot, bicycle, or motorcycle. While in Ohawu, Emmanuel and I discussed the possibility of planting a church in this village. We got so excited and we began to plan. When I returned to Arizona, I discussed this opportunity with a close friend of mine who immediately funded the construction of the modest structure and the first-years salary of the pastor of this church plant.

This week, the church was planted and the village of Ohawu has a place to worship Jesus Christ the Savior of the world. Hallelujah! Many came to Christ this week in Ohawu as they held a three-day crusade. Additionally, one of the village chiefs received physical healing from the Lord. God is showing Himself powerful to the people of Ohawu. Pray for this new church. Pray for this village. Pray for this new pastor, David, who has been sent by Pastor Emmanuel to pastor this church plant.

These pictures are from the crusade and the new church structure (before the thatch walls). I have also included this message from Pastor Emmanuel. God's kingdom is swiftly advancing.

“Pastor Eric,

New souls for the Kingdom of God! Glory be to His Name! We saw many touched by the power of the Holy Spirit during our second night of services. The crowds grow with each passing night and the hunger for God builds in the hearts. God moved among the old and young. Tonight we look forward to another great harvest. We saw the demons flee at the mighty Name of Jesus. Praise the Lord! God bless you. The feature presentation of the night was "The Passion" and it stirred hearts to come to Jesus! We even pulled up benches to allow them to sit and be ministered to. A great harvest has been gathered over the last three nights. Tomorrow morning we will meet at the newly erected chapel structure. We have assembled canopies to contain the overflow for tomorrow's service. God is moving in Ohawu. Praise His Marvelous Name! God bless” - Pastor Emmanuel, Feb. 7, 2009

The African Anointing Transcript

I have heard from several of you that it is hard to understand Pastor Emmanuel's accent on the video. I guess I have gotten used to it. My wife, Velvet, has graciously transcribed this awesome event. (You must check out the video of this event too - HERE)

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The Jones’ African Anointing, December 14, 2008 

by Pastor Emmanuel Fiagbedzi

Ghana, Africa

The Lord spoke to Samuel the prophet. Go to the family of Jesse. Anoint his head with oil. Let him become the King of My Land. I stand in that anointing today. I stand as a servant of the Most High God, who has never disappointed me before. I walk with Him in power. He has displayed His glory over my ministry, over my life, over the (African) nations. Mighty God of Israel, we glory in His name, the God of Abraham, the God of Elijah, the God of Moses, the God of Isaac and Jacob. You never change. You are the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Whom you have called, You have equipped. Whom You have equipped, You have sent out. Your servant has been polished by You. You have placed Him in Your quiver. You have placed Him in Your quiver. And now, is his season. Now You are ready to send him out as an arrow (of a King), as an arrow….., as a weapon of peace. On that note Father, I release Your anointing upon his life. Mighty God, let there be a turning point toward him – a spirit of grace). Let the anointing of the Lord rest over him. Let his favor be strong. Make him great in the land of Arizona and beyond, O God. Make him to represent You in power.

You are the apple of His eye; You are the weapon in the hands of the Lord. You are favored in the land. You are the 1st, not last. You are the head, not the tail. The eyes of the Lord is upon you; the (lost) are with you. May you go in the power. May you go in the power. May you go in the power. You are claimed for the sake of the gospel.

You are being granted an expanded ministry. Your ministry has been expanded by the favor of God and announced. Wherever you stand, when you raise your hand up, demons shall flee, demons shall run away from you. You will (set them a running). The eyes of the blind shall be opened. Cripples shall walk. Your voice shall sound in the nations, O Jesus.

I release an anointing on your wife, O God. For yours is the glory. For yours is the glory - the power. Display your glory; display your glory; display your glory over her life, O God. Do it for Your name’s sake.

I anoint the children of God. I anoint … Hidden in the frame of the children; hidden in the frame of these are mighty warriors. It was said with Daniel … Lord, thank you. I pray, my God, that Your anointing be great over their lives. Let them grow in power. Let them grow in the Spirit of Jehovah. Let them walk in unison with You, Oh God. Be upon their family. Amen.

Father, the angel I saw guide them, let that angel continue to guide them, defend them, in Jesus’ name, Amen. Let everybody say, “Amen.”

Be Courageous, President Barack Obama

John Piper's recent message to President Barak Obama regarding abortion. 

The African Anointing

At the end of a Sunday morning church service in Ghana last December where I had preached and many from the village had gathered including several chiefs, Pastor Emmanuel Fiagbedzi invited me and my whole family forward. He anointed me by pouring a significant amount of oil on my head and then proceeded to very powerfully bless me and, in so many words, commission and ordain me for the work of the kingdom of God to the nations. He also anointed Velvet and the children and spoke blessings over them and our family as a whole. It was a very meaningful time. Here is the video of that occasion. 

CLICK HERE FOR A COMPLETE WIDESCREEN VERSION ON YOU TUBE.

Faithfulness matters to God

In 1 Chronicles chapter 10, we again see a side of God that is not often highlighted in the writings and teachings of today's Christian community. It involves the justice of God and His requirement for faithfulness and obedience.

Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD; he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance, and did not inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse. - 1 Chronicles 10:13-14

God established Saul's kingdom and He then took it away. God elevated Saul and showed him favor, but then removed his hand of favor and demoted him to the point of actually causing his death and the death of all of his sons.

God's Word tells us that this happened to Saul because of his unfaithfulness to the Lord and his disobedience. Saul took things into his own hands and decided to seek the advice and guidance of the wicked instead of trusting in the Lord God. God will not be mocked.

Let's learn from the mistakes of Saul and take note of the character of God. God is love, He is patient, and He is merciful. However, our faithfulness and obedience are also very important. God will accomplish His plans. His kingdom will be established. Let's be people of faith and faithfulness so that we can be part of His plans. Let's turn our eyes, our ears, and our hearts toward Christ every day. Let's be people of faith who trust God for our everything.

Our Hope

In 1 Timothy, Paul refers to Christ as our hope. The Greek word for hope used in this passage is "elpis" which means "deep desire or great expectation". I love the way Paul begins this letter that focuses heavily on the importance of proper doctrine by underscoring the importance of Christ being our deep desire and great expectation. Is this how we are daily living? Do we wake up in the morning with a great expectation of what Christ has in store for us? Do we live every moment of every day with a deep desire for Christ? Is Christ truly our hope?

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope... - 1 Timothy 1:1

Redeeming Time

This week we finish up our series called "Live Like You Were Dying" with a small group curriculum focusing on living a life with the proper priorities.

Big Idea:
The Bible reminds us about the brevity of life, but it also teaches us about the urgency of life so that we do not squander our God-ordained opportunities. We are called to live life with a sense of kingdom priority.

Summary:
Time is one of the most precious gifts given to us by God. No matter our social or financial status, we all have the same amount of time given to us in each day – 24 hours. Using our time unwisely can have devastating effects and prevent us from fulfilling our kingdom purpose in this life. Interestingly enough, we don't see a significant emphasis on saving time or managing time in the Bible. However, God does call us to REDEEM time. What does it mean to redeem time? Simply put, it means that we take back our time from Satan, the world, and sin. A life spent in sin or chasing after the things of this world is a wasted life filled with missed opportunities. We know that what we do today echoes throughout eternity. Therefore, using our time wisely will not only result in satisfaction in this life, but also rewards and eternal life with God. We must make a conscious effort to use our time properly and to take advantage of our God-given opportunities.

We can redeem our time by getting our priorities right and allocating our precious time to things that matter. Jesus told us that the two things that matter most are loving God and loving others. Therefore, we should be spending our time with Christ and doing things that bring Him glory, while also showing others love. In fact, time not given to God and His purposes will often be stolen by Satan, resulting in discontent and squandered opportunities. Have you squandered God-given opportunities? Have you wasted some of the precious time given to you by God? Here's some good news; there is still a chance for you to redeem your time – today! Christ came to redeem, and in Him, we can redeem our time. Take it back and capitalize on the plans and purposes God has laid out specifically for you. Live the rest of your life with a sense of priority.

Discussion Questions: (read the scriptures & discuss)

Ephesians 5:15-17
Contrast how the “wise” spend their time versus the “unwise”. Discuss how we can learn what the Lord wants us to do. According to the Bible, is there a place for “down-time” in our lives? What should that down-time look like? Do you have any God-given opportunities that you have been neglecting?

Colossians 4:2-6
What do our actions towards others have to do with redeeming time? What kind of opportunities should we be looking for? Discuss opportunities you have had to redeem time by ministering or helping others.

Matthew 25:14-30
How does this parable of the talents teach us to wisely use opportunities in the limited time we have been given? What is the result of continuing to disregard the gifts and opportunities God has given us? Who suffers when we don't redeem time and invest it in the kingdom of God?

Taking Action: Spend some time this week reviewing your use of time. Write out how you are spending your time. Don't let your time keep slipping away. Identify time that can be captured for His kingdom purposes and REDEEM it.

Ministry Time

God gives and He takes away

We just got done reading about how God gave the Israelites, including the half-tribe of Manasseh, the victory over their enemies because they cried out to Him and He answered their prayers. However, the very next passage in 1 Chronicles chapter 5 talks about how the half-tribe of Mannaseh was then sent into slavery by God Himself. How does that happen? How does God give someone victory and then take it away so decisively?

The answer lies in what took place after the half-tribe of Manasseh settled-in to their new God-given home. They conformed to the ways of their new world. They adopted the practices and gods of the very people that God had destroyed right before their eyes. They violated the first commandment that states that they “shall have no other gods before Him.”

This passage in 1 Chronicles clearly displays the fact that God is a just God and a jealous God. He will not be mocked and He will not share Himself with any other. Let's learn from the mistakes made by the half-tribe of Manasseh and never allow ourselves to put anything else before God. Let's never allow ourselves to conform to this world and serve anything other than our Lord God Almighty.

23The people of the half-tribe of Manasseh were numerous; they settled in the land from Bashan to Baal Hermon, that is, to Senir (Mount Hermon). 24 These were the heads of their families: Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah and Jahdiel. They were brave warriors, famous men, and heads of their families. 25 But they were unfaithful to the God of their fathers and prostituted themselves to the gods of the peoples of the land, whom God had destroyed before them. 26 So the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria, who took the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh into exile. He took them to Halah, Habor, Hara and the river of Gozan, where they are to this day. - 1 Chronicles 5:23-26

The battle cry

The Bible very clearly compares the Christian life to a battle. In a battle, the stakes are high. It is life or death. Everything is on the line. Therefore, we must approach the Christian life with intentionality and know how to battle our enemy – Satan. Let's not be clueless.

This morning, I was reading in 1 Chronicles chapter 5 how the Israelites incorporated prayer into their battle plan. The results speak for themselves. Check it out...

They were helped in fighting them, and God handed the Hagrites and all their allies over to them, because they cried out to him during the battle. He answered their prayers, because they trusted in him. - 1 Chronicles 5:20

Let's make sure we are people who make prayer an integral part of our battle plans.  

God promotes the humble

I am so very proud to bring you this week's small group curriculum which encourages us to live lives of humility.  :)

 

Big Idea:

We live in a world that promotes the proud, the arrogant, and the boisterous, but God’s Word tells us that He will promote the humble. Understanding Godly humility is therefore important, and living it out is essential. 

Summary:

As followers of Christ, we are called to boast in the Lord and not in ourselves. This means that pride must be eradicated from our lives and replaced with humility. Before we continue, let’s make sure we understand that humility is not weakness. In fact, it takes strength to intentionally live humbly. Moses was “the meekest man on the face of the earth,” but he wasn’t the weakest. Humility is not self-abasement or beating oneself up. It is not thinking less of yourself. Rather, it is thinking of yourself less. Humility is also not hypocrisy. It is not acting as if you are something less than what you really are. 

So, what is humility? What does it look like? Humility is surrendering to the sovereignty of God and accepting that God is God and we are not. He is the creator of the universe and He is in control. Humility is learning to rely on the Source of life. We must acknowledge that all of our talent, all of our gifts, and all of our abilities ultimately come from God. Humility means accepting God’s gift of grace. He gives His amazing grace to the humble, which saves us and empowers us to live our lives for Him. Humility is putting the needs of others first. We are called to give up our rights in order to serve others - not grudgingly, but thankfully. Finally, while we are not called to boast in ourselves; we are called to boast in God - in His glory, His marvelous works, His grace, His power, and His love. Let’s tell others of the great things He has done. 

Discussion Questions: (read the scriptures & discuss) 

Matthew 20:25-28 & Matthew 23:12

What does God say will happen when we promote ourselves? Why is it hard to be humble? How has pride messed things up in your life? How can we be servants to one another? Discuss examples of humble people that have been lifted up by God because of their humility (ie: Mother Theresa). 

Philippians 2:3

What attributes does Paul use in this passage to contrast humility? How does esteeming others more than ourselves display humility? What can we do that shows others they are important to us?  

2 Corinthians 10:17-18 & Jeremiah 9:23-24

What happens if we take the credit that should go to God? Discuss practical ways that we can boast in the Lord. Challenge each other to implement these practices into your daily lives.  

Taking Action: Make this week a week of boasting – not in yourself, but in God. Also, intentionally think of yourself less and think of others more. Finally, make this a week where you purposefully “do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” 

Ministry Time

Who's in control, God or your emotions?

This week's small group curriculum helps us keep our emotions in their proper place as we continue to "live like we were dying".

Big Idea:
God has given us the ability to feel emotions. It is what makes us feel alive. However, we must not allow our emotions to control us. Rather, we must submit our emotions to the Lordship of Christ and let the truth of God’s Word be our guide.

Summary:
God created humanity with an amazing emotional capacity. The Book of Psalms records the emotional rollercoaster ride of King David, the man after God’s own heart. When he’s happy, he feels happiness to the core of his being. And when he is sad, he embraces his despair without reservation. He feels deeply. And at times, his feelings lead him astray. But somewhere along this journey, David seems to discover that as important as feelings are, they are only one part of his total being, and certainly not the most important part. The emotional aspect of our being coexists with our intellectual, physical and spiritual aspects. Every person will build the foundation of his or her life upon one of these four foundations: the emotional, the intellectual, the physical, or the spiritual. And among those foundations, feelings are important but they are not the most important because you are not your feelings. For that matter, you are not your body or your intellect. You are fundamentally a spiritual being.

There are three dangers when we build our lives on our feelings. First, feelings can be distorted. The enemy likes to manipulate our circumstances and our senses in an attempt to throw us off balance. Second, feelings can be imported. Sometimes we have a way of feeling what has been forced on us rather what is truly within us. And third, feelings can be aborted; they can change in a moment. The danger of building our lives on our feelings is that we may not feel the same way about a situation tomorrow as we feel today. Feelings come and feelings go. As Christians, the way we must deal with our feelings is by choosing to believe God’s Word over what we hear, feel, or even experience. Our emotions are the servants of our will. Our feelings are the fruit of what we believe. So instead of struggling to change our feelings, we must begin to work on our belief system and our feelings will follow course.

Discussion Questions: (read the scriptures & discuss)

Philippians 4:6-9
How do our thoughts affect our emotions and ultimately how we approach life? In addition to prayer, discuss other practical things that we can do to guard our hearts and our minds.

Romans 12:2
How do we renew our minds and keep our emotions from running away and conforming us to this world? Share something that you have read recently in the Bible that has transformed your mind and thus kept your emotions in check.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5
How do you know if an emotion is healthy or unhealthy? How can we take our thoughts and emotions captive? How have your emotions lied to you? How does the truth of God’s Word speak to those issues and areas in your life? (Example: Your emotions might say you are worthless. But, God’s Word says you are fearfully and wonderfully made.)

Taking Action: Spend time reading God’s Word every morning this week. Meditate on what you have read, and ask the Holy Spirit how this Truth can form your thinking and direct your emotions throughout each day.

Ministry Time