Loving God with Our Emotions:

You have heard it said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength" - Mark 12:30. Jesus is telling us to love God with our everything. He is admonishing us to love God with our emotions (heart), our inner-man (soul), our intellect (mind), and our actions (strength). Loving God involves all of these expressions.

With such a clear directive from our Savior, it is surprising that there is a segment of the evangelical community that continues to shun loving God with our emotions. These teachers indirectly and sometimes intentionally tell people that an emotional experience with the Lord or an expression of emotions toward the Lord is somehow "less than" or even heretical and unbiblical. This argument often surrounds the selection of corporate worship songs.

Where does this war against emotions come from? It does not come from the Bible or the heart of God. I often wonder if the people who instruct against loving God with our emotions are people who have issues expressing their emotions and therefore have created an emotionless world and theology.

Again, Jesus instructs us to love God with our emotions. In the greek, the word "heart" is regarded as the seat of emotion, feeling, impulse, affection, desire. The Lord created us to experience and to express emotions. He gave us these qualities because He created us in His image and He created us in order to love Him rightly. King David is called "the man after God's heart." King David was a man of emotions. Just read the Psalms. In many ways, the Psalms were given to us by God to encourage and highlight the involvement of our emotions in our love of HIm. Our passionate God created us to be passionate. He wants more than just our dutiful service and our understanding of His truth - He also wants our emotions.

Loving God and worshipping HIm must include our everything: emotions, inner-man, intellect, and actions. To diminish any of these expressions of love is to rob people of the relationship God created them to have with Him. To diminish and discourage any of these expressions, including the involvement of our emotions, is to rob the Lord of the complete love from His precious children for which His Son gave His life. God loves it when we get emotional for Him and because of Him.

While it can be dangerous and ill advised to base our doctrine on emotions and feelings, it is also dangerous and ill advised to allow our doctrine to remove our emotions from our relationship with our Heavenly Father.

Who do you crave time with: family or God?

In my last post I wrote about craving the Lord. We are called to make the Lord our number one passion. There are noble things in this world. For instance, parenting is extremely noble; it is a blessing from the Lord and a responsibility too. Culture and even the church tells me as a parent to crave time with my kids. I agree that I should desire to spend time with my children and to invest into them. However, nowhere in the Bible does it tell me to “crave” time with my kids. Nowhere in the Bible does it tell me to make time with my kids the most important thing in my life.

Hang with me here…

As we study God’s Word, we see a common theme that tells us to crave the Lord, to make Him our treasure, to seek Him first, to make Him our deep desire. We must give our lives, our first, and our best to the Lord. Nothing else can take His place and nothing else should be allowed to rob us of our time with God and our passion for the Lord. Not even our families.

While God’s Word does teach us to invest our everything in Him and in His kingdom, it also teaches us that we should not do this on our own. We are not called to simply go off on our own and get as much of God for ourselves and let everyone else fend for themselves. Rather, we are called to bring others along with us on this amazing journey. We are called to make disciples. And our family members, our children, should be at the top of the list of those we are bringing along with us on this journey.

So go after God with all that is within you. Chase after Him. Pursue the Lord. Crave pure spiritual milk. Let your family watch you live for the Lord. Teach them what it means to live for God. Show them with your life, your actions, your priorities, and your investments what it looks like to crave the Lord. Teach your children what is really important. Leave an eternal legacy of generations that live life for God and crave the Lord. Your children are watching and learning.

Go after the Lord with your everything and bring your family along for the ride. Your family time will be rich because it will be time pursuing the Lord together. Your family will be built up in the Lord, you will create God-sized family memories, your legacy will stand the test of time, and the Lord will be glorified.

I trust you understand the heart of this message is not to spend less time with your family, rather it is a call to an amazing family adventure in pursuit of the Lord. This is how we truly, "raise up our children in the way that they should go."

What are You Craving?

What are you craving? God’s Word tells us in 1 Peter 2:2 to crave “pure spiritual milk.” That pure spiritual milk is the Lord Himself. Are you finding a craving in your heart for God - to know Him better, to grow closer to Him?

This can be a challenge for us today because there are so many things in our lives that cry out for attention, that take our energy, and consume our passions. But Peter reminds us that the one who is truly born again, will long for the presence of the Lord; and not just long for Him on Sunday mornings alone.

We must reject the Sunday morning only, spectator mentality of the Christian faith. Being a Christian is not dependent upon, nor is it summed up by simply attending a church service and looking bored with the preacher. That isn't what it means to be a follower of Christ. Following Christ is living dynamically. It's a craving for God, to know God, to be excited about God. It’s an all-consuming passion for Him.

Indifference and lukewarmness is very dangerous. We hear this from too many people these days, “if I have time, if it works out, if I've got the money, if I'm not doing anything else… then I will go after God with my everything.” We can’t give God our leftovers.

A little baby not only desires its mother's milk, but that baby has a powerful, instinctive urge for that milk. This is what Peter is talking about here… having an URGE, a craving, a passion for the Lord, for His Presence, His truth, His Word, His Ways.

If you're a believer, are you craving the Lord?

FINDING JOY

Let me tell you a little secret... true joy is found in holiness; in being "set apart" for the things of the Lord. When we set ourselves apart from the things of this world and consecrate ourselves unto the Lord, we find joy. I was reminded of this truth as I was reading in Ezra chapter 6. After rebuilding the temple, those who had separated themselves from the unclean practices of the world in order to seek the Lord, the God of Israel, found so much joy that they celebrated and feasted for seven days. It was only those who had pursued holiness that were participants in this great celebration. Those who set themselves apart for the things of the Lord and leave behind the things of this world, get to participate in the things of God and enjoy the blessings and presence of the Lord. This is where true joy is found - in the Lord.

Most people think of obedience to the Lord as "downer" and something that will make life boring. Others think that mixing some things of this world in with the things of God is an acceptable way of living and that God is totally cool with it. These are lies and believing these lies is keeping people from experiencing true joy, true peace, and a satisfied life. We have to remember that the Lord does not get cozy with worldliness.

I contend that there is no real joy apart from the Lord. Yes, there may be temporary experiences of happiness that feel like joy. But true and lasting joy that penetrates the soul and gives life to the spirit only comes from the Lord and this joy is only experienced by those who are setting themselves apart for Him and Him alone. When we compromise in the area of obedience, we cheat ourselves of real joy. When we engage in the things of this world that do not glorify the Lord, it costs us greatly. It costs us the joy of the Lord. However, when we purpose to consecrate ourselves unto God and when we aggressively set ourselves apart from the unclean practices of this world, the joy of the Lord fills us up and becomes our portion. Are you ready to exchange the junk of this world for the joy of the Lord? I am.

I leave you with the words of Jesus:

9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in My love. 10 If you obey My commands (holiness), you will remain in My love, just as I have obeyed My Father’s commands and remain in His love. 11 I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." - John 15:9-11

LEAVING A LEGACY

What are we passing down to our children; to the next generation? What will be our legacy? Be assured, how we live our lives is sending a strong message to those who follow us. Are we showing them how to gain wealth, financial success, prosperity, a career OR are we showing them how to touch the heart of God? There is nothing wrong with wealth, financial success, prosperity, or a career. However, none of these are eternal. They are all temporal and they all pass away. None of these pursuits even compare to touching the very heart of God and beholding His beauty.

So, what are we investing in today? What are we dedicated to? What example are we giving to our children and the generation that is looking up to us for direction? Do they see us diligently and with great zeal seeking the Lord or do they see us dedicated to other things? Again, we are showing our children what is important every day by how we spend our time and where we invest our resources. What are we passing down to our children? What will be our legacy?

Jesus should be our example. He was about His Father's business. What are we about? Our children are watching and they are learning. What are we seeking first? Jesus told us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Can you really say that you are seeking first HIs kingdom and His righteousness? What would your kids say you are seeking first? What will be your legacy?

A Biblical Key to Answered Prayer:

Why do the prayers of some seem to always be answered, while the prayers of others don’t? Is it because some people know what to say and how to say it? Is there a trick to seeing our prayers answered or is it just the luck of the draw?

Well, we know that the Lord is sovereign and perfect in all He does. He will answer the prayers that He wants to answer; those prayers that are “according to His will.” But it also looks like the Bible doesn’t guarantee everyone equal access to the Lord and equal results in prayer.

Check out these passages of scripture and notice how obedience and righteousness are correlated to answered prayers. How much more of God’s kingdom would we experience if we embraced the sanctified and obedient lifestyle Christ died for us to live?

“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” - James 5:16

“O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name.” - Nehemiah 1:11

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” - 2 Chronicles 7:14

These are just a few passages that make this correlation. God’s Word is full of this truth. I contend that we will see great revival, the kingdom of God will come in greater measure, and our prayers will be answered when the church embraces obedience and righteousness.

Two Different Responses to God

Studying the first couple chapters of 1 Samuel outlines two very different responses to God. These chapters are a good reminder that the Lord blesses those who honor Him as He did for Hannah and her son Samuel. However, it is also a very poignant reminder that the Lord rebukes and punishes those who dishonor Him and sin against Him like Eli and his two sons. God doesn't mess around with sin. God doesn't turn a blind eye to sin. He hates sin and there are real consequences to our sin.

Some say that this is just "the God of the Old Testament" and that now "the God of the New Testament", is the God of love and mercy. People talk themselves into believing that somehow God has changed and is now ok with sin. This is crazy talk. God is the same yesterday today and forever. He has not changed. He has hated sin from the beginning and He still hates it. He has punished sin from the beginning and He still does. He is holy and righteous and cannot have anything to do with sin.

So, because of His great love for us, God sent His Son Jesus in order to kill sin. The work of Christ on Calvary has given everyone the opportunity to be free from the grip and consequences of sin. It begins with forgiveness, but doesn't stop there. The grace of Jesus Christ isn't simply about forgiveness. No! It is much more powerful and effective than that. The grace of Jesus Christ gives us victory over sin so that we no longer are controlled by it and therefore walk away from it.

Yes, all have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God. This is why we need Jesus so that the life of sin will be broken and we will truly be made new creations in Christ Jesus as we respond to Him in faith and repentance. Jesus gives us all we need to respond to God as Hannah did, with honor and love instead of how Eli and his sons responded to God with dishonor and sin.

Dreams Come True

While reading 1 Samuel 1 this morning, I was reminded of how God can really move in our lives and birth new things in us when we are willing to submit these things to the Lord and set them aside for His glory. Is there something you have been desiring for a long time? Try doing what Hannah did. She prayed. She cried out to God and then she submitted it to the Lord. She laid her desires and dreams before the Lord and consecrated them to Him. Hannah no longer wanted a son just for herself. Rather, she wanted a son for the glory of God. And this is when everything changed and God moved in her life. This is when her dreams came true.

So, what are you dreaming for: a spouse, a new job, a spiritual gift such as prophesy, the ability to play the guitar or piano, finances, influence among your peers?

I believe we will see many more of our desires and dreams come to pass when they are submitted to the Lord, when they line up with His perfect will, and when they are given over to Him for His glory.

God's Response to Confession

When we confess our sin to God, His response is not to yell at us, beat us up, mock us, and drag us through the streets. He doesn't sneer at us and say, "I will make you pay." No! Jesus has already paid. God's response to our confession of sin is forgiveness. HE LOVES US. Do you know the joy of forgiveness?

Are Your Hands Tied?

Ministering without the presence and power of the fullness of the Holy Spirit would be like trying to play a basketball game with your hands tied behind your back. Sure you'd be on the court, but you would have a very difficult time scoring any points.

The Ultimate Blessing

Read Psalm 23. You know... "The Lord is my shepherd I shall not be in want..." Get out your Bible right now and read the whole Psalm.

Ok, what is the blessing in this passage of scripture? Is it the green pastures? The quiet waters? How about the restoration of our souls? We would agree that the valley of darkness isn't the blessing. But, what about the table set for us before our enemies?

It is clear that while many of these can be looked upon as blessings, they are not the primary blessing revealed to us by the Psalmist. The primary blessing is our Shepherd. The Shepherd is the constant throughout this Psalm and throughout our lives. No matter what the circumstance, our Shepherd is always right there with us - through the good and the bad. He is the constant and He is the ultimate blessing.

When we have our Shepherd, we lack nothing and we want nothing, because He is our everything.

Encounter Before Execution

I just finished teaching from the 23rd. Psalm. This passage of scripture is very familiar to most Christians. Maybe too familiar. Maybe this familiarity actually causes us to overlook some amazing truths.

Here is one truth from Psalm 23 that I fear is too often missed:

Notice that Psalm 23 does not begin with activity, but with the restoration of our souls. This is a reminder of how the Christian life is to be lived. We begin by resting in Christ and out of the restoration of our soul comes activity. Many Christians, and many churches, have this backwards. Many Christians lead with ministry. Out of their good intentions they get busy with activity, attending church meetings, executing programs, planning budgets, and teaching Sunday school before getting filled and restored by Him. Sadly, this leads to "burn out" and disappointment. It is the result of execution before encounter.

A sure sign that we have missed the point is when our activity in the church becomes a replacement for prayerful devotion to the One who called us here in the first place. Jesus has called us first to worship, and secondly to work. We must never reverse this order. When it gets reversed, we miss the reality that Christianity is primarily a relationship, not a religion. You see, we are here to enjoy our relationship with Jesus Christ.

Again, when we take a deeper look, we see that Psalm 23 is about the blessings of being in a relationship with the Shepherd - Jesus Christ. Remember to daily encounter the Lord so that He can restore your soul. Then, execute His kingdom plans with passion, confidence, and power.

Leading by Example & Encounter

Jesus called us to make disciples. This means that we are supposed to lead people closer and closer to their Savior King - Jesus Christ. How do we do this? How do we help others explore and realize the deeper things of God? Well, we can't take anyone someplace that we haven't already been ourselves. To lead means, "to show the way to by going in advance." We must be people who are passionately chasing after more of Jesus - more of His truth, more of His grace, and more of His presence in our lives. It's leading by example and leading by encounter.

The Holy Spirit is raising up shepherds to teach God's people to live after His own heart. They will feed others from the reality they encounter through their own unyielding personal pursuit of God. They will only be able to shepherd others because they have given themselves wholly to the great Shepherd. - Mike Bickle

Christian Patriotism - Psalm 33:12

WE NEED REAL PATRIOTS! When we make God our Lord, then we who are Christians can be the kind of patriots our nation desperately needs. Is there such a thing as Christian patriotism? I think there is.

Let me argue that in light of the truth found in the 33rd Psalm,

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” – Psalm 33:12

there is really no other kind of patriotism. For you see, if we desire to be people who bring blessing upon our nation; if we want to be people who contribute to the betterment of our nation, then there is really only one way… promote Christ, fear the Lord, and make Him the Lord of our lives and of our nation.

True patriots will do whatever they can do in order to make our nation one whose God is the Lord. For you see, without making God our Lord, any “good thing” we do is done in vain. True patriotism begins with the fear of the Lord and the glorification of the name of Jesus Christ.

Finding Delight in God's Word - Psalm 1:2

We build on yesterday's post from Psalm 1. The Psalmist, in verse 2, continues by instructing us that true happiness, the blessed life, is found by those who are really “INTO” God’s Word.

Blessed is the man whose.. delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. - Psalm 1:2

In other words, blessings pour out upon us when we have filled ourselves with God’s Word. True happiness is the result of finding pleasure in God’s Word. Day and night allowing God’s Word to fill our thoughts, penetrate our hearts, and consume our lives. Seeking guidance and strength from God’s Law rather than from the wisdom and follies of this lost world. The Follower of Christ has learned to make God's Word his delight. The Blessed person finds pleasure and life in God’s Word.

To some it is boring, but to you it is exciting.

To some it is dull, but to you it is delightful.

To some it is fantasy, but to you it is fact.

To some it is information, but to you it is inspiration.

To some it is optional, but to you it is necessary for life.

How close should we get?

In my previous post about Psalm 1:1, "It's a Slippery Slope", I discussed the Psalmist's warning that who we hang out with matters greatly and what we listen to shapes us.

But, should our response to this warning be to completely ignore sinners? Do we run from them? Do we leave them to fend for themselves? How close should we get? It is clear that we are called to minister to the lost. We are called to share the gospel with sinners. Jesus said that it is the sick (meaning the sinner) that needs a doctor (needs salvation). Jesus Himself ministered to sinners, but He did not have close relationship with them. Rather, He had close relationship and spent the vast majority of His time with His disciples – those who meditated on God’s Word and were hungry for more of Him.

So, who should we minister to? Those who are far from God. What kind of close friends should we pick? Let's rephrase Psalm 1:1 1 into something positive rather than something negative to find the answer to this question. “Blessed, (happy in God) are the those who walk in the counsel of the holy, who stand in the way of the righteous, who sit in the seat of worshipers.”

It's a Slippery Slope - Psalm 1:1

1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. – Psalm 1:1

Look at the progression that is outlined in this verse. Look at how we can get sucked into a life of ungodliness that robs us from the blessed life.

1. The blessed or happy man does not WALK in the counsel of the wicked. Walk is a term that suggests passing by, casually “checking it out”.

2. The blessed or happy man does not STAND in the way of sinners. The Hebrew word for stand has the idea of actually mixing in, standing among, sinners. Can you see the progression here? The casual passerby slows down and now takes his stand with the sinner.

3. The blessed or happy man also does not SIT in the seat of mockers. This suggests something more permanent, an abiding, a settling down. You’re all in. It’s bad news. It pulls you in and the next thing you know, you’re in bed with the enemy.

The Psalmist is telling us that we find true blessing and true happiness when we don’t walk, stand, or sit with the ungodly.

Quoting a well-known proverb, the Apostle Paul warns us…

Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." - 1 Corinthians 15:33

Entertaining ungodliness and/or hanging out with the wrong people results in anything but blessing and happiness.

Do we believe?

Belief has got to be more than a thought, more than a mental ascension, more than a feeling. When we truly believe in something, we step out and take action based on that belief. Our beliefs determine our actions. For the Christian, belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God who died for our sins, forgave us, and has given us His grace… changes everything. It changes everything.

This kind of sincere belief will result in radical action. We can no longer go on living the way we used to live. We can no longer be comfortable living for temporal, earthly, and fleshly things. Pride, lust, selfishness, and greed begin to fall off… because we believe. We have a deep desire to obey the King of Kings who ransomed us from eternal separation from God. We become desperate for more of God and we willingly lay down our rights and our very lives for Jesus Christ. Truly believing changes everything. Our worldview changes, our desires change, our lives change – for real!

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.