As I continued sorting through my stack of old Bible Study and Sermon notes I found....
Becoming an Authentic Follower of Christ - Week 1 of 8 - Crosspointe Church, Valdosta, GA - 1/4/09
Am we completely surrendered to Christ?
There's a big difference in just believing in something (or someone) and actually following that something (or someone). It's easy to say that we believe in Christ; it's much harder to actual follow Him. Following Him means living a life that reflects Him, seeking His wisdom and guidance, loving like Him, seeing others like He sees them.
Our journey with Christ begins with an invitation to enter into a relationship with Him. Although because of the actions of many it may seem that Christianity is simply a religion, it's not. It is a relationship, a relationship with the Almighty Creator of this Earth.
Our relationship with Christ continues in His presence. He is always with us even when we may not physically, emotionally, or even spiritually feel it. Once we accept Him as our one and only true Savior, He promises He will never leave us nor forsake us. And He never breaks his promise.
As we continue strengthening our relationship with Christ it results in an overflow from heart. The love that we feel from Him will overflow into our relationships with others. Through our words, our actions, our thoughts we are witnesses of the overflow of Christ. What is our overflow? Is it evident to others?
"Everything Jesus desires to do through you, He accomplishes through the time He spends with you." Whoa, so this means if I spend little time with Jesus He accomplishes little? (Note: although He is always with us, we are the ones who have to actively spend time with Him, actively reach out to Him.)
As I write this, I confess I am guilty of not spending sufficient time with my Lord. What is sufficient? Sufficient to experience an overflow. Without the overflow I don't have the energy or compassion to love people the way Christ calls me to. I have neglected my relationship with Christ and the one who suffers is me.
Father, please forgive me for taking advantage of my relationship with you and neglecting our time together. I know that I cannot survive this world without You and that I truly depend on you in all areas of my life. Please forgive me for having an independent, self-reliant attitude. I surrender that to you Lord. I pray that your Holy Spirit moves in me and continues to call me to You. Lord I know you never leave me but please show me how to come back to you so that I may fully experience your undeniable love and share that love with those around me. Amen.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Are we Hearing About or Experiencing Nourishment?
There is an important difference between hearing about something and experiencing something. Picture someone describing the nourishment found in a big healthy meal to a starving man. As the man listens he grins, he can imagine the taste of the yummy food, he knows the meal would provide him the vitamins his nonexistent diet lacks, he knows his body would feel so much better once he ingested the nutrient rich food. For a moment, he may be satisfied but then he realizes: just knowing about the benefits of this healthy meal does nothing for him if he can't actually experience the meal. He needs to actually ingest the fullness of it.
When it comes to the Word of God, we are much like this man. We can know about the benefits of ingesting the Word but unless we actually read it for ourselves and experience the fullness of the Spirit, we will remain hungry. Personally, I am guilty of trying to fill my God-given need for the Word with fillers and substitues. I do my 'daily devotionals' and try to think those will fill me up. They may, for a while, but eventually my craving for pure nourishment, straight from the source wins out. Eventually (thank God) I go back to the Word and once again am amazed at the experience, the filling of my soul, the peace that surrounds my heart.
There is no substitute for God's pure Word. Daily devotionals and words written by others certainly help us to know about the Word but only experiencing it for ourselves will we truly meet our need for sustenance. Only then will we truly experience His undeniable love for us.
"Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4 NIV
When it comes to the Word of God, we are much like this man. We can know about the benefits of ingesting the Word but unless we actually read it for ourselves and experience the fullness of the Spirit, we will remain hungry. Personally, I am guilty of trying to fill my God-given need for the Word with fillers and substitues. I do my 'daily devotionals' and try to think those will fill me up. They may, for a while, but eventually my craving for pure nourishment, straight from the source wins out. Eventually (thank God) I go back to the Word and once again am amazed at the experience, the filling of my soul, the peace that surrounds my heart.
There is no substitute for God's pure Word. Daily devotionals and words written by others certainly help us to know about the Word but only experiencing it for ourselves will we truly meet our need for sustenance. Only then will we truly experience His undeniable love for us.
"Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4 NIV
Monday, February 7, 2011
Random Nuggets of Goodness - Part 5
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:28-30 NIV
I wrote down this verse during a time in my life where I was burning my candle at both ends; over-committed at work, over-committed in my social life, over-committed in my volunteer work. Everywhere I looked I tried to give more until I eventually ran out of anything to give. Yet, if you had asked me if I thought I was doing God's will I probably would have said yes.
But God doesn't want us to burn the candle at both ends, He doesn't want us to burn ourselves out. Sadly so many who love Christ, in both the secular world and the ministry, fall victim to this habit of overdoing. The reasons are plentiful so I'm not going to go into them. The reasons don't really matter. What matters is that Christ has a better plan in store for us. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. It is us that make His yoke difficult and His burden heavy. We are the ones that pick up more, that must always do more.
Let us remember that God will never give us more than we can handle. He equips us to complete everything He calls us to. If we trust in His undeniable love and seek His wisdom, He will show us where to devote our limited time and energy - for the benefit of His kingdom and for our benefit as well.
I wrote down this verse during a time in my life where I was burning my candle at both ends; over-committed at work, over-committed in my social life, over-committed in my volunteer work. Everywhere I looked I tried to give more until I eventually ran out of anything to give. Yet, if you had asked me if I thought I was doing God's will I probably would have said yes.
But God doesn't want us to burn the candle at both ends, He doesn't want us to burn ourselves out. Sadly so many who love Christ, in both the secular world and the ministry, fall victim to this habit of overdoing. The reasons are plentiful so I'm not going to go into them. The reasons don't really matter. What matters is that Christ has a better plan in store for us. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. It is us that make His yoke difficult and His burden heavy. We are the ones that pick up more, that must always do more.
Let us remember that God will never give us more than we can handle. He equips us to complete everything He calls us to. If we trust in His undeniable love and seek His wisdom, He will show us where to devote our limited time and energy - for the benefit of His kingdom and for our benefit as well.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Life's Seasons
I'm working through the Experiencing God Day-by-Day devotional by Henry and Richard Blackaby. I thought today's passage and message was particularly appropriate for my life right now. They follow with my thoughts further below:
"To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven." - Ecclesiastes 3:1
"The beauty in the way God designed the four seasons is that, though each one is distinct, they all work together to bring life and growth. Spring is a period of freshness and new life. Summer sees growth and productivity. Autumn is a time fore harvesting the rewards of past labors. Winter is the season of dormancy and closure. Each season has its own unique beauty and makes a significant contribution to life.
Just as God planned seasons in nature, he planned seasons in life as well. Life has its spring time, when we begin new things and look excitedly toward the future. Summer comes and we work diligently in the heat of the day at all that God has assigned to us. With autumn comes the fruition of things begun at an earlier time in our lives. Winter brings an end to a particular period in our lives. Sometimes winter brings hardship, but we remain hopeful, for another spring is just around the corner!
In God's perfect design for our lives, He has planned for times of fruitfulness and activity. He will also build in times of quite and rest. There will be times when He asks us to remain faithful doing the same work day after day. But there will also be periods of excitement and new beginnings. By God's grace, we will enjoy seasons of harvesting the fruit of our faithfulness. By God's grace, we will also overcome the cold winters of heartache and grief, for without winter there would be no spring. Just as it is with the season of nature, these seasons in our lives work together to bring about God's perfect will for each one of us."
As I read this, I could clearly picture the various seasons of my life. The spring as I graduated from college and started finally working in my chosen career field. The summer as I worked, and worked, and worked in that field dedicating myself to "all that God had assigned to me". The autumn when I began to receive recognition for my efforts; where I achieved my goals and could see the "fruition of things begun at an earlier time." And now, the winter where the earlier period of my life is over and I've entered a time of "dormancy and closure". (Ironically, as I write this, it's only 5 degrees - truly a time of dormancy!) But as the passage mentions, winter can bring times of hardship and grief as well. With the passing of my father only 5 months ago I've certainly walked through and continue to walk through the winter season. BUT! Spring is just around the corner! By God's grace I was accepted to graduate school to achieve a dream I've had for quite some time. By God's grace I will move once again to a new community. By God's grace, I will continue to experience His undeniable love as I begin on this new adventure and look excitedly toward the future!
What season of life are you in? Spring? Carry God with you on your new adventure. Summer? Carry God with you as you diligently complete the tasks He's set before you. Autumn? Carry God with you as you celebrate the fruits of your labor and give Him the honor and praise for your success. Winter? Carry God with you as you walk through this time of solitude, grief, hardship or whatever may be facing you. And take hope, for spring IS just around the corner! Amen.
"To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven." - Ecclesiastes 3:1
"The beauty in the way God designed the four seasons is that, though each one is distinct, they all work together to bring life and growth. Spring is a period of freshness and new life. Summer sees growth and productivity. Autumn is a time fore harvesting the rewards of past labors. Winter is the season of dormancy and closure. Each season has its own unique beauty and makes a significant contribution to life.
Just as God planned seasons in nature, he planned seasons in life as well. Life has its spring time, when we begin new things and look excitedly toward the future. Summer comes and we work diligently in the heat of the day at all that God has assigned to us. With autumn comes the fruition of things begun at an earlier time in our lives. Winter brings an end to a particular period in our lives. Sometimes winter brings hardship, but we remain hopeful, for another spring is just around the corner!
In God's perfect design for our lives, He has planned for times of fruitfulness and activity. He will also build in times of quite and rest. There will be times when He asks us to remain faithful doing the same work day after day. But there will also be periods of excitement and new beginnings. By God's grace, we will enjoy seasons of harvesting the fruit of our faithfulness. By God's grace, we will also overcome the cold winters of heartache and grief, for without winter there would be no spring. Just as it is with the season of nature, these seasons in our lives work together to bring about God's perfect will for each one of us."
As I read this, I could clearly picture the various seasons of my life. The spring as I graduated from college and started finally working in my chosen career field. The summer as I worked, and worked, and worked in that field dedicating myself to "all that God had assigned to me". The autumn when I began to receive recognition for my efforts; where I achieved my goals and could see the "fruition of things begun at an earlier time." And now, the winter where the earlier period of my life is over and I've entered a time of "dormancy and closure". (Ironically, as I write this, it's only 5 degrees - truly a time of dormancy!) But as the passage mentions, winter can bring times of hardship and grief as well. With the passing of my father only 5 months ago I've certainly walked through and continue to walk through the winter season. BUT! Spring is just around the corner! By God's grace I was accepted to graduate school to achieve a dream I've had for quite some time. By God's grace I will move once again to a new community. By God's grace, I will continue to experience His undeniable love as I begin on this new adventure and look excitedly toward the future!
What season of life are you in? Spring? Carry God with you on your new adventure. Summer? Carry God with you as you diligently complete the tasks He's set before you. Autumn? Carry God with you as you celebrate the fruits of your labor and give Him the honor and praise for your success. Winter? Carry God with you as you walk through this time of solitude, grief, hardship or whatever may be facing you. And take hope, for spring IS just around the corner! Amen.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Random Nuggets of Goodness - Part 4
What We Are Called to Do:
Love one another - "Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for you brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart." (1 Peter 1:22 NIV)
Bear burdens for one another - "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2 NIV)
Pray for one another (James 5:16)
Forebear one another - "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." (Ephesians 4:2 NIV)
Be kind to one another - "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32 NIV)
Admonish one another - "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." (Colossians 3:16 NIV)
Build up one another - "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification." (Romans 14:19 NIV)
Give preference to one another - "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." (Romans 12:10 NIV)
Live in harmony with one another - "Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited." (Romans 12:16 NIV)
Encourage one another - "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV)
Submit to one another - "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." (Ephesians 5:21 NIV)
Serve one another - "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." (Galatians 5:13 NIV)
Accept one another - "Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." (Romans 15:7 NIV)
Be devoted to one another - "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." (Romans 12:10 NIV)
Teach one another - "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." (Colossians 3:16 NIV)
Comfort one another - "Therefore encourage each other with these words." (1 Thessalonians 4:18 NIV)
Forgive one another - "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32 NIV)
Be of the same mind with one another - "May the God who give endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 15:5-6 NIV)
Regard one another as more important - "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3 NIV)
Love one another - "Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for you brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart." (1 Peter 1:22 NIV)
Bear burdens for one another - "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2 NIV)
Pray for one another (James 5:16)
Forebear one another - "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." (Ephesians 4:2 NIV)
Be kind to one another - "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32 NIV)
Admonish one another - "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." (Colossians 3:16 NIV)
Build up one another - "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification." (Romans 14:19 NIV)
Give preference to one another - "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." (Romans 12:10 NIV)
Live in harmony with one another - "Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited." (Romans 12:16 NIV)
Encourage one another - "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV)
Submit to one another - "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." (Ephesians 5:21 NIV)
Serve one another - "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." (Galatians 5:13 NIV)
Accept one another - "Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." (Romans 15:7 NIV)
Be devoted to one another - "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." (Romans 12:10 NIV)
Teach one another - "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." (Colossians 3:16 NIV)
Comfort one another - "Therefore encourage each other with these words." (1 Thessalonians 4:18 NIV)
Forgive one another - "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32 NIV)
Be of the same mind with one another - "May the God who give endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 15:5-6 NIV)
Regard one another as more important - "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3 NIV)
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Random Nuggets of Goodness - Part 3
I have a tendency to write down words of wisdom, encouragement, love, prayers, etc. that I believe the Lord shares with me. Not surprisingly, He lays these on my heart more frequently when I am spending good, quality time with Him on a regular basis. When I get lax in my devotions and time with Him my ability to hear Him speak to me (okay, whisper) is harder.
Here are two things I wrote some time ago....they are encouragement for me still today.
"Lord, you were so clear about what you were doing. I only want to go where you want me to go, I only want to serve where you want me to serve. Grant me understanding so that I might choose wisely the options that are set before me. Give me a clear picture of how I can best serve You and Your Kingdom all the rest of my days. - Amen."
"I believe the Lord has a special and unique plan for me. I will trust in the Holy Spirit to develop those plans and guide me in my steps to achieve those plans. The Lord has blessed me with unique gifts and talents for a reason. I will trust in Him as He reveals His plan to me each day."
I believe this is the same for all of you reading this. The Lord has a special & unique plan for each of you and has blessed you with the unique gifts and talents you need to accomplish His plan for your life. Trust in Him. Surrender to Him. Follow Him.
Here are two things I wrote some time ago....they are encouragement for me still today.
"Lord, you were so clear about what you were doing. I only want to go where you want me to go, I only want to serve where you want me to serve. Grant me understanding so that I might choose wisely the options that are set before me. Give me a clear picture of how I can best serve You and Your Kingdom all the rest of my days. - Amen."
"I believe the Lord has a special and unique plan for me. I will trust in the Holy Spirit to develop those plans and guide me in my steps to achieve those plans. The Lord has blessed me with unique gifts and talents for a reason. I will trust in Him as He reveals His plan to me each day."
I believe this is the same for all of you reading this. The Lord has a special & unique plan for each of you and has blessed you with the unique gifts and talents you need to accomplish His plan for your life. Trust in Him. Surrender to Him. Follow Him.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Dealing with Discouragement (Random Nugget of Goodness Part 2)
9 'Steps' for dealing with discouragement, something we all experience at least once in life.
1) Look Within - Prayerfully examine yourself for the underlying cause.
2) Admit your Discouragement - Denial is deadly, and it guarantees failure.
3) Identify Precisely What You're Discouraged About - Name it; then face it.
4) Recall the Nature of Discouragement - Disappointments will come and go; Discouragement is a choice you make.
5) Meditate Frequently on God's Word - Versus such as these are a reminder of God's greatness...
7) Focus on God, Not On Your Situation - Surrender control
8) View the Cause as Coming From the Lord - Find opportunities for growth
9) Confess These 3 Truths:
1) Look Within - Prayerfully examine yourself for the underlying cause.
2) Admit your Discouragement - Denial is deadly, and it guarantees failure.
3) Identify Precisely What You're Discouraged About - Name it; then face it.
4) Recall the Nature of Discouragement - Disappointments will come and go; Discouragement is a choice you make.
5) Meditate Frequently on God's Word - Versus such as these are a reminder of God's greatness...
"But you are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head." (Psalm 3:3 NIV)
"I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay." (Psalm 16:7-10 NIV)
"On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me." (Psalm 63:6-8 NIV)
"I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds." (Psalm 77:12 NIV)
"I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word." (Psalm 119:15-16 NIV)6) Take Your Area of Discouragement to God in Prayer - Ask Him to teach you.
7) Focus on God, Not On Your Situation - Surrender control
8) View the Cause as Coming From the Lord - Find opportunities for growth
9) Confess These 3 Truths:
- The Father is with me in my pain
- He is in control of my life and has allowed this to occur for a reason
- He is a good God who will turn this disappointment into a blessing in His timing.
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