Friday - 10/26 - Read Hebrews 11:8 and Genesis 12:1-4
I made a statement on Sunday that most Christians want the blessings of Canaan without leaving Haran. Would that have worked for Abraham? Will that work for you?
Have you been thinking about what your Canaan might be? Where is it God is leading you to that will require you stepping out of the comfortable and familiar into the unknown of His best for your life?
I shared possible things: A quiet time. Attending an ABF. Talking to a neighbor about Christ. Beginning or attending a small group. Starting a brand new ministry of some kind? What might it be?
It is by far safer and more satisfying to be lost on an adventure with God than to play it safe and cling to the comfortable missing out on the best that God has for your life.
This isn't just something that individuals should be willing to do, it is also something that a small group should be willing to do, or an ABF, or a family, and especially that a church must be willing to do.
However, it must start with individual believers who see how big God is and jump into the deep section of life with their Savior who already jumped into the deep section some 2000 years ago when He came into this world.
Jump!
Read Heb. 11:9-10 – Genesis 13:1-18 for next Sunday
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Leave the known for the unknown
Thursday - 10/25- Read Hebrews 11:8 and Genesis 12:1-4
At some point in Abraham's life, there came a moment of decision. Has that point come for you? What decision do you have to make?
Abraham left the known for the unknown. Are you willing to do the same?
What was his age? Gen. 12:4
The only way you can arrive where God wants you to be is to leave where you are today.
That's both a very unsettling statement and an exciting statement.
Who doesn't want to be where God wants them? Most Christians do. However, we struggle with the process and what that means as far as what that is going to cost us.
Are you praying that God would give you courage to go for what God wants for you?
If you have kids or grandkids, ask yourself what's best for them?
Read Heb. 11:9-10 – Genesis 13:1-18 for next Sunday
At some point in Abraham's life, there came a moment of decision. Has that point come for you? What decision do you have to make?
Abraham left the known for the unknown. Are you willing to do the same?
What was his age? Gen. 12:4
The only way you can arrive where God wants you to be is to leave where you are today.
That's both a very unsettling statement and an exciting statement.
Who doesn't want to be where God wants them? Most Christians do. However, we struggle with the process and what that means as far as what that is going to cost us.
Are you praying that God would give you courage to go for what God wants for you?
If you have kids or grandkids, ask yourself what's best for them?
Read Heb. 11:9-10 – Genesis 13:1-18 for next Sunday
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Something better?
Wednesday - 10/24 - Read Hebrews 11:8 and Genesis 12:1-4
Do we really believe that God has something better for us than the comfortable and familiar places where most Christians are living their lives?
For Abraham that place was a place of being blessed and being a blessing to others.
If I am reading this right that means the place of blessing in the Christian life is not primarily where we want to live life, but rather away from comfort and focusing on self to a place where we must sacrifice and give of ourselves.
Are you willing to exchange what you have for what God wants to give you knowing that this is true?
How can you apply this at work?
How can you apply this in your marriage?
How can you apply this at school?
How can we apply this in our church?
Read Heb. 11:9-10 – Genesis 13:1-18 for next Sunday
Do we really believe that God has something better for us than the comfortable and familiar places where most Christians are living their lives?
For Abraham that place was a place of being blessed and being a blessing to others.
If I am reading this right that means the place of blessing in the Christian life is not primarily where we want to live life, but rather away from comfort and focusing on self to a place where we must sacrifice and give of ourselves.
Are you willing to exchange what you have for what God wants to give you knowing that this is true?
How can you apply this at work?
How can you apply this in your marriage?
How can you apply this at school?
How can we apply this in our church?
Read Heb. 11:9-10 – Genesis 13:1-18 for next Sunday
Monday, October 22, 2007
Jumping into the deep section
Tuesday - 10/23- Read Hebrews 11:8 and Genesis 12:1-4
The older we get the more we tend to want to hold onto the comfortable and familiar. Do you agree or disagree?
People usually don't want to give up the comfortable and familiar unless there is a strong reason to do so. I think that Christians need to ask themselves if growing to the next level in the Christian life is a strong reason. Is it for you?
Do you believe that your children or grandkids seeing parents and grandparents trailblazing new trails for Christ is a strong reason?
I used the illustration of jumping into the deep section of the pool with the water way over your head to show what this kind of Christian life is like.
Do you find yourself jumping into the deep section of the Christian life?
Do you find yourself standing on the side of the pool unwilling to take chances for Jesus?
Are you willing to jump today?
Read Heb. 11:9-10 – Genesis 13:1-18 for next Sunday
The older we get the more we tend to want to hold onto the comfortable and familiar. Do you agree or disagree?
People usually don't want to give up the comfortable and familiar unless there is a strong reason to do so. I think that Christians need to ask themselves if growing to the next level in the Christian life is a strong reason. Is it for you?
Do you believe that your children or grandkids seeing parents and grandparents trailblazing new trails for Christ is a strong reason?
I used the illustration of jumping into the deep section of the pool with the water way over your head to show what this kind of Christian life is like.
Do you find yourself jumping into the deep section of the Christian life?
Do you find yourself standing on the side of the pool unwilling to take chances for Jesus?
Are you willing to jump today?
Read Heb. 11:9-10 – Genesis 13:1-18 for next Sunday
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Go where you've never gone before
Monday - 10/22 - Read Hebrews 11:8 and Genesis 12:1-4
Do you ever feel like your Christian life is kind of ho-hum?
Do you ever take any risks in your faith? Do you ever get into any scary situations for God?
On Sunday we began a new sermon series. It's all about developing a pioneering faith. How did the first sermon impact you? Did it challenge you? Excite you? Scare you?
What did God lay on your heart about what we learned about Abraham's life?
Were you challenged to go where you've never gone before in your faith?
Where were you challenged to go?
Are you going there?
Read Heb. 11:9-10 – Genesis 13:1-18 for next Sunday
Do you ever feel like your Christian life is kind of ho-hum?
Do you ever take any risks in your faith? Do you ever get into any scary situations for God?
On Sunday we began a new sermon series. It's all about developing a pioneering faith. How did the first sermon impact you? Did it challenge you? Excite you? Scare you?
What did God lay on your heart about what we learned about Abraham's life?
Were you challenged to go where you've never gone before in your faith?
Where were you challenged to go?
Are you going there?
Read Heb. 11:9-10 – Genesis 13:1-18 for next Sunday
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Scary words
Friday - 10/19 - Read James 5:13-20
I'll be honest verses 19 and 20 are scary words.
I was brought up in family that stressed minding your own business. I was taught that you shouldn't poke around in other people's business. Verses 19,20 confront that mindset.
Do you feel the way I did?
However, James describes how utterly necessary it is at times for Christians to lovingly and humbly rescue other believers when they are wandering away from God.
Has anyone ever had to do this with you?
Have you ever done this to someone?
I was brought up differently than James charge to the Christians in this passage but, we need to ask ourselves which way is God asking us to act, especially in light of how serious the implications are when we wander away from Christ.
May God give us strength and courage to trust His way of doing things instead of our own.
Read Hebrews 11:8 and Genesis 12:1-4 for next Sunday
I'll be honest verses 19 and 20 are scary words.
I was brought up in family that stressed minding your own business. I was taught that you shouldn't poke around in other people's business. Verses 19,20 confront that mindset.
Do you feel the way I did?
However, James describes how utterly necessary it is at times for Christians to lovingly and humbly rescue other believers when they are wandering away from God.
Has anyone ever had to do this with you?
Have you ever done this to someone?
I was brought up differently than James charge to the Christians in this passage but, we need to ask ourselves which way is God asking us to act, especially in light of how serious the implications are when we wander away from Christ.
May God give us strength and courage to trust His way of doing things instead of our own.
Read Hebrews 11:8 and Genesis 12:1-4 for next Sunday
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Just like us!
Thursday - 10/18- Read James 5:13-20
Do you remember people who were examples of prayer for you?
Most people have grandparents, parents, or friends who set the example for them.
Even if you don't, James gives us one--Elijah!
James says he was "just like us." God is the one who said Elijah was "just like us." You may struggle with this because he was such a "big name" in the Old Testament, but God said he was "just like us." Do you believe that?
His prayer is an example of someone who prays and in the end that prayer is "powerful and effective (v. 16)".
Can you set aside time to pray? If you can you are doing the most important and most powerful thing for yourself, your family, your nation, your world and your church.
There was a tremendous response to the sign-up sheet to find out more about a "Prayer Action Team" in the church. I think God is leading us in the right direction as a church about prayer. Pray that God uses this response to honor and glorify His name as we find a way to saturate our church in prayer.
Read Hebrews 11:8 and Genesis 12:1-4 for next Sunday
Do you remember people who were examples of prayer for you?
Most people have grandparents, parents, or friends who set the example for them.
Even if you don't, James gives us one--Elijah!
James says he was "just like us." God is the one who said Elijah was "just like us." You may struggle with this because he was such a "big name" in the Old Testament, but God said he was "just like us." Do you believe that?
His prayer is an example of someone who prays and in the end that prayer is "powerful and effective (v. 16)".
Can you set aside time to pray? If you can you are doing the most important and most powerful thing for yourself, your family, your nation, your world and your church.
There was a tremendous response to the sign-up sheet to find out more about a "Prayer Action Team" in the church. I think God is leading us in the right direction as a church about prayer. Pray that God uses this response to honor and glorify His name as we find a way to saturate our church in prayer.
Read Hebrews 11:8 and Genesis 12:1-4 for next Sunday
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
sin and sickness
Wednesday - 10/17 - Read James 5:13-20
James indicates that a healing community of believers is not to just trust the Elders to be the ones praying for the church. We all are to be praying for one another.
James ties sin and sickness together in vv. 15,16. Why do you think he does this?
Could sin affect our health? How so?
Why would it be healthy for Christians to confess their sins to one another?
Why do you think it is so hard for Christians to do so today in our American church culture?
Are you part of a small group of some kind where you are getting to know people so intimately that you feel you can trust them by confessing your sins to them? Ouch! Maybe, maybe not.
Could many Christians be missing out on a whole new and necessary dimension of the Christian life by not being part of a group like this?
Have you thought of being part of a small group?
Read Hebrews 11:8 and Genesis 12:1-4 for next Sunday
James indicates that a healing community of believers is not to just trust the Elders to be the ones praying for the church. We all are to be praying for one another.
James ties sin and sickness together in vv. 15,16. Why do you think he does this?
Could sin affect our health? How so?
Why would it be healthy for Christians to confess their sins to one another?
Why do you think it is so hard for Christians to do so today in our American church culture?
Are you part of a small group of some kind where you are getting to know people so intimately that you feel you can trust them by confessing your sins to them? Ouch! Maybe, maybe not.
Could many Christians be missing out on a whole new and necessary dimension of the Christian life by not being part of a group like this?
Have you thought of being part of a small group?
Read Hebrews 11:8 and Genesis 12:1-4 for next Sunday
In the name of the Lord
Tuesday - 10/16 - Read James 5:13-20
Last Sunday we discovered that we can overcome the pressure that affliction brings into our lives, first of all, through a healing community.
Every church needs leaders who are setting the example in this area. Leaders must lead.
James recognized this when he instructed elders to be willing to go to the homes of sick people to anoint them with oil and pray for them.
As we discovered, the Greek word for oil was a word that would normally be associated with medicinal application. There is another Greek word that would be more applicable to religious or ceremonial anointing. James purposefully avoided that word for the medicinal word.
I suggested on Sunday that the modern day application of this would be for the Elders to encourage people to go see a doctor. What do you think of this?
Even so, James was very careful to say, "anoint him with oil IN THE NAME OF THE LORD." All healing, whether supernatural or through health care providers is seen from God.
We want to be very careful to ultimately trust God for recovery from sickness, disease or physical injury.
Read Hebrews 11:8 and Genesis 12:1-4 for next Sunday
Last Sunday we discovered that we can overcome the pressure that affliction brings into our lives, first of all, through a healing community.
Every church needs leaders who are setting the example in this area. Leaders must lead.
James recognized this when he instructed elders to be willing to go to the homes of sick people to anoint them with oil and pray for them.
As we discovered, the Greek word for oil was a word that would normally be associated with medicinal application. There is another Greek word that would be more applicable to religious or ceremonial anointing. James purposefully avoided that word for the medicinal word.
I suggested on Sunday that the modern day application of this would be for the Elders to encourage people to go see a doctor. What do you think of this?
Even so, James was very careful to say, "anoint him with oil IN THE NAME OF THE LORD." All healing, whether supernatural or through health care providers is seen from God.
We want to be very careful to ultimately trust God for recovery from sickness, disease or physical injury.
Read Hebrews 11:8 and Genesis 12:1-4 for next Sunday
Monday, October 15, 2007
Why me, God?
Monday - 10/15 - Read James 5:13-20
Sometimes, when we are afflicted by problems in our lives, we wonder why God has allowed them in our lives.
Are you facing affliction in your life? You might be asking God, "Why?"
Sometimes, as we discovered, God sends affliction our way when we are not walking with the Lord as we should (see Hebrews 12:4-13 cp. 1 Cor. 11:27-32)
Sometimes, there may not be any good reason, as far as we can see, for why God is allowing it.
I want to encourage you, whether you feel the affliction in your life is your fault or not, to look to James 5:13-20 for the answers.
As you continue to meditate on the principles we discovered from James 5:13-20, I trust that God will give you wisdom to look for the answers in the right places.
Read Hebrews 11:8 and Genesis 12:1-4 for next Sunday
Sometimes, when we are afflicted by problems in our lives, we wonder why God has allowed them in our lives.
Are you facing affliction in your life? You might be asking God, "Why?"
Sometimes, as we discovered, God sends affliction our way when we are not walking with the Lord as we should (see Hebrews 12:4-13 cp. 1 Cor. 11:27-32)
Sometimes, there may not be any good reason, as far as we can see, for why God is allowing it.
I want to encourage you, whether you feel the affliction in your life is your fault or not, to look to James 5:13-20 for the answers.
As you continue to meditate on the principles we discovered from James 5:13-20, I trust that God will give you wisdom to look for the answers in the right places.
Read Hebrews 11:8 and Genesis 12:1-4 for next Sunday
Thursday, October 11, 2007
path of humility = exaltation
Friday - 10/12 - Read Philippians 2:1-11
Phil. 2:1-4 describes the difference that this path of humility should make in our lives.
In our relationships are we willing to put others ahead of ourselves?
Are we willing to consider others before ourselves?
If not, we really don't know what the Lord's Supper represents.
If so, we have captured the essence of how our lives should be impacted by the message of the Gospel.
It's ironic, then that this section of Scripture (Phil. 2:1-8) which talks so much about humility and putting others first, concludes talking about exaltation!
It's true, though. The path of humility finally ends on another path--the path of exaltation.
It's true of Jesus and it could be true for you--it's your choice.
Read James 5:13-20 for next Sunday
Phil. 2:1-4 describes the difference that this path of humility should make in our lives.
In our relationships are we willing to put others ahead of ourselves?
Are we willing to consider others before ourselves?
If not, we really don't know what the Lord's Supper represents.
If so, we have captured the essence of how our lives should be impacted by the message of the Gospel.
It's ironic, then that this section of Scripture (Phil. 2:1-8) which talks so much about humility and putting others first, concludes talking about exaltation!
It's true, though. The path of humility finally ends on another path--the path of exaltation.
It's true of Jesus and it could be true for you--it's your choice.
Read James 5:13-20 for next Sunday
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
"Wanna be" follower?
Thursday - 10/11- Read Philippians 2:1-11
Are you willing to obey God even if it means tremendous sacrifice on your part?
This is exactly what obedience cost the Son--tremendous sacrifice!
What happens when most of us are confronted with sacrifice that is costly? We run and hide.
Jesus told us that this is the core of discipleship--"If any man will be my disciple...let him deny himself!
Why is this so unpopular in our day? Why are too many people unwilling to pay this price?
The Lord's Supper is meant to remind us of the tremendous sacrifice Jesus' obedience to his father cost him.
That reminder should challenge us to ask ourselves if we are authentic followers of Jesus Christ or just "wanna-be" followers.
Read James 5:13-20 for next Sunday
Are you willing to obey God even if it means tremendous sacrifice on your part?
This is exactly what obedience cost the Son--tremendous sacrifice!
What happens when most of us are confronted with sacrifice that is costly? We run and hide.
Jesus told us that this is the core of discipleship--"If any man will be my disciple...let him deny himself!
Why is this so unpopular in our day? Why are too many people unwilling to pay this price?
The Lord's Supper is meant to remind us of the tremendous sacrifice Jesus' obedience to his father cost him.
That reminder should challenge us to ask ourselves if we are authentic followers of Jesus Christ or just "wanna-be" followers.
Read James 5:13-20 for next Sunday
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Make yourself a nobody?
Wednesday - 10/10 - Read Philippians 2:1-11
Are you willing to make yourself a nobody to serve others? Are you willing to become insignificant in the world's eyes to help build up and benefit others? Jesus did.
On Sunday, as we met around the Lord's Supper, we came face to face with the most significant being who ever has and ever will exist--God. He became insignificant for you and me.
How far are you willing to go to build up others? Are you willing to become a nobody--perhaps serving in a ministry no one else wants to serve in? Nobody will notice you and maybe nobody will say, "Good job," because they won't know you're doing anything.
This is the path of humility. Are you willing to follow Jesus on this path? It is repugnant for most people.
How does God respond to people who are willing to walk this path? Does this humility produce praise and worship to God?
Read James 5:13-20 for next Sunday
Are you willing to make yourself a nobody to serve others? Are you willing to become insignificant in the world's eyes to help build up and benefit others? Jesus did.
On Sunday, as we met around the Lord's Supper, we came face to face with the most significant being who ever has and ever will exist--God. He became insignificant for you and me.
How far are you willing to go to build up others? Are you willing to become a nobody--perhaps serving in a ministry no one else wants to serve in? Nobody will notice you and maybe nobody will say, "Good job," because they won't know you're doing anything.
This is the path of humility. Are you willing to follow Jesus on this path? It is repugnant for most people.
How does God respond to people who are willing to walk this path? Does this humility produce praise and worship to God?
Read James 5:13-20 for next Sunday
Monday, October 8, 2007
Holding onto anything too tightly?
Tuesday - 10/9 - Read Philippians 2:1-11
Are you holding onto anything too tightly? If anyone deserved to hold onto anything tightly, it was Jesus--to the full use of his deity--BUT HE DIDN'T!!!
That's amazing! If you spend too much time thinking on it, you'll get a headache, because it's overwhelming. Why would Jesus let go of His rights and privileges being God for you and me?
Why did Jesus do this? To serve you and me.
What do you have that you hold onto maybe a little bit too tightly? Time? Talents? Pride? A point of view? A personal preference? Energy? Comfort?
Are you holding onto these things too tightly in your family? Marriage? Workplace? Relationships and friendships? Church?
Would others benefit if you let go of these things for them?
Are you willing to let go of them? Will you?
Read James 5:13-20 for next Sunday
Are you holding onto anything too tightly? If anyone deserved to hold onto anything tightly, it was Jesus--to the full use of his deity--BUT HE DIDN'T!!!
That's amazing! If you spend too much time thinking on it, you'll get a headache, because it's overwhelming. Why would Jesus let go of His rights and privileges being God for you and me?
Why did Jesus do this? To serve you and me.
What do you have that you hold onto maybe a little bit too tightly? Time? Talents? Pride? A point of view? A personal preference? Energy? Comfort?
Are you holding onto these things too tightly in your family? Marriage? Workplace? Relationships and friendships? Church?
Would others benefit if you let go of these things for them?
Are you willing to let go of them? Will you?
Read James 5:13-20 for next Sunday
Sunday, October 7, 2007
On the path of humility
Monday - 10/8 - Read Philippians 2:1-11
Christians disagree with each other over some pretty weighty matters. We're not talking about fundamentals of the faith that we cannot compromise, but things that, though they are important, should not divide us.
These disagreements are like a minefield. Humility steers us clear of those mines. Are you experiencing disagreement with a brother or sister in Christ?
Ask yourself this: Am I following Christ on the path of humility through this situation?
We gathered around the Lord's Supper Sunday. Jesus' humility was on display. If you were there, did you learn anything new about Jesus' humility and how it applies to your life?
Did you feel challenged in any relationship or situation?
Will you allow the Holy Spirit to move you to the next level of spiritual growth by that challenge? Will you submit, in humility, to the Spirit's work in your life?
Read James 5:13-20 for next Sunday
Christians disagree with each other over some pretty weighty matters. We're not talking about fundamentals of the faith that we cannot compromise, but things that, though they are important, should not divide us.
These disagreements are like a minefield. Humility steers us clear of those mines. Are you experiencing disagreement with a brother or sister in Christ?
Ask yourself this: Am I following Christ on the path of humility through this situation?
We gathered around the Lord's Supper Sunday. Jesus' humility was on display. If you were there, did you learn anything new about Jesus' humility and how it applies to your life?
Did you feel challenged in any relationship or situation?
Will you allow the Holy Spirit to move you to the next level of spiritual growth by that challenge? Will you submit, in humility, to the Spirit's work in your life?
Read James 5:13-20 for next Sunday
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