The memory verse for this week is Hebrews 11:6, "Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
The most meaningful part of today's reading was - outward appearances of success do not always indicate faith, and outward appearances of failure do not always reflect a lack of faith. Wow! How true is that statement! I know that it is very easy for me to look at the outward appearances of what is going on and miss what is really happening behind the scenes in the work of God. I will from time to time compare myself to others based on what seems like success. I seem to always look at the negative stuff in my own life and the successes of other people's lives. I don't need to compare. I need to be obedient. Sometimes God is going to take me through a failure in order to teach me and show me His will and His way. I may not like it, but it is out of love that God acts.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Experiencing God - Week 7, Day 4
The memory verse for this week is Hebrews 11:6, "Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to know him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
The most meaningful part of today's study was - Her (Sarai's) belief about God was limited by her human reason. It is so easy to just go on sight and what I have experienced in the past. I operate out of an understanding of this world that is pretty ordered and predictable. When it comes to the activity of God, it isn't orderly and it isn't always predictable. That is why it takes such faith to respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Therefore I must put aside my human expectations of what is normal and embrace the holiness and mystery of God.
The most meaningful part of today's study was - Her (Sarai's) belief about God was limited by her human reason. It is so easy to just go on sight and what I have experienced in the past. I operate out of an understanding of this world that is pretty ordered and predictable. When it comes to the activity of God, it isn't orderly and it isn't always predictable. That is why it takes such faith to respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Therefore I must put aside my human expectations of what is normal and embrace the holiness and mystery of God.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Experiencing God - Week 7, Day 3
The memory verse for this week is Hebrews 11:6, "Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
The most meaningful statement from today's study was - If you or your church is not responding to God and attempting God-sized tasks you are not exercising faith. This was a good reality check chapter for me. It is very easy to get into the routine. Most people like the routine of doing the same thing day after day, week after week, and year after year. When I shared the five big goals in my vision message, I shared what I believe are the God-sized tasks before us as a congregation. We certainly will not be able to accomplish them on our own. I must stay focused on those God-sized goals and seek God and where He is already at work in them and join Him there.
The most meaningful statement from today's study was - If you or your church is not responding to God and attempting God-sized tasks you are not exercising faith. This was a good reality check chapter for me. It is very easy to get into the routine. Most people like the routine of doing the same thing day after day, week after week, and year after year. When I shared the five big goals in my vision message, I shared what I believe are the God-sized tasks before us as a congregation. We certainly will not be able to accomplish them on our own. I must stay focused on those God-sized goals and seek God and where He is already at work in them and join Him there.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Experiencing God - Week 7, Day 2
The memory verse of this week is Hebrews 11:6, "Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
The most meaningful part of today's study was - faith is believing that the God who called us to the assignment was the One who would provide for its accomplishment. How many times do I think that an assignment from God is my responsibility, as if I have to do God's work for Him. Typing that just seems so ridiculous, but I think my actions can reflect that kind of attitude. Instead I must totally trust God to accomplish everything He has assigned to be done. I am honored to be able to join Him in that work. I am blessed when I submit myself to His will and He works through me. It just makes more sense joining God in the work instead of trying to do the work myself.
The most meaningful part of today's study was - faith is believing that the God who called us to the assignment was the One who would provide for its accomplishment. How many times do I think that an assignment from God is my responsibility, as if I have to do God's work for Him. Typing that just seems so ridiculous, but I think my actions can reflect that kind of attitude. Instead I must totally trust God to accomplish everything He has assigned to be done. I am honored to be able to join Him in that work. I am blessed when I submit myself to His will and He works through me. It just makes more sense joining God in the work instead of trying to do the work myself.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Experiencing God - Week 7, Day 1
Welcome to week 7!! The memory verse for this week is Hebrews 11:6, "Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards who earnestly seek him."
The most meaningful part of today's study was - the way you live your life is a testimony of what you believe about God. I am struck by what it doesn't say. It doesn't say that what you know is a testimony of what you believe about God. It doesn't say what you speak is a testimony of what you believe about God. It says it about my lifestyle. What I do matters to God - all of the time.
God wants me to totally rely on Him for everything through an ongoing relationship with Him through Jesus. It's not about a method or a program, but a love relationship. What worked yesterday or last year or twenty years ago may not be what God wants to use today. God is the only one who has a right to tell me what to do next.
Father, I surrender all!
The most meaningful part of today's study was - the way you live your life is a testimony of what you believe about God. I am struck by what it doesn't say. It doesn't say that what you know is a testimony of what you believe about God. It doesn't say what you speak is a testimony of what you believe about God. It says it about my lifestyle. What I do matters to God - all of the time.
God wants me to totally rely on Him for everything through an ongoing relationship with Him through Jesus. It's not about a method or a program, but a love relationship. What worked yesterday or last year or twenty years ago may not be what God wants to use today. God is the only one who has a right to tell me what to do next.
Father, I surrender all!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Experiencing God - Week 6, Day 5
The memory verse for this week is John 5:19, "Jesus gave them this answer: 'I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing because whatever the Father does the Son also does.'"
The most meaningful part of today's study was - In the church a need does not constitute a call. Don't be afraid to get the body of believers to assist you in knowing God's will.
I am an action oriented person. When there is a problem, I want to solve it. If something smells fishy, then I engage until I find out what it is and how to fix it. I need to be reminded that not every need has to be addressed at the church level. However, I can't just ignore every need because sometimes that is God speaking about what He is about to do and the church is supposed to join Him there. I need to listen to mature, healthy, disciples of Jesus to make sure I am knowing God's will.
The most meaningful part of today's study was - In the church a need does not constitute a call. Don't be afraid to get the body of believers to assist you in knowing God's will.
I am an action oriented person. When there is a problem, I want to solve it. If something smells fishy, then I engage until I find out what it is and how to fix it. I need to be reminded that not every need has to be addressed at the church level. However, I can't just ignore every need because sometimes that is God speaking about what He is about to do and the church is supposed to join Him there. I need to listen to mature, healthy, disciples of Jesus to make sure I am knowing God's will.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Experiencing God - Week 6, Day 4
The memory verse for this week is John 5:19, "Jesus gave them this answer: 'I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.'"
The part that really spoke to me in today's reading was - God didn't shift me; He focused me on something He had already been doing through the course of my life.
Last year I went through a season of being coached by a spiritual advisor. One of the first things I did was look back over my entire life and find markers along the way that described my life, when things were going well and when they were not. What I learned was that there was a common thread throughout my entire life of what God was doing. In those times that were not so good, either I was outside of the common thread or the affect of someone else in my life brought me outside of that common thread.
My whole life God has been at work in me and through me in a very similar way. When I realized that it was very freeing to me. I was able to see God working in me and guiding me and directing me in what was next. There hasn't been a time when God prompted me to make a 90 degree or 180 degree turn for my future.
The part that really spoke to me in today's reading was - God didn't shift me; He focused me on something He had already been doing through the course of my life.
Last year I went through a season of being coached by a spiritual advisor. One of the first things I did was look back over my entire life and find markers along the way that described my life, when things were going well and when they were not. What I learned was that there was a common thread throughout my entire life of what God was doing. In those times that were not so good, either I was outside of the common thread or the affect of someone else in my life brought me outside of that common thread.
My whole life God has been at work in me and through me in a very similar way. When I realized that it was very freeing to me. I was able to see God working in me and guiding me and directing me in what was next. There hasn't been a time when God prompted me to make a 90 degree or 180 degree turn for my future.
Experiencing God - Week 6, Day 3
The memory verse for this week is John 5:19, "Jesus gave them this answer: 'I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.'"
The part that spoke to me the most from today's study was - Radically orient your life to God. The most difficult thing you will ever have to do is deny self, take up God's will, and follow Him. The most challenging part of your relationship with God is being God-centered.
I don't think we use the word "radical" very much when it comes to describing our relationship with God. Seriously, the most difficult thing for me every day is to deny my self-centeredness and to only choose to do the will of God. That is a radical lifestyle.
The part that spoke to me the most from today's study was - Radically orient your life to God. The most difficult thing you will ever have to do is deny self, take up God's will, and follow Him. The most challenging part of your relationship with God is being God-centered.
I don't think we use the word "radical" very much when it comes to describing our relationship with God. Seriously, the most difficult thing for me every day is to deny my self-centeredness and to only choose to do the will of God. That is a radical lifestyle.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Experiencing God - Week 6, Day 2
The memory verse for this week is John 5:19, "Jesus gave them this answer: 'I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.'"
The most meaningful part of today's study for me was - to understand your painful or difficult circumstances, God's perspective is vital. I totally realize this to be true and I often share it with people who are going through those difficult times.
I needed to be reminded of it for myself because it seems like ever since I started preaching through the Gospel of John and so many people from Charter Oak Church have been studying Experiencing God there have been a bunch of little "attacks" upon me, our staff, and others. Most of it has been people getting angry, making comments that hurt, choosing to live outside the teaching of the Bible, and just a bunch of little things that have built on other little things that together they all hurt.
In the middle of all these little "attacks" I am reminding myself that God is at work and that He is to get the glory. I must keep my eyes on Jesus and not on the distractions.
The most meaningful part of today's study for me was - to understand your painful or difficult circumstances, God's perspective is vital. I totally realize this to be true and I often share it with people who are going through those difficult times.
I needed to be reminded of it for myself because it seems like ever since I started preaching through the Gospel of John and so many people from Charter Oak Church have been studying Experiencing God there have been a bunch of little "attacks" upon me, our staff, and others. Most of it has been people getting angry, making comments that hurt, choosing to live outside the teaching of the Bible, and just a bunch of little things that have built on other little things that together they all hurt.
In the middle of all these little "attacks" I am reminding myself that God is at work and that He is to get the glory. I must keep my eyes on Jesus and not on the distractions.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Experiencing God - Week 6, Day 1
Welcome to week 6 of Experiencing God! I can't believe how fast this is going. This week's memory verse is John 5:19, "Jesus gave them this answer, 'I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does."
The most meaningful part of today's study was - when you pray in a particular direction, immediately anticipate God's activity in answer to your prayer. I think it is very easy to have the attitude that my responsibility is to pray then I am done with my part and the rest is up to God. The prayer part is the beginning. I must have eyes to see and ears to hear what God is doing. I must look for His invitation to join Him in His work. I must respond.
The most meaningful part of today's study was - when you pray in a particular direction, immediately anticipate God's activity in answer to your prayer. I think it is very easy to have the attitude that my responsibility is to pray then I am done with my part and the rest is up to God. The prayer part is the beginning. I must have eyes to see and ears to hear what God is doing. I must look for His invitation to join Him in His work. I must respond.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Experiencing God - Week 5, Day 5
The memory verse for this week is John 8:47, "He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God."
The most meaningful part of today's study for me is - What God says in prayer is far more important than what you say in prayer. God already knows what you are going to say. You don't know what God is thinking.
What an incredibly challenging statement. It is very easy for me to go to God with all of my words, requests, thanksgivings, etc. and then get up and go do whatever I am going to do that day. I must be still and truly listen. Pastor Tom was telling me about how there are men in Korea who go to the church very early in the morning to pray. They will not leave to go to work until they hear from God. What a powerful testimony of men who are committed to hearing from God.
The most meaningful part of today's study for me is - What God says in prayer is far more important than what you say in prayer. God already knows what you are going to say. You don't know what God is thinking.
What an incredibly challenging statement. It is very easy for me to go to God with all of my words, requests, thanksgivings, etc. and then get up and go do whatever I am going to do that day. I must be still and truly listen. Pastor Tom was telling me about how there are men in Korea who go to the church very early in the morning to pray. They will not leave to go to work until they hear from God. What a powerful testimony of men who are committed to hearing from God.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Experiencing God - Week 5, Day 4
This week's memory verse is John 8:47, "He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God."
The most meaningful part of today's study for me was in the explaining of the process we should go through to respond to the truth of Scripture. I really appreciated that fact that our obedience goes beyond confessing our sin, but to actually following through on doing what is right. I think it is all too easy to breeze through Scripture and not take the time to really invest myself in the daily discipline of the steps shared by Blackaby. When we go through this process we will experience God.
The most meaningful part of today's study for me was in the explaining of the process we should go through to respond to the truth of Scripture. I really appreciated that fact that our obedience goes beyond confessing our sin, but to actually following through on doing what is right. I think it is all too easy to breeze through Scripture and not take the time to really invest myself in the daily discipline of the steps shared by Blackaby. When we go through this process we will experience God.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Experiencing God - Week 5, Day 3
Our memory verse for this week is John 8:47, "He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God."
The most meaningful part of today's study was - God uses Kingdom methods to accomplish Kingdom purposes. I love how today tied in with Pastor Dave's message from a week ago with the feeding of the 5,000. From a human perspective the way to feed them was to send them home, but from a Kingdom perspective the way to feed them was the revelation of the power of God at work in Jesus. I wonder how many times I have missed out on being a part of the revelation power of God at work in me?
I want to be a part of the Kingdom methods that God wants to work out in me to accomplish Kingdom purposes!
The most meaningful part of today's study was - God uses Kingdom methods to accomplish Kingdom purposes. I love how today tied in with Pastor Dave's message from a week ago with the feeding of the 5,000. From a human perspective the way to feed them was to send them home, but from a Kingdom perspective the way to feed them was the revelation of the power of God at work in Jesus. I wonder how many times I have missed out on being a part of the revelation power of God at work in me?
I want to be a part of the Kingdom methods that God wants to work out in me to accomplish Kingdom purposes!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Experiencing God - Week 5, Day 2
The memory verse for this week is "He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God." John 8:47
The most meaningful statement for me from today's study was - make up your mind now that when the Spirit of God speaks to you, you will do whatever He says.
There is so much to unpack in that statement. I realize that when I resolve to do something before the time arrives, I am much more likely to follow through. I have to make up my mind NOW about what I am going to do when God speaks.
The truth of Scripture is that God continues to speak to His people today. Am I listening? I can say yes I am listening sometimes, but I am not always aware of His presence and voice in my life. I must lean in and tune in to His voice and His promptings.
Finally, I must resolve to do whatever God says. That word WHATEVER is huge! Serious, that is a commitment that most people, and I put myself in that category, want to water down. God would never ask me to do this or to go there or to talk to that person. Really? I am willing to guess that as soon as that statement comes out of my mouth or someone else's, that is exactly where God is going to lead us.
The most meaningful statement for me from today's study was - make up your mind now that when the Spirit of God speaks to you, you will do whatever He says.
There is so much to unpack in that statement. I realize that when I resolve to do something before the time arrives, I am much more likely to follow through. I have to make up my mind NOW about what I am going to do when God speaks.
The truth of Scripture is that God continues to speak to His people today. Am I listening? I can say yes I am listening sometimes, but I am not always aware of His presence and voice in my life. I must lean in and tune in to His voice and His promptings.
Finally, I must resolve to do whatever God says. That word WHATEVER is huge! Serious, that is a commitment that most people, and I put myself in that category, want to water down. God would never ask me to do this or to go there or to talk to that person. Really? I am willing to guess that as soon as that statement comes out of my mouth or someone else's, that is exactly where God is going to lead us.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Expereincing God - Week 5, Day 1
Welcome to Week 5! The memory verse for this week is John 8:47, "He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God."
The most meaningful part of today's study was - God is not obligated to stop you from making a mistake. If you want to know the will and voice of God you must devote time and effort to cultivate a love relationship with Him.
That is such a powerful statement. I meet Christians all the time that believe that somehow God is going to bless them and protect them from ever making a bad decision or failing. I can even think of times that I have prayed that I wouldn't fail, that too much was on the line, so God was going to have to do a rescue effort. What is being said behind this kind of thought process is - I don't want to devote time and effort to cultivate my love relationship with God. Few would have the courage to admit that, but it is really what is going on.
My responsibility to is to develop my love relationship with my heavenly Father. No one else can do that but me. It is only when I have that deep, abiding love relationship with God that I will hear what God has to say and be empowered to do it.
The most meaningful part of today's study was - God is not obligated to stop you from making a mistake. If you want to know the will and voice of God you must devote time and effort to cultivate a love relationship with Him.
That is such a powerful statement. I meet Christians all the time that believe that somehow God is going to bless them and protect them from ever making a bad decision or failing. I can even think of times that I have prayed that I wouldn't fail, that too much was on the line, so God was going to have to do a rescue effort. What is being said behind this kind of thought process is - I don't want to devote time and effort to cultivate my love relationship with God. Few would have the courage to admit that, but it is really what is going on.
My responsibility to is to develop my love relationship with my heavenly Father. No one else can do that but me. It is only when I have that deep, abiding love relationship with God that I will hear what God has to say and be empowered to do it.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Experiencing God - Week 4, Day 5
The memory verse for this week is from John 14:21, "Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."
The part that spoke the most to me was - As a church, do not look for ways God is going to bless you. Look for ways God is going to reveal Himself by working through you and beyond you to accomplish His purposes. I am amazed at how quickly we can turn in on ourselves. It is easy to just have our own best interests at the fore front. I am to seek to point people to God through a relationship with Jesus. I don't need to put myself first, I need to put God first - to seek His kingdom, then everything else that is necessary in my life will be taken care of. How easy it is to get that switched around and have the attitude that once God gets my life in order and takes care of all of my needs, then I will put Him first. It just doesn't work that way. God must be first.
The part that spoke the most to me was - As a church, do not look for ways God is going to bless you. Look for ways God is going to reveal Himself by working through you and beyond you to accomplish His purposes. I am amazed at how quickly we can turn in on ourselves. It is easy to just have our own best interests at the fore front. I am to seek to point people to God through a relationship with Jesus. I don't need to put myself first, I need to put God first - to seek His kingdom, then everything else that is necessary in my life will be taken care of. How easy it is to get that switched around and have the attitude that once God gets my life in order and takes care of all of my needs, then I will put Him first. It just doesn't work that way. God must be first.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Experiencing God - Week 4, Day 4
The memory verse for this week is John 14:21, "Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."
The most meaningful part of today's study was the statement - When God is about to do something, He takes the initiative and comes to one or more of His servants to let them know what He is about to do.
I know I need wise and discerning people around me. There is so much "good" that we can do in our church and in our region. The discerning factor isn't if something is good, but if it is where God is at work. Having the wisdom and discernment to distinguish the difference is huge. I only want to do what God is already doing and inviting me and our congregation to join Him in that work. That is how God will be glorified and people will be drawn to Him.
The most meaningful part of today's study was the statement - When God is about to do something, He takes the initiative and comes to one or more of His servants to let them know what He is about to do.
I know I need wise and discerning people around me. There is so much "good" that we can do in our church and in our region. The discerning factor isn't if something is good, but if it is where God is at work. Having the wisdom and discernment to distinguish the difference is huge. I only want to do what God is already doing and inviting me and our congregation to join Him in that work. That is how God will be glorified and people will be drawn to Him.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Experiencing God - Week 4, Day 1
We are starting week 4 already! Wow!
The memory verse for this week is John 14:21, "Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."
The most meaningful part of the study for me today was - I know God more intimately as He reveals Himself to me through experiences with Him. I took some time to think back to times in which God showed up so obviously in my life and I couldn't deny His work or His presence. I remember when I was trying to figure out of I should go to seminary or not. I applied to Duke, but the cost was more than Kelli made in a year as a teacher. I sensed God leading me to become a student pastor. It would take a year longer, but I would get good experience and a small salary. I asked to be appointed by the bishop. The day I called was the last day the cabinet was meeting and I received the last appointment available. God's timing was perfect! I also received a scholarship from Duke so I only had to pay $1,000 per semester. God was Provider!
Experiencing God - Week 4, Day 3
The memory verse for this week is John 14:21, "Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."
The part that was most meaningful for me was - "God's commands are designed to guide you to life's best. You will not obey Him, however, if you do not believe Him and trust Him. You will not believe Him if you do not love Him. You cannot love Him unless you know Him. But if you really come to know God as He reveals Himself to you, you will love Him. If you love Him, you will believe and trust Him. If you believe and trust Him, you will obey Him."
I love how connected all of that is. It clearly defines the totality of the relationship between God and us. All of it is equally important and all of it builds on the other. All of it is necessary - know, love, trust, obedience, believe in order to have an intimate relationship with God.
The part that was most meaningful for me was - "God's commands are designed to guide you to life's best. You will not obey Him, however, if you do not believe Him and trust Him. You will not believe Him if you do not love Him. You cannot love Him unless you know Him. But if you really come to know God as He reveals Himself to you, you will love Him. If you love Him, you will believe and trust Him. If you believe and trust Him, you will obey Him."
I love how connected all of that is. It clearly defines the totality of the relationship between God and us. All of it is equally important and all of it builds on the other. All of it is necessary - know, love, trust, obedience, believe in order to have an intimate relationship with God.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
