The memory verse for this week is 1 John 1:7, "If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin."
The most meaningful part of today's study was - as you experience koinonia with other groups of God's people, you experience greater dimensions of God's presence at work in your world. This is such confirmation of what we have been working on as we move forward into where God is leading us. As we have been talking about the five areas we are focusing on we have been seeking to hear what organization's God is leading us to partner with to the break the cycle of poverty in Westmoreland County and to have a very real presence in every community in Westmoreland County. We know that we cannot do this alone and that we are a part of the bigger body of Christ. I am very excited about working with other Christians to see the Kingdom come and God's will be done all over Westmoreland County!
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Experiencing God - Week 11, Day 2
The memory verse for this week is 1 John 1:7, "If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin."
The most meaningful part of today's study was - Koinonia is the most complete expression of a love relationship with God. When you live in this kind of love relationship with God, you will have the same quality of loving fellowship with other believers.
I think this statement about koinonia really resonated with me because it helps me to put into perspective what happens when problems arise between believers. And I have to begin with myself. When I get angry and fly off the handle at someone, it is because my love relationship with God is not where it should be. When I lose my patience, when I am quick to speak and slow to listen, when I hold on to unforgiveness - all of these are a result of the brokenness of my relationship with God and the result of that brokenness is my brokenness in relationship to others.
When marriages are on the verge of destruction, when two believers are angry with one another, when people engage in gossip - all of these are signs that koinonia is not happening with God first. We blame each other, but what we must do is look at our relationship with God. When we restore our relationship with God, then we will be able to restore marriages and friendships.
The most meaningful part of today's study was - Koinonia is the most complete expression of a love relationship with God. When you live in this kind of love relationship with God, you will have the same quality of loving fellowship with other believers.
I think this statement about koinonia really resonated with me because it helps me to put into perspective what happens when problems arise between believers. And I have to begin with myself. When I get angry and fly off the handle at someone, it is because my love relationship with God is not where it should be. When I lose my patience, when I am quick to speak and slow to listen, when I hold on to unforgiveness - all of these are a result of the brokenness of my relationship with God and the result of that brokenness is my brokenness in relationship to others.
When marriages are on the verge of destruction, when two believers are angry with one another, when people engage in gossip - all of these are signs that koinonia is not happening with God first. We blame each other, but what we must do is look at our relationship with God. When we restore our relationship with God, then we will be able to restore marriages and friendships.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Experiencing God - Week 11, Day 1
Welcome to Week 11! This week's memory verse is 1 John 1:7, "If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin."
The most meaningful part of today's study was - Isn't it tragic when we become so self-centered we enter God's presence and say, "O God, bless me, bless my family, bless my church"?
I don't think there is anything wrong with asking God to bless us, but that certainly cannot be the focus or the only thing we ask of God. I really loved the phrase World Missions Strategy Center to describe the local church. That is what we are. We can have a global impact. This is so great to think about the fact that we can truly make a difference locally and internationally! I am reminded of Acts 1:8, "You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." That's God will for His church.
The most meaningful part of today's study was - Isn't it tragic when we become so self-centered we enter God's presence and say, "O God, bless me, bless my family, bless my church"?
I don't think there is anything wrong with asking God to bless us, but that certainly cannot be the focus or the only thing we ask of God. I really loved the phrase World Missions Strategy Center to describe the local church. That is what we are. We can have a global impact. This is so great to think about the fact that we can truly make a difference locally and internationally! I am reminded of Acts 1:8, "You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." That's God will for His church.
Experiencing God - Week 10, Day 5
This week's memory verse is Romans 12:5, "In Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others."
The most meaningful part of today's study was - Don't settle for less than all God intends to do through your life and your church as He walks with you. I love that because it really is very easy to settle for less. I believe God wants to do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine through the power of the Holy Spirit at work in and through us. That's not having a settle for less attitude. Our God is able. Our God is strong. Our God wants to make His glory known through us as we join Him where He is at work.
The most meaningful part of today's study was - Don't settle for less than all God intends to do through your life and your church as He walks with you. I love that because it really is very easy to settle for less. I believe God wants to do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine through the power of the Holy Spirit at work in and through us. That's not having a settle for less attitude. Our God is able. Our God is strong. Our God wants to make His glory known through us as we join Him where He is at work.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Experiencing God - Week 10, Day 4
The memory verse for this week is Romans 12:5, "In Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others."
The most meaningful part of today's study wasn't a statement or sentence, but a process that Blackaby used to work through seven statements that are often heard in a church by members. Instead of being reactionary or allowing the statements to bring division, we are taught to filter each one through the truth of Scripture. Using 1 Corinthians 12, Blackaby brings to light what is behind each statement and what the Bible says is to be the fulfillment of God's will for the church.
I have been trying to be more intentional about not answering questions and comments according to what I think and instead sharing scripture verses that inform my faith and my understanding of who God is. I don't want to proof text and take Scripture out of context, so I am attuning my ears and my heart to God so that He can speak through me in a way that builds up the person and builds up the Body of Christ in a healthy, biblical way.
The most meaningful part of today's study wasn't a statement or sentence, but a process that Blackaby used to work through seven statements that are often heard in a church by members. Instead of being reactionary or allowing the statements to bring division, we are taught to filter each one through the truth of Scripture. Using 1 Corinthians 12, Blackaby brings to light what is behind each statement and what the Bible says is to be the fulfillment of God's will for the church.
I have been trying to be more intentional about not answering questions and comments according to what I think and instead sharing scripture verses that inform my faith and my understanding of who God is. I don't want to proof text and take Scripture out of context, so I am attuning my ears and my heart to God so that He can speak through me in a way that builds up the person and builds up the Body of Christ in a healthy, biblical way.
Experiencing God - Week 10, Day 3
The memory verse for this week is Romans 12:5, "In Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others."
The most meaningful part of today's study was - The Holy Spirit is the gift. When you see a spiritual gift exercised you are observing a manifestation of the Holy Spirit equipping and enabling a person to accomplish God's will.
This was a great reminder to me that according to Acts 2:38 the Holy Spirit is a gift from God. The work of God in this world continues through the church. It is not for our benefit as individuals, but it's about the glory of God and the building up of the family of God. I want to be very careful to give God thanks when I see the manifestation of the Holy Spirit at work in someone's life because it means that the person is joining God where that person sees God at work. God has given Himself to empower the person to do His work. I am so thankful it is not up to us to do this on our own! We have the Holy Spirit.
The most meaningful part of today's study was - The Holy Spirit is the gift. When you see a spiritual gift exercised you are observing a manifestation of the Holy Spirit equipping and enabling a person to accomplish God's will.
This was a great reminder to me that according to Acts 2:38 the Holy Spirit is a gift from God. The work of God in this world continues through the church. It is not for our benefit as individuals, but it's about the glory of God and the building up of the family of God. I want to be very careful to give God thanks when I see the manifestation of the Holy Spirit at work in someone's life because it means that the person is joining God where that person sees God at work. God has given Himself to empower the person to do His work. I am so thankful it is not up to us to do this on our own! We have the Holy Spirit.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Experiencing God - Week 10, Day 2
The memory verse for this week is Romans 12:5, "In Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others."
The most meaningful part of today's study was Romans 15:5-6, "May the God who gives 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."
Over the last 18 months I have sensed that where God is leading the people of Charter Oak Church has become clearer and clearer. In the last six months I have felt a growing momentum to that direction. And even in the two months we have been studying Experiencing God and the Gospel of John God is bringing us into unity with one heart and mouth to glorify God. I have been listening to people share with me what they are hearing and sensing from God and it seems like almost everyone is moving in the same direction. This can only come from God!
Are we all moving in the same direction? No. Is everyone sensing a growing excitement and momentum? No. But God is at work and He is bringing unity to our church family. After reading today's lesson I know that everyone isn't going to be on board and there will just be people who are out of fellowship with God. We will keep listening and obeying what God is saying and doing.
I have loved watching the Body of Christ called Charter Oak Church come together in unity!
The most meaningful part of today's study was Romans 15:5-6, "May the God who gives 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."
Over the last 18 months I have sensed that where God is leading the people of Charter Oak Church has become clearer and clearer. In the last six months I have felt a growing momentum to that direction. And even in the two months we have been studying Experiencing God and the Gospel of John God is bringing us into unity with one heart and mouth to glorify God. I have been listening to people share with me what they are hearing and sensing from God and it seems like almost everyone is moving in the same direction. This can only come from God!
Are we all moving in the same direction? No. Is everyone sensing a growing excitement and momentum? No. But God is at work and He is bringing unity to our church family. After reading today's lesson I know that everyone isn't going to be on board and there will just be people who are out of fellowship with God. We will keep listening and obeying what God is saying and doing.
I have loved watching the Body of Christ called Charter Oak Church come together in unity!
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Experiencing God - Week 10, Day 1
Welcome to week 10! Woo Hoo!
This week's memory verse is Romans 12:5, "In Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others."
The most meaningful part of today's study was - the pastor's job is to bear witness to the church about what he senses God is saying. To most people this would be a no brainer. For me, it is one of the scariest statements in the study. I hear pastors and Christian leaders speaking on behalf of God all of the time. I receive emails from people that are forwards of a prophetic word from God. Unfortunately, when I go back and look at many of these emails and look back at what others have said, it just didn't come to pass. One of the things I have clearly heard through this study is when someone claims to have a word from God and it doesn't come to pass that person is a false prophet.
If my job is to bear witness to the church about what I sense God is saying, I better be in a deep, abiding relationship with God. I can't speak out of what I want, but I have to be totally surrendered to God. I really do want to bear witness to the people of Charter Oak Church what I sense God is saying, but I do so with honor, respect, and fear. We serve a holy God. He is worthy. Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty!
This week's memory verse is Romans 12:5, "In Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others."
The most meaningful part of today's study was - the pastor's job is to bear witness to the church about what he senses God is saying. To most people this would be a no brainer. For me, it is one of the scariest statements in the study. I hear pastors and Christian leaders speaking on behalf of God all of the time. I receive emails from people that are forwards of a prophetic word from God. Unfortunately, when I go back and look at many of these emails and look back at what others have said, it just didn't come to pass. One of the things I have clearly heard through this study is when someone claims to have a word from God and it doesn't come to pass that person is a false prophet.
If my job is to bear witness to the church about what I sense God is saying, I better be in a deep, abiding relationship with God. I can't speak out of what I want, but I have to be totally surrendered to God. I really do want to bear witness to the people of Charter Oak Church what I sense God is saying, but I do so with honor, respect, and fear. We serve a holy God. He is worthy. Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty!
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Experiencing God - Week 9, Day 5
The memory verse for this week is John 14:23, "Jesus replied, 'If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.'"
The most meaningful part of today's study - waiting on the Lord should not be an idle time for you. Let God use times of waiting to mold and shape your character. Let God use those times to purify your life and to make you a clean vessel for His service.
I do not like to wait. I am an action oriented person. I also see things on the horizon. I understand that in the five fold ministry I am apostolic. I see the big picture. Because I see things early and I am action oriented it means that I sometimes run ahead of where God wants me to be. I need to practice waiting. That doesn't mean not doing anything necessarily. It means waiting for what is next by continuing to work on my current assignment AND working on my character. I know God wants my character to be in alignment for the next assignment before I step into it. The waiting is difficult. The purifying is even more difficult. The result of waiting and refining is really, really good.
The most meaningful part of today's study - waiting on the Lord should not be an idle time for you. Let God use times of waiting to mold and shape your character. Let God use those times to purify your life and to make you a clean vessel for His service.
I do not like to wait. I am an action oriented person. I also see things on the horizon. I understand that in the five fold ministry I am apostolic. I see the big picture. Because I see things early and I am action oriented it means that I sometimes run ahead of where God wants me to be. I need to practice waiting. That doesn't mean not doing anything necessarily. It means waiting for what is next by continuing to work on my current assignment AND working on my character. I know God wants my character to be in alignment for the next assignment before I step into it. The waiting is difficult. The purifying is even more difficult. The result of waiting and refining is really, really good.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Experiencing God - Week 9, Day 3
The memory verse for this week is John 14:23, "Jesus replied, 'If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.'"
The most meaningful part of today's study was - You will be blessed when God does a special, God-sized work through you. You will come to know Him in a way that will bring joy to your life. When other people see you experiencing God that way, they will want to know how they can experience God that way too. Be prepared to point them to God.
I am praying that God will do a special, God-size work in and through me. It's really unsettling when I start thinking about the huge gap between what I can do and what God can do. I am so wired up to do things in my own power and strength that it can be difficult for me to let that go. But it is only when I embrace what only God can do that others will be drawn to the activity of God and that I can point them to God.
Increase my faith, God!
The most meaningful part of today's study was - You will be blessed when God does a special, God-sized work through you. You will come to know Him in a way that will bring joy to your life. When other people see you experiencing God that way, they will want to know how they can experience God that way too. Be prepared to point them to God.
I am praying that God will do a special, God-size work in and through me. It's really unsettling when I start thinking about the huge gap between what I can do and what God can do. I am so wired up to do things in my own power and strength that it can be difficult for me to let that go. But it is only when I embrace what only God can do that others will be drawn to the activity of God and that I can point them to God.
Increase my faith, God!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Experiencing God - Week 9, Day 2
Our memory verse for this week is John 14:23, "Jesus replied, 'If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.'"
The most meaningful part of today's study for me was - Because God is interested in developing your character, at times He lets you proceed in your wrong direction, but He will never let you go far without disciplining you to bring you back to Him.
I know that God is much more interested in my character formation than my comfort. I need to be constantly aware of when my character reflects the character of Jesus and when it doesn't. And when there is a gap, I must confess it, seek forgiveness, and move in the right direction by taking the next right steps. When I do so, God will affirm me.
The most meaningful part of today's study for me was - Because God is interested in developing your character, at times He lets you proceed in your wrong direction, but He will never let you go far without disciplining you to bring you back to Him.
I know that God is much more interested in my character formation than my comfort. I need to be constantly aware of when my character reflects the character of Jesus and when it doesn't. And when there is a gap, I must confess it, seek forgiveness, and move in the right direction by taking the next right steps. When I do so, God will affirm me.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Experiencing God - Week 9, Day 1
Welcome to week 9! Our memory verse for this week is John 14:23, "Jesus replied, 'If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.'" As I have been preaching through the whole Gospel of John and working through Experiencing God, I have been amazed at how often what I am preaching and what we are working on in this study have come together. Only God!
The most meaningful part of today's study was - The previous level of your walk with God will not be adequate for the new work God wants to do through you. Wow, that was a big one for me. I have shared with the people of Charter Oak Church that I want to equip everyone to be able to learn where they are on the path of discipleship and what their next step is. We are working very hard on this and are close to sharing it with everyone. God has new work for us and I believe He is preparing me and our congregation for what is next. How incredibly exciting!!
The most meaningful part of today's study was - The previous level of your walk with God will not be adequate for the new work God wants to do through you. Wow, that was a big one for me. I have shared with the people of Charter Oak Church that I want to equip everyone to be able to learn where they are on the path of discipleship and what their next step is. We are working very hard on this and are close to sharing it with everyone. God has new work for us and I believe He is preparing me and our congregation for what is next. How incredibly exciting!!
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Experiencing God - Week 8, Day 2
This week's memory verse is Luke 14:33, "Any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple."
The most meaningful part of today's study was - you cannot stay where you are and go with God in obedience to His will. The God who calls you is also the one who will enable you to do His will.
I must make major adjustments in my life to do God's will. Most people say that "God wouldn't put more on me than I can handle." The Bible doesn't say that. When I am invited to join God where He is at work it is going to be more than I can handle because it is God that is at work to do His will. That is always going to be more than I can handle because I am not God. When I do adjust my life in a major way, God will work in me to accomplish His will. I don't have to worry. It's on God.
I must actively seek where I must make major adjustments in my life.
The most meaningful part of today's study was - you cannot stay where you are and go with God in obedience to His will. The God who calls you is also the one who will enable you to do His will.
I must make major adjustments in my life to do God's will. Most people say that "God wouldn't put more on me than I can handle." The Bible doesn't say that. When I am invited to join God where He is at work it is going to be more than I can handle because it is God that is at work to do His will. That is always going to be more than I can handle because I am not God. When I do adjust my life in a major way, God will work in me to accomplish His will. I don't have to worry. It's on God.
I must actively seek where I must make major adjustments in my life.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Experiencing God - Week 8, Day 1
Welcome to week 8! It seems like we are picking up the pace of how fast this study is going by. I can't believe it. This week's memory verse is Luke 14:33, "Any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple."
The most meaningful part of today's study was - No one can sum up all God is able to accomplish through one solitary life that is wholly yielded, adjusted, and obedient to Him!
As I was praying this morning I asked God to use me in this way. I want to be wholly yielded, adjusted, and obedient to my heavenly Father. I am asking God to do immeasurably more than I could ask or imagine through the power of the Holy Spirit at work in me. I am asking that the people in the region around Charter Oak Church will be drawn to a relationship with Jesus because they see God at work in me and the people of Charter Oak Church.
God, I want more of YOU!
The most meaningful part of today's study was - No one can sum up all God is able to accomplish through one solitary life that is wholly yielded, adjusted, and obedient to Him!
As I was praying this morning I asked God to use me in this way. I want to be wholly yielded, adjusted, and obedient to my heavenly Father. I am asking God to do immeasurably more than I could ask or imagine through the power of the Holy Spirit at work in me. I am asking that the people in the region around Charter Oak Church will be drawn to a relationship with Jesus because they see God at work in me and the people of Charter Oak Church.
God, I want more of YOU!
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