A Servant of God

John 12:26
"If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him."

If we want to be in and do the will of God, we must be His Servant!

Jesus came as a servant!
Philippians 2:5-8
"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."

Matthew 20:27-28
"And whoever would be first among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

So, by responding to the Call that Jesus has sent out to each of us, His call to a relationship, His offer of Salvation, He is also sending us out in His service! "As the Father has sent Me, I also send you." John 20:21

Our servanthood is different than a "human servant", who only finds out what the master wants him to do and then goes and does it.
But with God, it is different! God works through us!
First God wants to mold us into the instrument of His choosing.
Then He takes us and puts us where He wills and works through us.
1. We must be Moldable
2. We must be Available to be used
I also like the FAT model: Faithful, Available, and Teachable!

John 5:19
"So Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.'"

John 15:5
"I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

Wonderful examples of God's servants:
Elijah (1 Kings 17-18) Who brought down the fire? God! What was Elijah actually doing? Being Obedient. God acted through Elijah his obedient servant!

Elijah was an ordinary man, just like us! He just humbled himself to be an obedient servant of the Living God!

Peter and John (Acts 4) Just ordinary uneducated and untrained men! But, through them God worked (in this case they had healed a man).

D.L. Moody was also an ordinary man heard Henry Varley say these words, "The world has yet to see what God can do with and for and through and in a man who is fully and wholly consecrated to Him." Hear was Moody's response, "The world had yet to see! With and for and through and in! A man! Varley meant any man! Varley didn't say he had to be educated, or brilliant, or anything else! Just a man! It was not Mr. Spurgeon, after all, who was doing that work: it was God. And if God could use Mr. Spurgeon, why should He not use the rest of us, and why should we not all just lay ourselves at the Master's feet, and say to Him, Send me! Used me!" (Charles Spurgeon was a well known Preacher back in the day, if you didn't know!)

John the Baptist
The length of his ministry was about 6 months...then Jesus came along!
Luke 7:28
"I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."
John had 6 months of his life wholly yielded to God and Jesus said he was the Greatest!

1 Corinthians 1:26-31
"For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, whom God made our wisdom and our righteousness and sanctification and redemption. Therefore, as it is written, 'Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.'"

To be in the Will of God, and do God's Will and Work, we must humble ourselves and become His servant. Then God will work through us! In our own power we can only do idle work, but with God and through His power, He will change the world!

In Christ,

David

Doing God's Will

John 4:34
"Jesus said to them, 'My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.'"

This is a tough thing to do! After all, what is God's will? Who can know exactly what God's plan is?

Is there a difference between asking,

1. "What is God's will for my life?"

2. "What is God's will?"

The first question is actually self-centered! The second question, focuses on God and His will alone!

Once I know God's will, then I can adjust my life to Him and His purposes!

How do I start? How can I know God's will?

Don't just do something!
Many times people get excited about doing God's will! They get the "Don't just stand there; do something" mentality. However, I don't believe that this is the best way to approach God's will.
Sometimes we get so busy doing things we think will help God accomplish His purpose that He can't get our attention long enough to use us as servants (topic of tomorrows post) to accomplish what He wants. We wear ourselves out and get very little done that is of value to the kingdom.

"I think God is crying out and shouting to us, 'Don't just do something. Stand there! Enter into a love relationship with Me. Get to know Me. Adjust your life to Me. Let Me Love you and reveal Myself to you as I work through you.'" Henry T. Blackaby

A time will come when God calls us to do His work, but we must not skip the relationship, the relationship must always come first! Then out of that relationship, comes forth good works prepared for us in advance to do.

John 15:5
"I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

Matthew 11:28-30
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

We must not try and do God's work, for we will only tire ourselves out. Rather, we should yoke ourselves to Christ, and He will work through us to accomplish His Will!

God will never give us an assignment that He will not, at the same time, enable us to complete! God gives us wonderful Spiritual Gifts that empower us supernaturally to accomplish the assignments God gives us!
We must not however focus on our own talents and abilities and interests in determining God's will, we must become God-centered! We must be able to say, "Lord, where you lead me, I will follow. I will do what you ask of me, and go where ever you ask me to go!"

Jesus is the Answer! He is our Map to knowing God's Will!
God doesn't give us a detailed "Road Map" of His will! That is why He wants us to be in relationship with Him. He reveals His will as we walk and talk with Him.

Jesus said in John 14:6
"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

He didn't say; "I will show you the way."
Or; "I will give you a road map."
Or; I will tell you which direction to head."
He said; "I AM THE WAY!"

The Point:
If we are in a close relationship with God and are able to say, "Where you lead me Lord, I will follow." Then we are in God's will!

God seldom gives extensive details!
Abram (Genesis 12:1-5), God says, "Get out of your country, from your family and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you."

Moses (Exodus), He got a little more detail, but still had to remain close to God for Daily Guidance.

Peter, Andrew, James, and John (Matthew 4:18-20, 21-22), Jesus says, "Come and Follow Me."
Matthew (Matthew 9:9) Same thing!
Paul (Acts 9:1-20) Same thing! "Come and Follow Me!"

What is God's will?
Matthew 6:33-34
"But seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

"God is far more interested in a love relationship with you than He is in what you can do for Him. His desire is for you to love Him. As He fills you with His presence, He will guide you to do things. But even as you do those things, He will be the One at work through you to accomplish His purposes. He is all you need. The Christ in you is your way. He is your 'Map.' When you follow His leadership one day at a time, you will always be right in the middle of God's will for your life." Henry T. Blackaby

Father, draw me closer to You each day! Where you lead me Lord, I will Follow!"

In Christ,

David

Setting up Boundaries to Abstain from Evil

1 Thessalonians 5:12-22
"We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil."

Abstain from every form of evil.
Form is also translated:
1. Kind
2. Appearance
3. Whatever even looks like
4. What has the likeness of

I really like the last three! It brings this small command to a whole new level. "Abstain from whatever even looks like evil, or whatever has the likeness of evil, or has an appearance of evil."
Not just stay away from what is evil, but whatever even looks evil, or could be mistaken as evil!

Now I can just hear this conversation coming up:

"You mean to tell me, I can't do something just because it looks wrong?"

"Right!"

"But it's not wrong?"

"Right!"

"But it looks wrong?"

"Right!"

"And I can't do it?"

"Right!"

"Cause it's going to discredit Christ or give people the wrong idea about me and about Him?"

"Right!"

"Hey, there's going to be a whole lot of things I can't do!"

"Right!"

I believe that God calls us to the Highest Standard of Living!

How can we get to that standard? What can we do?

Proverbs 4:26
"Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure."

Proverbs 15:22
"Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed."

We can set up Boundaries!

Here are 8 principals that we see in Scripture that we can apply to our lives

From
Romans 14
1. I will do ALL things as unto the Lord!
A good test to see if we are doing this is: Getting down on our knees and saying, "Lord I'm doing this for you." If it just doesn't seem to fit, then don't do it!
Vs. 7-9

2. Live in Light of the Judgment Seat of God!
Would God approve of what I am doing/saying/thinking?
Vs. 10

3. I will consider my Weaker Brother in all that I do!
The weaker brother is the one who's conscience isn't informed by God's word.
I will not make decisions in the Freedom that I have in Christ that will offend my Brother who has not yet been given that Freedom in Christ. I must limit my freedom!
Vs. 13-19

4. I will do Nothing unless I am sure that it is right!
Vs. 22-23
Here Faith = Confidence
"If I can't do it, confident that it's right to do, It's wrong for me to do it, even if it isn't wrong." Pastor James MacDonald
If I doubt or don't know if something is right or wrong, I am much better off to just not do it!

1 Corinthians 10:22-31
5. I will do all things to the Glory of God.
Shall we provoke God to jealousy? Jealousy is not a sin for God!
Jealousy = wanting something that is not rightfully yours.
What does God want that is not Rightfully His?
Let us give to God all that is His! His is the Glory! Forever and Ever!

1 Thessalonians 5:22
6. I will Avoid what may appear wrong, Even if I know it isn't wrong!
To accomplish this we can erect MORAL FENCES!
A. I will not ride in the car alone with a person of the opposite sex, unless it is my wife, child, or close relative.
B. I will not meet alone with a member of the opposite sex, unless it is my wife, child, or close relative.
C. I will not go out to eat with a member of the opposite sex, unless it is my wife, child, or close relative.
D. I will not go on a business trip alone. I will make it a point to stay with someone I know, or have a close friend with me, or better yet, my wife.
E. I will publicly announce my affection and love for my wife, when she is and isn't present.
F. Any other thing that could be considered questionable, I will avoid, so as to not hinder the name of Jesus Christ!

1 Corinthians 6:12
7. I will abstain from things that can enslave me.
Only God will control me!

Some my ask, "How close is to close?"
Would you teach your child to ride a bike on the edge of the Grand Canyon or a few feet back from the edge?
Is this questions one that is asked out of Maturity or Childishness?

Romans 12:1-2
1 Peter 2:21
8. I will seek always to do what I believe Jesus would do.
I am a follower of Jesus Christ!

This is not legalism!
Legalism = I have come to convictions and beliefs, now that I have them, I am going to enforce them upon you. Rather than letting God bring you to those convictions according to His timing!

This is also not License!
License = Conviction? What is that? Can you please spell that one for me?

This is a happy medium!
These are principles within Scripture, and God will bring each and every one of His Children to them in His time! But once He has brought us to them, do we accept them and conform our lives to them? Or do we keep on living our lives the way we want to?
Personally, I want to do my best to Honor God and Live my life to these standards!
I know that I will fail time and time again, However I also know that God's Grace is Enough!

In Christ,

David

God's Nature

Titus 1:1-3
"Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior;"

Some translations also say, "who cannot lie,"! God Cannot Lie!!!!
That means that everything that He has told us, through His WORD and through His SON, is TRUTH!!!

1. God is Love.
2. God is all-knowing: His directions are always right.
3. God is all-powerful: He can enable you to accomplish His will.

1. God is Love.
1 John 4:13-16
"By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and God abides in him."

There are those who would doubt this because of God's discipline, judgment, and wrath.
We must come to an understanding that this is all done out of Love, He loves us so much and wants us to love Him in return.
Have you ever been punished by a parent? Looking back, was it not for your own good?

God is Love!

2. God is all-knowing.
Exodus 3:14
"God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM.' And he said, 'Say this to the people of Israel, "I AM has sent me to you."'"
In a previous post I talk about just what I AM means. But again quickly: I AM has no begining and no ending, it is always I AM, present, past, and future!

So if God is all-knowing and He is Love, His directions for us will always be both in His and our Best interest!

3. God is all-powerful.
Genesis 6-9 (God enabled Noah and his sons to build a huge Arc that spared the lives of every animal species during the Flood.)
Judges 7-8 (God enabled Gideon and 300 men to defeat an army of 120,000 men.)
Matthew 10 (Jesus Christ enabled His twelve disciples to heal people and to cast out demons.)
Acts 9, 13-28 (God enabled Paul to carry the gospel to the Gentiles and establish churches throughout Asia Minor and all the way to Rome.)

Paul says in Philippians 4:13
"I can do all things through him (Christ) who strengthens me."

God is Love, he is all-knowing, and all-powerful! He has His and our Best interest in mind. If He calls us to something, He will equipe us and give us the power and strength to get the job done!

This is still happening today!
Check out what is going on outside of Chicago at Harvest Bible Chapel... www.harvestbible.org
They were able to purchase a huge piece of land for $1 so that they could expand their church!
If you look under About Harvest and then History!!!
God has also Blessed them with being about to plant about 9 other churches in the U.S. and Canada!

Also,
There are Thousands of People that God has called away from their homes to become missionaries to other people groups! (we are all in full-time missions!)
Many of these men and women must raise their own support. God equipes and provides!

God is Love, God is All-Knowing, God is All-Powerful, and God Cannot Lie!

How will you answer His call?

In Christ,

David

Standing before the Judge

Romans 14
Do Not Pass Judgment on One Another
"As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.
Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written, "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God." So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.

Do Not Cause Another to Stumble
Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin."

Paul is talking to the Roman Church about Freedom and Maturity.
We should not be Judging one another or despising each other for tiny little things. The Roman Church was made up of Jewish Converts and Gentile Converts. The Jewish Converts were still holding fast to the Laws of the Old Testiment, but the Gentile Converts had much more freedom because they didn't come from that system. They clung to what Jesus had said and what Paul was preaching.
And Paul explains it to them; just because a piece of meat has been offered to an idol does not make it unclean. For the Lords people have given thanks to God for it. But, if it does offend the weaker brother (in this case the Jewish Convert), that they should not argue over it, but abstain for the sake of the weaker brother. But, also, the weaker brother is cautioned not to judge the one who does eat.
We must not let Freedom become License!
This goes for many o' thang in today's world:
Alcohol, prescription Drugs, Smoking, TV, Music, Video Games, etc... (all in moderation)
One person could see these as completely off limits, while another may not. Neither are necessarily wrong.
The thing to ask ourselves is, "Do I get God's heart behind these issues?"
I have made the choice not to drink or smoke, but one of my friends believes that it is ok. Now, he doesn't get drunk and he just puffs on cigar's. I have done the same while I was with him, because I do have that Freedom in Christ, but most of the time I wont do such things.
This is a fine line to talk about and it is one that Christ must reveal to each of His Children, but we must be mature enough to not argue with each other, agian, "Do I get God's heart behind this issue?" "Is it helpful or hindering?"

Anyway, the Point here is this: We are the Lord's, if we are In Him, and He is In Us!

I will do all things as unto the Lord! I am His, and I will do everything to Honor Him!

However, if we are living to ourselves, we are not living to the Lord! We are not the Lord's (at least not yet).

"For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living."

Have you ever been to Court? Do you know someone who has been to Court?

Personally I have never been to Court, but I do know someone who has and I am pretty sure that I would have just about the same reaction that she had.
When the Judge walked into the room a chill ran down her spin. Then she heard "All Rise." She stood up and realized that this was done out of respect for the Judge who was entering the room. She only had a few words that she wanted to say to the Judge, but she knew that the Judge had the power to pardon or to sentence, so she waited for the right moment, she didn't want to set the Judge off. When it was her turn to speak, she could barely talk. She didn't want to say anything wrong out of fear of what the Judge could do.
Now, she was not in trouble in any way, she was only there to testify as a witness for someone else. But she had this reverential fear of the Judge.

How much more will we each have this reverential fear when we stand before the Great Judge, at the Final Judgement?
For we all will have our time of Judgement. We cannot escape it!

Which brings up a good question!
On that Day, when you stand (or fall on your face) before Almighty God, and He asks you, "Why, should I let you into my heaven?" What will be your answer?
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Will it be something like, "I have been a good person. I have kept most of Your Commands and Laws."
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Or something like, "I have always believed in a higher power and tried to live up to a higher standard."
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Or how about, "I have been good and accpted Jesus as Savior but not Lord."
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Or will it be, "You shouldn't let me in. I have not been able to keep a single thing that You have Commanded of me. I am a lier, a cheat, a theif, a murderer, I have lusted after countless women/men, I have not obeyed my parents, I have not kept the Sabbath Holy, and worst of all, I have defiled Your name more times and in more ways than I can count. But, it is by Your Grace that I am here today, by Your Love for me, and through Your Son Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal life with You that You have given to all Man Kind if by Your Grace we come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, The Lord and Savior of Our lives."

It's all about Grace!!!

In Christ,

David

Anaweza Bwana Milele (The Lord is able Forever)

Titus 3:3-11
"For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned."

Anaweza Bwana Milele -- The Lord is able Forever!
This short passage from Titus is it!

Vs. 3 We once lived in darkness

Vs. 4 God's Goodness and Loving Kindness (Jesus Christ) appeared

Vs. 5 Saved us - Not by our works of Righteousness, but by His Mercy
By the washing and regeneration of the Holy Spirit

Vs. 6 Poured out on Us through Jesus Christ

Vs. 7 Now Justified by Grace we are heirs with Christ to the hope of eternal life!
(Hope does not mean...ohhh I hope that ___ will happen. This is the modern day meaning
of a word that means so much more!)

Hope: To have confidence; trust. To expect and desire. To look forward to with confidence
or expectation.

Simunye (We are One)
1 Corinthians 6:17
"But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him."

This joining with the Lord does not come by our own choosing, He calls us to Himself. His Mercy and Grace that He Lavishes upon us, give us Faith in Him (His Righteousness, His Faithfulness, His Love, His Mercy, and His Grace), and allows us to realize our Salvation!

"I am not saved by believing-- I simply realize I am saved by believing. And it is not repentance that saves me-- repentance is only the sign that I realize what God has done through Christ Jesus." Oswald Chambers

Sanjolama yawe na ngai Sanjoiama (Exalt the LORD)
Psalm 148
"Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise him in the heights! Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his hosts! Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars! Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the LORD! For he commanded and they were created. And he established them forever and ever; he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away. Praise the LORD from the earth, you great see creatures and all the deeps, fire and hail, snow and mist, stormy wind fulfilling his word! Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars! Beasts and all livestock, creeping things and flying birds! Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth! Young men and maidens together, old men and children! Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his majesty is above earth and heaven. He has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his saints, for the people of Israel who are near to him. Praise the LORD!"

Psalm 149:4
"For the LORD takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation."

SANJOLAMA YAWE NA NGAI SANJOIAMA! (EXALT THE LORD!)

Gifted Response By Matt Redman

This is a gifted response
Father we cannot come to You by our own merit
We will come in the name of Your son
As He glorifies You
And in the power of Your spirit

This is a gifted response
Father we cannot come to You by our own merit
We will come in the name of Your son
As He glorifies You
And in the power of Your spirit

We have come to something so mysterious
Too deep for minds to comprehend
Through the open door
Where the angels sing
And the host of heaven are antheming...

And we'll sing the glory of Your name
Celebrate the glories of Your grace
We will worship You, We will worship You
And we'll make Your praise so glorious
Singing songs of everlasting praise
We will worship You, we will worship You


Marvelous Light By Charlie Hall

Into Marvelous Light I'm running
Out of Darkness, out of shame
By the Cross You are the Truth
You are the Life, You are the Way

I once was Fatherless, A stranger with no Hope
Your Kindness Wakened me, Wakened me from my sleep
Your Love it Beckons Deeply, A call to come and Die
By Grace now I will come and take this Life,
Take Your Life

Sin Has lost it's Power, Death has lost it's Sting
From the Grave You've Risen Victoriously--

Into Marvelous Light I'm running
Out of Darkness, out of shame
By the Cross You are the Truth
You are the Life, You are the Way

My Dead Heart now is Beating
My Deepest stains now Clean
Your Breath fills up my lungs
Now I'm Free, Now I'm Free

Into Marvelous Light I'm running
Out of Darkness, out of shame
By the Cross You are the Truth
You are the Life, You are the Way

Lift My Hands and Spin around
See the Light that I have Found
O the Marvelous Light, Marvelous Light

In Christ,

David

Marvelous Light, revealed by Grace

Marvelous Light by: Charlie Hall

Into Marvelous Light I'm running
Out of Darkness, out of shame
By the Cross You are the Truth
You are the Life, You are the Way

I once was Fatherless, A stranger with no Hope
Your Kindness Wakened me, Wakened me from my sleep
Your Love it Beckons Deeply, A call to come and Die
By Grace now I will come and take this Life,
Take Your Life

Sin Has lost it's Power, Death has lost it's Sting
From the Grave You've Risen Victoriously--

Into Marvelous Light I'm running
Out of Darkness, out of shame
By the Cross You are the Truth
You are the Life, You are the Way

My Dead Heart now is Beating
My Deepest stains now Clean
Your Breath fills up my lungs
Now I'm Free, Now I'm Free

Into Marvelous Light I'm running
Out of Darkness, out of shame
By the Cross You are the Truth
You are the Life, You are the Way

Lift My Hands and Spin around
See the Light that I have Found
O the Marvelous Light, Marvelous Light

Salvation

My Utmost for His Highest by: Oswald Chambers
October 28
Justification by Faith

Romans 5:10
"If when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life"

I am not saved by believing-- I simply realize I am saved by believing. And it is not repentance that saves me-- repentance is only the sign that I realize what God has done through Christ Jesus. The danger here is putting the emphasis on the effect, instead of on the cause. Is it my obedience, consecration, and dedication that make me right with God? It is never that! I am made right with God because, prior to all of that, Christ died. When I turn to God and by belief accept what God reveals, the miraculous atonement by the Cross of Christ instantly places me into a right relationship with God. And as a result of the supernatural miracle of God's grace I stand justified, not because I am sorry for my sin, or because I have repented, but because of what Jesus has done. The Spirit of God brings justification with a shattering, radiant light, and I know that I am saved, even though I don't know how it was accomplished.
The salvation that comes from God is not based on human logic, but on the sacrificial death of Jesus. We can be born again solely because of the atonement of our Lord. Sinful men and women can be changed into new creations, not through their repentance or their belief, but through the wonderful work of God in Christ Jesus which preceded all of our experience (see 2 Corinthians 5:17-19 ). "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation."
The unconquerable safety of justification and sanctification is God Himself. We do not have to accomplish these things ourselves-- they have been accomplished through the atonement of the Cross of Christ. The supernatural becomes natural to us through the miracle of God, and there is the realization of what Jesus Christ has already done-- "It is finished!" ( John 19:30 ). "When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, 'It is finished,' and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit."

I really like the way that Oswald Chambers puts it in thsentencentance!
"I am not saved by believing!" "I simply realize I am saved by believing!"

We have Assurance of Salvation! Because it is nothing that we do ourselves, it comes from the Creator!
Here are a few verses to ponder:

Romans 1:1-6
"Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,"

Look at vs 5 + 6 again...."through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ!"

Romans 5:1-2
"Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God."

Romans 8:9-11
"You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you."

Romans 10:17
"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."

It all Starts with Christ!

1 Corinthians 6:16-17
"Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, 'The two will become one flesh.' But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him."

Amazing! If we join ourselves to the Lord through our Faith in Jesus Christ, we become one in Spirit with him!

2 Corinthians 4:13-15
"Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, 'I believed, and so I spoke,' we also believe, and so we also speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God."

2 Corinthians 5:1-5
"For we know that if the tent, which is our earthly home, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened--not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee."

God has given us a guarantee is His Spirit!!!

Ephesians 2:8-10
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Ephesians 3:11-12
"This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him."

Ephesians 2:18-21
"For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord."


Philippians 1:6
"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."

I cling to this verse! Christ began a good work in me, and He will be faithful to complete it!!!

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
"Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it."

Yes He will! He is Faithful and He will surely Sanctify me Completely!!!

1 Timothy 1:12
"I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen."

Ohh...Ohh...That is ME!!!!!

Hebrews 10:10
"And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."

Jesus died Once, for ALL!!! He doesn't need to be continually Sacrificed....it was a one time deal! "It Is Finished"!!!!!

Hebrews 10:19-23
"Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful."

Confidence and Assurance of Faith and Salvation, because he who promised is faithful!

Sorry, I said a few, but there are so many to choose from!!!
Now for some OldTestament verses....I'll just put 3 on here.

Psalm 89:14
"Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you."

Psalm 111:7-10
"The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy; they are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness. He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name! The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!"

Nehemiah 9:33
"Yet you have been righteous in all that has come upon us, for you have dealt faithfully and we have acted wickedly."

I am not saying that every single person on the face of the earth will be in heaven. Because they wont be! Only those who have Faith in Jesus Christ the Only Begotten Son of God the Father!

But, Once you are in God's Family, He is Faithful and Just! He wont kick you out!
Grace leads us to Faith, Grace covers all Sin!
Romans 5:7-9
"For one will scarcely die for a righteous person--though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die-- but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God."
All Sin, Past, Present, and Future!!!! All covered immeasurably by GRACE!!!!
Philliapians 1:6
"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."

If you have been called by Christ, You are in His Grace! You have Assurance of your Salvation through Jesus Christ!

We may all be like this young man, but if we are in Christ's hand, He is faithful to bring us home.
Luke 15:11-32
The Parable of the Prodigal Son
"And he said, 'There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, "Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me." And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself, he said, "How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants." And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son." But the father said to his servants, "Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found." And they began to celebrate. Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, "Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound." But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, "Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!" And he said to him, "Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found."'"

That is an amazing story of how our lives continually lived out!
If we are truly Sons and Daughters of The Living God, no matter how far we stray, before the end, we will make our way back home (and if we can't find it, Jesus is the Good Shepherd and He will come after us), and even before we get there, we will be welcomed!

Thank you Jesus, for your Grace! For your Sacrifice! That everything comes back to you! You are the cause of Salvation! Thank You Jesus!

In Christ,

David

Grace and Truth

First, a bit of a Warning! Then on to the Point! (gotta love Point's school colors)

Some will say, "You just think that you are better!"
This is a comeback to conviction in the likeness of, "Whatever!"
It means, "Yeah, I've had that conviction," or "I'm feeling convicted of that right now, but I am choosing to live in my sin. So don't you think you are all high and mighty!"
This is just a way to try to make themselves feel better about living in their sin.

Ok....on to Truth and Grace!

We must not jump on the Bandwagon of Grace! We cannot Camp out there!

Yes, Jesus did come to us in the Flesh, but He is God!
We should be on our faces in His presence.
Grace is all that can bring us into a close intimate relationship with God.

Jesus =
1. I want to know you Intimately, like a brother!
Intimacy----Grace

2. Terrifying, Righteous, The Holy One of God
Awe---------Truth

Our lives must look differently

What do we watch/listen to? Will it be in Heaven?
You know, people in Heaven, they don't care about what is really going on in Nick and Jessica's life!
Heaven is all about Jesus, it is all about intimacy and Awe!
John 1:14 "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen the glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."
Jesus doesn't change! He is God, Holy, Righteous and True!

But,
We must not become legalistic on Truth!
We cannot Camp out on Grace and we must not Camp out on Truth alone either!
It is the Balance of both! Jesus was the embodiment of Both!

Have you ever seen the, "Jesus is my Homeboy" T-shirt?
That is Grace, Jesus is our Homeboy!
But let us not forget that our Homeboy is Holy, Justice, Truth, Righteous, Purity, Sinless, and Godly Always!

We must look like the People of God --- Holy, but not forget about the Homeboy!
1 Peter 1:13-16
"Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'"
But here comes the Grace!
1 Peter 1:17-21
"And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for your sake, who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God."

Grace is a Continual process in us!
Revelation 1:10-17
"I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet saying, 'Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.' Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. The hairs of his head were white like wool, as white as snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead..."
Talk about TRUTH!
Revelation 1:17-19
"When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, 'Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this.'"

Truth and Grace!
John was the Disciple that Jesus Loved!!!!
When John came face to face with Jesus, he didn't say, "Hey Homeboy!" or "I'll sing some worships songs for you." or "Hey, could you answer some of these questions that I have had?"
John fell as his feet as though dead!
But, Grace came and Jesus said, 'Fear not.'

"When Jesus Gets in View, Things Change!" Louie Giglio

I want to be in the World (to reflect Jesus), but not of the World!
1 John 5:1-5
"Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God."
1 Corinthians 9:22
"To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some."

I want to be in the World, but not blurred by the World, not a part of the World!

Here are some questions for thought:
1. Do I reflect the Holy one of God?
2. Do I reflect myself who is being made Holy?
3. Do I reflect myself, not Jesus or the work that He is doing in me?

To those who would say, "You just think you're better than me."

I'm not better than you, I'm just walking with Jesus Christ, the Holy one of God. I am reflecting His light, and it is not of this World!"

Jesus was both Grace and Truth....He had the Happy Medium!
We need to live in that place also!

In Christ,

David

Grace

John 1:17
"For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ."

Titus 2:11-15
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you."

Micah 7:18-20
God's Steadfast Love and Compassion
"Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities under foot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. You will show faithfulness to Jacob and steadfast love to Abraham, as you have sworn to our fathers from the days of old."

What is Grace?
From Dictionary.com
1. Seemingly effortless beauty or charm of movement, form, or proportion.
2. A characteristic or quality pleasing for its charm or refinement.
3. A sense of fitness or propriety.
4. A. A disposition to be generous or helpful; goodwill.
B. Mercy; clemency.
5. A favor rendered by one who need not do so; indulgence.
6. A temporary immunity or exemption; a reprieve.
7. A. Divine love and protection bestowed freely on people.
B. The state of being protected or sanctified by the favor of God.
C. An excellence or power granted by God.
8. A short prayer of blessing or thanksgiving said before or after a meal.

From Easton's Bible Dictionary
Grace -
(1.) Of form or person (Prov. 1:9; 3:22; Ps. 45:2).
(2.) Favour, kindness, friendship (Gen. 6:8; 18:3; 19:19; 2 Tim. 1:9).
(3.) God's forgiving mercy (Rom. 11:6; Eph. 2:5).
(4.) The gospel as distinguished from the law (John 1:17; Rom. 6:14; 1 Pet. 5:12).
(5.) Gifts freely bestowed by God; as miracles, prophecy, tongues (Rom. 15:15; 1 Cor. 15:10; Eph. 3:8).
(6.) Christian virtues (2 Cor. 8:7; 2 Pet. 3:18).
(7.) The glory hereafter to be revealed (1 Pet. 1:13).

From Philip Yancy's "What's so Amazing about Grace?"
1. Unmerrited Favor
2. Love
A. Love that goes up to God = Worship
B. Love that goes out to others = Affection
C. Love that stoops down = Grace

The song, Rock of Ages, has a Great line in it!
"Nothing in my hands I bring, Only to the Cross of Christ I cling."
God's Grace, Unmerrited Favor, and a Love that stoops down to us, all in the Cross!

The Challenge!
Grace will always be a challenge! For us personally and for the Universal church as a whole!

We have many enemies that will attack us.
Outer: Other people
Inner: Ourselves
Below: Satan
All will say: "How can it be that easy, it can't really be this free." Or something like it!

Here as some signs that Grace is missing:
1. We fail to look at God fearfully
2. We look at people judgementally
3. There is no Joy in Worship

When we live our lives on a performance base, life becomes weary.

Fun test: Next Sunday, don't wear your Sunday Best...see who makes a comment as to why you are not dressed up.

This is not to say that we are exempt from doing good works...see Ephesians 2:1-10 below as well as, James 2:14-18
Faith Without Works Is Dead
"What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."

But don't be fooled, and don't fall away from Grace. One day we may understand Grace as it truly is, but another day we may fall into the trap of performance based living.
Spiritual life is like a Road, but a road with a fork in it! And this fork keeps coming back and back and back again. The road is Grace and the fork is performance. We must hold tight to Grace or risk slipping onto the fork of performance.
Just because Good Works are there for us to do, doesn't mean that they are what gets us into heaven. That my friends is God alone through His Amazing Grace!

Centrality of Grace!

Acts 15:8-11
"And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them (Gentiles), by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will."

Ephesians 2:1-10
By Grace Through Faith
"And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience-- among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ--by grace you have been saved-- and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

We are saved by God only by His Grace! There is nothing I can do!
Nothing in my hands I bring, Only to the Cross of Christ I cling!

God does it all for us, He took our punishment for sin! He does it all!

Acts 15:19-21
"Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood. For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues."

James here was saying that the Gentiles were also saved by Grace. They should not be hindered by the regulations of the Jewish people. But there were a few things that were especially offensive to the Jewish people that would be greatly appreciated if they were adhered to (also, a most of those things, it would be good to avoid anyway!)

Joy of Grace!

It's Free!!!!
See above Micah 7:18-20

Grace (Lord, I'm Grateful)
Lord, I'm grateful, amazed at what You've done
My finest efforts are filthy rags
But I'm made righteous by trusting in the Son
I have God's riches at Christ's expense!

'Cause it's grace! There's nothing I can do
To make You love me more
To make You love me less than You do
And by faith, I'm standing on this Stone
Of Christ, and Christ alone!
Your righteousness is all that I need
'Cause its grace!

Called and chosen while I was far away
You brought me into Your family
Free, forgiven, my guilt is washed away,
Your loving kindness is life to me.

Grace love the sinner, loves all I am and all I'll ever be
Makes me a winner whatever lies the devil throws at me

Freely given, but bought with priceless blood,
My life was ransomed at Calvary
There my Jesus gave everything He could
That I might live for eternity

'Cause it's grace! There's nothing I can do
To make You love me more
To make You love me less than You do
And by faith, I'm standing on this Stone
Of Christ, and Christ alone!
Your righteousness is all that I need
'Cause its grace!

In Christ,

David

Seek Me First!

Ephesians 5:1-21
"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are our of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not associate with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore is says, 'Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.' Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ."

I extremely dislike my flesh!
Sometimes it can take over without my knowing...then only after the fact I realize that I was not walking in the Spirit!

I have sensed God calling me to Himself a lot lately. Almost everything that I have read (as I pointed out in a post a few day ago) has been: "Seek me First Dave, Seek me First!"

And right as I think that I am seeking Him First in all that I do, my flesh takes over without me even knowing and I am not seeking Him First.

If y'all could do me a favor and pray that I would continually in all that I do, without fail, put God first. Thanks!

In Christ,

David

More Songs that fit today's post

Beautiful One by: Tim Hughes

Wonderful, so wonderful is your unfailing love,
Your cross has spoken mercy over me.
No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
No heart could fully know, how glorious,
How Beautiful You are.

Beautiful One I love
Beautiful One I adore
Beautiful One, My soul must sing

Powerful so powerful your glory fills the skies,
Your might works displayed for all to see.
The Beauty of your majesty,
awakes my heart to sing, how marvelous,
How Wonderful You are.

Wonderful Maker by: Chris Tomlin

You spread out the skies,
over empty space,
Said let there be light,
Into a dark and formless world Your Light was born.

You spread our your arms,
over empty space
Said let there be light,
Into a dark and hopeless world Your Son was born.

You made the world and saw that it was good.
You sent Your only Son for You are good.

What a wonderful maker,
What a wonderful Savior,
How majestic Your Whispers,
How humble Your love.
With a strength like no other,
and the heart of a Father.
How majestic Your Whispers,
What a wonderful God.

No eye has fully see,
How beautiful the cross.
And we have only heard,
The faintest whispers of how great you are.

Here I am (Majesty) by: Delirious

Here I am,
Humbled by your Majesty.
Covered by your grace so free.
Here I am,
Knowing I'm a sinful man.
Covered by the blood of the Lamb.

Now I've found the greatest love of all is mine,
Since you laid down your life,
The greatest sacrifice.

Majesty, Majesty,
Your grace has found me just as I am,
Empty handed, but alive in your hands.
Majesty, Majesty,
Forever I am changed by your love,
In the presence of your Majesty.

Here I am,
Humbled by the love that you give.
Forgiven so that I can forgive.
Here I stand,
Knowing that I'm your desire,
Sanctified by glory and fire.

Now I've found the greatest love of all is mine,
Since you laid down you life,
The greatest sacrifice.

Majesty, Majesty,
Your grace has found me just as I am,
Empty handed, but alive in your hands.
Majesty, Majesty,
Forever I am changed by your love,
In the presence of your Majesty.

Hope and Confidence

Isaiah 42:8
"I am the LORD; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols,"

1 John 3:1-3
"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure."

1 John 4:7-12
"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him, In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us."

I just love these verses from 1 John combined with Isaiah 42:8!

God is all about Himself! All about His own Glory and Honor! And who can blame Him? He is God! It's a prerequisite! If God was not all about Himself, that would mean that there was something great than Him, so He has to be all about Himself! It is also the most loving thing that he can do for us! Need I say more than, Christ?! But, by being all about Himself, He shows us how to be all about Him, all about Christ!

God is all about Himself, but He still loves us more than we could ever love Him! He is all about Himself but still has infinite time for us!
He loves us enough to call us His Children! Through Christ, He has adopted us into His family!

I think of the Worship Pastor at the Church I attend Doug Allord, he and his wife Rachel are adopting a little girl from China. They have only seen pictures of her, yet they love her so much already. In an infinitely smaller way, they have the same love for her, that God does for us!

God is working a wonderful change in us! And that change will only be completed once Christ returns and we see Him! I am so excited for this day and that excitement only increases with what is going on in the world today. Not that I am happy about wars and famine and death and destruction, but that it is ushering in Christ's soon return!

Ahhh....I can't say enough about these verses! They give me so much hope and confidence that God is who He claims to be! That Christ is all that He claims to be! And that we have all that is promised to us!
God is Good...All the time!

Unchanging by: Chris Tomlin

Great is Your Faithfulness
Great is Your Faithfulness
You never change
You never fail, O God

True are Your Promises
True are Your Promises
You never change
You never fail, O God

So we raise up holy hands
To praise the holy one
Who was and is and is to come
Yeah, we raise up holy hands
To praise the holy one
Who was and is and is to come

Wide is Your love and grace
Wide is Your love and grace
You never change
You never fail, O God

You were, You are, You will always be
You were, You are, You will always be

So we raise up holy hands
To praise the holy one
Who was and is and is to come
So we raise up holy hands
To praise the holy one
Who was and is and is to come

In Christ,

David

The Answer

i am not but i know I AM p. 143-147

I need help.
I AM.

I need hope.
I AM.

Who could possibly be smart enough to figure this out?
I AM.

What works?
I AM.

What lasts?
I AM.

What's the latest thing?
I AM.

What's the hippest thing?
I AM.

I need a fresh start.
I AM.

I need a bigger story.
I AM.

My vision is bigger than my resources.
I AM.

Nothing's real anymore.
I AM.

Who can I trust?
I AM.

I'm not sure who's on my team.
I AM.

Nobody's listening to me.
I AM.

I don't have a prayer.
I AM.

My marriage is sinking and I don't know where to turn.
I AM.

I can't hold on.
I AM.

My kids deserve more.
I AM.

I'm pouring into others, who's pouring into me?
I AM.

If we fail, who will get the job done?
I AM.

I'm not sure why I'm here.
I AM.

I've given all I can give and it's not enough.
I AM.

I'm tired.
I AM.

I quit!
I AM.

I can't!
I AM.

I need a drink.
I AM.

I need a fix.
I AM.

I need a lover.
I AM.

Somebody just hold me.
I AM.

And what does this great I AM say of Himself? He says to you and to me: "I AM the way, I AM the truth, and I AM the life. I AM the resurrection and the life. I AM Savior. I AM Jesus--the solution, the restorer, the builder, the answer, the Wise One, the Coming One, the Mighty One. I AM the Lord and there is no other. I AM God and there is none besides Me. I AM the First and the Last. I AM Alpha and Omega. I AM the Beginning and the End. I AM the Lord, that is My name, and I will not give My Glory to another, or any of My Praise to idols. I AM THAT I AM, and that is My name--My memorial name to every single generation."

Jesus is the answer to all of lifes questions! Why am I here? Where am I going? What do I do now?
He is the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, the Great I AM!
He has a divine plan for our lives and He will guide us along the paths that He has set before us!

Do we have our Faith and Trust in Jesus enough to give up our lives and follow His lead?
Can we give up our leading roles in these small stories that we call our lives and take up a supporting role to Christ as the Lead?

Jesus, help me to get to the point where my entire life is only a reflection of Your Glory!

In Christ,

David

Pride

What is that old saying about pride?
Oh yeah, Pride comes before a fall!

I also like this little quote,
"Pride is simply an admission that I haven't seen GOD at all." Louie Giglio

Isn't that so true? Think about the last time you got so full of pride.....where was God?

I can get very prideful when I don't have my time alone with God (my quiet times), also I can get prideful when I have taken control of my life and push God off of the throne of my life. I have forgotten God, I haven't seen God.

Humility helps to put God back on the throne, giving Him His rightful place in our lives. When we are humble, we reflect all the Glory back to God. When we are prideful we accept that Glory as if it were our own.
Humility is a place to start once again seeing God!

"But to die to self is to gain on an unfathomable scale--a daily funeral that is nothing more than the doorway to a life filled with the Matchless Wonder of all that HE IS." Louie Giglio

Humility is the start of this dying to self, the beginning of Giving God all the Glory!

In Christ,

David

The Choice

This is going to get a bit personal, but I need to verbalize it...so I am going to be very vague.

This past weekend, I got into the Word quite a bit. Everything that I read kept to keep saying, "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God." "Seek ME Dave, seek ME!" "I AM, seek ME!"
I like to supplement my time in the Word with other books and I reread a few chapters of Louie Giglio's "i am not but i know I AM" Guess what those chapters where talking about? "Seek Me First, Dave, Seek ME!"

So, the choice!

I found out about this really cool time to go and Worship God (that is as specific as this part will get). I was already doing something and had an opportunity to stop so that I could go and Worship God. But I didn't. I didn't stop to Worship God.
1. I was having fun with some people
2. There is a more specific reason that I wont mention, but will say that it has to do with something that I have been praying about dealing with two different people.
Once everything settled down, the Holy Spirit convicted me that I had made the wrong choice.

Father, please help me to put You First, Above all else. Always choosing You first. Always seeking Your Kingdom. Always Glorifying You and Honoring You First. In Jesus name, Amen.

In Christ,

David

www.wayofthemaster.com

MIA

I have been gone for a bit!

Friday was my Birthday and I was:
1. Golfing with my Dad!
2. Hangin' out with friends on a b-e-a-utiful lake that God so wonderfully created!
3. Giving God all the Glory because without Him, I wouldn't be here!

Saturday was Lifest!
1. Quiet Time on the Lake! Seek ye first the Kingdom of God!
2. Went on the Driving Range with my friend Matt!
3. Went to Lifest and heard Matthew West, a little bit of Building 429, and Chris Tomlin!!!

Little story about Chris Tomlin @ Lifest!
So, have you ever gone to a concert knowing that who you are going to see is Awesome, but then getting blown away?
Chris took the stage with his band and they started in on their set....so far just singing some cool songs. Then we get to the chorus of the first song and *WHAM* it is just me singing to God...I can hear Chris and the Crowd and Matt and Liz and Diane next to me and I could feel the warm summer breeze blowing through my clothing, but man I tell you, it was a God moment...Just me and Him!
From then on, it was all about God!
Then Chris ask permission to do one last song, and I think I can speak for everyone there when I say that he could have gone on for another 4 hours and no one would have been disappointed! So we started singing that song, and by this time everyone was worshipping our Awesome, Holy, and Perfect God, who was definitely right there with us! I don't even remember the name of the last song, but as Chris ended it he went into "Then sings my soul my Savior God to thee, How Great thou Art, How Great thou Art." And back off the mic.....and the band left the stage so that it was totally just us and God! Once the crowd finished the song, and we opened our eyes, we could see that it truly was Just us and God there in that moment.
Chris Tomlin has a wonderful gift from God. He leads God's people into Worship and then slips away and lets God's people come face to face with God Almighty, our Creator.

4. Then the 4 of us, Matt, Liz, Diane, and I, went to Starbucks!!!! before we headed home.

Sunday was a wonderful day of Worship and rest!
1. 9 am Worship Service!!!!! Amazing!!!!
2. Lunch with a ton o' friends!!!! And JD and Christy show up at the end!!! Haven't seen JD in like 3 months!
3. Workout!!! Oooops...I missed Saturday....I could tell! I'm weaker....More lifting needed!
4. On the Water for some boating and watching others ski, wakeboard, tube, and barefoot!

And now I am back!!!!

Hope y'all had a wonderful couple of days!

In Christ,

David

He must increase, but I must decrease.

John 3:22-36
John the Baptist Exalts Christ
"After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and was baptizing. John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized (for John had not yet been put in prison). Now a discussion arose between some of John's disciples and a Jew over purification. And they came to John and said to him, 'Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness -- look he is baptizing, and all are going to him.' John answered, 'A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, "I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him." The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease.' He who comes from above is above all, He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven is above all. He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, yet no one receives his testimony. Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true. For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him."

John the Baptist had a pretty big ministry going! It was big enough to get noticed by the Jewish leaders (who sent priests and Levites to check it out, John 1:19).
John could have taken this moment for himself, accepted the Glory and Honor of the moment, but we see in John 1:19-34 that he points to Jesus and says, I am just the guy pointing you in the right direction, the Christ is coming! And the next day, who shows up on the scene? None other than Jesus himself! And again John points everyone to Jesus, and slips into the crowed, eyes fixed on Jesus!

Above a few of John's disciples don't understand why John is doing nothing while Jesus ministry is growing and his is getting smaller. Just look at John's response!!!
'A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, "I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him." The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease.'

1. I love the part about the bridegroom! I have never been in that position and can completely relate to what John is saying! I have many friends who are currently married or are engaged! And I rejoice greatly for them!!

2. But, The last part there, that is the best part!
"Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease."
What joy? John has fulfilled his calling! Completed his mission! Run his race through to completion! John has done the job that God put him on the earth to do, and he takes joy in the completion of his work as well as knowing that it was never his place to shine! He was merely reflecting the Glory from above and pointing back to it! Now that the Glory from above had come to earth (Jesus), he knew that he must continue to point to that Glory! Jesus must increase and John must decrease!

I have read this passage many times, but last night it seems to lift right off the page. God seemed to be saying to me, "Dave, this is my story. I AM the star. Why do you sometimes try to upstage me?"
I realized for the umteenth billion time that I am not, but I know I AM.
I am not the bridegroom, but I know Him!
I am not the star, but I know Him!
I am not, but I know I AM!

Jesus, You are the star, this is Your story! I am sorry for ever trying to upstage you. Help me be content with a supporting role, help me be content to even be an extra! If you want me to be a leader of the Church while I am here on earth, help me to always put you first! If you want me to be a layperson, help me to always put you first! If you want me to be a working in the professional field of whatever, help me to always put you first! Help me to be content with 4th place. Amen.

In Christ,

Dave

I didn't explain 4th place....it pertains to missions -- which should be our entire lives!
1st place...Jesus!
2nd place...The people of the world. The people placed in our sphere of influence.
3rd place...The people on our team. Our missions team, our Christian brothers and sisters, they need our support also.
4th place...Ourselves.

Fun way to read the Bible!

John 1:14
"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."

1. And
This small word has so much in it!
A. And means that there was something before
B. More importantly, it means that there is something more to come!
In this case, we know that the Old Testiment was what was before. A Religious system designed to show how Awesome and Holy and Pure God is, and how much we are not. A two sided covenant that could only be kept by one side. A system designed to show us exactly what sin was, and that sin separates us from God. "And" what comes next?

2. The
This small word also has a lot of meaning!
A. It means a specific thing to be named.
B. John didn't use "a", or "some", or "a few" word(s); He said "the" word, a very specific word!
In this case, we know that "the" word, is in reference to Jesus Christ!

3. Word
The word, Word and word have two different meanings!
A. "Word", the Language of God!
B. "word", the Language of men.
The "Word" of God! The Language of God! Jesus Christ, the 2nd person of the Trinity!
It's all about Jesus!

4. Became (Be Came)
Compound word! Be Came!
A. God's name is I AM! Or how about BE IS or maybe just BE! I AM is the present tense, active from of the verb "to be". So God's name is also BE!
B(e). Came, yep that is right, Jesus "came" to us! We can't get to God, so God "came" to us!
Be came to us! He came to us as a man, Flesh and Blood!

5. Flesh
Flesh and Blood, like us!
A. The outer surface of our bodies.
B. All of God, packed into a body just like ours!
God came to us and Be Came like us! How amazing is that?!?

6. And
But wait there's more!!!!!
A. More than the Laws of the Old Testiment!
B. Now more than Jesus coming to us and taking on Flesh!
God keeps giving and giving and giving....He can definitely outlast the energizer bunny!

7. Dwelt
To live, to make a place your home!
A. Jesus walked upon this earth! Just like we do!!!
B. Jesus called a little town called Nazareth, Home!
God dwelt (made His home) among us!

Well...y'all get the picture!
Take one word a day, there is so much that God can say to you in just one word! And don't go quickly over the little words like "and" and "the", God chose those words for a purpose! They all have a very specific purpose for being there! Give each word a day, and let God speak to you through each individual word! It's a ton o' fun!

Here is another passage that can be a lot of fun to study this way!
Philippians 2:5-11
"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

So there are a lot of words there, you could do maybe two or three per day!

God Bless,

In Christ,

David

Do I have to Forgive?

Matthew 18:21-35
"Then Peter came up and said to him, 'Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?' Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven. Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, "Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything." And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, "Pay what you owe." So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, "Have patience with me, and I will pay you." He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. Then his master summoned him and said to him, "You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?" And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.'"

Do I have to Forgive? Yes, we must forgive our brothers! We have been forgiven and so we must forgive others!

I don't want to forgive, because it will only enable the other person.
I don't want to forgive, because I will be taken advantage of.
I don't want to forgive, because they will just do it again.
I'll forgive, once I forget about what happened.
I'll forgive, once they come to me and apologize.

We all use these 5 statements in some fashion to justify not forgiving! But these are just rationalizations.

Imagine Unforgiveness as this hideous tumor/growth on your chest (the chest of your soul).
The more you feed unforgiveness, the more it grows! So, if we don't forgive...it will grow!

1. Forgiving doesn't enable...it is on your side. Once you forgive, you can watch out for your brother and help him to not make the same mistake again!
2. Forgiving doesn't allow anyone to take advantage of you...this implies future...forgiving is about the past!
3. Forgiving has nothing with whether they will do it again...do we forgive Peters 7 times? Or Jesus' 70 x 7 times? (Yes it is 490 times, but Jesus is implying that we should never stop)
And what if you don't forgive and they do it again? Do you want a new tumor/growth or the old one to double in size? I think not!
4. You cannot forget until you forgive! It is as simple as that!
5. Forgiveness doesn't depend on others...they may never come to you and apologize! They may not even know that they have wronged you!

God sent His Son into the world that we might receive forgiveness through Him! We must not receive that forgiveness and then like the servant in the story turn on our fellow brothers!

1 John 4:9-11
"In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."

Don't take this the wrong way, I am not altering the Word of God, but I believe that the same could be said of Forgiveness.

In this the forgiveness of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is forgiveness, not that we have forgiven God but that he forgave us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so forgave us, we also ought to forgive one another.

Just as God loved us first and we did not know what love was until we experienced it from God, He forgave us first because we did not know what forgiveness was. We could not love or Forgive until God choose to show it to us. But now we must share what God has shown us with every one else!

In Christ,

David

Conflict Resolution and Forgiveness

Matthew 18:15-35
If Your Brother Sins Against You
"'If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two of three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.'"
The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
"Then Peter came up and said to him, 'Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?' Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven. Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, "Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything." And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, "Pay what you owe." So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, "Have patience with me, and I will pay you." He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. Then his master summoned him and said to him, "You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?" And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.'"

O.K. I think this will be enough for 2 days! So today Conflict and tomorrow Forgiveness!

Let's look at a few other passages in terms of Resolving Conflict!

Matthew 7:1-5
Judging Others
"'Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, "Let me take the speck out of your eye," when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.'"

Before we confront, we must remove the log from our own eye. We must check our hearts and the reason why we want to confront someone! Are we confronting out of Love or Anger, because we were hurt, or because we want to help the other person realize that what they had done was hurtful to others?
We should approach with questions like, "Please explain to me why you said/did this?" Not, "Hey, you were really mean to me and I don't like what you said/did!"

Matthew 5:23-24
"So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift."

Resolve Conflict before worship!
We should leave no chink in the armor, it is to easy for Satan to detract us from worship. If we have settled the conflict, that wont be able to distract us from complete 100% focus on God!

Now back to the above passage Matthew 18:15-17

1. Talk to the person who has done the offending! Vs. 15 as well as Matt 7:1-5
They may not even realize that they have offended you! Also, if you don't talk to them, what you say to others about them could turn into gossip (which is a sin). It is also sinful not to confront -- vs. 15 "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone." Jesus commanded it!

2. If the offender doesn't listen to you, get 2 or 3 others (preferably Pastors or Elders or Respect People of God) involved.

3. If the offender still doesn't listen, take it to the body of believers as a whole.

4. If they still don't listen, they are to be treated as Gentiles, meaning those not within the Body of Believers. (Yes, this is harsh, but they were given plenty of opportunity. However this doesn't excluded us from forgiving them, which we will talk about tomorrow.)

Quick recap!

1. Check our own heart!
2. Confront before we worship...and if we are living a life of worship...that should be as soon as possible!
3. If they don't listen one-on-one get a few others involved, and last step the whole body.

Tomorrow.....Forgiveness!

In Christ,

David