The Gathering

Search for Significance

2008-09-20T08:43:00.002-04:00

The modern Church has stated that we can save ourselves. If you really want to be a better person, pull yourself up by the bootstraps and continue on your journey. If you want significance in this world, you must become significant.

This was my journey for the past 15 years. Even after I came to Christ, I believed that prayers for myself would be selfish because I CAN DO ALL THINGS through Christ that strengthens me. Unfortunately, I focused on "I" rather than on Christ.

Today, I confess that I have intellectualized my faith and can talk a good game, Yet, the sin in my life is not from without but within. I want to be significant.

Read the following from Matthew 12:43-45:

43"When an evil[f] spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. 44Then it says, 'I will return to the house I left.' When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. 45Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation."

Christ does not call us to become self-reliant but Christ-centered. This has been a long, hard lesson. I know it intellectually, but maybe I can begin to live it out.

The New Year

2008-01-06T16:55:00.000-05:00

How does your new year look? Do you have a change in view? Weight loss? Time management?

Jesus has placed a burden on me. It is time for CHANGE. This change is a deep rooted spiritual perspective. Not superficial, but a change in perspective.

First, the Holy Spirit has revealed a message: "The Significance of being Insignificant." I have suffered from a "savior" perspective, thinking I was significant. I used to be a youth minister. I am a school teacher. I led an independent coffee house ministry for two years. I became the legal authority over my aunt (who is 100% disabled according to psych evaluations). I WAS SIGNIFICANT. People told me this.

Then, Jesus reminded me that "the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy" (John 10:10a). The world told me I was significant. I did not need a savior.

This Christmas break has been revealing. The Holy Spirit explained to me that I sought attention, sought to be important (apart from God). HE reminded me of John 15:5: "apart from me you can do nothing." Wow, I was a "good person" living in SIN.

I challenge you to rethink your walk with Christ. Rather than asking God what you can do for HIM, ask what you must cut out to find a SIGNIFICANT relationship with GOD. Anything less is sin.

The Franchise Players

2007-07-25T15:36:00.000-04:00

I am preparing for tonight's VBS lesson for my youth department. As I prepare, God ALWAYS replenishes me. As I struggle and falter in my professional and personal life, God provides. Listen to this:

The Franchise Player is the player that provides the franchise a future. Today, God has placed in EVERY CHURCH a franchise player (and that AIN'T the pastor). Remember, the pastor is the manager. The franchise players are the church members that are willing to be managed and led by the pastor. Then, the franchise player builds the foundation of membership through Jesus Christ. That foundational member will be used by Christ to stabilize the church as pastors come and go.

WOW! What a backwards thought to the normal church member. Today, we members wait for the pastor to build the foundation. We wait for the pastor to lead EVERY STEP, and yet God uses our pastor to lead us into a journey (coach us if you will) so that we can make the BIG PLAYS when they are needed to be made.

Maybe, you and I should reverse our thought about church. Rather than a place where believers rest and worship, maybe it is a place that we members allow the HOLY SPIRIT to coax our pastor to lead us into positions of leadership.

Just a thought

AM I TOO RADICAL??????

2007-06-18T14:15:00.000-04:00

I saw Amazing Grace yesterday. What an awesome statement about how a Christian seeking the face of our LORD can make a political impact. His focus was humanity and crushing INJUSTICE--the slave trade first, but followed by seeking aid to the poor and expanding education. With that said, what are our "Christian" Republicans doing?

I am struggling right now how we, Evangelical Christians, force our politicians to make laws on abortion and anti-gay marriages, yet we do not allow the true Gospel to spread into our government. The Conservatives always point to the liberals as say they are socialists (which they are), but will offer NO solution to the SOCIAL INJUSTICES God has called us to smash out.

The Acts Church was what I see as Christian socialism, which basically means it is socialist in nature only through the blood of Christ.

What I think we should do is surrender our political statements and rethink our approach to poverty, abortion, homo and heterosexual sin, lost generations, drug addictions, famine, disease, etc.

Now, the question is, am I too radical? What can I possibly do to get the attention of Christian leaders (liberals, conservatives, black, white, Hispanic, etc.)and begin to truly do something???

I have been struggling over Matthew 25:32-46 as I began to ponder my failures as well as the churches' failures at dealing with the Truth--that is injustice is everywhere, yet all we do is focus on our own personal agendas.

Self-Control through His Spirit

2007-06-02T10:50:00.000-04:00

Jesus called us to be holy.
"You are my friends if you do what I command." John 15:14

"For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." Matthew 12:50

Jesus was quite clear in his expectations of His followers. If you claim to be in the Spirit, then you must walk in the Spirit. To what degree does this rely on our flesh? I argue that our flesh has been transformed by the Holy Spirit at the point of belief, yet a process of salvation begins in us.

We live in a journey of salvation that begins the day we believe. As Jesus said in John 10:10--"I have come to give you life and life to the full." The truth is that salvation takes place inwardly at point of spiritual "conception." Let's seek His Spirit in all that we do and we will glorify and honor Father.

Just some random thoughts on Jesus

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The Kingdom of Christ

2007-05-22T07:06:00.000-04:00

What is the Kingdom of Christ? Is it in death? Is it in life? The answer is yes to both questions. Christ wants us to rethink our daily life--to become a "greater" person by giving, serving and loving ALL peoples. Christ also ensures us that we have a promised home in death as well. What part of this is the easiest to take hold? Which part is the most difficult? Just a thought.

My Struggle

2007-05-15T08:59:00.000-04:00

"25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?? Matthew 6:25-28

Recently, I have allowed the world to overwhelm me. I was caught up with the stresses of life--testing, parenting, etc. I wanted nothing more than to escape the world, yet I did not seek my Jesus. Instead of seeking my Father, I sought the world...Ironic, I know, but the truth is Jesus reminds us that this is the pattern of human nature without Jesus.

Look at verses 25-28. We worry about everything, yet Jesus tells us to worry about nothing. Ponder that--We are to worry only about our relationship with God, and all else flows from that...What does that mean?

Maybe this will be the conversation we have on Thursday.

Nonconformity

2007-05-05T14:32:00.000-04:00

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

In Romans 12:1, we are called to live as living sacrifices to our God. This is followed about our nonconformmity to this world. This reminds me of what Jesus said that we are not to be of this world (John 17). Jesus has sanctified us through his ministry and resurrection. Now, we not only have words to follow, but an example. Jesus wants us to reject the World's standards and live by His standards--to be HOLY and PURE.

Let us pray over this and begin to seek His journey through our own lives.

Living Sacrifice

2007-05-01T07:53:00.000-04:00

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship." Romans 12:1

My Bible study has called me to rethink this verse--How does my living sacrifice look to God? Is it holy and pleasing?

I want to say IT LOOKS BEAUTIFUL and YES it is HOLY and PLEASING...yet, I sit here typing thinking of how ugly it is. My ego drives my life, my desires drive my mind....Hasn't Jesus called us to live IN the world, not OF the world???

Today, I will continue to pray about this. I hope you will, too.

Jesus wants the intimate relationship with you, all you have to do is be willing.

2007-04-25T06:43:00.000-04:00

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Corinthians 4:4 (NIV)

Jesus has given Christians a treasure of eternal life. Eternal Life that begins now, not in the future death. So many times Christians are forward looking rather than what God has given to us right now.

Meditate on the verse--God gave us the treasure in "jars of clay." Why does Paul use language of weakness? Jars of clay are fragile waiting to be shattered. Yet, this is the image that is used.

Are we the Jars of Clay? What does Jesus' secret look like in the jars?

I belief that the secret is the eternal life that has been bestowed on us. This is something rare and valuable. No other religion in the world uses the language of right here, right now. God wants to change all of us from the inside, giving way to eternal life with HIM.

I pray that all of you have this secret in your "jar of clay" and share it every chance you get.

Reading the Word

2007-04-22T13:16:00.000-04:00

Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near. Revelation 1:3

Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 1 Peter 2:11

Looking at these two verses, one may say they have nothing in common, but reread them. What does God promise in Revelation 1:3? What does God say through 1 Peter 2:11.

I have recently relearned the importance of God's Word and the application to my life. God wants us to use His Word to ward off the evil. Only through reading and understanding God's Word can we truly be blessed!

I am sad to say most church-going folks only look at God's Word once a week (at church). This saddens me because God wants to BLESS US so much. Yet, we refuse His blessings by refusing His own Word.

Pray over this today. What can God say to you today in His Word that can relieve the stress, sin, or obstacle in your life?

A Refreshed Look at the Parable of the Sower

2007-04-19T07:36:00.000-04:00

2He taught them many things by parables, and in his teaching said: 3"Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. 8Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, multiplying thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times."

9Then Jesus said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." Mark 4:2-9 (NIV)

Many times, I,like so many Christian teachers, use this to force the listeners to identify which part they fit. I am reading a Bible Study as well as a book by McLaren (The Secret Message of Christ) and have been rocked by the spiritual truths Jesus is saying here.

Jesus most likely wanted each of the listeners to identify what part they are, but most importantly He wanted the listeners to REFLECT and realize each listener is all parts of this parable at different times. Maybe it is time for us to rethink the way we read the parables and other parts of scripture. Rather than looking for a single absolute conclusion, let us ponder the spiritual truths and allow the Holy Spirit to teach us.

Remember, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear [spiritually]"

STOP IT!

2007-04-17T07:53:00.000-04:00

"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eath with him, and he with me." Revelation 3:20 (NIV)

Jesus is constantly at my door. I sit and ignore His call often. I do not realize the Power He holds and the salvation He offers. I have tasted eternal life with the belief in Him, but the continuous salvation I seek in this life is not in Him but the world.

An author--Carole Lewis--illustrates this in her Bible lessons. She asked today, if Jesus was physically at the door, what obstacles would I have to overcome to get to Him? What things would I hide before opening the door. I am ashamed to say that there is many.

Wow--Jesus is ALWAYS with me, yet I drift away. I try to live my life out for myself. As Carole Lewis is telling me to do--STOP IT!

Maybe the day is today for me to do this....put Jesus in my life FIRST, ALL OF THE TIME!

Proverbs 4--An eye opener

2007-04-13T09:01:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I was struggling with life in general. God opened this chapter to me and fed my soul...

Proverbs 4:4--my Father said, "Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live..." Wow. The truth my Father speaks is so grand--His commands bring life; inversely, rejecting His commands brings death....

He goes on and speaks of wisdom and its protection over us. This is true today with the Holy Spirit! The Wisdom God brings gives us life and protection....

The most powerful part for me, though, was verses 10-19. Keep His instructions in heart, seek righteousness, flee from wicked....the wicked destroy, they cannot sleep, the bread of wickedness and wine of violence destroys them.....\

vs. 18-19--"The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full lift of day, But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble."

In my rambles this morning, remember that seeking righteousness brings life. We may struggle with sin, but sin has no victory over us....He has won our battle for us with the Cross and Resurrection....Maybe, it is today we may life with this knowledge, not remembering the past but seeking the lively future Jesus has called us to....

God Bless

Jesus is Knocking

2007-04-11T09:20:00.000-04:00

"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock.
If anyone hears my voice and opens the door,
I will come in and eat with him,
and he with me." Revelations 3:20 (NIV)

A powerful verse to be heard, not only as an individual but as a Church as a whole. Where is the American Church today? Divided? Carrying different agendas? Patriotism or Liberalism? Where do you fit?

In the past 16 years, I have learned that both the "Christian Right" and the "Liberal Christian Front" (as I call it) carry not the message of our Savior but of their own agendas. Instead of God's Word molding who they are, they mold God's Word around who they think they are. This is an important difference.

Maybe it is more important to soak up God's Word and put it into action rather than focusing on our other agendas.

I love Jesus! I love serving my Lord and Savior. I love the man He is molding in my life. He is knocking and I pray I am answering (not only as an individual, but a church leader that desires nothing more than He!)

Are you hearing the knocking or are you too busy????

Just a thought

The Struggle

2007-04-09T06:43:00.000-04:00

I have struggled with overeating for several years. I love to sit done and gorge on the tasty food. I realized this past week that this was my own replacement for womanizing and alcohol. The World sees it in so much a better of light than the past sins, yet people think--just run it off or cut back a little. That is a nice thought, but the root of the overeating is SIN. I pray that God will take this desire away right now. I will continue to pray for this. Sin is nasty. All it will do is kill me.

Journey or Struggle--How does my walk with Jesus look?

2007-04-07T13:07:00.000-04:00

Romans 7:14-25 New International Version (NIV)

14We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[a] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

21So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22For in my inner being I delight in God's law; 23but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. 24What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin

The Thought--As I struggled with Law (which in my life looked like Humanist Ethics) I thought I could overcome the world. I lived to a standard most people around me thought was AWESOME--a coach, teacher, wow...what a sacrifice I made for society. Oh yeah, btw, I did this all to lift up my own self-worth. When all the ethics failed and I fell into a depression because of the failure of my humanist beliefs, I struggled.

That is where Jesus met me in the summer of 1997. It took the entire Fall season of 1997 to convert and transform my heart, but I knew that no longer could I carry the burden of my sin.

Today I wonder what my students and others around me see--do they see my life as a journey of freedom in Christ or a struggle against the overwhelming law that I continue to seek. Just a thought...

Just Praying

2007-01-27T14:35:00.000-05:00

I am working on school work and just began to pray for the Gathering. About the different members and where they are on their journeys with Christ. I have realized that this is a home for some, a stepping stone for others, and nothing to some people.

I pray for the souls of all those who have entered the realm of the Gathering and hope that each journey has been moved closer to Father, rather than self.

God is trying to teach me about the meaninglessness of the concept of "self". What does self really mean? How is the Gathering helping you understand that God is ALWAYS greater than self.

Just a thought, what do you think?

Advent Season

2006-12-02T14:19:00.000-05:00

Let us bring in Christmastide with a heart for Christ rather than a heart for possessions and commercialism. Each day this month, pray the following:

1. Thank God for the Birth of Christ

2. Thank God for the freedom the resurrection of Christ brings

3. Thank God for the return of Christ (the second coming)

4. Ask God for understanding of the Christmas Season.

May God bless you

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The Wide Path--Case Study of Lot

2006-11-07T09:37:00.000-05:00

Jesus challenged us to choose the narrow gate to righteousness and warned that the wide path leads to destruction. The narrow gate is one of holiness, seeking God's face with all of our energy. The wide path is that of the world. The wide is made up of lies and corruption. Rather than finding a sense of salvation, those find emptiness and despair. Now, with that let's look at Lot's life.

Read Genesis 12:1-5.
Lot's journey begins with Abram taking him away from the past. Abram has been promised a great future and is willing to take his nephew. Lot begins this journey follow a man--Abram--not God. No where does it say that Lot knew God or he was seeking God's face.

Read Genesis 13:8-11

What was LotÂs sin? It was the idea that Abram had brought him along this great journey and instead of submitting to his uncle, Lot chose the greatest for himself. (True, Abram offered it, but humility was not a product of Lot.)

Genesis 13:12-13
What was LotÂs sin? Instead of seeking God, Lot chose to place his tents (with his daughters) outside the sinful city of Sodom. He did not see the destructive nature but the possibility of wealth and lust that a city brings. He had been given a great piece of land, yet he moves to the boundary that would lead him to sin.

Genesis 19

Lot obviously has no idea who God is. He chose to move into the city of sin. He recognized the angels but did not offer his family protection. His future sons-in-laws failed to recognize God''s will. Lot's wife failed to yield to the directions of God. His daughters, in fear of survival of their family, chose to have sex with their father rather that seeking God.

Lot chose the easy pathway. He saw wealth and the temptations of urban life. Rather than working hard on the land, he chose to risk his family's well-being for his own desires. This is all a product of his journey. Rather than learning about God from Abram, Lot chose to follow his own evil desires.

This is the wide path. As you read and ponder these truths, you must ask God what parts of your life are related to this "wide path" mentality.

The Narrow Gate or Wide Pathway

2006-10-30T06:22:00.000-05:00

The question for the Christian is what pathway do we go? Do we join the world and go the wide way or do we seek Jesus in the narrow gate. This week, we begin a Biblical journey at looking at different examples of this. Join me in reading about Abram and Lot in Genesis beginning in Genesis 12. God Bless.

"Sinners Saved By Grace; Saints Sanctified by Christ"

2006-09-30T11:40:00.000-04:00

Interesting concepts are being discussed here. Now, the conservative movement (which I know Corey and I are part of) focuses more on our identification in "sin." The Romans passage seen in Corey's passage is interesting paradox.

If you read the epistles as a single reading, you will find that Paul identifies ALL believers as "saints," "brothers and sisters" and "believers." You never find a statement of condemnation. This is important because I think the Southern Baptist movement sometimes preaches about "sinners" and allows very little movement towards HOLINESS.

With this said, you guys are correct! But remember, God calls us to be saints, not sinners. This is why Jesus (in the Sermon on the Mount) calls His followers to seek holiness, not sin. Read the Sermon and ponder what it means to be "poor in spirit" "meek" and the other terms that Jesus says are BLESSED!

God Bless

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A Cool Thought

2006-09-17T19:54:00.000-04:00

I was told last week that, "Christians are no longer 'sinners saved by grace,' but 'Christians are saints and sin is outside of that character. Therefore, Christians are to identify themselves not in their sin but in their Savior."

What do you think about that?

The Behavior of the Christian and the Law

2006-09-11T18:17:00.000-04:00

Right now, read Matthew 5:13-20 and meditate on Jesus' words. Ponder this question--how are Christians free from the law and yet must follow the Law?

The Modern Church has manipulated this to make people "work." Rather than living freedom, Christians have been convinced to WORK for the church, not necessarily for Christ. Many people in the church have never done anything for the sake of Christ but for the sake of works. In our Protestant beliefs that salvation is by faith alone, we have built it upon a foundation of works.

Now, with that said, Christ was quite clear. We are to live a life of "salt" and of "light." We are to work within the Law of Christ, yet we are to live by the freedom Christ has given us. Now the questions for you to answer are:

What does it mean to be "salt" and "light"?
What does it mean be saved by grace and yet live within law?

Good Luck, and reply!

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Self Improvement 101

2006-08-15T11:24:00.000-04:00

Recently, I have seen several self-help Christian books and messages; most, if not all, missed the Gospel. Where has American Christians gone? We have gone to the world's message that we are powerful enough to solve our own problems and addictions. Think about the Old Testament story of the Tower of Babel. Is this where we have come?

Read the parable of two builders (Matthew 7:24-27). Think about your life--have you listened and allowed Jesus to work through you or have you continued to hold on to your own power? I struggled with sin for so long because I wanted to rid myself from it--isn't that what our preachers preach, "Save yourself"? Wow, a statement of self-worth and self-reformation that has no truth in Jesus's thoughts.

Read and reflect Matthew 12:43-45. Wrestle with that parable. If I, on my own power correct a sin, that spirit of sin will return with seven of his worse buddies. At the end, I am worse off because I relied on my power, not the power of God.

Pray through this and respond.

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Hosea--A Love Story

2006-07-25T19:08:00.000-04:00

As you read Hosea, ponder God's love for you and His people.

What challenges face God's people operating in His love?

What are the consequences of sin? To what degree does God "punish" us?

Respond to these thoughts or just respond within your own reading.

My Daughter

2006-06-29T22:43:00.001-04:00

Tonight I was reading to my 5 year old daughter, kaity. She is so cool. She has such a heart for Christ and understands so much more than most of the christians I know. I now know what Jesus meant when He said we must have faith of the children or we will never get to Heaven. The children know about dependence and love. Maybe we need to learn the same.

Amazing Jesus

2006-06-27T07:23:00.000-04:00

Corey and I have been having a discussion about many things, but God has really blessed our discussion on Luke 4. Wow...

Read Luke 1-3 first and see all of the wonderful supernatural things that occurred before the birth of Christ.

Now, look at Christ's baptism in chapter 3. The wonderful event is followed by God being proud of His Son.

I don't know about you, but I strive for that time when I have a glimpse at God's proudness. I know I am unworthy of His presence, but God continues to reveal Himself to me.

I pray that your journey is similar if not surpassing mine.

God Bless

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My Jesus

2006-06-24T10:17:00.000-04:00

I was listening to Todd Agnew's song "My Jesus" the other day and just began to ponder who my JESUS was, is, and is to come. So much about Him i don't know. I love his passion for the underprivileged and his love of those who were rejected. He judged harshly the self-righteous and wealthy/comfortable. He healed the sick (both physically and emotionally). He suffered a humiliating, painful death and put our sins to death as well. He rose from the dead leaving our sin behind. He ascended to Heaven after forty days of teaching his disciples.

This I know, but why does He love me? I rejected Him, blamed Him, hated Him for so long and yet He waited for me.

I cannot wait to know Him more and more.

What are your thoughts?

Having a Blessed Summer

2006-06-19T16:04:00.000-04:00

The Gathering is rockin'. God is bringing so many different types of people into a stinking coffee shop to hear about Jesus. That is a cool thing this summer.

But not the coolest. The coolest thing is teaching my five year old daughter about Christ. God has given me to her to teach and to raise with scripture. I pray that all of you out there have someone this summer that you are mentoring--a child, a friend, a prisoner...anyone who knows less about Jesus than you do. If you do, then you too will have a blessed summer.

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June 1, Hurricane Season is upon us

2006-06-01T06:55:00.000-04:00

The spiritual hurricane that overtakes this world is largely ignored. We, as Christians, sit and watch the world fall apart, but we do little--maybe I should say "I" rather than "we." I struggle as you do--with work/school, family, friends, faith....I feel "too busy" to do much, "too insignificant." What am I to do? Actually get off my butt and help? Am I to go beyond my means and live for others?

I don't know about you, but this summer is not about me. I pray that this is about teaching my Gathering members, my daughter and my wife how to minister to others (I left my son out because he is 1, not really old enough to understand).

How does that look to serve others? How can we reach out to touch the lives of the down-and-out? How can we reach the wealthy? How can we reach the middle-class? What can we do as the Gathering to come out of our Christian closet and reach the "sinners" of the world....by the way, that might even mean those sitting in the pews next to you at Church....

Another rambling thought--

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Christian Memorials

2006-05-30T07:26:00.000-04:00

The past two days, I have been praying about heroes--soldiers who died protecting the US as well as my Christian heroes. These are men and women who stood for something greater than themselves--either their patriotism or faith guided their decisions.

Read Hebrews 11 and think about all of the heroes we fail to remember--Enoch, Abel, Rahab, etc. These were people who lived so long ago with no knowledge of Christ or the Holy Spirit and they stood for truth. Today, we have it easier--we have been given the Holy Spirit to direct us.

Think about the Christians in Indonesia, Africa, and other parts of the world who are in constant fear of death or persecution. These are people who seek something greater than themselves.

Look at yourself--do you stand for something greater than yourself? I know I fail too often. My prayer is for each one of us to learn to stand for God so our witness becomes God's witness to all.

God Bless,

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The Growing Christian

2006-04-26T21:38:00.000-04:00

I was praying through John 3 the last few days. What a powerful statement of understanding! Nicodemus comes to Jesus to better understand and Jesus leads him through a journey.

Where are you on your journey? Have you stumbled over the starting line? Are you just warming up? Or are you truly running?

Christ wants us to continue to learn and meditate on His truth. The Bible is an important book, but it is irrelevant if we refuse to seek and wrestle with the Truth God wants us to know.

I challenge you today to wrestle with your journey...where are you?

Drugs and America

2006-04-08T09:36:00.000-04:00

I find it interesting that as America raises its arms in praise of athletes and other celebrities, very few remember Dwight Gooden. Dwight was one of the greatest pitchers ever to walk onto a field. He ignited the 1986 Mets to a World Series and then......drugs, promiscuity, financial woes. What happened?

As a minister to the young, I realize that in this fast pace world, there are few refuges. Rather than seeking peace and stability for a moment, the young would rather seek a new high. I was no different when I was in my 20's. I am lucky not to be Gooden in jail right now. I am lucky not to be Len Bias, dead on the night of his first pick in the NBA draft.

What saved me? Not the alcohol. Not the drugs. Not the womanizing. Not the refuge of the world at another night at the bars or parties. What saved me? Jesus....

What would have happened to Gooden if he had a transforming meeting with Jesus? Rather than Clemens being the greatest ever, Gooden would be seen as the greatest. Not on his own strength, but the power of the great Savior.

Today, I pray for Gooden. I pray for his salvation...not just a salvation from Hell after death, but a salvation from the Hell he is living in right now...the Hell of addiction. Only Jesus can truly free him, I pray he will meet him where he is..

Putting things into perspective

2006-04-03T21:36:00.000-04:00

Today, I went from having a spiritual high to having a spiritual crisis. My brother told me he was getting separated and probably a divorce. One of my students at the Gathering told me his mother had a heart attack and will have to have open heart surgery. Another witness an elderly woman die last night. A student also called me to tell me that her mother was seriously ill and had no one really to talk to.

Wow, where am I? I prop myself up and act as some spiritual leader and yet I offer no real answers on my own power. Reality--God alone is the answer. I sit in my nice ranch home, driving my nice truck, hanging out with my healthy children. I go to a church with over a million in the building fund. I teach students who have all the ipods computers and whatever they want. Yet, the reality is there is pain, suffering and misery. What really is the answer?

I offer the only answer I know--Jesus heals! He does not necessarily give millions of dollars or heal all of the illnesses. All he cares about is salvation....not in death but in this life.

Who is your Jesus? I know my Jesus is that guy who welcomes the sick, those in despair, and the struggling and gives them a foundation to rest on. God Bless.

A thought

2006-03-04T09:42:00.000-05:00

I was "saved" in a traditional conservative Southern Baptist church. I never experienced the charismatic side of worship until much later (5 years or so). I was confused--what is right in worship? What is wrong?

In the end, I realized that no one person can tell you what is right and wrong. That is up to the Holy Spirit.

What do you think?

Religion vs. Relationship

2006-02-28T06:34:00.000-05:00

We discussed last night about the problem with "religion." Being religious to me means you have an obligation to do it. Having a relationship with Christ means you choose to do something to know Him better.

It is more like a relationship. If I felt I HAD to do something for my wife, then she would be more offended that I did it. If I choose to do something for her because I absolute am in mad love with her, the relationship is built up.

Think about that next time you are worshipping Jesus. Are you lifting Him up because you absolutely love Him, cherish what He has done for you, and cannot wait to see what He has for in the future; or is it out of mere obligation?

Think about it!

Worship--What is it?

2006-02-17T20:21:00.000-05:00

What is worship to you?

The Holy Spirit is Your Teacher

2006-02-11T13:43:00.000-05:00

I was meditating on 1 John 2. John writes that you do not need a teacher, since the anointing of the Holy Spirit is our teacher. We, as a fellowship of believers, are to encourage each other.

With that said, in what ways does God call us to allow the Holy Spirit to invade our lives and teach us the Christ-way of life?

Christian Love

2006-01-28T08:51:00.000-05:00

I was pondering "Christian Love" over the past few weeks. With controversial comments by other Evangelical leaders, I wondered what Christ would say.

What is love? "Love your God" and "Love your neighbor" is a directive, but what does that really mean?

I have defined Love your God as an individual relationship with Christ. Meditating, seeking His face, and putting forth effort to understand His call in your life today.

I have defined Love your Neighbor as your corporate journey. The relationships you have with both believers and non-believers. Christ demonstrated this journey with his disciples and the "sinners." Christ calls us to develop relationships to understand the needs around us and begin to fulfill them in His name. Not to increase our church numbers, but to increase our own personal love supply.

What do you think?

was

Evangelism Today

2006-01-22T06:48:00.000-05:00

So many times evangelism is equated to conversions. The "best" evangelists are those who have the most "conversions." I was pondering lately the idea of modern evangelism. The idea of mass conversions failed to impress me.

Instead of "conversion," maybe we should be focused on "conversations." That is the evangelism today. Truly loving people for who they are and introducing Christ not in a formula but in a real life on-going conversation. Rather than "proving God," we should allow the Holy Spirit guide us in conversations.

Just a thought,

was

What do you offer non-believers?

2006-01-16T16:46:00.000-05:00

I was sitting in a Sunday school yesterday and was blown away. Of course, the Sunday school teacher did not get my comment, but it was one that has had me thinking all day. "What do we offer non-believers?"

Think about the evangelism you have learned--the question is always, "if you died tonight where would you go--Heaven or Hell?" The youth ministry events you once went to--what was the final question of the night--"Believe in Christ, and you will not go to Hell."

When we approach non-believers, we offer Hell. We do not offer hope. We offer a negative approach--you're going to Hell, why not go to Heaven? I think we have missed the mark in evangelism.

Think about Paul! He never offered Hell. In his epistles, I cannot recall once him telling the non-believers they were going to Hell. Instead, he offered more of himself.

Read Romans 9:3--"For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race..." Wow, what a statement. His prayer was that-- He wanted his Jewish brothers to known Christ so badly, he would sacrifice his own salvation. He knew it could never be done, but what a powerful statement.

The question I have for you is this--when you bring Jesus to others, do you offer Hell as the alternative, or do you offer the Hope in Christ? Do you honestly hurt for those around you who are condemned, or do you see yourself as a marketing manager for God?

Think about it,

was

Advent--Bringing Back Ritual

2005-12-15T06:27:00.000-05:00

I am not an expert at ritual. The one thing I have learned from the past three years since I began seeking a new direction in my Christian journey is that many people not in the church are seeking true religious experiences. They do not want just a warm-fuzzy god, but a God that is alive in their lives.

In the early Church, rituals, such as Advent, were used to bring about a CONSCIENCE decision to remember Jesus. That is the purpose of ritual. It is not an empty work. Can some become empty, of course; just as many churches today are spiritually empty.

I challenge you to seek out what type of rituals you can find on the web that will bring you back to the remembering Christ, EVERYDAY of the Christmastide--that is the first four weeks of December.

Respond with you ideas and your finds.

God Bless,

was

What is Advent?

2005-12-11T07:26:00.000-05:00

I have not thought a lot about Advent. What is it? I actually do not know what it actually is. I know that we have an advent wreath at church that is lit every Sunday. We have a short lesson in which I cannot recall what it is on. It typically is a moment in which I and all others around us are looking for a pen, paper, and rustling through the Bible, purse, or other belongings so we can be ready for the preaching.

I am sad to say that I did not know much about the Advent season. So, the challenge for you is this: answer the question, "What is the Advent?"

God Bless,

was

The Righteous Life--Titus 3:1-11

2005-12-02T06:31:00.000-05:00

My main focus on my Christ journey is mercy and grace. Rather than judging non-believers, I seek to embrace them. I oppose any teaching of "Good Christians." That term festers the idea of legalism--"To be a good Christian you must...."

But, what does a Christian life look like? How are we to live righteously? I know we cannot life such a life on our own. As sinners, we will fail every time. But Christ taught about being the light. How can a believer live and teach righteousness without being legalistic?

Read Titus Chapter 3. We are to live with with the "hope of eternal life." We should "maintain good works" not because we want to look good, but to serve Christ. We are not to be caught in "foolish disputes" at church, but we are to "reject a divisive man" when he acts self-righteous.

Meditate on these thoughts. How are we to live a righteous life before men without trying to get attention? How are we to rebuke sinners at church? How are we to live?

God Bless,

was

My Personal Race--Testimony

2005-11-24T09:19:00.000-05:00

I began my race with Christ over 7 years ago. I found myself at the very bottom! I had failed all of the man-made ethics that made me a "good person." The summer of 1997, I found myself with no where to go.

That is where I met Jesus--the real Jesus that loved me. Not the Jesus preached on TV or in a church I once went to. Their Jesus was one of doom and gloom. He JUDGED and HATED sinners. Sinners should feel ashamed of who they were. This Jesus I wanted to stay away from. But the REAL Jesus called me to Him, without all of the dogma of the modern church.

Jesus welcomed me for who I was--an unrepentant sinner. A man lost without hope! Christ opened His arms and said, "Are you ready?" I then began to interact with Him through the Holy Spirit. I accepted Christ--the loving God who is promised in the Bible.

Today, I have a greater understanding of who Christ is in my life. Rather than the initial reactions of ecstasy, I now have an appreciation of how Christ has saved my life and can save others.

Rather than preaching a Christ of judgment, I preach of a Christ of love. A Christ who only judged those who were judging others, the religious leaders who were self-righteous. I pray that I am a leader of love and caring.

I have not yet completely taken hold of Christ's love, but I continue to stride forward daily to see God active in my life.

God Bless,

was

Worship in the Race

2005-11-22T06:49:00.000-05:00

Jesus said the greatest commandment was "Love your Lord, your God with all your heart, mind, and soul." In what aspect does this fit in our race today? How do we express our love for God?

Is it during the worship service at your church? I hope this is not considered the expression of love! I see people ignoring the song, going through the "motions," and people who just are not interested.

"Singing is not my thing," is the typical reaction. I think dying on the Cross was not Jesus's thing either but he sacrificed himself for us. I believe that is why in 1 John 4:10 John writes "This is love, not that we love God, but He loved us first and sent his son as an atoning sacrifice for our sin."

So, if the worship service is not the primary place to show our love for God, where do we do it?

Questions to ponder:
1. Where do you worship and how does it look?

2. Why is worship such an important part of our Race?

God bless,

was

What is the Race?

2005-11-20T06:40:00.000-05:00

I believe the components of the race are discipleship (training), prayer (being coached), fellowship among other Christians (support), worship (expression of our race), and evangelism (the actual game).

Now, if these are the components I have view, what am I failing at? Evangelism. I have not had the passion of other siblings in Christ. I practice, I have support, I am well-trained, and yet I do not seem to ever get involved in the actual game--leading others into a saving relationship with Christ.

As Christians, we are to evaluate our own journey with Christ daily. This is not to compare ourselves to other Christians, but to hold our record to that of Christ. Only then can our true journey and our true weaknesses can be revealed. As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:31--

"I die every day--I mean that brothers as surely as I glory over you in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Questions to ponder and answer--
1. What are your weaknesses?

2. Where has your journey led you?

3. How do you die daily in Christ?

God Bless,

was

Running the Race--2 Timothy 4:7

2005-11-15T07:04:00.000-05:00

"Do you not know that in a race all runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

"Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7

Paul used the imagery of a race numerous times. Read the scriptures above. Now the question is what is the race you are running? What is the prize in which Christ has called you to obtain?

Ponder and respond...

God Bless

was

What is Perseverance?

2005-11-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

Perseverance is the most controversial words today. What does it mean to persevere?

Read James 1 and ponder this thought.

God Bless

was

God's Allotment for Your Life--Joshua 13

2005-11-03T06:55:00.000-05:00

I wonder how many blessings from God I have missed because of my own desires. Rather than listening to the Holy Spirit's lead, I go my own way--with work, ministry, coaching, being a husband and so much more. What if I always followed the call of God and completed the task ahead of me? Unfortunately, the previous opportunities have been passed by never to come back again.

Well, I am not alone in the missed blessings. Read Joshua 13 and find out about missed blessings. In verses 9-14. God told Joshua of His plan to give so much land to the Israelites. But, obviously, for the Israelites, when it came down to driving the people of Geshur and Maacah out, they had already "enough" land or the fear they could not win.

That is so much like today's Christians. We don't pray for "little stuff" because it "doesn't matter." When God calls us to do big stuff, we find reasons not to complete the task.

The question for us today is this--1) How many times have we missed blessings of God because of our own desires? (2) How can we not miss future blessings?

God Bless,

was

A Record--Joshua 12

2005-11-01T07:13:00.000-05:00

You are frustrated. You have not seen God work in your life lately. What do you do? Give up? That is what Joshua knew would happen to the Israelites, therefore he included this record of victory. God used this chapter to remind the Israelites how far they had come. God had rewarded their obedience.

That is what God wants you to do. When you are rewarded for obedience, write it in a journal. Then, when you are in the desert you can look back and see how God had worked in your life and how God is working now.

Maybe its your turn to start writing a record of God's successes.

God Bless,

was

What Do We Shoot For?

2005-10-30T19:13:00.001-05:00

As Evangelical Christians, I always have thought about what we stand for and how we are perceived. Ask a friend what they think about the Evangelical Movement. They will either say they have never heard of it or they will say that it is about going to Hell and things we cannot do.

This is a sad statement on our faith. Southern Baptists must begin to define ourselves by what we stand for rather than what we stand against. We must unite in faith and love rather than hatred and judgment.

What do you think about that?

was

God's Will, Not Our Own, Joshua 11

2005-10-18T06:01:00.000-04:00

Have you been directed by God to complete a task? How far did you go with that task? Did you stop when the Holy Spirit said enough? Or did you continue on you own strength? Or, were you afraid of the task that was at hand? Instead of completing it, you went the opposite direction?

All of these outcomes are very plausible, and very American. The reason for this is Americans work on their own strength--self-made people. Rather than relying on God, we think we can do it ourselves. We mask this by saying that "I'm OK, God has more important things to do."

Well, the Israelites found themselves with an awesome task, one that must have seemed overwhelming. Conqueror the people in the promised land to the point of death. Wipe out the entire population so that the Israelites can have the land in which God had already given them.

For the most part, the Israelites followed God's direction, relying on His strength alone. When they failed, they quickly learned that God's way was the best.

As we read chapter 11, we see the completion of the task. I wonder how many of the Israelites were saying--"Let's go on. We are the greatest people ever." Think about it, that is human nature. "God is on our side so let's take advantage of it!" These were probably the same people who were saying "This task is too great, let's go back to Egypt."

But instead, the Israelites "had rest from war." Wow, all that fighting and Joshua said enough, God has completed our task. What an amazing end to an amazing journey.

The question for you is this--are you willing to complete God's task on God's terms?

God Bless,

was

A Call for Action

2005-10-08T08:05:00.000-04:00

I have been praying throughout the month about what God can use us to do. We have planned an October 22 bonfire, but what about a ministry? Do you know anyone who is really in need that we can help?

Call me--575-9500

Do you seek God's Protection--Joshua 10

2005-10-08T07:56:00.000-04:00

In today's word, so many crises sweep us into ourselves. Rather than looking outward to support and offer the love of God, we fortify ourselves. How is God going to use you if you refuse to be used?

In this passage, the Gibeonites are like those who surround us. Maybe a none believer who is watching our witness or a new believer that is under attack from Satan needs protection. What are you going to do?

If you reach out and protect him like the Israelites did you may lose study time or time scoping out girls/guys. So, you ignore or even join in the destructive behavior.

What if you did reach out? What if you said to God, let me be used at this moment?

I have always been one who struggles at being stretched, but I do know that when you let God stretch you, God will work miracles in your life.

Share a time with us that you were stretched and the results so we can witness God's work in your life.

God Bless,

kev

Whose Your Boss? Joshua 9

2005-09-12T05:56:00.000-04:00

The greatest commandment is "Love your Lord your God with all you heart, mind, and strength." What does that mean in our daily life. It means exactly what Jesus said it meant--the number one thing in your life is God. In all aspects if your life, God should be the greatest influence and it should be obvious to others that God is so important.

Joshua made a grave mistake in Joshua 9. Rather than consulting the Lord, he took matters in his own hands. What seemed to be an easy affair to complete turned out to be more of a burden than the Israelites ever thought. Rather than following through with God's commands, he took care of an insignificant agreement with a "faraway land." Problem--this people were his neighbors that God had told him to destroy. When this group came to him to gain a covenant, Joshua quickly wanted to show his political suave and complete it on his own--sorry God, I can do this one myself. Instead of gaining fame and glory with the first treaty his people signed, he was embarrassed by the lies the people told them.

I don't blame the people. As in verses 24-25, this people was fearful so they did what every they could to survive. Joshua, on the other hand, completed a major piece of diplomacy without demonstrating that God was the center of his life.

Right now, ask yourself, Are you more like Joshua? Do you date people without consulting God? Do you make decisions without prayer? Do you decide things on your emotion rather than the Word of God? Most of us say yes to these questions. Guess what--that means that God is not number one in our lives--we are.

As you consider this truth, pray that God will deliver you from this self-centered mentality--I know I am right now!

was

Redemption--Joshua 8

2005-09-09T22:30:00.000-04:00

I thank God for the redemption He gave me. I had failed him for so many years. So many times my sin kept me from truly understanding His call and direction in my life. I think back at all of the blessings that I missed. Yet, rather than God striking me dead or turning His back on me, He continued to love me.

This is the same story we see in Joshua 8. The sin of Achan kept the Israelites from securing the blessing already promised. See, their sin blinded them from what God truly called them to do. Now, after the Israelites purged themselves of the sin, Joshua heard God's direction! With that direction, Joshua gained victory.

Is this the same in your life? Are you too busy to hear God? Are you too preoccupied to hear His word? Stop and seek redemption. With redemption, victory is a short distance away.

God Bless,

was

I Swear to God--Joshua 7

2005-09-02T07:55:00.000-04:00

Today, the words "I swear to God" are all around. Kids say it when they are proving things. I even hear adults say it when they are found in the wrong. I have to laugh at them. Think about it, these adults know they are wrong, know they are lying, but they will swear to God that the truth is told. What a bunch of melarky! Americans today throw God's name around like they own it.

Why is it important not to do this? For one thing, it is one of those little things known as the 10 Commandments. Another thing is that we are lying not only to the people around us, we are lying to God himself! We are making mini-covenants with him if we say that. Look at what Achan did.

Most of the readers of this passage would think the punishment was too harsh, but remember his sin brought death to other Israelites. Today, our punishments are not that harsh, but thinking about where the Israelites were and what they had before them, there was no room for error. So, Joshua, being the strong leader, knew what had to happen. Praise God that today we have room for error. How many times would have I been stoned for my sin? But, because we are not in the place where the Israelites were and because of the greatest gift of all--Jesus--we have more freedom.

Next time you want to use the Lord's name in vain, you may want to rethink it. If you want to "swear to God" you may want to ponder the great responsibility that actually is.

May God continue to bless you

was

God's Way--Joshua 5:13-6:27

2005-08-31T06:00:00.000-04:00

I remember an illustration used by a preacher years ago--a young man (much younger than myself) was returning home from a revival at his church. He heard a message on listening to the Holy Spirit and acting on its movements. The man was driving home when he felt the Spirit tell him to get a gallon of milk. He did it, not knowing why. Then, as he was driving the Spirit moved him to go home in a different path. He did it again not knowing why. Then, the Spirit moved on him to stop and knock on a door. He struggled with this one, especially since it was a poorer neighborhood around midnight. He finally did it. As he knocked on the door, a father opened the door and said--"What do you want?" The man held up the milk, and the father began to tear up. The father said, "Thanks, my baby needs milk but we can't afford it right now." The man went home knowing the power of God.

The movement of God is strange to us. God's rational thinking is so much above our own. In that way, I believe that God is neither rational nor irrational in the world's standards--He is God! Read the passage in Joshua. Think about what Joshua was thinking when he was chatting with the Lord.

The commander of God's army first states that he is on neither Joshua's side nor the enemies side--he was with God. God does not chose sides like we do in a football game. We must humbly chose to follow God.
God's war plan was a little unorthodox. No weapons would be used. The Israelites would march around great city of Jericho.
Instead of fighting, the Israelites would use horns and screams on the seventh day.
If the follow these instructions, victory would be theirs.

Now, place yourself in the Israelites' shoes. You leader has come to you and said that no weapons would be used, no fighting would be necessary for seven days, and the means of victory was marching around the city with horns. I don't think that sounds rational in the minds of man. We want victory. We want to crush our opponents. But God said no. God, in his rational and logical mind, wanted to remind the Israelites that victory was not something they could do on their own, but only through the power of God.

Now, as we ponder this story and see the great victory God gives, the question now is will you follow the Spirit's call even when it seems weird?

God Bless,

was

The Rites of Passage--Joshua 5:1-12

2005-08-29T06:03:00.000-04:00

A driver's license is one of many rites of passage teens go through during the maturation process. Once they receive the license, the teen truly becomes a free, young adult. Marriage is another rite. After the ceremony, the young adult transitions from a selfish state to more of a selfless state--a mark of becoming a mature adult.

Why are these rites so important? They are symbolic on our journeys through life. There are other spiritual rites that are as important, if we choose to take them. Like the Israelites entering the Promise Land, they had the choice to ignore the spiritual rites and continue on or reestablish the important rites that bring them a clearer understanding of their relationships with God.

So, upon entering Canaan, Joshua paused. Instead of being the immature conqueror, he paused to reestablish the Israelite commitment to God. I bet this was not popular with the Israelite men. Read verse 4. All of the men were to be circumcised. This is a painful operation today; think about the pain back then without our modern techniques. The men chose to fulfill their covenant (sacred agreement) with God. From that day on, the men made the statement that God was more important than the land, more important than their journey, more important than anything around them. The importance of this rite was not just the cutting of the foreskin, but the willingness to sacrifice.

Luckily for us today, circumcision is not the "covenant" that makes one a believer. The rite we must make today is the acceptance of Christ and to follow this with believer's Baptism. The Baptism is a symbolic rite that illustrates we as believers are willing to follow Christ no matter what.

Reread Joshua 5. Look at what happens once the covenant is reestablished. The manna stopped coming. The special food God had provided during the Israelite journey was no longer needed. The land was now given to the Israelites for them to live off of. They are to eat from the land. God moved from providing minimum food to providing protection and victory for the Israelites. The rite illustrated the Israelites, under Joshua, were ready for the next journey.

The question for you today is are you ready for the next journey or must you finish the one that God has set before you. I pray you will take this time to revisit your spiritual memorials and ask God what is the next rite of passage that is before you.

God Bless,

was

Journey Memorials--Joshua 4

2005-08-25T09:38:00.000-04:00

On vacations, many of my friends keep journals--either diary type or photo journals. They enjoy going back and remembering their journeys. Joshua did the same thing in Joshua 4. God commanded him, and Joshua followed the orders. Yet, in his directions to the Israelites, it is obvious that this was not just a "religious work," but a special duty Joshua was completing for God, the Israelites, as well as himself.

The memorials that were constructed were for different purposes. The one in the river was one done for those living at the time. As the Jordan was being held back by the power of God, they created this memorial for themselves. This was something they did to create a memory that would never go away. Obviously, as the river covered it, the generations after them would only enjoy the stories.

The other memorial was for the future generations to remember the power of God. Now, the story of the conquering of Canaan would not only be in words but in memorial--a visual representation so all could remember.

That is why spiritual memorials are so important for us on our Christian journeys. In the minds of this world, we forget that God's power is important in this busy, self-made world. In our minds, God can do little for us Americans since we can so much for ourselves. That is why God wants us to maintain a series of memorials to remember the work of God in our lives.

When was the last time you created a memorial--in words, on a website, or in art form? Maybe, as the Israelites crossed the Jordan, you should begin to create memories of what God has done for you, so that you will carry the memories throughout your life, as well as your future generations carry the memories on.

God Bless

was

The Power of God--Joshua 3

2005-08-23T09:28:00.000-04:00

So many times, Christians attempt to control situations. We pray about something, but then we use our own power in hopes of controlling it. Why? Probably because we don't want to take the time to purify ourselves with sacrifice and wait for the movement of God. Or maybe we are fearful of how God will lead us.

Read Joshua 3 and see how Joshua worked on the challenges before him. In verse 5 he told his people to "purify" themselves. Maybe that is what we should do as a church--the entire collective body. Rather than focusing only on our individual relationship with Christ, we should begin to focus on the community. Why? Read on in verses 7 and 8.

As the Israelites were faithful to Joshua's instructions, God spoke to Joshua--"I will make you great in the eyes of the Israelites." God was going to do incredible things that day. Do we believe that our prayers will be answered the same way? Do we as a church body believe in the mighty works of God? Or do we just believe in the works of God we can control? How can we expect results if we do not expect wondrous works of God?

As Joshua called his people to consecrate themselves and Joshua anticipated the great works of God, God proved himself faithful again--as he had done for Moses, God parted a body of water for the Israelites to cross. Now, rather than living in the past with the miracles of Moses, the Israelites lived in the present with the miracles of Joshua. That is what God is about. Not just us living in the past, or even living with the story of our salvation. God is about living in the present with his miracles all around us. Do you believe in the wondrous powers of God?

Think about God's power in your life today in your prayers. Ask God to reveal more power to you.

was

An Unexpected Leader--Joshua 2

2005-08-18T09:23:00.000-04:00

Think about the leaders you have in your life. Would you think of any of them as "drunks" or "homemakers" or "whores"? Have you heard the complete testimony of the leaders closest to you? Where are you on your walk with Christ? Are you the outstanding, morally perfect person everyone else "expects"?

I thank God everyday that He did not wait for my "perfection" before He met me and used me as a leader. As I stumbled and continue to stumble with sin, God has continuously rewarded my efforts that seek Him. I praise God for His love and mercy that saved me from death and destruction.

Read Joshua 2. The story of Rahab is amazing. A "whore" was used by God to protect His chosen people. What do you think the average Israelite leader would have said if the two spies said, "Oh, by the way, our victory is going to be secured by a prostitute. Oh, before I forget, we promised her protection and actually to include her in our people. Oh, yeah, God is going to allow our Savior's blood line to go through her. Is that OK with you?" Most would have rejected her and the spies with a statement like "Stupid sinners. God only works with the good people."

As Christians, we forget where we come from. I was a sinner and am a sinner. The only difference between me today and eight years ago is I am a repentant sinner. I seek my salvation through Christ, the atoning sacrifice for my sin.

So, remember, no matter where you are today in your spiritual journey--a repentant sinner looking for Christ's direction or a person who has no idea what that means--God can use you if you are willing.

Remember, Jesus came to save the sick, not the righteous. Jesus used the fishermen, a tax collector, and other lesser people as leaders rather than the accepted religious leaders of the day. If God can use a prostitute, a tax-collector, an uneducated person, and even a murderer, I truly believe He can use you where you stand today. Do not go and "change" yourself; allow God to love you and mold you.

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The Calling of a New Leader--Joshua 1

2005-08-15T14:05:00.000-04:00

In today's world, leaders are self-made. The leaders with the fewest mistakes and the greatest amount of luck rise to the top, while others falter. Few leaders seek guidance. Few leaders view themselves as less than their predecessors.

As I read Joshua 1, I can imagine the fear Joshua felt. Think about it, Moses had led the Hebrews out of slavery by "parting the Red Sea." In the weakness of the Israelites, Moses interceded. Moses knew God personally. Moses had "earned" his position of leadership in the eyes of the Israelites.

Now, Moses was dead. Instead of the great Moses, God was allowing Joshua to lead the people across the Jordan to the Promised Land. Joshua, who had no leadership training, was left there thinking about what was happening. The great leader was dead and Joshua was alone.

God stated three times--"Be strong and courageous"! Instead of being arrogant and "self-made," Joshua thought about failures. Instead of lifting himself up, he thought of the greatness of his predecessor. Instead of seeing the future, he saw himself at the time at the place he was--a weak man in need of his God.

What is wonderful about this passage is that when Joshua finally listened to God and realized that he could be courageous because he was strong in God, God rewarded him by having Joshua's men encourage him with the same words. Joshua's men accepted Joshua's leadership by stating "So be strong and courageous."

God is awesome. When we stress about the leadership positions that He puts on us, we need to think about Joshua listening to God--"Be strong and courageous." As Paul wrote to the Timothy--"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline." God gives us power through the Holy Spirit, therefore instead of fearing leadership, we should embrace it.

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Prayer Requests

2005-07-26T11:45:00.000-04:00

This is the area for The Gathering's prayer requests. Let us change our world by the power of prayer.