...by Bobby Jackson
Well, it has all come down to this. For the last several weeks we’ve been encouraged to identitfy, pray, respond in love, and to partner with what God is doing in the local church. Quite a good buzz especially this week about the power of a simple ask.
What draws me personally is having something worth asking people to. In my case I have two things: Suncrest and who Jesus is.
I am proud to invite people to know the people and culture of Suncrest. It is unlike anyplace I have ever been. I find myself getting genuinely jazzed about what we do here and it overflows when I talk with others about what we do or invite them to “come and see” or “kick the tires”. I think one of the most powerful influences for Christ is an authentic Christian community.
And of all the things I could give my life to or help others know about, helping people understand the crazy love of Jesus overwhelms me. When I begin to explain it or talk about what it looks like in my simple life, I am blown away at the magnitude of His grace and love. Getting started in the conversation is sometimes hard for me, but talking about God’s extreme love flows once it gets started.
What seems worth it to you? What are you willing to risk talking about? How much do we believe that Jesus really is who He said He is? Reflecting on that compels me/us. I pray it is a fruitful week as you and I look to invite our “one” to take a step toward a relationship with Jesus.
By the way, someone reminded me this week to not make a big deal about inviting our friend to Suncrest so that they don’t feel like they were just a project or a score for you…seemed like a good reminder.
Will your “one” be here this week?
Thursday, September 23, 2010
84. Rejoice In the Lord (Philippians 4:4-9).
by Wesley Blackburn
To me, Philippians 4:4-9 is one of the passages in the Bible that has the most to say to how I live my life and to provide the peace that God wants us to have through Jesus Christ. Paul's advice here has an incredible bearing upon our lives and I know that if we apply what Paul says here, it could totally revolutionize the way our lives look.
For me, though, the biggest thing we learn from this passage is the importance of us not worrying. Worry is an absolutely destructive force in our lives. When we worry, stress, fret, and fear, we can feel like we are living an absolutely miserable life. Things fall apart. Every waking moment is spent thinking about what is going wrong or what could go wrong. It is rough. It's also consuming.
Paul advises, though, instead of us worrying, we should pray. We need to come to God first with our problems, with our issues, and with the things that are weighing us down. Paul assures that when we pray, we will discover an incredible peace that overtakes us and reminds us that everything will be okay; that God is still in control and still on His throne. We never have a reason to fear when we remember that God is in control and is working out all things for the good of His kingdom and His children! What's even better is that Paul doesn't put some limit on what we can pray about. Simply anything that is a concern can be brought to God, asking for His help and His provision. Several books in the Bible remind us of that awesome fact.
I know that recently, my life has went through a real season of worry. It's been rough. But I also know that (sadly) in my worry, I often don't take my concerns to God in prayer. But when I do, I know that somehow, someway, I experience a real peace. And that is wonderful, especially in seasons of worry. So keep praying! God is listening. And that gives us a great reason to rejoice in the Lord.
To me, Philippians 4:4-9 is one of the passages in the Bible that has the most to say to how I live my life and to provide the peace that God wants us to have through Jesus Christ. Paul's advice here has an incredible bearing upon our lives and I know that if we apply what Paul says here, it could totally revolutionize the way our lives look.
For me, though, the biggest thing we learn from this passage is the importance of us not worrying. Worry is an absolutely destructive force in our lives. When we worry, stress, fret, and fear, we can feel like we are living an absolutely miserable life. Things fall apart. Every waking moment is spent thinking about what is going wrong or what could go wrong. It is rough. It's also consuming.
Paul advises, though, instead of us worrying, we should pray. We need to come to God first with our problems, with our issues, and with the things that are weighing us down. Paul assures that when we pray, we will discover an incredible peace that overtakes us and reminds us that everything will be okay; that God is still in control and still on His throne. We never have a reason to fear when we remember that God is in control and is working out all things for the good of His kingdom and His children! What's even better is that Paul doesn't put some limit on what we can pray about. Simply anything that is a concern can be brought to God, asking for His help and His provision. Several books in the Bible remind us of that awesome fact.
I know that recently, my life has went through a real season of worry. It's been rough. But I also know that (sadly) in my worry, I often don't take my concerns to God in prayer. But when I do, I know that somehow, someway, I experience a real peace. And that is wonderful, especially in seasons of worry. So keep praying! God is listening. And that gives us a great reason to rejoice in the Lord.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
83. The Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20).
by Wesley Blackburn
I remember when I was a kid, our Sunday School class had to memorize all the parts of the armor of God. I wish I could say that I did so really willingly and that it was a truly transforming thing for my life. Unfortunately, though, that was not the case. I was more excited about the Pop Tart I would get from my teacher after reciting them properly.
But years later, I think I've been able to shed that childlike idea about the armor of God. Now as I think about it, if we could master all of the stuff that Paul talks about being part of the armor of God, we'd be in good shape. Truth, righteousness, peace, and all of the other things Paul talks about in this passage are things that could truly transform our lives if we'd truly grasp them and live them out.
But I think the thing we need to latch onto in this passage is actually before Paul even lists out the armor of God. It comes in Ephesians 6:12, where Paul writes "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
I'm really not a fan of the people who pawn all of their life's difficulties off onto Satan. But I think I often go to the other extreme. I live so much in this world that I oftentimes forget that there's a whole spiritual world that I can't see. And that world has a real effect on my world. Sometimes the best tactic of the enemy is to lure us into forgetting that he really exists, and that I believe he really is oftentimes trying to work against us. He can put real obstacles in our way.
But the good news? We have a God who has overcome the enemy! We don't have to worry. And we can know that we will overcome as well, if we will only put on the armor of God.
I remember when I was a kid, our Sunday School class had to memorize all the parts of the armor of God. I wish I could say that I did so really willingly and that it was a truly transforming thing for my life. Unfortunately, though, that was not the case. I was more excited about the Pop Tart I would get from my teacher after reciting them properly.
But years later, I think I've been able to shed that childlike idea about the armor of God. Now as I think about it, if we could master all of the stuff that Paul talks about being part of the armor of God, we'd be in good shape. Truth, righteousness, peace, and all of the other things Paul talks about in this passage are things that could truly transform our lives if we'd truly grasp them and live them out.
But I think the thing we need to latch onto in this passage is actually before Paul even lists out the armor of God. It comes in Ephesians 6:12, where Paul writes "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
I'm really not a fan of the people who pawn all of their life's difficulties off onto Satan. But I think I often go to the other extreme. I live so much in this world that I oftentimes forget that there's a whole spiritual world that I can't see. And that world has a real effect on my world. Sometimes the best tactic of the enemy is to lure us into forgetting that he really exists, and that I believe he really is oftentimes trying to work against us. He can put real obstacles in our way.
But the good news? We have a God who has overcome the enemy! We don't have to worry. And we can know that we will overcome as well, if we will only put on the armor of God.
Friday, September 17, 2010
80. The Trip to Rome-Acts 25:1-28:31
...by Kay Roberts
Whew! That was wild and crazy reading! Is your head spinning? I know mine is.
I can’t imagine the ordeal that Paul went through on this trip. The trip itself was no picnic and to throw in on top all he had endured prior to setting foot on the ship. But what I can imagine is his faith in God. Throughout this entire reading, Paul never waivers. He is the one encouraging the sea captain and advising him even though he is prisoner. He doesn’t try and escape or manipulate those around him for his own agenda. He could’ve absolutely taken advantage of his position in offering counsel to this in charge of him but didn’t. Not once! What a beautiful example Paul has left us especially for this day and age when everyone is out for number one…themselves! His faith and trust in God was so strong that he didn’t waiver.
How can we apply this to our lives today? What steps do we need to take to move forward with our faith? How can we live more boldly in our lives like Paul did?
Whew! That was wild and crazy reading! Is your head spinning? I know mine is.
I can’t imagine the ordeal that Paul went through on this trip. The trip itself was no picnic and to throw in on top all he had endured prior to setting foot on the ship. But what I can imagine is his faith in God. Throughout this entire reading, Paul never waivers. He is the one encouraging the sea captain and advising him even though he is prisoner. He doesn’t try and escape or manipulate those around him for his own agenda. He could’ve absolutely taken advantage of his position in offering counsel to this in charge of him but didn’t. Not once! What a beautiful example Paul has left us especially for this day and age when everyone is out for number one…themselves! His faith and trust in God was so strong that he didn’t waiver.
How can we apply this to our lives today? What steps do we need to take to move forward with our faith? How can we live more boldly in our lives like Paul did?
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Beyond Sunday - Journey: Team Sport
...by John Stas
“You can do it, we can help”…those words sure do resonate with me. We have lived in our home for 23 years and during that time my wife and I have tackled quite a few home improvement projects. I am pretty adept at working around the house so most of the improvements were do-it-yourself jobs. We have finished the basement, remodeled the kitchen, built a front porch, refinished the hardwood floors, remodeled the laundry room, built two decks in the backyard, replaced all of the windows, replaced the roof---twice and I can’t count how many times the walls have been painted. Wow! No wonder I’m tired.
With every project we tackled we were able to assess the job at hand, and we were smart enough, in most cases, to seek the help and expertise of others to allow us to get the job done right. Greg’s message drove home that same point. No matter how inadequate we feel about talking with our “one” we have the resources at our disposal necessary to get the job done…if we seek them out.
The best assistance I received on my home projects came when I sought the help of a friend or relative who had already done what I was attempting to do. In engaging our “one” that approach is also a sound one. The idea of a partnership between me, the church, and God makes all the sense in the world. I’m the only one who can tell the story of how Jesus has influenced my life. The church and other Christ followers have experiences that I can draw on, but God is ultimately responsible for changing my “one’s” heart. Home Depot’s advertizing encourages the do-it-yourselfer to stop putting off their projects and get started. Good advice! “You can do it, we can help.”
“You can do it, we can help”…those words sure do resonate with me. We have lived in our home for 23 years and during that time my wife and I have tackled quite a few home improvement projects. I am pretty adept at working around the house so most of the improvements were do-it-yourself jobs. We have finished the basement, remodeled the kitchen, built a front porch, refinished the hardwood floors, remodeled the laundry room, built two decks in the backyard, replaced all of the windows, replaced the roof---twice and I can’t count how many times the walls have been painted. Wow! No wonder I’m tired.
With every project we tackled we were able to assess the job at hand, and we were smart enough, in most cases, to seek the help and expertise of others to allow us to get the job done right. Greg’s message drove home that same point. No matter how inadequate we feel about talking with our “one” we have the resources at our disposal necessary to get the job done…if we seek them out.
The best assistance I received on my home projects came when I sought the help of a friend or relative who had already done what I was attempting to do. In engaging our “one” that approach is also a sound one. The idea of a partnership between me, the church, and God makes all the sense in the world. I’m the only one who can tell the story of how Jesus has influenced my life. The church and other Christ followers have experiences that I can draw on, but God is ultimately responsible for changing my “one’s” heart. Home Depot’s advertizing encourages the do-it-yourselfer to stop putting off their projects and get started. Good advice! “You can do it, we can help.”
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
77. The First Missionary Journey (Acts 13:1-14:28).
I can’t imagine how many times in my life I have read this passage, but it’s been a while. In some ways it seems like a random account of Paul’s missionary journeys: Paul goes here, Paul goes there. This happens, that happens. Not quite so random, though. My son Tim tells me that the Book of Acts shows how the spread of the gospel unfolds geographically. You know Acts 1:8 well by now, don’t you? “…in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Well, now we are going to the ends of the earth with Paul. The ends of the earth as he knew it anyway.
The book unfolds biographically, too. The first part of the book of Acts tells more about Peter’s ministry to the Jews, and at this point (ch.13) the focus goes to Paul and his ministry to the Gentiles. But who is the real main character of the Book of Acts? It’s God. This is not so much a passage about what Paul is doing, as it is about what the Holy Spirit is doing. Though the Suncrest mission statement says that we want to be used by God to change lives, that could have been the mission statement for Paul’s life as well! It is God who is at work in the Book of Acts, in a mighty way, and he used the church to get his work done.
And folks, we are the church. God might not be calling you to the uttermost parts of the earth, but he is calling you next door or down the street. He is calling you to share your heart with your “one,” the neighbor, co-worker, or family member who needs his unconditional grace. Pray for opportunities and pray for open minds and open hearts. The early church did not pray for ease and comfort, they prayed for boldness and power. Let’s do the same!
Friday, September 10, 2010
75. Good News for All (Acts 10:1-11:18).
by Dave Wright
Now, Peter was trying to figure out what he just saw when the men Cornelius had sent arrived. They told him they were to bring him to Caesarea and meet with their boss, the Roman guard. So Peter went along. While Peter was traveling back, Cornelius started to ask his friends and family to stop by. As they gathered at the house, Peter approached. But I also think he had to hesitate before walking in. This was a room full of Jews! Was this a trick? Cornelius met him at the door. The passage tells it much better than I ever could from here:
“You know, our church is filled more of the Holy Spirit than the church down the street.”
“I don’t know how they can be considered a place of worship…they only have communion every quarter.”
“How do they consider themselves to be Children of God when they…?”
Wow, it seems like every time I am asked to write one of these blogs I start by things I have overheard. So…how many times have you heard these words…or even said them yourself?
Acts 10:1 through 11:18 tells the story of Cornelius, a Roman guard who lived in Caesarea. One afternoon Cornelius was visited by an angel who told him to send his men to Joppa and find Peter and bring him back to see him. While the men were coming to get Peter, he was in Joppa on a rooftop when he fell into a trance and saw a vision of Heaven open and unfurl a large sheet of all kinds of four-footed animals. The voice of the Lord said to Peter, “Get up Peter, kill and eat!” Peter replied to the Lord saying, “Surely not. I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” But the Lord replied, “Do not call anything impure the Lord has made clean.”
Now, Peter was trying to figure out what he just saw when the men Cornelius had sent arrived. They told him they were to bring him to Caesarea and meet with their boss, the Roman guard. So Peter went along. While Peter was traveling back, Cornelius started to ask his friends and family to stop by. As they gathered at the house, Peter approached. But I also think he had to hesitate before walking in. This was a room full of Jews! Was this a trick? Cornelius met him at the door. The passage tells it much better than I ever could from here:
7Talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. 28He said to them: "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean. 29So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?"
30Cornelius answered: "Four days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me 31and said, 'Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. 32Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.' 33So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us."
34Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right. 36You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— 38how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
39"We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, 40but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. 41He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. 43All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."
This was a “aha” moment in Peter’s life. The vision now made sense. The “Good News” is for everyone. God does not show favoritism and accepts people from every nation who fear him and do what is right. The passage goes on to say that as Peter spoke, the Holy Spirit came upon everyone present and Peter stayed to baptize them. A few days later, the word had spread about what had happened. Peter was grilled, being asked “How can you go into a house of uncircumcised men and eat wth them?” Peter told them of his vision and replied, “So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?" What a great response to an obviously silly question. Who was Peter to think that he could oppose God and not spread the good news?
The Good News is for everybody. It is not just for the church that has the most “Holy Spirit Quotient," or for the church with quarterly communion service. I repeat, the Good News is for everybody. God gave his Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for everybody’s sins. Is there any better news anywhere?
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