It was when I was a kid the USA Olympic Basketball went from college players only to NBA players. The first team was people like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Patrick Ewing, David Robinson and the likes all on one team. Some of the greatest players of all time, not competing against each other but playing together on the same team against the world, they were called the Dream Team. They had no flaws, they were near perfect, and it showed as they easily won the gold medal destroying all their opponents.
As I always say I am only as strong as my team. Who I choose on my team will determine how successful I am. Just like teams give much thought before drafting players, we see Jesus in Luke 6:12 prayed all night before choosing who would make his dream team.
We live in a individualistic society where people try to achieve so much on their own, so they can get all the credit. People don't like others to share in their success. The Kingdom of God is established through the body of Christ. His body is made up of many different members, which is all those that confess Him as Lord. The Kingdom can only advance as we work together. Our eyes can no longer be on ourselves but on the face of Jesus and His body, the church.
Michael Jordan the greatest basketball player ever could not have won all those championships without his coach, and the role players around him. Jesus the greatest human to ever live also could not have completed His mission without a team. Who we hang around will determine how far we go in life. We must choose wisely.
I have played pick up games before and as captain chose the wrong players, thinking they were good, maybe because of their size, and lost miserably because my judgment was wrong. The only way we can choose the right team is through the help of God. When man chooses apart from God's guidance they are wrong, we judge by outward appearances while God judges the heart.
The children of Israel chose Saul, for he looked the part, but he was prideful and stubborn, and the nation suffered greatly, God chose David a man after his own heart, and the nation defeated all it's enemies and lived in peace longer than ever before. Those whom Jesus chose did not look the part, they were full of problems, character flaws, the least likely's, but God knew their heart, they could be taught, they would follow, and eventually they would be the one that carried out the work that Jesus began when He was taken up.
Choosing who to work with together takes discernment which the Holy Spirit has given. Wisdom comes from above, so prayer must not be forsaken or poor judgement will follow.
We see in Luke 6:16-19 that people were identified differently. Out of the disciples, Jesus chose twelve Apostles, who are sent ones. Those who would go with Him from place to place, first following, and then doing what He does. It says in verse 17 that Jesus was surrounded by many of his followers and by the crowds. So there were those in the crowd who followed Him and those who only wanted healing and deliverance from Him.
On a team you got many players who are playing for different reasons, a good coach knows how to distinguish each player in a way that he get's the most out of them. Rookies usually don't become great over night, they must be trained, and be given experience in phases. If you put too much expectation they may become so frustrated in themselves that they give up, if you don't give them enough opportunity to grow they will never develop. Some players are stubborn and just don't learn well, they cannot be trusted in the game, they are basically just utilized in practice to fill a position, yet they still have a role.
Most people come to God for selfish reasons, but God does not deny them. For some of them will show gratitude and mature over time in relationship with Him, becoming true followers of Christ, to the point where they also will be sent ones, others may just warm seats on Sunday mornings, or even be very active in church activities but not really live it outside of church.
We must be able to distinguish who is who around us so we know what type of service to offer them. Some people around us need care, so our words are to primarily bring hope while offering healing and deliverance. We cannot expect much in return. They are to be treated like patients. Others are really trying to follow us but have so much issues to deal with they cannot really commit much. God is refining their character. The other group is ready to play, they have developed skills that can be used to better the team so are ready to be put in the game. Each person placed around us is important they are just at different levels in their walk, and must be treated accordingly.
True church is not a game, it is not a place we attend once or twice a week, it is a matter of life and death. It is walking with God daily, moment by moment, and being joined with the body of Christ to destroy darkness, save the lost, and advance the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth until the restoration of all things. Individually we will always be defeated but united we will stand and live victoriously while the world fades away like quickening sand. We might not appear to be great but God knows our heart and He has placed us on His Dream Team.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
Law Change
Law Change
Chapter 8
Wouldn't it be nice to be a judge the one who makes laws? Or, the one who removes laws not liked? I thought I had it good as a young person being raised by my Grandma who basically let me do whatever I wanted. For most though they grow up with all kinds of rules they feel were made just to be broken. They get in trouble over things that really don't seem that bad. Rules that just seem not to make any sense. Though my Grandma spoiled me, I still looked forward to being free and living on my own, not having anyone to be accountable too, where I could really go wild.
We think we have it bad in regards to some of our laws that restrict what we want to do, but if you learn about other nations, especially Muslim countries you will be glad for the freedom we have compared to them.
Now for those who grow up in the church it seems much worse you have people always in your business, pointing out your flaws, scolding you for any little thing done they think isn't right. This is what Jesus experienced with the Pharisees in Luke 6:1-11. The Pharisees had added to God's laws all kind of strange requirements that God did not. They did this to look more righteous than others. To stand out as better than. So they could take advantage of those who felt less than, prospering off their so called unrighteousness.
Here in Luke 6 the Pharisees were on Jesus case in regards to the Sabbath. They had added all these unrealistic laws in regards to what you could and couldn't do on the Holy day. When we question authority in our youth it usually doesn't go well. Jesus now is Judge of the universe, the one that judges all things, yet these Pharisees blinded by their religious pride were questioning him.
Has anyone ever told you to do or not to do something, and you were like who do you think you are? Correction can only be received by those who have proven their love for you. Jesus was like how can you tell the Lord of the Sabbath what to do on His day? It is like someone telling you what they want you to do on your birthday, that is your day, you should choose what you want to do with it.
The bible says that man was not made for the Sabbath but the Sabbath was made for man. God put a day aside for us to dedicate to nothing but building our relationship with Him. It should not be a day to feel pressured into something but a day where we can choose to just rest in Him.
Now in Hebrews 4 it talks about perpetual rest which we now have in Christ Jesus. We can enjoy our relationship with Him daily. But we do have responsibilities to deal with, we got to go to school, work, etc. God is to go with us, but everyone needs alone time to really focus on deepening one's relationship with God. If my wife and I don't find time to be intimate with each other even if we are around each other we will still drift apart. When we are intimate it makes all that we do together worthwhile and meaningful.
If what we do in life even if it is unto the Lord does not come from our heart then it is void and meaningless to God. God loves a cheerful giver, who gives of himself willingly. We have all had people including our parents do something for us out of obligation and not from their heart, well it just doesn't feel the same, and it is hard to be grateful.
So God has set up the Sabbath for us. Not to take something away from us, but to add to us, more of His life, to be freely experienced week by week. Yet since this day is our day to rest with Him, we can choose how we spend it. He would love for us to be alone with Him, but that is not always possible, we live in a complex world and all kinds of things can happen anytime, any day, so there are exceptions to the rule as Jesus tried to reveal to the Pharisees in this passage. If someone needs healing do we not offer it? If someone needs help do we not give it? We should try to implement a day into our schedule completely apart from work where we can focus on just being intimate with Him, yet being flexible enough to be available for God to use us when the opportunity arises.
Jesus has changed the law, we are now under grace, what that means is we have His spirit to fulfill what only He did, and that is live a sinless life, no longer just relying on ourselves. Problem we have is our flesh wants to sin, but sin has consequences. Grace does not allow us to get away with sin, God is just, and we will be punished for the wrong we do. What Grace gives us is God's power to overcome the desires of our flesh. Yes, there is a part of us that wants to sin despite knowing the consequences but there is another part of us that longs to be free from the clutches of sin. The law has pointed out what sin is, and grace has given us the ability to fulfill it. Not to take away freedom but to truly enjoy freedom, for there is no freedom in being bound to sin.
Chapter 8
Wouldn't it be nice to be a judge the one who makes laws? Or, the one who removes laws not liked? I thought I had it good as a young person being raised by my Grandma who basically let me do whatever I wanted. For most though they grow up with all kinds of rules they feel were made just to be broken. They get in trouble over things that really don't seem that bad. Rules that just seem not to make any sense. Though my Grandma spoiled me, I still looked forward to being free and living on my own, not having anyone to be accountable too, where I could really go wild.
We think we have it bad in regards to some of our laws that restrict what we want to do, but if you learn about other nations, especially Muslim countries you will be glad for the freedom we have compared to them.
Now for those who grow up in the church it seems much worse you have people always in your business, pointing out your flaws, scolding you for any little thing done they think isn't right. This is what Jesus experienced with the Pharisees in Luke 6:1-11. The Pharisees had added to God's laws all kind of strange requirements that God did not. They did this to look more righteous than others. To stand out as better than. So they could take advantage of those who felt less than, prospering off their so called unrighteousness.
Here in Luke 6 the Pharisees were on Jesus case in regards to the Sabbath. They had added all these unrealistic laws in regards to what you could and couldn't do on the Holy day. When we question authority in our youth it usually doesn't go well. Jesus now is Judge of the universe, the one that judges all things, yet these Pharisees blinded by their religious pride were questioning him.
Has anyone ever told you to do or not to do something, and you were like who do you think you are? Correction can only be received by those who have proven their love for you. Jesus was like how can you tell the Lord of the Sabbath what to do on His day? It is like someone telling you what they want you to do on your birthday, that is your day, you should choose what you want to do with it.
The bible says that man was not made for the Sabbath but the Sabbath was made for man. God put a day aside for us to dedicate to nothing but building our relationship with Him. It should not be a day to feel pressured into something but a day where we can choose to just rest in Him.
Now in Hebrews 4 it talks about perpetual rest which we now have in Christ Jesus. We can enjoy our relationship with Him daily. But we do have responsibilities to deal with, we got to go to school, work, etc. God is to go with us, but everyone needs alone time to really focus on deepening one's relationship with God. If my wife and I don't find time to be intimate with each other even if we are around each other we will still drift apart. When we are intimate it makes all that we do together worthwhile and meaningful.
If what we do in life even if it is unto the Lord does not come from our heart then it is void and meaningless to God. God loves a cheerful giver, who gives of himself willingly. We have all had people including our parents do something for us out of obligation and not from their heart, well it just doesn't feel the same, and it is hard to be grateful.
So God has set up the Sabbath for us. Not to take something away from us, but to add to us, more of His life, to be freely experienced week by week. Yet since this day is our day to rest with Him, we can choose how we spend it. He would love for us to be alone with Him, but that is not always possible, we live in a complex world and all kinds of things can happen anytime, any day, so there are exceptions to the rule as Jesus tried to reveal to the Pharisees in this passage. If someone needs healing do we not offer it? If someone needs help do we not give it? We should try to implement a day into our schedule completely apart from work where we can focus on just being intimate with Him, yet being flexible enough to be available for God to use us when the opportunity arises.
Jesus has changed the law, we are now under grace, what that means is we have His spirit to fulfill what only He did, and that is live a sinless life, no longer just relying on ourselves. Problem we have is our flesh wants to sin, but sin has consequences. Grace does not allow us to get away with sin, God is just, and we will be punished for the wrong we do. What Grace gives us is God's power to overcome the desires of our flesh. Yes, there is a part of us that wants to sin despite knowing the consequences but there is another part of us that longs to be free from the clutches of sin. The law has pointed out what sin is, and grace has given us the ability to fulfill it. Not to take away freedom but to truly enjoy freedom, for there is no freedom in being bound to sin.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Generation Next!
Working with people of all generations, it seems like many that are older do not like the younger bringing change. They feel disrespected, unappreciated, not needed, etc. They expect what has worked for them to continue to work from one generation to the next. This can cause alot of frustration leading into conflict ending with division.
So when the generations separate, the old doesn't get passed on, and the new doesn't get properly formed. One can not build without a foundation and a foundation has no significance unless built on. Each generation is to be the foundation for God to advance His kingdom. The old is preparing the way for the new, for History is bound to be repeated if not learned.
What worked for one generation will not necessarily work for the next we must constantly adjust with the times. It is not that something is no longer important, it is just in need of adjustment, it needs to shift with the times and what God is currently revealing to the church.
If we don't stay attuned with God from one season to the next, then revealed truth will now become traditions of men. Jesus is the Word but we must continue to abide in Him for His word to remain fresh. He is always revealing more, taking us from glory to glory, from one generation to the next. When we take His former revealed Word and refuse to listen to what He is currently revealing, legalism follows. His fresh manna becomes stale bread. What was once birthed in the spirit will end in the flesh. The Word will be added to or taken away from producing a mixed message, false doctrine, traditions of men which nullify the Word making it of no effect.
Jesus in Luke 5:33 was questioned about why his disciples didn't fast and pray regularly. Jesus responded that there was nothing wrong in these practices it just wasn't the time to observe them. It was a time of celebration for the bride-groom was with them. A time of fasting will be necessary again but this was not the time.
Jesus uses the illustration of a new piece of cloth patching an old garment, and new wine being poured into old wineskin to explain that if we hold onto traditions established in the past then like the Pharisees we may be blinded to the truth He is revealing currently.
It is what each generation discovers that prepares the way for the next, so we must learn from the generations that have gone before us while passing down to the generations following us, yet always growing as we remain teachable listening to God and what He is revealing to generation next and making adjustments accordingly.
We got to ask ourselves are we living on yesterday's obedience, and not today's? Have we lost our ear to hear because we refuse to adjust what we have heard to what He is currently trying to reveal to us?
So when the generations separate, the old doesn't get passed on, and the new doesn't get properly formed. One can not build without a foundation and a foundation has no significance unless built on. Each generation is to be the foundation for God to advance His kingdom. The old is preparing the way for the new, for History is bound to be repeated if not learned.
What worked for one generation will not necessarily work for the next we must constantly adjust with the times. It is not that something is no longer important, it is just in need of adjustment, it needs to shift with the times and what God is currently revealing to the church.
If we don't stay attuned with God from one season to the next, then revealed truth will now become traditions of men. Jesus is the Word but we must continue to abide in Him for His word to remain fresh. He is always revealing more, taking us from glory to glory, from one generation to the next. When we take His former revealed Word and refuse to listen to what He is currently revealing, legalism follows. His fresh manna becomes stale bread. What was once birthed in the spirit will end in the flesh. The Word will be added to or taken away from producing a mixed message, false doctrine, traditions of men which nullify the Word making it of no effect.
Jesus in Luke 5:33 was questioned about why his disciples didn't fast and pray regularly. Jesus responded that there was nothing wrong in these practices it just wasn't the time to observe them. It was a time of celebration for the bride-groom was with them. A time of fasting will be necessary again but this was not the time.
Jesus uses the illustration of a new piece of cloth patching an old garment, and new wine being poured into old wineskin to explain that if we hold onto traditions established in the past then like the Pharisees we may be blinded to the truth He is revealing currently.
It is what each generation discovers that prepares the way for the next, so we must learn from the generations that have gone before us while passing down to the generations following us, yet always growing as we remain teachable listening to God and what He is revealing to generation next and making adjustments accordingly.
We got to ask ourselves are we living on yesterday's obedience, and not today's? Have we lost our ear to hear because we refuse to adjust what we have heard to what He is currently trying to reveal to us?
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
A Call To Discipleship
Chapter 6
A Call to Discipleship
As a former Football player and Coach I know a little about what makes a good team. It may seem obvious that a good team needs good athletes, but that is not always the case. Those born with natural talent can easily become prideful and therefore not teachable. We all know the famous slogan there is no "i" in team, one of my sayings is I am only as strong as my team. You can only have a good team if the players are willing to be taught how to work together.
We see in the NBA finals the Dallas Mavericks were not as strong as the Miami Heat athletically but they worked together better as a team, so when the Miami Heat stars were held in check, the team crumbled, while the Mavericks excelled under pressure.
When Jesus was forming His team He did not choose His Disciples as the world would. His chose a tax collector, the lowest of the lows in society. It is like choosing the person who would be chosen last for a team, first. You see those who are looked down upon, treated poorly, ridiculed, are those who when shown worth, when given value, respond with total devotion. For they are ones looking for change, longing to feel important.
When Jesus chose Matthew he left everything and followed Him. Totally dedicated. That is why Islam is so strong. They focus on reaching the down cast, the poor, the needy. For they easily become extremist.
When the Pharisees who were wealthy and powerful witnessed Jesus at a banquet with Levi (Matthew) and his fellow tax collectors they were like how can you eat with such scum. Jesus responded I did not come to call on those who think they are righteous, but to those who know they are sinners and need to repent.
My High School football coach told me if there were twelve of me on the team we would have won the championship. I was known as a dedicated player, not the most talented, but one who gave it my all. As a coach I would rather have no naturally athletic players who were teachable than a team of great athletes who thought they knew it all and didn't need my assistance.
Islam is our major opponent, understand now we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this age. Islam is the spirit of the anti-Christ. If this nation is going to continue to be the land of the free, we are going to have to match our opponent in the degree of devotion. If we are devoted to the one and only God as much as Muslims are devoted to a false God, then we will win, "For greater is He that is within us than He that is in the world." Our battle is fought differently, while they hate, we love, while they bring war, we bring peace, while they kill, we give life. Our battle is won in prayer and by acts of Faith.
So we cannot be like the many who followed Jesus in the crowd and just got their needs met. We must willing to be the few who give up everything and follow Him. True disciples who are devoted, disciplined, dedicated, who like Matthew and the other disciples leave everything and follow Him.
Practically this means we cannot just come to church, and go home, living predominantly for ourselves. We need to be following the Great Commission, discipling the nations, by joining a discipleship group first then taking what we are being taught and teaching someone else, multiplying ourselves. Most importantly we must be fully submitted to Christ.
A Call to Discipleship
As a former Football player and Coach I know a little about what makes a good team. It may seem obvious that a good team needs good athletes, but that is not always the case. Those born with natural talent can easily become prideful and therefore not teachable. We all know the famous slogan there is no "i" in team, one of my sayings is I am only as strong as my team. You can only have a good team if the players are willing to be taught how to work together.
We see in the NBA finals the Dallas Mavericks were not as strong as the Miami Heat athletically but they worked together better as a team, so when the Miami Heat stars were held in check, the team crumbled, while the Mavericks excelled under pressure.
When Jesus was forming His team He did not choose His Disciples as the world would. His chose a tax collector, the lowest of the lows in society. It is like choosing the person who would be chosen last for a team, first. You see those who are looked down upon, treated poorly, ridiculed, are those who when shown worth, when given value, respond with total devotion. For they are ones looking for change, longing to feel important.
When Jesus chose Matthew he left everything and followed Him. Totally dedicated. That is why Islam is so strong. They focus on reaching the down cast, the poor, the needy. For they easily become extremist.
When the Pharisees who were wealthy and powerful witnessed Jesus at a banquet with Levi (Matthew) and his fellow tax collectors they were like how can you eat with such scum. Jesus responded I did not come to call on those who think they are righteous, but to those who know they are sinners and need to repent.
My High School football coach told me if there were twelve of me on the team we would have won the championship. I was known as a dedicated player, not the most talented, but one who gave it my all. As a coach I would rather have no naturally athletic players who were teachable than a team of great athletes who thought they knew it all and didn't need my assistance.
Islam is our major opponent, understand now we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this age. Islam is the spirit of the anti-Christ. If this nation is going to continue to be the land of the free, we are going to have to match our opponent in the degree of devotion. If we are devoted to the one and only God as much as Muslims are devoted to a false God, then we will win, "For greater is He that is within us than He that is in the world." Our battle is fought differently, while they hate, we love, while they bring war, we bring peace, while they kill, we give life. Our battle is won in prayer and by acts of Faith.
So we cannot be like the many who followed Jesus in the crowd and just got their needs met. We must willing to be the few who give up everything and follow Him. True disciples who are devoted, disciplined, dedicated, who like Matthew and the other disciples leave everything and follow Him.
Practically this means we cannot just come to church, and go home, living predominantly for ourselves. We need to be following the Great Commission, discipling the nations, by joining a discipleship group first then taking what we are being taught and teaching someone else, multiplying ourselves. Most importantly we must be fully submitted to Christ.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Authorized Authority
Have you ever been around someone who takes their position of responsibility too far? Who goes beyond the authority designated? They act as if they are the owner of an establishment but they are really not. They are the ones that talk bad about those whom have higher authority parading around showing off how important they think they are when in fact they are just jealous.
The Pharisees were just like that, they tried to walk in authority that God never gave. They followed Jesus looking for opportunities to criticize Him, to discredit Him, to get others to turn against Him.
People want to have authority but they want it there own way. To rise in authority it takes hard work, discipline, proper training, gifting, but bottom line it is who you know. God only gives authority to those who truly know Him. Nobody gives important responsibilities to someone they don't know. The more we know God the great authority we will walk in.
People can see through us, they can tell if we are who we say we are. For we are judged by what our life produces, if we are fruitful. If we have what people want they will seek our services, we don't have to try to convince them of anything.
We see how much people believed in Jesus by the story of the paralyzed man on a sleeping mat, who when they couldn't get to Jesus because of the crowd, went up to the roof, took off the tiles, and lowered him down by rope. We see then Jesus did not just heal him he dealt with his greater need He said his sins were forgiven. Those in authority can speak things to others that others cannot say or if they do it will not be received.
There are plenty of pretenders out there like the Pharisees who create their own authority but true authority is delegated by God. Our authority may be questioned but when God's hand print is on our work, enough said. When our life declares what only God can do then those who question us will be unheard.
The Pharisees were just like that, they tried to walk in authority that God never gave. They followed Jesus looking for opportunities to criticize Him, to discredit Him, to get others to turn against Him.
People want to have authority but they want it there own way. To rise in authority it takes hard work, discipline, proper training, gifting, but bottom line it is who you know. God only gives authority to those who truly know Him. Nobody gives important responsibilities to someone they don't know. The more we know God the great authority we will walk in.
People can see through us, they can tell if we are who we say we are. For we are judged by what our life produces, if we are fruitful. If we have what people want they will seek our services, we don't have to try to convince them of anything.
We see how much people believed in Jesus by the story of the paralyzed man on a sleeping mat, who when they couldn't get to Jesus because of the crowd, went up to the roof, took off the tiles, and lowered him down by rope. We see then Jesus did not just heal him he dealt with his greater need He said his sins were forgiven. Those in authority can speak things to others that others cannot say or if they do it will not be received.
There are plenty of pretenders out there like the Pharisees who create their own authority but true authority is delegated by God. Our authority may be questioned but when God's hand print is on our work, enough said. When our life declares what only God can do then those who question us will be unheard.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Caught Not Just Taught
Chapter 4
Caught Not Just Taught
We get bombarded with all types of information daily. Not everything we hear are we able to respond to, know matter if we agree with it or not. With all the knowledge we are receiving it is easy to have information overload. Where we have just heard too much and don't even know where to start so we do nothing. How many of us have heard a sermon that was so inspiring yet did not know where to even begin in regards to putting it to practice? So our dilemma as ministers is how do we get our people to go beyond being hearers of the word to being doers also as it says in the book of James?
We see here in Luke 5:1-3 that the crowd were pressing in to hear the word of God and Jesus taught them standing on Simon's boat. In verse 4 Jesus now tests Simon to see if he really got it. Simon's response like many of us is he separated the natural from the spiritual. The bible is the manual for life. The purpose for spiritual revelation is to learn how to live supernaturally here on earth.
It is so easy to get people excited with our teaching, but I have found that very few do anything with it. God has given us His Word to increase our faith. Faith is a verb meaning action. So if we are not applying what we are hearing with faith we will use our human reasoning to justify our inaction and God's ways will not be established in our lives.
Jesus tells Peter in verse 4 to let down his net to catch some fish, Peter says in verse 5 but I have worked hard all night and haven't caught anything, but against his reasoning, by faith he let's down his net in verse 6 and immediately he has more fish than he knows what to do with.When we obey God's word, His Spirit moves, and supernatural results follow. We will always have limitations separate from God, but when we follow His lead there are no limitations.
If we as leaders want to make disciples we need to test people on His word so that they can see how great God can move, and break free from the limitations they have put on themselves. People must see faith at work if they are going to be willing to follow. Preaching alone may draw a crowd, but to me it don't matter the amount of hearers one has it matters the amount of doers. This can only come if we give opportunity for the Word to come alive by providing illustrations that display God's power at work allowing others to step out in faith so what was taught can now be caught. For we see in verse 11, that these ones who witnessed this left everything and followed Jesus.
Caught Not Just Taught
We get bombarded with all types of information daily. Not everything we hear are we able to respond to, know matter if we agree with it or not. With all the knowledge we are receiving it is easy to have information overload. Where we have just heard too much and don't even know where to start so we do nothing. How many of us have heard a sermon that was so inspiring yet did not know where to even begin in regards to putting it to practice? So our dilemma as ministers is how do we get our people to go beyond being hearers of the word to being doers also as it says in the book of James?
We see here in Luke 5:1-3 that the crowd were pressing in to hear the word of God and Jesus taught them standing on Simon's boat. In verse 4 Jesus now tests Simon to see if he really got it. Simon's response like many of us is he separated the natural from the spiritual. The bible is the manual for life. The purpose for spiritual revelation is to learn how to live supernaturally here on earth.
It is so easy to get people excited with our teaching, but I have found that very few do anything with it. God has given us His Word to increase our faith. Faith is a verb meaning action. So if we are not applying what we are hearing with faith we will use our human reasoning to justify our inaction and God's ways will not be established in our lives.
Jesus tells Peter in verse 4 to let down his net to catch some fish, Peter says in verse 5 but I have worked hard all night and haven't caught anything, but against his reasoning, by faith he let's down his net in verse 6 and immediately he has more fish than he knows what to do with.When we obey God's word, His Spirit moves, and supernatural results follow. We will always have limitations separate from God, but when we follow His lead there are no limitations.
If we as leaders want to make disciples we need to test people on His word so that they can see how great God can move, and break free from the limitations they have put on themselves. People must see faith at work if they are going to be willing to follow. Preaching alone may draw a crowd, but to me it don't matter the amount of hearers one has it matters the amount of doers. This can only come if we give opportunity for the Word to come alive by providing illustrations that display God's power at work allowing others to step out in faith so what was taught can now be caught. For we see in verse 11, that these ones who witnessed this left everything and followed Jesus.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Chapter 3
Under the Anointing!
One of the toughest things in regards to school is trying to stay awake when you have a boring teacher. My favorite teachers are those that speak with passion. They make you believe in what they are saying and inspire you to put to practice what you learn. We see in Luke 4:31-32 Jesus taught in Capernaum and His teaching impressed the listeners, for He taught with boldness, confidence and authority, not just quoting what another believed but speaking in away that made the listeners believe.
When I teach without the anointing, there is a timidness, an uncertainty, I have to try to convince others through many words. When I teach under the anointing just like Jesus the boldness, confidence and authority cause what I am saying to be believable. It is usually straight to the point where you feel every word that is spoken.
When the Word is preached under the anointing signs and wonders follow. The kingdom of Heaven advances as God's presence exposes darkness and His light manifest Salvation, Deliverance, and Healing.
We see this in verse 33 and 34, a man demonically disturbed screamed out in the midst of Jesus teaching. Demons cannot stay quiet, we don't have to search them out, they will make themselves known if God's anointing is on us. We have all been around people who can't keep their mouth shut, that speak their mind, no matter how obnoxious they may sound. That is how the demons act around light. When they are exposed they act a fool. Jesus in verse 35 quickly puts the demonic spirit in it's place. When we walk in our authority darkness must flee.
In verse 36 and 37 we see Jesus is now recognized not just for His great wisdom but His amazing power. When we walk in both wisdom and power we become God's force that all of Hell is afraid of. Power gives influence as more and more people are drawn to God through us. For we see in verse 40-41 many sick and oppressed came to Him and He healed and delivered them all.
In verse 42-44 Jesus tried to leave but the crowds clung to Him so he couldn't go on. This is another test that many seem to fail. Can we handle the fame? When we seem to be so wanted by man do we give ourselves to their needs or do we walk in obedience to God? The purpose of the anointing is not to show off God's power but to draw others into relationship with Him. Not to get other's to rely on us but to get other's to rely on God for themselves.
The bible says God prefers obedience over sacrifice. We think we are so special because of the sacrifices we make for others, but God will only reward us for our obedience to Him. People's faith may draw an anointing forth from us but does it does not mean we are being obedient to God. For many leaders have done much good even while walking in darkness. The bible says that many will come to Him with all their good deeds and He will say depart from me you worker of iniquity, for I don'e even know you. So if people begin leading us rather than Him, burn-out will follow, for only God can sustain meeting people's needs. The anointing quickens our flesh we walk in supernatural power, when we are in the natural we easily become overwhelmed. Any leader that burns out is in disobedience to God.
Under the Anointing!
One of the toughest things in regards to school is trying to stay awake when you have a boring teacher. My favorite teachers are those that speak with passion. They make you believe in what they are saying and inspire you to put to practice what you learn. We see in Luke 4:31-32 Jesus taught in Capernaum and His teaching impressed the listeners, for He taught with boldness, confidence and authority, not just quoting what another believed but speaking in away that made the listeners believe.
When I teach without the anointing, there is a timidness, an uncertainty, I have to try to convince others through many words. When I teach under the anointing just like Jesus the boldness, confidence and authority cause what I am saying to be believable. It is usually straight to the point where you feel every word that is spoken.
When the Word is preached under the anointing signs and wonders follow. The kingdom of Heaven advances as God's presence exposes darkness and His light manifest Salvation, Deliverance, and Healing.
We see this in verse 33 and 34, a man demonically disturbed screamed out in the midst of Jesus teaching. Demons cannot stay quiet, we don't have to search them out, they will make themselves known if God's anointing is on us. We have all been around people who can't keep their mouth shut, that speak their mind, no matter how obnoxious they may sound. That is how the demons act around light. When they are exposed they act a fool. Jesus in verse 35 quickly puts the demonic spirit in it's place. When we walk in our authority darkness must flee.
In verse 36 and 37 we see Jesus is now recognized not just for His great wisdom but His amazing power. When we walk in both wisdom and power we become God's force that all of Hell is afraid of. Power gives influence as more and more people are drawn to God through us. For we see in verse 40-41 many sick and oppressed came to Him and He healed and delivered them all.
In verse 42-44 Jesus tried to leave but the crowds clung to Him so he couldn't go on. This is another test that many seem to fail. Can we handle the fame? When we seem to be so wanted by man do we give ourselves to their needs or do we walk in obedience to God? The purpose of the anointing is not to show off God's power but to draw others into relationship with Him. Not to get other's to rely on us but to get other's to rely on God for themselves.
The bible says God prefers obedience over sacrifice. We think we are so special because of the sacrifices we make for others, but God will only reward us for our obedience to Him. People's faith may draw an anointing forth from us but does it does not mean we are being obedient to God. For many leaders have done much good even while walking in darkness. The bible says that many will come to Him with all their good deeds and He will say depart from me you worker of iniquity, for I don'e even know you. So if people begin leading us rather than Him, burn-out will follow, for only God can sustain meeting people's needs. The anointing quickens our flesh we walk in supernatural power, when we are in the natural we easily become overwhelmed. Any leader that burns out is in disobedience to God.
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