provoking thoughts on life and leadership.

stairway to heaven?

2012-01-28T03:21:00.001-05:00

I grew up listening to all kinds of rock music.

My older brother Michael loved it...and when you share a room with your older brother who is stronger than you, you listen to what he likes:)

"Stairway to heaven" by the British Rock Band Led Zeppelin is considered my many as one of the best rock n roll songs of all time.

Released in 1971 (10 years before I was born).
The most requested song to be played on the radio in the 1970s.
By the year 2000 the song had been broadcast over the US radio waves over 3 million times.
The song's sheet music is #1 in sales, selling over 15,000 copies annually.
Today, when I googled a youtube recording of the song there were 48,656,953 views....41 years after it's release!

Clearly this song struck a chord in the hearts of many people. Isn't it interesting though, that most songs like this are filled with more questions than answers?

People are so desperately looking for a spiritual experience as they get lost in the music, but often find themselves more depressed than when they first hit "play."

Even the band's lead vocalist Robert Plant once said, "I'd break out in hives if I had to sing ("Stairway to Heaven") in every show. I wrote those lyrics and found that song to be of some importance and consequence in 1971, but 17 years later, I don't know. It's just not for me."

My intention with this post is not to slam this song or any other form of art. The ability to create and appreciate art is an amazing gift given to us by God Himself.

My thought here is on the simple fact that art, beauty, music, and anything that catches your heart but does not lead you to the source of all beauty, creation, and wonderment (Jesus), will in the end leave you depressed, jaded, cynical and self absorbed.

Take a look at a few words penned by a guy named John about 2,000 years before Led Zeppelin was inspired to write their classic piece...

Jesus is quoted here talking to a new friend named Nathaniel about His true identity.
“I tell you the truth, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God going up and down on the Son of Man, the one who is the stairway between heaven and earth." John 1:51

There is only one true stairway to heaven.

I'm just so glad Jesus came down here to show all of us the way!

embracing my echo.

2012-01-19T08:36:00.000-05:00

Today it is easy to become focused on finding and maximizing your "platform."

Platform, is the level of influence a person gains through their integrity, reputation, career, relationships, products, social media, twitter followers, etc.

Going hand in hand with the desire to establish your platform is the call to "find your voice." Your voice is the message you have that can add to the global "conversation."

Maximizing your platform, finding your voice, and adding to the conversation are all buzz phrases in our culture. Each of these have their place and should be utilized by Kingdom influencers. After all, John the Baptist's life and ministry was summed up as being was known for being "a voice."

Yet, the interesting thing we see in the life of Jesus is His whole life was focused not on building His platform, finding His Voice, or adding to the conversation.

Jesus leveraged His whole life around His Father's voice.

Jesus lived His life to embrace His echo.
“My message is not my own; it comes from God who sent me." John 7:16 NLT

I'm not suggesting losing your creativity or just parroting someone else's passions, but if it worked for Jesus it is definitely worth investigating.

Embrace your echo..say what the Father is saying and you will definitely have a voice worth adding to the global conversation.

*echo image created by echo hub a division of RT Creative Group. See echo hub.com for more info.

integrity invites scrutiny.

2011-11-15T05:42:00.001-05:00

Erwin McManus' words came to mind as I read a portion of the Old Testament recently, “The world doesn’t need more great leaders, it needs more great people who lead.”

The life of Samuel is provoking on so many different levels. He maintained his integrity even being around men with serious deficiencies in this area like a priest named Eli and a King named Saul.

Samuel almost single handedly had to lead Israel during a dark time spiritually and yet he was able to finish strong. (I Samuel 12:1-5)

To be able to stand up at the end of his life and invite scrutiny from the very people he spent the past few decades leading is an amazing statement to his character and integrity.

The responses of his followers found in I Samuel 12:4 are incredibly helpful for any parent or person serving in leadership.

#1 “You have not defrauded us.”
For this group of people to never have felt misled or falsely guided by Samuel is an amazing statement. Samuel never made empty promises and never led the people down a path leading to a dead end. He never led them for his own benefit.

#2 “You have not oppressed us.”
It’s been said that absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Abraham Lincoln once said, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.” Samuel never abused his spiritual leadership. He never developed the poor practice of resorting to fear, control or manipulation even when the people of Israel would not respond to the Word of God!

#3 “You have not taken anything from any man’s hand.”
Samuel never stole or accepted a bride to sway his influence. A person that cannot be bought, no matter what the price is what our world is looking for. With our current crisis of credibility happening all around us, a look at the life of Samuel is incredibly refreshing. William Shakespeare could have easily used the prophet Samuel for the poster child of his famous quote, “Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.”

Radical Focus

2011-10-31T11:40:00.000-04:00

This week we wrapped up our Radical Series talking about what it means not to just consider yourself religious, moral, or even a Christian, but what it looks like to live the lifestyle of a Christ-follower. We looked at some pretty provoking ideas and the book we read through by David Platt was no easy read for sure.

Throughout the series we challenged one another to make practical plans to go along with our radical convictions. We encouraged each other to be involved in multiplying community, sacrificially giving our money for God's global purposes, serving in another context, reading through the entire Word of God, and praying for the entire world.

As a pastor, many times it is difficult to challenge your people (or yourself for that fact) at such a level because you know that many people already hook up the daily "kicking machine" and feel swallowed by guilt and self condemnation thinking they don't measure up. This is why it is imperative that each of us keeps coming back to the love of God.

The ONLY reason we even love Him or anyone else is because He first loved us.

The ONLY way that we can let this series be more than a "motivated moment" or a "convicting chapter" that easily fades away, is to remember that anything sustainably fruitful in our lives must be grace saturated and love motivated.

I've heard it said, "Successful people do daily what unsuccessful people do occasionally." In many ways that is so true. In this series context, the only way we can live radically is to have a regular radical focus; a focus on the incomparable love of God and the ever-empowering Gospel!

The answer to growing stronger and more radical in our Christianity is not found in fixing all of our weaknesses. We must not make "them" our focus but rather Him!

"Focusing on what we ought to do for God creates only frustration and exhaustion. Focusing on what Jesus has done for us produces abundant fruit. Resting in what Jesus has done for us releases the revolutionary power of the gospel." J.D. Greear

May you today embrace a radical focus that will naturally feed a radical lifestyle for the Son of God.

- This blog was written by Josh Finley as part of the Radical Series. Pastor Josh is the Lead Pastor at Elim Gospel Church.

Radical Reverence

2011-10-28T11:31:00.000-04:00

Many moons ago when people used to actually go to the video store to rent DVDs, I walked into a place to grab a movie and the guy behind the counter had a shirt on that said, "Jesus is my homeboy."

Jesus is a lot of things to us (Elder brother, High Priest, Lord, Savior, Friend that sticks closer than a brother, Judge, etc.) but I don't think one of them is "homeboy."

This week as I was reading through my Bible, I came across the story of when David longed to return the Ark of God back to Jerusalem after it had been taken by Israel's enemies the Philistines. No one had moved the Ark in quite some time and apparently the guys in charge of transporting it had become a little too familiar with this sacred box that housed the very presence of Almighty God. (2 Samuel 6)

All of this led up to a young guy named Uzzah loosing his life as he reached out to stabilize the Ark as it was about to fall off the cart being pulled along a bumpy road by some oxen. Uzzah apparently became too familiar with the sacred presence of God.

Protocol was broken and people started dying...wow! (Ex. 25:12-15, Num. 4:15)

We see examples like this all throughout the Scriptures (Aaron's sons, Eli's boys, Samuel's kids, Ananias & Saphira to name a few). David learned something that day and did things differently the next time he attempted to bring the Ark back. Every six steps, priests would sacrifice oxen and fattened calves; every six steps on trek that was over six miles long from Obed-Edom to Jerusalem!!!

Today, we have access to the presence of God on a regular basis because of the blood that is so much more precious than that of bulls and sheep. The blood of Jesus was poured out to give us access into the very presence of God...we should never take this privilege lightly.

David shows us a beautiful thing as the Ark is finally being brought back into Jerusalem: reverential love is not religious, stuffy, rigid, timid, or reserved. He danced his pants off (literally) in the presence of God with joy, thanksgiving, AND reverential love. He was intimate with God, while maintaining a position and perspective of honor. Moses made it quite clear that it's the FEAR of God that keeps us from sinning (Ex. 20) and Jesus teaches us that if we LOVE Him, we will automatically keep His commands (John 15).

It is the love of God and the Fear of God that keep me on the narrow, radical path called discipleship. Walking in Reverential love is the goal.

Make it personal...

• In what ways have you grown flippant or too familiar with the Presence of God?
• Which side of the narrow path to you more easily lean towards; the love of God or the fear of God?

- This blog was written by Pastor Joshua Finley for the Radical Series. Pastor Josh is the Lead Pastor at Elim Gospel Church.

The Great Invitation

2011-10-26T16:15:00.002-04:00

I often ask people, “What is your purpose? Why are you breathing air on this planet?”

“To please God,” “To bring glory to Jesus,” and “To save souls!” are responses that I often hear. Each of us has a different view of our God as he reveals different facets of His infinite nature to us. Our individual relationships with him are incredibly unique. Our perspectives of purpose reflect this.

Is one better than the other? I can’t answer that. Each individual is called to walk in the unique measure of Grace given to them (Romans 12:3). But it is clear in scripture that there are foundational truths of being a child of God and things that build upon that foundation (1 Corinthians 3, Hebrews 5). The point is that we must be willing for our perspective on God’s nature and our purpose as His creation to be “under construction.”

I know that I am much more comfortable embracing a constant: something unvarying, something to which I don’t have to adapt. “But wait!” you may say. “God’s nature is unchanging! He is the same yesterday, today and forever!” You are absolutely right. God will never contradict his nature or his word. But what I found is that he will often contradict our understanding of his nature and his word. “WHY IS THIS? I thought I could just read the Bible and figure God out!”

Throughout my life, there have been many of these times where God’s methods and his very heart seemed clouded from view. Unanswered questions would arise in my heart. Contradictions and confusion would crowd what I saw in life and even what I read in the Bible. “Why, God? What’s going on?”

These questions drove my quest to know the heart of God, motivated by desperation. There I discovered the great invitation: to know Him intimately, to feel the vastness of His affection and the infinite glory of His presence. What would have happened if there were no questions to drive me deeper? What if there was no inner conflict or contradiction as I studied the word? What if I could have learned everything from diligent study and righteous living? I would have sat, faithfully doing the work of God and never been near Him.

This search brought me to the true nature of my purpose as God's son: to intimately know my creator; to be loved by Him, and to love on Him. That may offend you. You may be thinking of how irreverent I am, how I am sensationalizing Christianity, or how I am discarding the full nature of God’s holiness. The reality is that every single move God has made in the history of mankind was to bring us back to His love and intimacy. I’m not going to try to prove that to you. That’s your journey to make. Maybe God is birthing in you a crisis invitation of your own. I encourage you to accept.

- This blog was written by Nate Hinton as part of the Radical Series. Nate is the Worship Director at Elim Gospel Church.

New way of thinking

2011-10-22T10:43:00.000-04:00

I was in a hotel room in Pennsylvania with several men of God when one of them spoke something that readjusted my thinking forever. You see, I have a natural tendency to strive to work hard to be a man of God, a good husband, and a good father; so when this phrase was spoken it literally took me a moment to get it. Leif Hetlund said, "There is something in the nothing." Leif was saying that we all long to see the fruit of what we do, but there are times when we have to trust that God is doing a work even when we can't feel it, hear it, smell it or see it quite yet.

It's the principal of seed + time = harvest. We wish that every time we open the Bible that things would jump out at us, but in reality we may read a verse a hundred times and the first time may have been the planting of the seed and finally it was time to gather the harvest. Did you waste your time reading it the other 99 times, no? We wish every time we sit before God He would take out the things in our lives that are hindering us or that He would speak so clear to us, did you waste your time if it doesn't happen? No! There is something in the nothing. Something is happening even though we feel nothing is happening.

A farmer plants a seed and sees nothing happen for days and at times weeks but something is happening below the surface. My challenge for us today is don't get frustrated that there has not been a harvest on the seeds of prayer, reading your word, evangelism but trust the the God of the Harvest is not mocked you will reap what you sow and harvest time is coming. (Gal 6:7-10)

- This blog was written by Pastor Seth Goodson for the Radical Series. Seth is the Youth Pastor at Elim Gospel Church.

Radical Perseverance

2011-10-17T06:11:00.000-04:00

I read a blog the other day by Michael Hyatt called, “The Power of Incremental Change Over Time.” While the title is certainly a mouthful, his thoughts about pacing ourselves were a great reminder to me about the power of perseverance.

When we talk about anything “radical”, our mind often jumps to one big moment of 180 degree change that significantly and permanently alters a certain habit or broken area of our lives. While this type of change does happen periodically, it is the exception, rather than the rule.

A few people win the lottery, but the rest of us build wealth slowly and steadily. How many of us have responded to altar call after altar call hoping to hit the spiritual jackpot, waiting to have that “moment” when everything changes? I think many of us have, and yet many of us still see the same issues popping up again and again.

In Hebrews chapter 12, Paul encourages us to “throw off everything that hinders and… run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Radical change and breakthrough come by walking with Jesus and daily making small decisions to throw off the things that hold us captive. Instead of searching for the “aha” moment, let’s make daily choices and allow the grace of God to move in our lives.

That is perseverance… that is Radical.

- This blog was written by Dan Freda as part of the Radical Series. Dan is the Young Adult Director at Elim Gospel Church.

Popcorn

2011-10-15T06:51:00.001-04:00

We were just going out to visit friends who had recently returned from an overseas mission field. Earlier that day, we had shopped at the discount club and purchased a large 50-pound bag of popping corn. On the way out the door, the thought hit me to bring along a bag of the popcorn kernels as a welcome home gift to this family.

The Danley’s were a large family. With their six kids, we knew they would need a few pans of popcorn so we packed a decent sized plastic bag with the un-popped kernels to take as our gift.

When we arrived and offered this bag of popcorn, we thought we were simply sharing out of the abundance in our kitchen. Little did we expect the reaction to our gift. Kids started jumping up and down with joy! The parents were laughing!

You see, the Danley children, used to the meager stuff of a foreign mission field, had prayed just the night before – and asked God to provide some popcorn for them! I wish I could say that I felt some sort of spiritual impulse to take along the popcorn. But I didn’t – it was just a thought that hit my mind. But when I learned that this was an answer to prayer, my first thought was, “God, how wonderful You are. You knew what they wanted and what we had to give, so You just used us to provide it!” We had been blessed as much as those children were.

Hearing God speaking is many times just following simple thoughts and impulses to do good things – to be generous, to help out, to serve in some way that might be a little different than my normal routine.

Lord, let my thoughts be in tune with Yours. Let my feelings and impulses bring honor to Your Name. May the meditations of my heart and the words of my mouth be pleasing to You, my Lord.

- This blog was written by Jerry Warsaw for the Radical Series. Jerry is a pastor at Elim Gospel Church.

You Can't Slide Into Home From 2nd Base!

2011-10-13T10:06:00.000-04:00

Throughout this Radical Series, I can begin to sense a shift in our church atmosphere. It's not a comfortable atmosphere, but it is a God-inspired atmosphere that seems to be asking us the question, "What is the Father asking you to invest in?" This question causes us to become alert to Him and to also realize we are not close to home plate yet. Let me explain what I mean.

Church history gives us many indications that the days we are now living in are crucial days with watershed moments seemingly occurring on a daily basis. However, using a baseball analogy, we have really only turned around 2nd base and we're headed for third base with Father God cheering us on from home plate - empowering us forward. Unfortunately, my sense is that many of us are already sliding into home plate, but you can't slide into home plate from 2nd base! Let me share a Biblical example.

Please take a moment and read Joshua 7:1-26. This chapter from Israel's history recounts how Israel was beaten in war by the city of Ai after God had promised that Israel would prosper under Joshua wherever he set his foot in the promised land (Joshua 1:7). After Israel is defeated by Ai Joshua falls on his face, tears his clothes and complains to God, "Oh, that we had been content, and dwelt on the other side of the Jordan!" This was the equivalent of saying, "Haven't we done enough God? Can't this just be over?" In a sense Joshua wanted to slide into home from 2nd base, but God had only just begun with Joshua. In fact, a couple chapters later we see a tally of all the kings God empowered Joshua to defeat - 31 of them! So, when God finds Joshua on his face complaining, He has a simple directive and a question, "Get up! Why do you lie thus on your face?" God then explains that someone in Israel's army sinned against Him by taking valuables that God commanded to be set aside to Him. This was the reason for their defeat at the hands of Ai. Once this was dealt with Joshua’s conquests continued.

What about you? What about me? Are we just trying to slide into heaven from 2nd base? Let's listen to the Father and get up and get on with investing our lives into Kingdom activity. It's not time to slide. It will be one day, but not today.

- This blog was written by Eric Scott as a part of the Radical Series. Eric is the Care Pastor at Elim Gospel Church.

Your New Face

2011-10-09T06:41:00.003-04:00

In mid-August, most news outlets carried a story about an amazing medical marvel. A woman who had been mauled by a friend's chimpanzee so badly that her face was completely disfigured had been given a full face transplant. Before the transplant, she wore a cloth over her face to cover up the disfigurement of her face. Now she has an almost completely normal looking face, but it looks nothing like it did before the attack.

Can you imagine receiving an entirely new face?

We are so accustomed to identifying ourselves by our own appearance that even a haircut can make us look twice in the mirror to make sure we are looking at ourselves and not someone else. It would be quite shocking to see a brand new face when you looked in the mirror!

You may not realize it, but if you are a Christian, you have already received a complete face transplant. Sin had disfigured your soul beyond recognition, and if you're like most people, you tried to cover it up as much as possible so that others didn't see it. But now, Christ has redefined your identity and you are made completely new (2 Cor. 5:17).

Are you getting adjusted to your new face?

You have a beautiful new identity, but are you living like the saint that God has turned you into? It’s not a matter of acting like something you are not, because God has made you holy and redefined your identity. When we sin, we are actually breaking with our new identity that Christ bought for us with his blood.

Be who you are. Be loving. Be generous. Be pure. Be kind. Be courageous. Be full of faith.

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” -- Ephesians 5:8

- This blog was written by Josh Cummings for the Radical Series. Josh is the Technical Director at Elim Gospel Church.

The American Scam

2011-10-07T06:54:00.001-04:00

A big house with a white picket fence, 2 cars, and a garage. They call it the “American Dream” and many Americans have been deceived by the race to the top. We’re told by advertising everywhere we go that we’re not content, but if we just get this next “big thing” we will be happier. The thing is, no matter how many times I read the Bible I can’t find this attitude encouraged. American Capitalism doesn’t line up with what Jesus preached.

What did He teach? Your treasure equals your heart.

Jesus said in Matthew 6:19-21, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and dust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven...For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

If your treasure is in material things your heart will be wrapped up in the things of this world, but if your treasure is in God your heart will long for the things of the Kingdom. Servanthood equals greatness.

In Matthew 20:26-27 Jesus said, “Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.” The only time Jesus talked about setting an example in the Bible was when He did the job of a servant and washed His disciples’ feet. Sacrifice equals eternal glory.

In Matthew 19:29-30 Jesus says to His disciples, “Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.” Many people sought after Jesus - He was constantly surrounded by crowds, but few stayed with Him as followers because that meant taking what He said seriously. It meant making sacrifices.

Will you choose to live in a way that goes against the grain of our society? Will you choose to be radical?

- This blog was written by Chris Zeigler for the Radical Series. Chris serves on the staff of BASIC College Ministries.

When I Don’t Want to Obey

2011-10-05T06:47:00.001-04:00

The truth is, we are incapable of following Jesus in our own strength.

One of the concepts that has most transformed my walk with Christ is described in Philippians 2:13 (NLT) – “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.”

God is working in you and me to change our hearts’ desires and to give us the strength to obey Him. Our obedience isn’t rooted in our own strength; it’s found in the grace He gives us. Because of this, I’ve discovered that I don’t have to be ashamed to tell the Lord when I don’t feel like obeying. He expects it… and He’s committed to helping me! My commitment as a disciple is to refuse to settle for disobedience. Even when my heart is hard and I don’t want to obey, I must be committed to persist in prayer until I receive the strength I need to obey.

This understanding birthed a new category of prayers in my life – the “I want to want to” prayer: “Lord, I just don’t feel like forgiving so-and-so… but I know you want me to, and I want to want to obey you. Help me!”

“Lord, I want to want to read my Bible. Please change my heart.”

“Lord, I want to want to share the gospel with my coworkers. Please help!”

I have found that the raw honesty of these simple prayers is all God needs to come soften my heart and give me the grace I need to obey.

“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” – James 4:6

- This blog was written by Tom Warsaw for the Radical Series. Tom serves as an elder at Elim Gospel Church.

And then there is God

2011-10-03T06:40:00.003-04:00

"And then there is God"- Pastor Melvin Good

I was not going to be one of "those people"; one of those who went from one local church to another. I made a promise that there was no way I would leave the church I grew up in. The Lord had great things for me in this box and I needed to stay in it to remain in the Lord's will.

In 1998, the Lord had opened the door for me to reach out to youth at a local Mennonite Church. At the beginning I made it clear that if I ever had any thoughts of leaving my home church, I would immediately stop because I was leaving my “box.” After about nine months the thoughts of leaving my church came and I knew I had to stop, because I had made a promise.

There was no way the Lord would have me move out of a non-denominational congregation where I regularly played drums, led worship, and was a small group leader. It scared me to think about joining a denominational structure because of my false understanding of how it worked. I was unwilling to lay down the drums and leading worship regularly and enter into what I thought was a “religious” environment.

Nine months after my "righteous" decision to stop leading the youth, the Lord did something that I have never experienced before or since that day. During a time of prayer in the most unlikely of places (work) the Lord spoke to me in a way that was so clear it was as if I heard His audible voice. He wanted me to make a radical move and leave my box. At that moment I knew exactly what it meant and the purpose for it. This has led to a series of God directed decisions that has placed me in my current position at Elim Gospel Church.

James 4:13-17 cautions us not to make plans without the Lord's leading. I had great intentions to support the church that laid a firm foundation in my life and desired to help them and their vision. Unfortunately this would have been at the expense of the vision that God had for my life.

- This blog was written by Shawn Neitz for the Radical Series. Shawn is the Facilities Manager at Elim Gospel Church.

Radical Hope

2011-10-01T06:34:00.001-04:00

In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion. -Philippians 1:4-6 NIV

I once heard a pastor say “Any area in your life that is not infused with hope, you believe a lie in that area.” That’s a tough statement. There are many times every day when I look at my own life and I don’t jump for joy. Does that mean I believe a ton of lies?! Let me explain it like this.

Our little, finite brains cannot grasp the all-encompassing goodness of God on their own. When we see a hopeless situation, we see it as it is: a hopeless situation. But The Holy Spirit wants to change the lenses through which we view hopelessness. God is bringing a new revelation of how He sees the "hopeless" situations of our lives and the lives of those around us.

I have seen many situations where someone makes a mistake and those closest to them wield fear instead of hope. Their actions towards that wayward person are birthed out of genuine concern and biblical principles; but eventually, they let fear overcome them, and they are no longer able to love. For them, it is all on their shoulders to “bring them back to the truth.” Here’s truth for you: God’s redemptive plan for every person spans beyond your comprehension and beyond that person’s mistakes. God WILL carry that good work on to completion. Yes, be used by the Holy Spirit to confront sin and spur one another on, but do so from a foundation of hope. Yes, it won’t usually make sense to have hope; but that is the definition of RADICAL HOPE.

- This blog was written by Nate Hinton as part of the Radical Series. Nate is the Worship Director at Elim Gospel Church.

A Rebuke from Jesus

2011-09-29T08:31:00.001-04:00

“. . . but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, ‘Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?’ But Jesus turned and rebuked them . . .” Luke 9:51-56

I don’t know what’s more intriguing, the fact that James & John wanted to call fire down from heaven or the fact that they actually believed they could. That said, I am also curious what “Jesus turned and rebuked them” actually looked, sounded and felt like. What would it be like to receive a rebuke from Jesus? What exactly did he say? How did he say it? Did he explain ‘why’ calling down fire wasn’t appropriate or did he assume that they should ‘know by now’?

So here’s a radical question: Does Jesus still rebuke his disciples today?

Is it possible that He still gives correction to those who follow him? Does he do so for you and me? I would hope so. I believe so too.

A few months ago our family was in the car together while driving through Avon when we noticed a woman parked at McDonalds with her hood open and on the cell phone. The thought crossed my mind that we should stop and offer to help. I quickly countered that prompting with the many reasons why I didn’t need to: I was late for a meeting at the church, I had my whole family in the car, she had a cell phone and probably had help on the way, etc. Later that day I can honestly say I received a rebuke. I knew in my heart that I had missed an opportunity to encourage and help someone in need and I sensed the Lord challenging me, even correcting me on it. I know what that felt like. It hurt. It was humbling. I was wrong.

How about you? What correction has God been giving to strengthen and ‘disciple’ you? (See also 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 12:7-11)

- This blog was written by Pastor Wayne Hedlund for the Radical Series. Pastor Wayne has recently transitioned out of his role as the Executive Pastor at Elim Gospel Church and now works in the US Ministries office of Elim Fellowship.

2011-09-20T14:28:00.001-04:00

One of the commentaries I read on Radical stated, “This is a book you will want to put down.” Now, that is an unusual comment, right? Most authors would not even want something like this published for the public to read because it just does not sell books! However, the author (David Platt) had no problem putting this comment alongside some of the other glowing comments he received on his book. Why?

I can’t tell you his specific reasoning as to why he allowed that comment to be published, but I can tell you my thoughts about it. First, it’s simply true! There are portions of this book that make you flat out uncomfortable. Second, I know of another book I (at times) want to put down. Yes, you guessed it – the Bible. It too makes me terribly uncomfortable. However, I am not going to put that book down, nor did I leave David’s book sitting long. There is no doubt about it, both books will make you uncomfortable, but as Peter once said, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know you are the Holy One of God.”

So, go on, pick it up! Yes, it will cost you everything, but ask yourself this question, “What was really mine to begin with?”

- This blog was written by Eric Scott as part of the Radical Series. Eric is the Care Pastor at Elim Gospel Church.

Have You Ever Had a Dream?

2011-09-18T11:38:00.002-04:00

Have you ever had a radical dream (not the kind where you are asleep and imagine yourself flying to Antarctica on a liger, but the kind where you envision yourself doing the next-to-impossible 10 years from the present)?

Yeah, me too. I remember in high school dreaming of speaking to crowds in other languages, organizing conference where people encountered Jesus, and discipling people.

In David Platt's book, Radical, he talks about how it takes complete abandonment of ourselves to be a disciple of Jesus. He mentions how the disciples reoriented “their entire life's work around discipleship to Jesus.” They abandoned their possession, their careers, their families, and even themselves. Their dreams were swallowed up in His dreams. Those dreams I had in high school were not the common dreams of an awkward 16 year old with braces and frizzy hair. But somehow I dared to dream what seemed impossible to me at that time. I dared to leave my family, my job and everything that I knew to go to Mexico and pursue those dreams.

Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

While some may think that this is the magic trick to getting what you want, it isn't that simple. You see, when we delight ourselves in the Lord, the desires of His heart become the desires of our heart. So by daring to racially delight in the Lord, we are daring to accept the radical dreams that He has for us. In order to be radical, a true disciple of Jesus, we must dream big—bigger than ourselves. And in order dream outside ourselves, we need to radically delight in Him.

I dare you to dare to be radically intimate with Jesus...to delight yourself in Him...to let your dreams become radical dreams, because only when your dreams are swallowed up by His will you dare to truly be radical.

- This blog was written by Traci Cavanaugh for the Radical Series. Traci is the Executive Secretary at Elim Gospel Church.

2011-09-15T13:07:00.002-04:00

A few months ago a good friend gave me a special "tactical bracelet." He made it himself, put time and energy into it, and then gave it to me as a gift. Whenever I am around him he always asks me where it is, and why I'm not wearing it. The way he asks about it all the time, it's really more of a "friendship bracelet." Often I just forget (being a guy in my mid twenties), and remembering to wear my friendship bracelet is not usually the first thing on my mind. Yet he keeps asking, and I keep forgetting. The bracelet is really a sign of our relationship, almost like wedding rings for husband and wife, only this is totally cool and macho.

We don't often think about it, but God has also given us a sign of our relationship with Him. Ephesians 1 says that we have been given the Holy Spirit as a mark, a seal and special identification that shows we are in Christ. The Holy Spirit is what empowers us to live as a child of God. While we don't need to remember to put Him on every morning like a friendship bracelet, often we forget that He is in us and that He is empowering us to live a supernatural life.

Is God asking you where your seal is, where your mark is? Like my friend asks me about my bracelet? Can the people around you tell that you are in a special, growing relationship with God because the mark of the Holy Spirit in you?

Are you remembering to wear your friendship bracelet?

- This blog was written by Andrew Danglis as part of the Radical Series. Andrew is on staff at Elim Gospel Church as a creative visual artist and designer.

The Great Saboteur

2011-09-12T12:02:00.000-04:00

I believe with all my heart that if you asked every Christian about wanting to live a Radical Life for God they would say yes. The question is, why don’t we? Many who read David Platt’s book “Radical” will even attempt it. Maybe you heard a great sermon, went to camp, or went on a mission trip and you left there wanting to change your school, neighborhood, family or workplace, only to have your passion fizzle quickly.

I know from my own pursuit of a “Radical” life that my thoughts and heart are way more radical than my actions. What is this Great Saboteur of “Radical” life? A saboteur is someone who commits sabotage. Don’t feel bad if you didn’t know that, I had to look it up too. I believe we find the answer in John 12:42-43.

“Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human praise more than praise from God.”

The love of human praise is also known as the fear of man. We are often more concerned with what others think of us than with doing what we see the father doing. Living a Radical life is not about being crazy and wild just for the sake of being crazy and wild; that actually gives the church and God a bad rep. Living a Radical life is doing what we see God doing and saying what we hear God saying, just like Jesus did (John 5:19). The fear of man wants to keep us from doing just that.

I remember a time in Wal-Mart when I overcame my fear and prayed for a lady with back pains; it was an awesome experience. I walked away pumped and asked God to show me who else needed prayer. I saw a lady checking her blood pressure by the pharmacy and knew she was the one. As I was getting ready to pray, I notice that she had her grandchild with her. I thought, “What will this kid think about me?” I ended up walking away because of what I imagined a little child would think about me. I valued her approval more than a smile from Heaven.

The praise of man does not dictate my value, God does. He approved my value with His sacrificed Son. Understanding God’s love for us increases our ability to live a Radical life.

I have two challenges for you today: 1. Ask God to give you a greater understanding of His love and 2. Step out and do one thing that you see your Father doing today. Force yourself to put aside the praise of man for the smile of Heaven.

- This blog was written by Pastor Seth Goodson as part of the Radical Series. Seth is the Youth Pastor at Elim Gospel Church.

Impact What's Eternal

2011-09-09T06:00:00.003-04:00

Have you ever had a moment in life when something occurs to you that almost sounds insultingly simple but you realize that you never intentionally thought of or inquired about it until that moment? I don't know if it had to do with me growing up in a Christian environment, or because my personality is fairly easy going, but one day I had this type of "moment of clarity".

Several years ago I was sitting in a class at EBI during the last semester, and maybe even the last month of my senior year. My instructor was talking about purpose and creating foundations around our calling so that when times get tough we could have a place to come back and say "I know God lead me here because He spoke this in my past." I realized at that moment that I couldn't really clarify or define what "my calling" was. So I took that moment to ask God, "Lord what is my calling?"

I doubt that I paid much attention to the rest of the class, but God began to give me and understanding of what He created me for and what my calling is. He spoke to me of the importance of human souls as one of the few things that are eternal. As I reflected on the words of Solomon, "meaningless, meaningless, everything is meaningless, what do people gain from all their labors..." God spoke to me about the the value of spending my life pouring into other people and the eternal benefits that would bring. He gave me Ephesians 4:12 as a guide and clarified what seemed liked such a common question, but with one of the most profound outcomes.

I encourage and even challenge you to ask God what your calling is and keep in mind that we are living out an eternal existence. He has created us to be eternal beings and there are countless ways to to accomplish the meaningless, but very specific ways to have an impact on eternity.

- This blog was written by Rob Hagstrom as a part of the Radical Series. Rob is the Children's Pastor at Elim Gospel Church.

When I don’t Want to Obey

2011-09-07T13:28:00.000-04:00

The commitment of a disciple is to listen to Jesus, believe Him, and obey whatever He says. But what about when He asks something that we don’t feel like doing? What do we do when he tells us to do things like giving up everything to follow Him, walking in purity, and loving our enemies?

The truth is, we are incapable of following Jesus in our own strength.

One of the concepts that has most transformed my walk with Christ is described in Philippians 2:13 (NLT) – “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.”

God is working in you and me to change our hearts’ desires and to give us the strength to obey Him. Our obedience isn’t rooted in our own strength, it’s found in the grace He gives us.

Because of this, I’ve discovered that I don’t have to be ashamed to tell the Lord when I don’t feel like obeying. He expects it, and He’s committed to helping me!

My commitment as a disciple is to refuse to settle for disobedience. Even when my heart is hard and I don’t want to obey, I must be committed to persist in prayer until I receive the strength I need to obey.

This understanding birthed a new category of prayers in my life, the “I want to want to” prayer:

“Lord, I just don’t feel like forgiving so-and-so, but I know you want me to and I want to want to obey you. Help me!”

“Lord, I want to want to read my Bible. Please change my heart.”

“Lord, I want to want to share the gospel with my coworkers. Please help!”

I have found that the raw honesty of these simple prayers is all God needs to come soften my heart and give me the grace I need to obey.

“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” – James 4:6

- This post was written by Tom Warsaw for the Radical Series. Tom is an elder of Elim Gospel Church.

Radical Gratitude

2011-09-03T06:00:00.001-04:00

“Clear!”

Several hundred volts are necessary to resuscitate an unresponsive human heart and restore it to normal function. Jolting words like ‘radical’ are apparently necessary to resuscitate an ungrateful human heart. Some think radical means ‘extreme,’ but the dictionary primarily defines it as ‘a return to the basics.’ God is simply taking our pulse and restoring us to normal Christian gratitude. But what characterizes the healthy heart that He is listening for? Simply this: “Give thanks always and for everything.” (Ephesians 5:20)

“Always? And for everything? I don’t think so – that’s absurd and impossible!”

So it seems… but consider the theological flipside of Romans 8:28. If we really believe what we freely confess (that God is working “all things together for our good”) then why don’t we thank Him for “all things”? Why do we accept good from His hand, and not bad? (Job 2:10) But what is good? or bad? When we establish ourselves as judges to decide what is good and bad, and what we will thank God for, we base those decisions on the limited perspective of our own understanding and feelings. Since we only “know in part,” our conclusions will inevitably be, at best, incomplete and precarious.

Ann Voskamp (‘One Thousand Gifts’) says that to thank God “always and for everything” is extending faith to “a God who wastes nothing… to a God who alone knows all.” And that “when I only give thanks for some things, aren’t I likely to miss giving God glory in most things?” Biblical gratitude is not simply a feeling but a radical action of trust, expressing the conviction that God is truly at work for our good. The choice is ours: “That which I refuse to thank Christ for,” Ann says, “I refuse to believe Christ can redeem.” That’s radical.

- This blog was written by Dick Grout, the Director of Worship at Elim Bible Institute, as a part of the Radical Series at EGC.

The "Bread & Circuses" Coma

2011-09-01T06:00:00.003-04:00

A few years ago the Lord spoke this promise to me, "Out of a land of great distraction, I will raise up a people of great devotion." I want to be a part of that promise but realize that it won't come to pass without some serious spiritual and cultural opposition.

The term "bread & circuses" originated during the times of the Roman Empire. Although the term is rarely used today, I believe the strategy is prevalent in our Western culture. I am susceptible to it and I think you are as well.

Back in the day emperors would provide food & entertainment to keep the common man entertained, appeased, and distracted from civil affairs. A definition of the term "bread & circus" means to provide mere satisfaction of the immediate, shallow requirements of a populace leading to an erosion or ignorance of civic duty amongst the concerns of the common man.

You don't have to step foot back in time or visit a Roman Coliseum to slip into a "bread & circuses" coma.

A video game obsession that gets all encompassing....a daily TV routine that becomes guarded or "sacred"....constant news and social media updates barraging your mind and pounding on the door of your heart, vying for your attention. It is not hard to become dulled and distracted by all the “bread & circuses” going on all around us.

Radical Christianity doesn't require that I live in the desert eating locusts and honey like John the Baptist. It doesn't mean that I can never look forward to a night of Netflix with my wife to temporarily escape the demands and pressures of the day.

But it does mean that I seriously take to heart Jesus' words in Matthew 6:33 to seek first the Kingdom of God.

"The divided heart tries what the undivided heart does." -Lance Wallnau

I am praying the prayer of David for myself and our church family, "Lord, give me an undivided heart that I may walk in your ways."

As Christ-followers we want our lives to count for all eternity. We want to bring our Father's Kingdom down from heaven to earth. To live that kind of intentional lifestyle requires making small, conscious decisions to not live an over-entertained and under challenged existence.

Which areas of your life are you fighting off a "bread & circuses" coma?

- This blog was written by Pastor Joshua Finley as part of the Radical Series at Elim Gospel Church. Pastor Josh is the Lead Pastor at EGC.

Excess or Absence

2011-08-30T14:22:00.001-04:00

Just the word “Radical” brings up all kinds of imagery and ideas like “overboard”, “outrageous” or “off the deep end”. So what is this series really all about?

All too often, when people hear something like the word radical in reference to Christianity, they get nervous. Thoughts come pouring in like a flood with extremes like people with signs on the street yelling at others or requests to give away ALL your money or possessions or time if you really are a believer. It’s easy to just shake your head and dismiss such behavior as unattractive to others and unrealistic as a lifestyle.

While these excesses are certainly negative, how many of us disregard real and meaningful inklings from the Holy Spirit by making excuses that our culture has introduced into our thinking? Maybe God doesn’t necessarily want us to yell at others on the street, but he does want us to actually talk to our neighbors or co-workers about Him and not just “be friendly.” What if He isn’t really asking us to give away all our money, possessions or time, but He does want us to carefully consider what we do have as His and chose to live on a faith adventure with Him. Perhaps instead of having such fear of being too extreme and dismissing any “radical” ideas as ridiculous, we should stop and actually consider them. What if an absence of devotion should be more of concern than an excess?

Just saying… maybe we should think this through.

- This Guest Blog was written by Cindy Scott, the Care and Community Life Director. Cindy is also the founder of Bridges to What Could Be, a life-coaching ministry based in the Rochester area.

why bother?

2011-07-16T07:56:00.000-04:00

7-10-11 - Storytellers - Why Bother? - Joshua Finley from EGC on Vimeo.

return to rest

2011-07-15T05:54:00.000-04:00

7-3-11 - Return - Return to Rest - Joshua Finley from EGC on Vimeo.

seeing through heaven's eyes.

2011-07-14T10:52:00.001-04:00

After hearing Leif Hetland speak, watching his life and walking with him in friendship, I have great anticipation as I read this book "Seeing Through Heaven's Eyes."

Check out this one min video promo for this book's recent release.

While many are upgrading from the iphone 3 to iphone 4 software, it's time for us to receive an upgrade in our Kingdom thinking and world view.

The power of the transformed mind will bring new lifestyles..new lifestyles will always create a new culture...a Kingdom culture will always bring needed transformation to the nations. This is what we are called to.

We're really looking forward to having Leif with us as one of our speakers for our upcoming Kingdom Conference Sep 22-25. You can register at the above conference link!

the integrity investment

2011-06-23T11:15:00.002-04:00

6-19-11 - Return - The Integrity Investment - Joshua Finley from EGC on Vimeo.

may 300 seconds

2011-05-31T21:53:00.000-04:00

300 Seconds May 2011 - Joshua Finley from Dave Bode on Vimeo.

cultural architects.

2011-05-21T05:44:00.003-04:00

I want to be a part of the company that God is raising up as cultural architects.

People who help shape the values of culture with the blueprint and reality of God's Kingdom.

I believe these cultural architects will be leading conversations that display three things:

a proficient knowledge of the past
a painstakingly honest evaluation of the present
and a prophetic view of the future.

I believe we will see the day when the Kingdom culture we are a part of will grow in its breakthrough from being occassional to repeatable, repeatable to sustainable, and sustainable to transferable.

Call me crazy but this is what I live for...on earth as it is in Heaven.

join the conversation with a comment:

-what is it that keeps you up at night?

-what imprint do you feel called to leave on your generation?

whisper wisdom.

2011-05-19T20:58:00.002-04:00

5-15-11 - Whispers - Joshua Finley - Whisper Wisdom from EGC on Vimeo.

"whispers" pt.:1the sound of His voice.

2011-05-05T05:05:00.002-04:00

5-1-11 - Whispers - The Sound of His Voice - Joshua Finley from EGC on Vimeo.

the ultimate hope.

2011-05-03T21:04:00.002-04:00

4-24-11 - The Ultimate Hope - Joshua Finley from EGC on Vimeo.

making vision stick.

2011-04-26T13:22:00.000-04:00

Check out this great clip from Andy Stanley, one of the most effective teachers on leadership in the world today.

Making Vision Stick from GiANT Impact on Vimeo.

the ultimate HOPE!

2011-04-18T05:49:00.005-04:00

W.E.Sangster was a significant Methodist preacher in London during the last century.

He was afflicted with some unusual disease that stole his voice.

In his affliction he was cared for by his daughter.

On the last Easter of his life his daughter said, "What a terrible thing it is to be alive at Easter time and not be able to shout."

Sangster's response was, "What an even more terrible thing it would be, to be able to shout but have nothing to shout about."*

This Easter 4.24 @ elim gospel church we will have plenty to shout about!

*(This is an excerpt from an email sent to me from a mentor and member of our church family. I love it when people provoke me:)

the invitation part one.

2011-04-13T05:21:00.001-04:00

Check out this 2 part teaching on sharing the most valuable invitation anyone could ever offer!

Good Friday!

gathering 4.22 7pm

Easter Sunday!
services 4.24 9 & 10:45am

4-10-11 - The Invitation - Unexcused Absence - Joshua Finley from EGC on Vimeo.

2 questions that impact everybody.

2011-04-11T14:08:00.000-04:00

The 2 greatest questions in this life:

1. Who is God?

2. What is my response to question #1?

1. Because God is a Personal Spirit I will seek intimate fellowship with Him.

2. Because God is all-powerful He can help me with anything.

3. Because God is ever-present, He is always with me.

4. Because God knows everything I will go to Him with all my questions and concerns.

5. Because God is sovereign I will joyfully submit to His will.

6. Because God is holy I will devote myself to Him in purity, worship, and service.

7. Because God is absolute truth I will believe what He says and live accordingly.

8. Because God is righteous I will live by His standards.

9. Because God is just He will always treat me fairly.

10. Because God is love He is unconditionally committed to my well-being.

11. Because God is merciful He forgives me of my sins when I sincerely confess them.

12. Because God is faithful I will trust Him to always keep His promises.

13. Because God never changes my future is secure and eternal.

Dr. Bill Bright gave us some absolute truths to meditate on.

radical.

2011-04-09T11:18:00.001-04:00

Some of my team and I recently finished a book entitled radical by David Platt.

Warning: the content of this book is pleasantly disturbing and may be potentially life altering. If you have any plans to live a high maintenance, low impact life, don't even think about picking up this book.

Here's a few appetizing samples:

"Real success is found in radical sacrifice"

"Ultimate satisfaction is found not in making much of ourselves but in making much of God."

"Meaning is found in community, not individualism; joy is found in generosity, not in materialism; and truth is found in Christ, not universalism."

Check out the book and the one year radical experiment. I plan to walk our church through some of this material in the fall.

Building a Kingdom Culture pt. 4

2011-03-30T07:58:00.000-04:00

3-27-11 - Kingdom Culture - I Am Significant - Joshua Finley from EGC on Vimeo.

5 steps of apprenticeship.

2011-03-25T05:32:00.007-04:00

Here's some more practical tips on apprenticing from the book exponential.

5 steps of apprenticeship:
1. I do. you watch. we talk.
2. I do. you help. we talk.
3. You do. I help. we talk.
4. You do. I watch. we talk.
5. You do. someone else watches.

We teach what we know but reproduce who we are.
Let's make Jesus' last command our first priority!

intentional apprenticing.

2011-03-24T08:08:00.001-04:00

Here's some more practical tips on apprenticing from the book exponential.
^{Jesus focused the last three years of His life on apprenticing 12 men.

11 of them revolutionized their worlds and set a Kingdom movement in motion that is still gaining exponential momentum today.

Here is an organic, yet intentional process Jesus walked them through.

Mark 3:13-15
13} Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. ^{(Apprentice selection)

14} He appointed twelve that they might
(Apprentice selection)

be with him and that
(Apprentice preparation)

he might send them out to preach
(Apprentice graduation)

15 and to have authority to drive out demons. (Apprentice impartation)*

*last stage not referenced in book but one I felt was evident in Christ's ministry and necessary for our day.

Apprenticing relationships flourish when each of these aspects of discipleship are walked out: selection, preparation, graduation, and impartation.

join the conversation with a comment:

Have you ever apprenticed a new employee on the job?
Have you ever apprenticed anyone for a role of service in a nonprofit organization?
Which of these 4 stages have you found most challenging?

the 2:2:2 principle

2011-03-23T02:00:00.001-04:00

Reading exponential by brothers Dave Ferguson & Jon Ferguson has been encouraging, scary, and challenging all at the same time.

As a Christ-follower I want to make Jesus' last command my first priority.

His last command was to make disciples.

To join Him in the process of seeing a person's life transformed by His love, nature, goodness, and Kingdom realities.

Granted, the Jesus does all the transforming, but He has chosen to make us His body (hands, feet, mouth) in the earth. That gives us both the privilege and responsibility to play a part in this life altering process called discipleship.

Paul Johannson, a great father in the faith to many in our Elim family once said...
"To teach, open your Bible. To preach, open your mouth. To disciple open your life."
So true.

The apostle Paul said to the Thessalonians that he had come to love them so much that he shared not only the good news of the Gospel with them but his very life as well. (I Thessalonians 2:8)

That is not the easiest thing to do living as busy as we do in our culture, yet on the other hand it is pretty difficult to make disciples long distance.

Look at the Kingdom strategy Paul teaches Timothy, his son in the faith.
2 Timothy 2:2
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.

4 Generations impacted...
1. Paul
2. Timothy
3. "Reliable men"
4. "Others"

Join the conversation with your comment:
Who has God placed in your life to disciple? Apprentice?
Help take steps on their journey to truly know God and fulfill their divine destiny?

2 questions for change.

2011-03-22T04:57:00.000-04:00

I've heard it said that change most often comes through crisis.

Either crisis of conscience or crisis of circumstance. Either way pain is involved.

I admit that I hate to believe that, but I am pretty sure it is true. "One of the most important lessons in life is to embrace difficulties and learn from them instead of trying to get them fixed as soon as possible."
-Dr. Samuel Chand

Reading John Maxwell's "Talent is Never Enough" I learned a great growth tool. Ian Harvey, CEO of London-based BTG asks his inner circle to tell him:

Two things he should stop doing.
Two things he should keep doing.
Two things he should start doing.

Self deception is par for the course when it comes to evaluating ourselves.

Ask those questions to some of your inner circle. Avoid a bunch of "yes" people that want to flatter you. Find people who love you enough to be honest with you.

Now that might just help you have the clarity you need for some positive change. After all, the only alternative is insanity...doing the same things over and over looking for a different result!

Join the conversation, leave a comment:

How many people do you have in your life that can be truly honest with you? Who are they? When was the last time you took some time to grow in your self awareness related to your strengths and weaknesses?

Building a Kingdom Culture pt. 3

2011-03-21T13:53:00.001-04:00

3-20-11 - Kingdom Culture - We Win Because He Won - Joshua Finley from EGC on Vimeo.

Building a Kingdom Culture pt.2

2011-03-13T20:14:00.001-04:00

3-13-11 - Kingdom Culture - Nothing Is Impossible - Joshua Finley from EGC on Vimeo.

Building a Kingdom Culture pt.1

2011-03-11T12:29:00.001-05:00

3-6-11 - Kingdom Culture - God Is Good - Joshua Finley from EGC on Vimeo.

bulletproof love.

2011-03-08T07:37:00.001-05:00

To help one another experience Christ's transforming love...

That is the goal of the Kingdom culture Elim Gospel Church is working to cultivate in our faith family.

Our mission statement also has a big "so that" in it. To help one another experience Christ's transforming love SO THAT we can love Him, ourselves, our family, our church, and our world.

In fact, "I only love God as much as the person I love the least." -Dorothy Day

Jesus' love is able to literally change the way we view Him, ourselves and every other person in the world.

Helping one another experience Christ's transforming love sounds simple but can very quickly become painful. To bring love to a fearful or hurting place in another person can come with it the very real possibility of pain.

"I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no
more hurt, only more love."—Mother Theresa

A love that hurts is a love that is also able to heal. Jesus' death on the cross for each of us is a perfect example of this paradox lived out.

Let's give what we've been given.

Christ followers are are by nature, stewards of a mysteriously consuming and supernaturally transforming love.

A love that is vulnerably bulletproof.

Let's find the courage to risk giving some of it away.

lifetime learner.

2011-03-02T05:51:00.000-05:00

"In times of change, learners inherit the Earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists." Eric Hoffer

It is very true that we need to reflect on the wisdom of the ages. The years still teach us what the days will never know.

BUT...it is vital that we remain openly aggressive in our learning.

Just because I've been a husband for 10+years now and Anna hasn't tried to poison me, does not mean I've arrived and have unlocked the mysteries surrounding my wife...

Just because I've been a parent for 5+ years and both of our boys are still alive, does not mean I a clue how to navigate the next season we will face with our boys...

Just because I have been a Christ-follower, church goer and Bible consumer for 2 decades does not mean my spiritual learning is complete or give me the option to slow up my pursuit for more of God!

Many times solutions or mindsets that beautifully brought fruit in the past, will only painfully produce frustration in your present challenges.

A mentor of mine tried instilling in me at an early age to embrace the lifestyle of a novice....never assuming that you know it all or have arrived in any area of your life.

Keep learning. Renew your mind. Stay teachable. Embrace humility.
Be a lifetime learner.

Join the conversation with your comment:

When was the last time you unexpectedly learned a lesson from someone you would have deemed as less mature than you? a child, a friend?
Why is it so easy to embrace a "Been there, done that, got the t-shirt" mentality?

the smile of heaven.

2011-02-28T06:21:00.003-05:00

"The whole outlook of mankind might be changed if we could all believe that we dwell under a friendly sky and that the God of the heaven, though exalted in power and majesty, is eager to be friends with us." -A.W. Tozer The Knowledge of the Holy

A.W. Tozer is one of the most provoking Christian writers I have ever read.

It would have been nice to have the chance to meet him while he was on this side of eternity but nonetheless his voice still carries a clear call to seek God.

There is no question that the goodness of God is one revelation I am continually trying to feed in my life.

It's a game changer-no question.

I seek God differently when I catch a glimpse of His goodness.
I treat others differently when I experience His goodness.
I am more comfortable in my own skin when I soak in His goodness.
I enjoy walking out my assignment when I sense His good pleasure over my life.

I am one of those people that regularly talks to themselves.

One of the most frequent things I say and pray over myself is the reminder that I live under the "smile of heaven".

Even though I have been a Christ-follower for two decades now, I still have repeating, "broken record recordings" that the enemy of my soul tries playing in my head each day.

That is why I remind myself what Jesus did on the cross.

Because of His sacrificial and overcoming life, I now stand in a position of great favor in God's eyes.

Give it a shot. Develop a personal mantra in your daily dialogue.

Join the conversation with a comment:

What things do you have to say to yourself on a regular basis?
When was the last great reminder you had of God's goodness?

here but not hearing.

2011-02-21T05:40:00.004-05:00

Why is it so hard to listen sometimes??

I should have know I wasn't a very good listener by the amount of repeating my parents had to do as I was growing up.

I'd like to think I struggle with listening because I have a brilliant mind God gave me and it is always preoccupied with profound thoughts.

Not often the case.

And quite honestly it is almost scary how clearly the exhortation to "hear" is found in Scripture. It is one of the most repeated exhortations in Scripture.

In fact, Solomon, the wisest man to live on this earth other than Jesus Christ Himself, wrote more on the subject of seeking out wisdom through listening to wise counsel than any other writer in history!

I've read that we think and hear about 1,000 words per minute and the average speaking speed is only 125 words per minute.
Those statistics beg the question..."What in the world do we do with the rest of that "margin" time in our minds?"

For all of us "talkers" it's good to remember that God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason:)

Top Reasons We Fail to Listen:

* We often hear only what we want to hear.

* We pridefully perceive the topic or information unimportant.

* We like to jump to conclusions and shortcuts.

* We don't like that people's thinking is often a radical departure from our perspective on things.

* We are only waiting for our turn to talk and formulating our argument. WOW...THAT IS A BIG ONE!

A few lessons God is graciously teaching me about listening:

Listening is sign of humility.
"Everyone you meet is superior in someway." -Henry Thoreau
Pretty good reason to listen to them.
Many times my own arrogance can open my mouth while simultaneously closing my ears.
It's hard to listen without humility.

Listening is a form of honor.
"Honor is celebrating who a person is without stumbling over who they are not." Bill Johnson

Hearing from God can often be a "team sport".
"None of us are as smart as all of us."
"We should not only use all the brains we have- but all that we can borrow." Pres. Woodrow Wilson I can often discern the voice of Christ as I lean further into the body of Christ.

I definitely don't recommend listening to EVERY voice around you...
That definitely got King Rehoboam (I Kings 12:6-11) in trouble. I guess he should have listened to the advice of his wise father, Solomon:)

"I don't listen to the warning of excess from those who are satisfied lack." Bill Johnson

I am far from the "poster child" for listening...but by the Grace of God I am making progress and so can you.

Be "here" AND hearing today.
join the conversation with your comment:

Why do you struggle to listen?
What wake up call have you had in this area lately?

What season is it?

2011-02-17T05:06:00.000-05:00

It was a "warm" day in the upper 30s and my son Judah says, "Dad I think winter is almost over."

It was the last week of Dec...the winter season was less than 2 weeks old!

Life cycles and seasons are hard concepts for us to grasp.

As a leader I always want our growth charts to only go up and to the right, no dips in progress...
As a parent I want my children to stay put at the cute age they are right now...most days:)
As a man I'd like to stay in perfect health and keep all of my hair forever...

The truth is that life is lived and will always be lived in seasons.
God made this promise very clear in Scripture.
"For everything there is a season..." Ecclesiastes 3:1

God is pretty committed to this idea of seasons.
"As long as the earth remains there will be sowing and reaping, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night." Genesis 8:22

Some of the different seasons we can clearly see in Scripture: (easily seen in the journey of the people of Israel)
1. advancing (conquering new territory)
2. celebrating
3. resting
4. pruning

What season are you in?
What "gold" does God have for you in THIS season? So many times I'm tempted to dream about the next season. To plan right past my current placement. That can often prolong the season we are in, or even worse, ensure that we don't finish that season well!

Then God in His infinite love will allow us to visit that season again (real soon) to learn the lesson He was previously trying to teach us!

Identify your current season. Once you have, extract all the joy, wisdom, and "gold" out of it you can... because I can gaurantee you that a new season is just around the corner.

Join the conversation with your comment:

What "gold" has God taught you in THIS season?
Are you more of a "here and now" or "there and then" person?
Which tests have you had to repeatedly take before passing?

300 seconds: oasis prayer.

2011-02-13T08:04:00.000-05:00

300 Seconds February 2011 OASIS from EGC on Vimeo.

another man down.

2011-02-09T06:10:00.006-05:00

It is a good day to be alive. It was a good day to be born. It's a good day for another man down.

Today marks a new season in my life as I turn 30 years old.

One of my mentors taught me the tradition of having a personal moment each birthday to reflect and number my days.

Moses prayed in Psalm 90 that the Lord would give him wisdom to number his days with a heart of wisdom. I'll talk some of that too Lord.

I have a special canister in my office that holds a bunch of wooden chess pieces. Each birthday I "retire" one of those chess pieces symbolizing the passing of another year. It's not a somber downer, but rather a chance to intentionally thank the Lord for the previous year and envision the next.

My life is far from trial free but I do have more blessings that I can count.

If you want to send any kind of blessing my way to help celebrate my birthday, I'd love it if you took one minute to do something....

Pray this life verse over me and my family.

Ask the Lord to enable me to walk out these promises in 2011 in a greater measure than we ever have.

Psalm 25:12-14
¹² Who, then, are those who fear the LORD? (fresh love and AWE of God!)
He will instruct them in the ways they should choose. (destiny)
¹³ They will spend their days in prosperity, (prosperity)
and their descendants will inherit the land. (legacy)
¹⁴ The LORD confides in those who fear him;
he makes his covenant known to them. (intimacy)

Join the conversation with a comment:
Do you have any special birthday traditions?

What is the craziest birthday gift someone has ever given you?

a place called there.

2011-02-02T06:16:00.000-05:00

1-30-11 Fast Forward 05 - A Place Called There - Joshua Finley from EGC on Vimeo.

manna from heaven.

2011-01-26T15:23:00.001-05:00

My heart's desire.

2011-01-07T14:17:00.003-05:00

Check out this great song from Jesus Culture off their latest album "come away".

Prayer: the greatest game changer

2011-01-05T07:29:00.001-05:00

look again.

2011-01-01T08:42:00.008-05:00

"To look at something as though we had never seen it before requires great courage." -Henri Matisse, painter

That is so true.

To move forward in life we need the ability to look at the familiar things in our lives with a fresh perspective.
I've found it very easy to allow the good areas of my life to remain good, when they could become great through some fresh, honest, and courageous evaluation.

Areas that are weak and could be strengthened, if I would just find the courage to look again at something I think I already know all to well and may secretly fear will never change.
This New Year, ask your Heavenly Father to give you the courage to "look again".

Look again at your marriage.
Look again at your inner circle relationships.
Look again at your finances.
Look again at your physical fitness.
Look again at your parenting.

Most importantly, I want to look again at Jesus and find courage to live as He lived.
"They will look on the one they have pierced." -John 19:37

re-imagine Christmas @ EGC

2010-12-27T10:52:00.000-05:00

the Christmas story:)

2010-12-23T15:32:00.002-05:00

fastforward 2011

2010-12-20T09:49:00.000-05:00

300 Seconds - Fast Forward 2011 from EGC on Vimeo.

What if Joseph had a facebook page?

2010-12-16T14:32:00.001-05:00

hostage: breaking free from lies

2010-12-14T21:46:00.000-05:00

12-12-10 Hostage 05 - Breaking Free From Lies - Joshua Finley from EGC on Vimeo.

hostage: breaking free from envy

2010-12-11T19:49:00.000-05:00

12-5-10 - Hostage 05 - Breaking Free From Envy - Joshua Finley from EGC on Vimeo.

hostage: breaking free from bitterness

2010-11-23T22:30:00.001-05:00

11-21-10 - Hostage 02 - Breaking Free From Bitterness - Joshua Finley from EGC on Vimeo.

hostage:breaking free from fear.

2010-11-23T22:27:00.001-05:00

11-14-10 - Hostage 01 - Breaking Free From Fear - Joshua Finley from EGC on Vimeo.

freedom gathering 11.21.10 6-8pm @ EGC

2010-11-10T08:59:00.001-05:00

300 Seconds 11-2010 Hostage from EGC on Vimeo.

staying with the stuff.

2010-10-16T05:45:00.000-04:00

10-03-10 - The Great Commission 01 - Staying with the stuff - Joshua Finley from EGC on Vimeo.

Kingdom community.

2010-10-09T09:35:00.002-04:00

09-26-10 - New Thru 30_05 - 5 Fruits of Kingdom Living - Joshua Finley from EGC on Vimeo.

unshakeable.

2010-10-09T07:45:00.004-04:00

09-05-10 - New Thru 30 02 - Unshakable - Joshua Finley from EGC on Vimeo.

a history of the Bible.

2010-10-02T15:18:00.002-04:00

08-29-10 - New Thru 30 - The history of the Bible - Joshua Finley from EGC on Vimeo.

the main point.

2010-09-26T07:10:00.003-04:00

Today is a grace day and so that means I get to choose what I want to write about. I hope it is ok that I am choosing to write about Revelation. So here we go!

I am not sure, but I'd be willing to bet that this particular book is one of the most studied, most talked about, and most "argued over " books in the New Testament! Lets face it, it's just so irresistable. It's full of dragons, harlets, bowls of wrath, hybrid beasts, predictions, warnings, angels, demons... And let's not forget...those haunting horses who's riders bring with them impending death and destruction!! Phew!

For the most part, many people think of this book as a book about the future. They would be right because it contains many future elements, but what the reader needs to know and remember is that this book a "beginning to end" book. Really, the book is a symbolic synopsis of the entire history of the heavens and the earth, and also it's future. Pretty cool, if you ask me!

It explains the fall of Satan, and reveals to us his evil plots and plans. It recounts and foretells to us the struggles and plight of man, but let us keep the main point of this book THE MAIN POINT! In a world enveloped by suffering, evil and darkness, most importantly, it reveals to us FROM whom and BY whom our SALVATION COMES!! ... BEHOLD THE LAMB!!... BEHOLD THE RIDER who is KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS!!

I am not a bible scholar, but it seems evident to me that there are two main climax's in this book. The first is in chapter five when Jesus is revealed as the Lamb (Savior). At this time we see that all authority has been given to Him for the salvation of mankind. The second climax is in chapter nineteen when Jesus is revealed as the King (Lord). At this time it is revealed that all authority has been given to Him to rule and reign eternally. So then, the two main climax's are centered around ONE main purpose! Revealing Jesus!

Whatever our theories are about the "End Times" or what has been revealed in this book, I think it is important to remember the point!... Jesus revealed.

Our Savior!.. Our Lord!.. And our COMING KING!

So be encouraged! You don't have to understand everything in this book in order to reap the INTENDED benefit of this book! The world is a dark and scary place, and our enemy (the devil) has a very sinister plan... But our Savior and Lord has overcome our enemy, and He has overcome the world!! Set your eyes on Him, hold fast to your faith, and then we too shall OVERCOME!!

Then... HALLELUJAH! We will join with eternity and worship the KING!!

Can I get a??.. AMEN!

Guest Blogger: Anna Finley

am I getting ready?

2010-09-24T06:05:00.000-04:00

Revelation 12-22 is a summarization of all that is happening today, the judgment to come, and a glimpse of the beginning of eternity. As the news events appear each day in the newspapers or on the Internet, it becomes evident that the harvest of the earth is becoming ripe. Then the wrath of God, as revealed in the seven plagues, will be poured out. Judgment and suffering are in store for those whose names are not written in the Lamb’s book of life.

What difference can I make in their lives? What influence can I have in order to affect their eternal destiny?

We have a choice; we can allow our sins to pile up as high as the heavens, or we can come out of Babylon. God’s people will not participate in the sins of this world nor receive the plagues that will be poured out. Make the choice now, and have your name written in the Lamb’s book of life.

How does it all end? Salvation and glory and power belong to our God. The marriage of the Lamb will come, and His bride will be dressed in fine linen, bright and clean. Am I getting ready to be that bride? Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.

Lastly, for those who overcome, they will inherit and dwell in the New Jerusalem, the Tabernacle of God. I want to be there and be one of God’s people. Christ is coming quickly, and His reward is with Him. Jesus said, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus (Rev 22:20).

Today's Blogger: Ernie Thompson

Tomorrow's Text: Grace Day

we get to spend eternity with Him!

2010-09-23T06:05:00.002-04:00

Rev. 1:1-11:19

Today we start reading the last book of the New Testament.

The apostle John wrote this book while he was exiled to an island because of his Christian beliefs. God gave him this Revelation of Jesus' return to earth. The message was originally sent to 7 churches in the area the Romans called Asia. The present country of Turkey is the location of these cities today.

The reading we are doing at this time is to survey the broad picture of this book. Don’t become frustrated in trying to sort out all the details at this point. You have the rest of your life to study. For now try to see the big picture. Here are a few thoughts that may help.

In the first 3 chapters God encourages and challenges the churches to evaluate their current relationship with Him. Are they faithful or are they drifting away? Take a few minutes to ask this question of yourself as you read through the book.

Remember this is a Revelation (singular) of the 2nd coming of Jesus. Note the certainty of the fact that what He promised He will do. Live in light of this truth.

There in fact have always been tribulations and trials living in a sinful world and they may intensify towards the end. However, tribulation is only for a time and when He comes He will make all things right.

If some of the descriptions of these judgments frighten you, remember you have been saved by the blood of Jesus and you do not have to face the wrath of God’s judgments unless you reject His Son. In the end we know He wins and we get to spend eternity with Him. What a joyful message!

Today's Blogger: Rev. Barry Kwallek

Tomorrow's Text: Rev. 12:1-22:21

w w j d

2010-09-22T06:05:00.003-04:00

2 Tim, 1, 2, 3 John, Jude

In the books 1-3 John, John talks a lot about the commandment we have received to love one another. I think we all know about this commandment, but do we truly know the meaning of this commandment deep inside?

For example, it’s one thing to read books and watch videos about war; it’s another thing entirely to go to war. It’s one thing to hear about the Grand Canyon; it’s another thing entirely to view it yourself. An experience is always superior to simply having knowledge. So, does that mean we have to string ourselves up on a cross to understand love? I don’t know about you, but I don’t think I could pull that one off more than once.

We can find the answer in I John 2:7-8. To paraphrase John, he says “When I tell you guys to love one another, I’m not telling you anything new. But even though it’s an old truth, it’s been given new life! Jesus lived this truth, and since we watched Him do it, we get to live this truth too.”

It wasn’t just Jesus dying on the cross that showed us love. His whole life was love. Why could John say in I John 4:8 that God is love? Because He walked with Jesus and realized what God was really like, because Jesus was “God with skin on”.

Simply put, if we know Jesus, we know how to follow God’s commands and be just like Him. How would Jesus treat your friend? How would Jesus reach out to your co-worker?

When we spend enough time in His presence to know how He loves us, it’s a whole lot easier to do it ourselves. Let us not merely look at Jesus’ recorded life as a cookbook to loving others, but also seek intimacy with the One that defined love with His life. Then we can truly be “Jesus with skin on” to those we are called to.

Today's Blogger: Tim Chapman

Tomorrow's Text: Rev. 1:1-11:19

a prayer of strength over me

2010-09-21T06:05:00.003-04:00

John 11-21

One of the things I have found to be very beneficial and is now something I look for throughout the scriptures, are prayers that the writer has written out as he has spoken them over the reader. I have fallen in love with these types of prayers because of the power that rests in them and the amount of revelation that is accompanied with them.

Often times these prayers seem to add an even more personal touch to the passage I am reading, as if Jesus or Paul or any of the other writers are standing with me in my situation praying a prayer of strength over me and reminding me of my true identity as a Son of the Most High God.

Recently I had another one of these experiences where I came across a prayer and so identified with it that I made it my own. It is found in John 17:

Father, You granted Your Son Jesus authority over all people that He might give eternal life to all those You have given Him. Now this is eternal life: that we may KNOW You the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You sent…. Holy Father, protect us by the power of Your name – the name You gave Your Son – so that we, Your people, may be one as You and Your Son are one….so that we may have the full measure of Your joy within us…. Sanctify us by the truth…. May we also be in You so that the world may know that You sent Your Son Jesus. You have given us the glory that You gave Your Son. May we be brought to complete unity to let the world know that You have loved us… Your Son has made You known to us, and will continue to make You known in order that the love You have for us may be in us and that Your Son may be in us.

Today's Blogger: Rob Hagstrom

Tomorrow's Text: 2 Tim.; 1 John; 2 John; 3 John; Jude

once upon a puppy . . .

2010-09-20T06:05:00.001-04:00

John 1:1-10:42

A year or 2 after I got married my wife and I decided we wanted to get a dog. My wife was always a “dog person” because she had grown up with them. A lot of them. I think at one point they had 8 Dobermans and a Gordon Setter. I never had any mammals for pets growing up, but I sure did think they were cute.

We had decided to get a Jack Russel Terrier. We named him Kruger and he came from a several time US and Canadian national racing champion and serious working dog stock. Kruger was nothing short of a riot. He would bounce off the walls and tear all over the place. We had all kinds of fun with him until our daughter Ella came.

For a time, they co-existed very well together. But there was a point when Kruger became more aggressive toward Ella and we had to let him go. This was not his fault it was ours (for not being able to give him the exercise he required), but the simple fact was that Ella was family and Kruger was not.

I thought of this experience as I was reading John. John 8:35 “Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.” He is talking about how we are all slaves to sin, but is the Son sets us free, we will be free indeed. When we put our faith in him and turn from our sins, we are part of His family! The maker of the heavens and the earth, the giver of life, the redeemer, the almighty... yup, He’s my father!

Today's Blogger: Dave Bode

Tomorrow's Text: John 11:1-21:25

clear!

2010-09-18T06:05:00.004-04:00

“Refresh my heart in Christ.” Philemon 20b

Recently my 68 year old father underwent a procedure called a Cardioversion. It’s a harsh procedure where part of the process is “shocking” or “numbing” the heart into a flat lined state with electric paddles.

Just like that procedure we too will go through seasons or events that stop us dead in our tracks and rend us immobile and unable to function.

“Heart stopping” moments like an unexpected diagnosis, betrayal, the sudden loss of a job, or the death of a loved one. These are the circumstances the enemy uses to cause us to doubt and lose hope (flat line)….

Interestingly enough after my father’s procedure I asked the nurse if they actually had to “shock” the heart again to get it started. Her reply was “no”. She also said something that really stuck with me. She said, “99.9% of the time the heart starts back on its own.”

At that moment I was reminded that all things are possible and that we can trust that if we chose to turn to the Lord He promises to refresh our hearts in Him and give us the strength we need to work through the pain and live, laugh, and love again. The apostle Paul reminds us that we are conquerors in Christ and when we are at our weakest He promises to be strong “in us” (2 Corinthians 12). Simply put, Jesus helps our hearts to start beating again!

I asked the nurse what all the doctors and nurses do when the heart that has been stopped actually starts beating again. She said “after a few tense moments when we finally see the heart take its first beat we all shout, 'Hurray!'”

I can’t help but believe that heaven is waiting to shout “Hurray” over your and my life today!

Today's Blogger: Sherrie Anderson

Tomorrow's Text: Grace Day

you have what it takes!

2010-09-17T06:05:00.003-04:00

Philemon; 1 Peter; 2 Peter; 1 Tim.; Titus

“His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.” – II Peter 1:3, 4 (emphasis added)

“You have what it takes!” It’s a powerful message encapsulated in a simple and concise statement. It’s a message that elicits confidence from a place of personal affirmation and validation. It is a seed of the truth that we are deeply and absolutely loved and accepted; that nothing we say or do could ever change that love. Once that truth is firmly rooted in our belief system it has the ability to radically alter the trajectory of our lives. It propels us into a life of purpose. So the question remains, if we truly are partakers in the very nature of God and possess everything needed to live a life that pleases God, why do we find it so difficult live from that place of truth?

For the answer, I look at the story of the one who penned this revelation. Peter was a hardened fisherman; a self-made man. He was boisterous and confident. He was loyal and passionate. In spite of that, Peter experienced a soul-crushing failure at one of the most defining moments of his life. He betrayed his friend and Messiah when he denied his association with Jesus. I can only imagine the video collage that endlessly rolled through his mind’s eye; the “I should have’s” and “I wish I had’s” that haunted his every waking moment. His regret and self-doubt must have been debilitating. He was a broken and defeated.

How did Peter overcome? When Peter encountered his risen Savior on the shores of the Sea of Tiberias (John 21), everything changed. Jesus lifted Peter out of the mire of his regret when He restored him to relationship. Jesus then went a step further, rescuing Peter from the pit of self-doubt, when He commissioned him back into ministry. I believe that Jesus expressed to Peter, “You have what it takes!” In that moment Peter received affirmation and validation. A seed of truth took root in Peter’s belief system and changed his life. It was that personal revelation that Peter later confidently declared to us.

We are deeply and absolutely loved and accepted. Nothing could ever change that truth. The voice of regret and self-doubt no longer has a hold. Be empowered by the voice of your heavenly Father as He speaks to you that “You have what it takes!”

Today's Blogger: Greg Ross

Tomorrow's Text: Grace Day

a home in our hearts

2010-09-16T06:05:00.002-04:00

Colossians, Hebrews

Occasionally, I wish I had the time just to lie on my back and watch the clouds go by.

A few weeks ago, I was driving north to the city and having these cloud thoughts when I looked straight ahead and saw an amazing thing: my initial in the clouds! “J” was right there in the fluffiness – and then I glanced to the right and saw a “W” – my name was written in the clouds!

I pulled over and stopped so I could take a photo, but as you can see the clouds were already dissipating and my special “message” was being eroded away by the second.

In Colossians, we read that Jesus Christ, creator of everything in the Universe, actually holds it all together by His power.

Most people can identify with the hugeness of God, the awesomeness of His power throughout the universe. Yet, the same Lord who holds it all together is the One who touches our individual lives in such a personal way that we can respond to His love for the unlovely “me.” He writes His name into our hearts and lives.

We see in Hebrews 11 the long list of those who, by faith, heard Him speak guidance and followed all the way – even unto death. They are commended for acting on the word God spoke to their hearts. They are held up as models to encourage us to press forward to reach the goal that the Lord holds before each of our lives.

What a great God we serve! He not only provides for every need of the whole world, He knows the finest details about my life, and your life, and already has planned for our future needs to be supplied in a loving way!

There is nothing that escapes Him and there is nothing impossible for Him.
Can I trust Him in the everyday pressures I face? You bet! Will I follow wherever He leads me? Will I share my deepest thoughts and feelings freely with Him? I hope I can.

He is full of goodness and mercy and continually pours His grace and love into our lives – He does not force Himself, although He could, but seeks to walk with us in partnership, in loving relationship.

He seeks to find a home in our hearts.

Today's Blogger: Pastor Jerry Warsaw

Tomorrow's Text: Philemon; 1 Peter; 2 Peter; 1 Tim.; Titus

aspirations for a minor role

2010-09-15T06:05:00.003-04:00

Luke 24:1 – 24:53 ; Ephesians ; Philippians

Theater has been part of my life since I was young – even now I enjoy working with a local high school drama club in the Fall and Spring and love watching a show come together. When I was in 10th grade, I remember auditioning for a musical and knew from the start that I had little chance of a good part – in fact, when we ordered our cast T-shirts I had them print “Boy in the Background” on the back of mine, celebrating my anonymity. The end of Luke’s gospel reveals a minor role that I aspire to play and hope that the audition of my heart is satisfactory.

Simon of Cyrene – I am grateful for the sacrifice of Jesus and have become very aware that I don’t have to climb up on that cross. Our Father wants nothing more than for us to release our fleshly desire to suffer more in addition to the cross and simply accept Christ’s atoning sacrifice as complete. However – as one who tends to proceed with caution in many things I am struck with how near to Jesus’ sacrifice that Simon of Cyrene came. He didn’t end up nailed to it, but he carried the cross up the hill – he was close . . . close enough to smell blood . . . close enough to hear the labored breath.

He was from northern Africa, a father of 2 sons and little more is known of him – a minor role. Carrying the cross up to Golgotha I can only speculate what went through his mind, but as a father myself, I often look at people in the midst of trauma and consider that they too are someone’s child. It wasn’t the steps of this previously unknown man that redeemed us – but the blood-slicked footprints of our Redeemer and sandled steps of this “Boy in the Background” shared an identical path to the place of redemption. Simon walked close.

God help me not to distance myself from the crucifixion while still allowing You to pay the full price for me.

Today's Blogger: James Harrington

Tomorrow's Text: Colossians; Hebrews

"wasting" my life to love Jesus

2010-09-14T06:05:00.000-04:00

Luke 10:38-42

For those of you who know me, you know I am a very task-oriented person. I love to accomplish tasks, make things happen, and get stuff done.

When I moved to Mexico in June 2009 to work in a church, I had a whole list of expectations and tasks that I thought I would be completing in my 15 months on the job. It turns out the Lord had another idea. As the result of some uncontrollable factors, my job descriptions was changed and I found myself working in the House of Prayer. (The HOP here, similar to that of the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, is a place where people gather to worship and intercede).

So, you can imagine my thrill (sarcasm) when my job went from organizing and executing to spending anywhere from 2-10 hours in the prayer room daily. I couldn’t help but think to myself that my time could be used more efficiently or effectively somewhere else. I almost felt like the very skills and talents the Lord has given me were going to waste just sitting there praying.

In January I had the opportunity to go visit the IHOP in Kansas City. I was talking with a friend there when the Lord used him to speak so clearly to me—Am I willing to “waste” my talents, my skill, my life, to love Jesus?

I have read the story of Mary and Martha many times, and I have heard several sermons about this passage, but for some reason it never quite sank in like it did that day in Missouri.

Sometimes it is so easy to get caught up in “advancing the Kingdom” that we forget the importance of just loving on the Lord.

Sometimes we need to slow down and let our to-do list wait and do what could seem like a waste of time to us. We need to throw logic out the window and sit at the feet of Jesus and just love Him, because that is ultimately what we were put here to do.

Today's Blogger: Traci Cavanaugh

Tomorrow's Text: Luke 21:1-24:53; Ephesians; Philippians

how can I be sure?

2010-09-13T06:05:00.000-04:00

Luke 1

Do you ever wonder if God will really come through for you?

Zechariah must have. He and his wife spent decades praying and asking God for a child… but got no response.

One day an angel shows up, frightens Zechariah to death, and gives him the best news he’s ever had: he’s going to be a father!

You’d think that after decades of desperately longing for a child, Zechariah would respond like he had just won the lottery. But something holds him back. Something causes him to respond instead with a question:

“How can I be sure of this?”

Now, when I ask that question, angelic visitation is usually pretty high on my list of ways God can prove himself to me.

Why did Zechariah respond this way?

Did the years of unanswered prayers discourage him so much that he was afraid to hope? Had the disappointment caused him to doubt that God really cared for him? Did the promise that his son would be a prophet just seem too good to be true?

Contrast this with Mary’s response, mere verses later, when an angel shows up and tells her something even more improbable. She, a virgin, is going to give birth to the Messiah. What’s her question?

“How will this be?”

Her question assumes that God will do it. She doesn’t understand how it can happen. She wants to know more. But she believes.

What’s your response when God doesn’t meet your expectations?

Do you allow unanswered prayers and unfulfilled dreams to keep you from seeing the goodness and faithfulness of God? Would not even an angelic visitation be enough to convince you?

Or do you continue to look to God and trust Him even as you cry “God, I don’t understand!”

Today's Blogger: Tom Warsaw

Tomorrow's Text: Luke 10:1-20:47

my refuge in You

2010-09-12T06:05:00.001-04:00

“And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” –Philippians 4:7

I love to lie in the cool grass on a summer’s evening and watch the sunset blanket farms and fields in its warmth. There are very few things that recreate such a profound sense of stillness in my soul. But, I’ve been wondering, why do I feel such peace at the sight of a sunset? Why should I be at peace at all? Should I look for peace in the beauty that surrounds me? Should I look for peace in the lifestyle I provide for myself? Should I look for peace in the fellowship of others? What is my sanity anchored to?

I love Sister Sylvia Evans’ quote: “You know you're resting when the thought of being totally dependent on God doesn't bother you.”

As Paul explains in this verse from Philippians, true and lasting peace is not rooted in anything of this world. It stems from a deep-rooted trust in these two pillars: God is able to do anything, and God is the very embodiment of love. Anything else we lean on will prove in time that it cannot hold the weight of our expectations.

Thank God that this truth transcends all understanding… that it doesn’t have to add up. By His Grace, we are given the power to rest in the uncomfortable places, thrive in hostile environments, and let the stillness in our souls influence the storms around us.

Psalm 11:1 says “In the Lord I take refuge. How then can you say to me: 'Flee like a bird to your mountain.’” David understood that, no matter what was going on, there was a refuge for him. He did not need to flee from the battle to experience peace.

Even when you are going through the stuff of life, even when you are far from your "mountain" of comfort, whatever that may be, there is still refuge.

Today's Blogger: Nathan Hinton

Tomorrow's Text: Luke 1:1-9:62

I love you, Dad!

2010-09-11T06:05:00.001-04:00

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." Romans 8:15 (New International Version)

One translation notes that Jewish children called their fathers "Abba," so a better word for us today would probably be "Daddy" or "Dad."

Too often, we tend to think that God is some starchy, far away "person." That’s why he sent Jesus to show us that he’s really very down-to-earth, and why he gave us his Spirit so we could know him up close!

I find myself needing to remember every day that He’s right here at my side. ...that he’s ready to hear me any time I want to talk to him – and ready to respond. I may not see him; I may not hear him speak out loud, but He’s here!

"Good morning, Dad. I love you." When I can get myself to say something like that, things are just different!

What do you think? Could you begin to remind yourself during each day to say something like, "Dad, thank you for everything you’ve done for me. Thank you for sending Jesus to show me what you’re really like. Thank you, Jesus, for being willing to die for me! Thank you, Holy Spirit, for living in me! Dad, help me do everything I do out of gratitude to you."

If you dare to start something like this, I’ll guarantee it’ll make a difference in the way you do things. A good difference. And he’ll be there – right at your side – helping you!

Today's Blogger: Rev. Hayden Bennett

Tomorrow's Text: Grace Day

rejoicing in hope!

2010-09-10T06:05:00.003-04:00

Romans 12:12 "Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer..."

These qualities are certainly important for us as believers today.

Paul tells us in Romans 15:13 "...Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing...."

We really are to rejoice in the Lord because He is the God of hope. As we place the God of hope before us we can more easily work patiently through our trials and tribulations and be able to continue steadfastly in prayer.

Over the past years I have been an advisor for the Middle East prayer group at Elim Bible Institute. We as a group prayed for all the countries of the Middle East including Afghanistan, Iran, and Turkey, asking the Lord to bring the peoples of these nations to salvation.

In 2005 and 2006 Shawn Neitz was the student leader of that group. On August 26th of this year our Afghan family, the Ebrahimis, arrived, and the next day as we toured the EBI campus Shawn came up. I introduced him to the Ebrahimis and remembered that Shawn had once led our Middle East prayer group. I asked him what years he had led the group. He replied, "2005 and 2006."

The Ebrahamis came to a country in the Middle East in 2005 and began attending a meeting of those who followed Jesus. In 2006, through a series of events among the same believers, the couple came to a place of full commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ. The very years Shawn and the prayer group had prayed for these countries were the years the Lord was working to answer and on Friday, August 27th He very quietly brought us together to show us what He had done.

Through the prayers of that group and many others the Lord was faithful to answer prayer and then after four years quietly bring us together. So, let us rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and continue steadfastly in prayer!

Today's Blogger: Pastor Dick Dreyer

Tomorrow's Text: Grace Day

foreshadowing

2010-09-09T06:05:00.000-04:00

1 Cor. 12:1-16:24; 2 Corinthians

Almost every good book or movie contains an element of foreshadowing. In the greatest story ever told, our God left us some clues as to His future plans for the story of mankind.

For today's New Testament passage, we are reading I Corinthians 12:1 through the end of II Corinthians. In I Corinthians 15, Paul talks about our future Christian hope in the resurrection.

20But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.

The resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ, was a foreshadowing of the resurrection of the saints that will happen upon his return. He was the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." The firstfruits are just the beginning of the harvest. We will receive a perfect resurrection body just like Jesus. Our natural bodies will be buried in the ground like a seed, and they will be raised at the second coming as imperishable, glorious, powerful, and spiritual bodies. (vs. 42-44)

What does this mean for us as Christians? It means the fear of death has no hold over us. And when we're not afraid of death, there is no fear than can hold us back from living 100% for the Kingdom of God.

Check out N.T. Wright's book "Surprised by Hope" for more on the theology of resurrection and the implications of the Christian hope.

If you’re into music as much as I am, check out the lyrics for the song “Perfector” by one of my favorite bands, My Epic.

Today's Blogger: Josh Cummings

Tomorrow's Text: Romans

beyond awesome

2010-09-08T06:05:00.001-04:00

“We do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him…And so we will be with the Lord forever.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13, 14, 17

I make no pretense that I understand what all will happen in the end times. I’ve heard from those who are pre-tribulation, post-trib, pan-millennialists, and I’m not sure what I think about the timing of it all. I am pretty confident, though, that toward the end, things are going to get very bad for a while, and I selfishly hope I’m not around then. But I am also totally confident that then Jesus WILL return, and that part will be BEYOND AWESOME! In fact, He is constantly working in our lives now to get us ready to meet Him. (1 Thess. 3:13)

He also is working to get as many people as possible into His kingdom before He returns. This year I experienced His incredible patience and love for those who are not yet His, as I saw Him woo my mother. My mom grew up in a Southern Baptist family who loved the Lord, but for whatever reasons she had not yielded her life to Him.

Over the years, I had shared my faith with her, as had several other family members, with seemingly no effect. Then last fall, she was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and her health deteriorated rapidly. One day my uncle (a believer) visited her and told her frankly, “Fran, we want to be sure what's going to happen to you.” He then (again) explained how Jesus had died for her salvation and asked if she wanted to pray with him to accept Christ. And this time she said yes!

As I sat with my mom in her last days, as she teetered between this world and the next, I was able to encourage her to let go of her life here and that Jesus was waiting for her with loving, open arms in an amazing eternity. She died peacefully on February 22. Of course, I miss my mom a lot, but I don’t grieve “as those who have no hope.” I know she is with Him forever.

Today's Blogger: Terri Cavanaugh

Tomorrow's Text: 1 Cor. 12:1-16:24; 2 Corinthians

heresies are like weeds

2010-09-07T06:05:00.000-04:00

Mark 12:1-16:20; James; Galatians

Mark, apart from the gospel that bears his name, appears elsewhere as a secondary figure. Cousin of Barnabas, he might have been the man who escaped from the soldiers who arrested our Lord. He is obviously something of an activist recording nineteen miracles compared with eight recorded by John and only eight parables compared with twenty-five recorded by Luke. After the briefest of introductions he enters immediately on his story.

Heresies are like weeds, they are hard to be rid of and seem to be self-propagating. Man is easily capable of inventing his own heresies and markedly incapable of improving on Divine revelation. Paul is emotional elsewhere but in Galatians I feel his passion, perhaps even rage, more strongly than anywhere else. He has perhaps learned by experience that nothing can be more frustrating and opposed to the gospel than the continuing effort to produce Christian character unaided by the Holy Spirit and then to assume that my acceptance by the Father is on the basis of that performance.

Paul's Christian experience began with his confession of Jesus's supremacy when he addressed Him as Lord. (Acts 9.5.) but my suspicion is that the doctrinal, ethical and practical fruition of that initial confession demanded more than his three days of blindness and might well have developed during his three years in Arabia. Did he visit Horeb where both Moses and Elijah had been before him?

We do not easily or rapidly accept our inate ignorance of what we must do to please the Father and when we have learned a little we must then discover our inability to perform what hopefully we now desire. One of my secretaries had on the wall of her office which was next to mine a framed Pennsylvania/Dutch proverb which read "We get too soon old and too late smart".

James, sometimes known as "the Less" or "the Just" the brother of our Lord became the first bishop of Jerusalem. Sometimes called "camel-knees" because of the deformity produced by his rigorous prayer practices, he was a strict vegetarian apart from the Passover lamb and history says he never cut his hair, shaved or bathed and continued to have a high regard for the law. The last reference to James in Acts 21. 18-26 would seem to confirm this.

Today's Blogger: Rev. David Edwards

Tomorrow's Text: 1 Thess.; 2 Thess.; 1 Cor. 1:1-11:34

"be a man"

2010-09-06T06:05:00.003-04:00

Mark 1:1-11:33

"Be a Man" had always been my motto. The idea that I can do anything and everything gave me a lot of scars, aches and pains. Many of us have grown up in a country where we self make ourselves, weakness is looked down on, failure is not an option. We honor those who have no known weaknesses or flaws, but this is completely contrary to what Christ taught us.

Christ's message was about humility. I remember after a mistake that was made Pastor Mike Cavanaugh sent me an email that said, “perfection is not our aim, humility is.” This is what Paul was told after pleading with the Lord three times to remove a thorn in the flesh, “But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

When we don’t try to hide our weakness or be something that we are not, we actually see Christ glorified in our lives. When we try to cover up our weaknesses in our own strength we actually diminish the access to Christ's power in our lives. God is not looking for the healthy - Jesus actually said He didn’t come for the healthy but the sick. God desires for us to call out to Him in our weakness, so He can help us. If we don’t recognize our weakness we can’t recognize our need for Him.

My challenge for you today is to call out to God for help in your weak areas, whether it be your marriage, your job, your finances, your sickness, any area you may be lacking faith in, and let’s see His power made perfect in our lives.

Today's Blogger: Pastor Seth Goodson

Tomorrow's Text: Mark 12:1-16:20; James; Galatians

I think myself happy . . .

2010-09-05T06:05:00.000-04:00

Now, that is a strange title to a blog, right? “I think myself happy…” These words struck me as so odd as I read them this morning. I think you will feel the same as I tell you the context in which I found these words.

These are Paul’s words to King Agrippa in the beginning of Acts, chapter 26. Paul says this after he has been imprisoned for several years; the last two of which he was imprisoned by the “as a favor to the Jews”. Unfortunately, certain Jews had Paul arrested on claims they could not prove and intended one way or another to see Paul killed. Persecution does not get much more intense than this. Yet, we see Paul given an opportunity after years of imprisonment to state his case before King Agrippa. It seems that almost any other words would have come out of Paul’s mouth at this time other than, “I think myself happy…”

In real estate you have heard there are three main ingredients to selling a property – location, location, location! I am sure there is a lot of truth to that statement. I believe I can make a similar statement about living the Christian life – attitude, attitude, attitude! John Maxwell says this about attitude, “A person with a positive attitude is like a bumblebee. The bumblebee should not be able to fly, because the size, weight, and shape of its body in relationship to its wingspread make flying aerodynamically impossible. But the bumblebee, being ignorant of scientific theory, flies anyway and makes honey every day.”

I think Paul had this kind of attitude. He considered his situation, realized there were a lot of things he could say to a king who was potentially in position to free him and chose to start off his thoughts with, “I think myself happy…” As Paul’s discourse continues in chapter 26 we find Paul actually beginning to win King Agrippa over to the Christian faith!

How about you? Have life’s circumstances got you thinking anything but happy thoughts? Let’s take a lesson from Paul’s playbook and turn what could be our next gripe session into an opportunity to see God’s Kingdom expanded in our lives and in the lives of those around us.

Today's Blogger: Pastor Eric Scott

Tomorrow's Text: Mark 1:1 - 11:33

a ticket to ride

2010-09-04T06:05:00.004-04:00

Matthew 7:7-8

There is a wonderful Gospel song performed by Cissy Houston on the Divas of Gospel album called "Glory Train" (Spooner/Penn). You can hear a snippet of it here

"All aboard the Glory Train
Step forth, don't remain
Don't stand there shackled by your sin
Just get on board and let the Glory begin"

"All Aboard" reminds me of those black and white movies, where dramatic scenes play out between a handsome man in a tweed suit and fedora and an beautiful young lady with silk gloves and elegant hat. A cloud of steam billowing from the locomotive, while the whistle and the conductor's call amplifies the drama with time pressure.

"All aboard the Glory Train
There's a journey ensuing, so much to gain
You're standing at the crossroads, will you turn back
Or will you ride the Saviors train down the Glory track"

There's drama playing out in each of our lives that has eternal implications, with time pressure pushing us to the decision point. When Jesus gave his life for us at Calvary we were each handed a ticket to ride with Him for eternity.

"The Holy Spirit, conductor of souls
Just follow Him, if you're ready to go
You qualify, so come as you are
Get on board, the Glory car"

He didn't call a select few, He said "ALL Aboard". We all qualify because we have that ticket in our pocket. We don't need to clean up and look the part like the actors from those black and white movies of yore to ride this train. You have a ticket, so come as you are.

Just as the conductor won't chase you down the platform and drag you onto the train, our Lord is waiting for you to use the ticket He gave you at Calvary. He is waiting for you to knock and eager to see you walk through the door. (2 Peter 3:9)

Are you standing on the platform watching the train? Hesitating? Waiting? For what? The whistle has blown and the final call went out. Time is running out and you need to act. (Psalm 39:4) The Conductor doesn't want to see anyone left on the platform when the train leaves the station, holding a ticket for His train.

If you don't have a relationship with Jesus Christ or aren't sure, go to the Conductor of Souls and hand Him your ticket today. He desperately wants to welcome you aboard. Will you use your ticket today? (Romans 3:22-24)

"Get on board the love express
turn your back on your past, it's time to confess
Whatever you do, you gotta lay down your pride
Let the Lord God take you on a real good ride"

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened."
Matthew 7:7-8 (NASB)

Ask, seek, knock. Receive, find, enter.

Take action today. (Joshua 24:15)

"All Aboard the Glory Train!"

Today's Blogger: Mike Schutterup

Tomorrow's Text: Grace Day!

from Peter to Paul to the ends of the earth

2010-09-03T06:05:00.003-04:00

Acts 16:1 - 28:31

Pack your bags. Get in! Start your engine. Shift gears! You are about to travel with Paul to the ends of Europe and through the end of his ministry and life. The first part of Acts was mostly about the transition from Jesus to the disciples; then specifically, Peter's story. The last half of Acts follows Paul on many journeys, dangers, toils and snares.

Enjoy the courtroom drama, the adventure on the high seas at the end, and imitate Paul's faith as you read, listen to the Holy Spirit, and obey. The great part about the end of Acts is that it never really ends. You could say that it is the most open ended book of the New Testament - Acts 29 and beyond is waiting to be written in your life and in the earth! Go ahead! Write your chapter with your life!

This is a good day to pray for missionaries you support or know of. Pray as the Spirit gives you words. Pray for their health and safety and for an open door for the word of God through their ministry. Amen.

Today's Blogger: Pastor Sean Steinke

Tomorrow's Text: Grace Day!

learning to hear

2010-09-02T06:05:00.005-04:00

Acts 5:1-15:41

Ahhh, the early church, this passage is full of stories of the wonders of the church in its formational stages.

Is it the model we should follow for the church today – full of love and unity, sharing communally, evangelistic, missions minded, expanding!?! Or is it merely the birth pangs of learning how to deal with a faith community?

The answer is Yes!

Let me explain. The early church was a beautiful model of all things wonderful but perhaps not like you would think. Some have made charts of each action the early did and then proceeded to make a how-to prototype for us to follow in hopes of the same dynamic results. But perhaps the “correct” method is not so much in how they did things but how they leaned on the Spirit’s guidance and grew in relationship with Him learning to hear His voice in each situation.

Have you noticed He seems to like to have His own way? He may do things differently and as He chooses. It’s a part of His sovereign nature.

Personally, I’d rather have a list of hoops to jump through, a how-to prototype to “get what I want” but He’s not like that. He wants relationship with us. He’s going to do things His way and the only way we can know that that way is to spend time with Him! He has a plan for each situation we are facing, each difficulty, each need, but we have to go to Him in faith and learn Him.

Enjoy learning to hear from Him today and every day!

This is the great adventure!

Today's Blogger: Cindy Scott

Tomorrow's Text: Acts 16:1-28:31

what will you do?

2010-09-01T06:05:00.004-04:00

Matt. 24:1-28:20; Acts 1:1-4:37

St. Francis of Assisi (b. 1182) was hoeing his garden one afternoon when a friend, passing by, stopped and asked, “Francis, what would you do if you knew that at sunset this evening you would be standing in the presence of Jesus Christ?” Francis thought a moment and said, “I would finish hoeing my garden.”

As the Gospel of Matthew is concluding, Jesus is especially interested in preparing His followers, not just for His departure and Second Coming, but for the period of time between the two. The disciples wanted to know when He would return and what to watch for (Matthew 24:3). Jesus gave them signs, but He emphasized the importance of knowing how to live while He was away.

In the closing hours of His earthly ministry, Jesus taught them (and us) to be faithful and wise servants in His absence (24:45ff); to be a wise ‘virgin’ with oil for our lamps, prepared for the return of the Bridegroom (25:1ff); to faithfully invest the talents we have been given – for “after a long time the Master of those servants returned” (25:14ff); and to help other people in very practical ways, for in serving others we are ultimately serving Him. And when He returns to separate the sheep from the goats, these very works will be mentioned (25:31ff).

God is looking, not just for ‘superstar-saints’ with great works of faith, but for regular people, faithful in doing what He has called them to do, whether the work is small or great. Jesus calls us all, like St. Francis, to ‘hoe our garden’ and live our everyday lives in the light of His coming, always watching for His return. What has God called you to do? “Blessed is the servant whom his Master finds so doing when He returns.” (24:46)

Today's Blogger: Dick Grout

Tomorrow's Text: Acts 5:1-15:41

don’t you love a good deal?

2010-08-31T06:05:00.009-04:00

I’m a big fan of Craigslist.org. Yes, I’ve had some crazy experiences (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rub5yi-GDXU), but some of the finds are unbelievable.

I remember wanting an iPod Touch so badly. But for $399 + tax brand new, it wasn’t going to happen. So I started scanning Craigslist. Every day, sometimes even a couple times a day. But the deals weren’t that great.

Then one day, I came across a newly listed brand new iPod Touch. The price? Only $200! Apparently, the seller had been given it after already owning one and just wanted to get rid of it.

When I saw how good a deal it was, I pounced on it. I called the seller up. I jumped in my car, cancelled my other plans, and drove (safely and within the speed limit, of course) to Tim Horton’s to pick it up. And I’m still excited about that deal today. You see, when you come across an AMAZING opportunity, you don’t put it off, you don’t hold back, and you don’t look back.

I think that’s the kind of idea Jesus is trying to convey in Matthew 13:45-46. When you find Christ and understand the love and freedom that comes from being part of His kingdom, surrendering your life to God no longer becomes about giving up your position as top dog in your life. You realize, “I just found the greatest deal ever! I will give up whatever it takes … and I’ll still come out a winner!”

Sometimes, if we’ve been following Christ for a while, we forget just how lucky we are to have a Savior who paid all penalties on our behalf. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us! What a deal!

My closing thought for you today is this: what have you been putting off selling? Is there a bad habit or stubborn area you’ve been holding on to instead of getting rid of it for the sake of Christ? Remember, gaining a relationship with Christ is worth giving up everything. Because like Jesus said, “Whoever loses his life for me will find it” (Matthew 16:25).

Today's Blogger: Todd Cavanaugh

Tomorrow's text: Matt. 24:1-28:20; Acts 1:1-4:37

actions vs. reactions.

2010-08-30T08:09:00.008-04:00

Jesus' sermon on the mount lays out for the believer the core values of God's Kingdom.

Jesus not only calls His disciples and all who would take up the call to follow Him towards Godly "actions" but Godly "reactions".

He essentially says to the people of His day, "All that you have been taught up to this point is good, but incomplete." A heart transformed by God's love is capable of much more than simply acting Godly.

Eye for an eye.

38"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' ³⁹But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. ⁴⁰And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. ⁴¹If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. ⁴²Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Love for your enemy.⁴³"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' ⁴⁴But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. ⁴⁶If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? ⁴⁷And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? ⁴⁸Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
^{I've found in my own personal life that Godly actions-deeds I initiate and have some sort of control over walking out, are SO much easier to regulate and keep holy than my reactions towards others actions.

Why does it seem so much easier to act in compassion than it is to react with that same virtue?

Jesus was training His followers to not just act empowered by the Spirit of God but to react by that same power.}The Kingdom lifestyle God is looking to form in us is not just limited to our actions but encompasses our reactions as well.
^{May you access the grace of God in your reactions to others this week!
-Pastor Joshua
Tomorrow's text: Matthew 13:1-23:39}

embarking on a journey

2010-08-29T06:05:00.007-04:00

Years ago I memorized Hebrews 4:12 that says, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” It’s one of my all time favorite verses to quote, because it’s so powerful.

I absolutely LOVE that God’s word is not just a bunch of words in an old book. It’s alive. It’s active. It’s sharp, like a sword. It has the ability to penetrate into the depths of our life and root out everything that’s ugly and broken. It’s able to unveil the hidden potential that God placed within us before we were born and reveal it to the light for us and the whole world to see and enjoy.

When I was in college a very well respected professor lovingly referred to as “Professor McGee” said something to me that has always stuck in my heart as so profound and true.

“The Word of God is an ocean that children can wade in and men can drown in.” Professor McGee

We are all about to embark on a journey of discovery that is God-led and God-directed. And every single one of our journey’s will be God-unique, not one even close to another. It’s an adventure I personally can’t wait to take, and one I look forward to hearing about from you!

“Lord, we submit our hearts and lives to you as we delve into the mysteries found in your Holy Word!”

Guest Blogger: Pastor Wayne Hedlund

Tomorrow’s text: Matthew 1:1-Matthew 12:50

newthru30 journey

2010-08-28T09:19:00.009-04:00

The Word of God is so transformative in its power...and we will be unleashing that power over the next 30 days in our lives on a whole new level.

8.28-9.26

5 Sundays walking through New Testament passages
daily devotional blog entries
reading plan available at Elim Gospel Church's website
NT on cd or mp3 available at our resource center located in of church lobby
Community Groups Fair September 26 after 9 & 1045am services.

Smith Wigglesworth, a man of great faith who demonstrated the love and power of God in such a remarkable way during his lifetime, built his entire life and ministry on 4 principles:

Read the Word of God.
Consume the Word of God until it consumes you.
Believe the Word of God.
Act on the Word of God.

"Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that proceeds from the
mouth of God." -Jesus

Looking forward to taking this 30 day journey together!