Fasting

We are fasting as a faith community, in essence, setting apart a day to focus on what God is saying to us regarding a new meeting place. Scripture does not command Christians to fast. God does not require or demand it of Christians. At the same time, the Bible presents fasting as something that is good, profitable, and beneficial. The book of Acts records believers fasting before they made important decisions (Acts 13:2; 14:23). Fasting and prayer are often linked together (Luke 2:37; 5:33). Too often, the focus of fasting is on the lack of food. Instead, the purpose of fasting should be to take your eyes off the things of this world to focus completely on God. Fasting is a way to demonstrate to God, and to ourselves, that we are serious about our relationship with Him. Fasting helps us gain a new perspective and a renewed reliance upon God.

Although fasting in Scripture is almost always a fasting from food, there are other ways to fast. Anything given up temporarily in order to focus all our attention on God can be considered a fast (1 Corinthians 7:1-5). Fasting should be limited to a set time, especially when fasting from food. Extended periods of time without eating can be harmful to the body. Fasting is not intended to punish the flesh, but to redirect attention to God. Fasting should not be considered a “dieting method” either. The purpose of a biblical fast is not to lose weight, but rather to gain deeper fellowship with God. Anyone can fast, but some may not be able to fast from food (diabetics, for example). Everyone can temporarily give up something in order to draw closer to God.

By taking our eyes off the things of this world, we can more successfully turn our attention to Christ. Fasting is not a way to get God to do what we want. Fasting changes us, not God. Fasting is not a way to appear more spiritual than others. Fasting is to be done in a spirit of humility and a joyful attitude. Matthew 6:16-18 declares, “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Being Free

We don't really understand freedom. We don't. We often thing that freedom is getting to do what you want, when in fact that is truly the quickest path to bondage ever... I am free to use drugs- and get addicted. We need to realize that freedom is a functional freedom and a disciplined heart is true of freedom. We are truly free when our hearts are committed to fulfilling the design that God has for us as we are created to do. So you are now free to love by the power of God's spirit dwelling inside you. You are free to serve, reach out, and free not to do, free from the fleshly desires that make you do all the things you regret. That is freedom.

Galatians 5 ¹⁶So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. ¹⁷For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. ¹⁸But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
 ¹⁹The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; ²⁰idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions ²¹and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
 ²²But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. ²⁴Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. ²⁵Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. ²⁶Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

The Problem of Evil

Often times we look at evil as a an entity unto itself, with power and ability to punish at will. We forget that so often evil is a consequence of choice. The next question is then... Why give us choice God? Why should we be able to wield such a powerful tool? Because with choice comes good and love too. I now can choose to love God and choose to obey God and with that choice I too can choose to overcome evil with the Kingdom of God. We are faced with a huge responsibility, and a huge blessing,choice. Power placed in the hands of the wounded healers to heal, or to choose to harm.The only thing scarier than this is the idea of no choice. That we cannot participate in work of God, we are players on a stage, acting out our parts till the end of life comes. No true submission, no real buy in, no sacrifice to define worth, no willing love... that is too trajic to imagine.

To submit...

We struggle with submission. The idea of putting oneself under, or lowering our status for the sake of another. Oh, we struggle with the idea and with the practice that I am not the one in control. The definition is also interesting...
Submit

Pronunciation: \səb-ˈmit\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): sub·mit·ted; sub·mit·ting

Etymology: Middle English submitten, from Latin submittere to lower, submit, from sub- + mittere to send

Date: 14th century

transitive verb 1 a : to yield to governance or authority b : to subject to a condition, treatment, or operation submitted to analysis>
2 : to present or propose to another for review, consideration, or decision; also : to deliver formally <submitted my resignation>
3 : to put forward as an opinion or contention intransitive verb 1 a : to yield oneself to the authority or will of another : surrender b : to permit oneself to be subjected to something
2 : to defer to or consent to abide by the opinion or authority of another

To yield, to let another ahead, to give way, I like that, to give way. More to think about here...

Hebrews 12:9
Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live!

How much more, Just some stuff to chew on.

Shalom

Holy Living = Wholly God's

1 Peter 1
  ¹³Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. ¹⁴As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. ¹⁵But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; ¹⁶for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."

We often make the mistake of thinking of holiness as just behavior, when it is really so much more than that! The core of holiness is not found in the symptom of behavior but in the source of intimacy and relationship with God. We please what we love. We find joy in what we love. So the question of holiness is not, how well you behave? The question is what do you love the most? I am sure Peter had a flashback as he was dictating the passage above to the encounter with Jesus when Jesus asks "Do you love (agape- love unconditionally) me?" Peter replies "yes I love (phileo- love as brother) you feed my sheep'. Again Jesus asks "Do you love (agape- love unconditionally) me?" Peter replies "yes I love (phileo- love as brother) you feed my sheep'. Then the third time Jesus asks "Do you phileo me?" Peter cries and says, Jesus you're God and know all things you know I Phileo you... Feed my lambs."

We see holiness as unattainable, and without sin. Yet in this conversation we see obedience, love, and growth as the way to holiness. I know God is very aware of our sin... that's why He sent Jesus. So if the sin is no surprise and our short comings are no surprise let's love God and become like the thing we love, taking off the things that get in the way of a true relationship with God.

Just some thoughts,
Peace

Hope re-visited

Sunday we started the book of 1st Peter, and talked about the idea that God is more concerned with the state of our soul and not the comfort of our situation.
1 Peter 1 
³Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, ⁵who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. ⁶In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. ⁷These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. ⁸Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, ⁹for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

We seem to notice hope more when we need it and when things are hard we need it so much more! That just says a lot about the value we put on comfort. We treasure what we have here in this world now and have no value in what God has for us in eternity.

In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, ⁵who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. ⁶In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trial

We seem to think it idealistic to say my hope is in heaven, yet, that is exactly what we signed up for. So let me ask the question... Do you hold on and hope in the things here and now and hope less in the things to come? If we see things in a future promise that God will fulfill the things that are here today, good & bad seem much smaller.

Shalom,
Rick

Prayer - V - Pressing in...

The word Intercession has a couple of Greek roots depending on how it is used but there is a consistent theme across the meanings.  First we find, “a lighting upon, meeting with; a conversation; a petition”. This is a technical term for approaching a king, and so for approaching God in “intercession;” it is rendered “prayer” (i.e., seeking the presence and hearing of God on behalf of others).  As I prayed about what to share, the Lord brought back to my mind the story in Mark 2 of Jesus at Capernaum.
If you recall the story you realize that in Mark 2:12, after the debate with the “teachers of the law”, that this man was healed but what I want to deal with real quickly is the process that got this paralyzed man to deliverance and how it relates to intercessory prayer.
First let’s deal with the issue of where Jesus was in relation to where the man was who was lying on the mat.  The four men saw their paralyzed friend and got the Denali, loaded the man in the back and drove from wherever they were to Jesus right?  No, they walked with this man on a mat.  No one knows how much he weighed but it doesn’t say it was a paralyzed boy so we can assume this was a full grown man.  We don’t know how far they had to walk either but if by the time they got there it was standing room only; it’s safe to assume the walk wasn’t around the corner.  One challenge with intercessory prayer is the lack of energy to pray.  Statistics say now that most people can attest to being overextended and the Barana Group reports that Christians are just as overwhelmed as those who don’t claim the faith.  From the time I leave for work till I get home is roughly 10-12 hours a day.  Now if I got home and chilled that would be one thing but I have two kids, a baby and an 8 year old and my wife works at night…think I’m done working when I get home?  Somebody is reading this and saying, “You think that’s something, try walking in my shoes” and that’s my point.  To even get to the place of prayer we have to press.
Next Jesus was inside of a house and people were crowding in around him.  One of the best analogies I can think of is going to the hottest club back in the day when a celebrity was in town.  Maybe you didn’t do clubs but the atmosphere would be crowded from the inside out.  The club had a fire code and at a point when they reached capacity, no one was admitted until someone left.  Now if it was the hot star of the day, you waited outside until someone left…however long that took.  I imagine the same was true for Jesus.  The crowds came for the miracles.  Let’s be honest, people had needs and once their need was met they listened but what brought many to the house was their ailments and they were not going anywhere until their issue was resolved.

Truthfully couldn’t you pray all day about your laundry list of issues?  When someone comes to you with their stuff your noble heart truly desires to pray for them but if you don’t take a moment to pray right then or write it down to pray later the chances are…you’ll forget because of all your stuff.  Sally sits in the cube next to you and just got laid off…at first you want to pray for her but then reality hits, that you could be next.  “I love you Sally but Jesus cause them to passover my cube cause I can’t hardly pay my mortgage now and I got a car payment, the electric is due, I gotta get the plumbing fixed and Johnny needs shoes and….”  That’s the reality.  Once we press pass our tiredness, we have to press past self focus.
Finally the men realized that standing outside was getting no where so they carried the man on top of the roof and began to tear up the roof of the house to lower the man in.  Wow!  Let’s visualize for a moment.  Everyone is in line and these four cats decide to go up the side of the house.  Can’t you imagine, “Hey, what are y’all doing?  Don’t go butting in line?” What about from the house as they were tearing the roof off, “What is that?  Are you crazy?”  Even in the midst of prayer you have to battle the adversary.  He’s bringing more issues and more challenges to distract you and that is when you must keep your face like a flint.

What I got from this story is the fact that if we are going to be effective in praying for one another we must take the time to make a concerted effort to reach the goal.  It is not going to be easy but we need to care enough about someone else that our own issues take a back seat.  Remember, the end result is that the four men were successful and their friend’s issue was resolved.  They were fervent in effort and God honored their press!

Risking in Prayer

When the New Orleans Saints fell behind Indianapolis early in the Super Bowl, 10-0, I broke a personal rule and prayed for the Saints. Specifically, my prayer was that the Saints would intercept a pass and run it back for a touchdown to win the game. Of course, my prayer was answered in the fourth quarter.
How silly and even blasphemous could I get, praying for the Saints? Is God, with all His cosmic problems, going to intervene on behalf of the home team? We all do that, we major in the minor things of life and we trust God for that. It's a no- risk prayer.

or...

When a friend I care for gets the word from the doctor, cancer, I pray. I ask God to help comfort and heal but I do not pray as specifically as I did for the interception.  I will pray things like... God if it's your will, please heal. Yet in the New Testament there is a different level of prayer. The language is more direct, and more acknowledging the power of God to intervene and make a difference. Now please, this is not an act of presumption but an acceptance of the place of authority that God has given us as His children.

James 1

⁶But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; ⁸he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. 

This is not talking about changing your mind or opinion but about fully putting your trust in one solution. You can't hedge your bet when it comes to prayer, you need to be all in. Ask for the complete in- breaking of God's power not a half measure, or attempt.  Let God be sovereign and fulfill the outcome but in the mean time, move out in your prayer and ask, plead for the specific things that align with His will and go for it.

So what are some things that are "risk it" level things that only God can move on? 

Make a list 

Ask him to move into those areas pray over them... and see what He does, and the answers can be yes, NO, or not yet. God has this all in His hands we pray so that we change and become more like Him. Just think about this, the risk He takes making us the vessels of grace and eternal love every day! Wow! 

So now keep track of those risk it prayers and let's see what stories we can encourage each other with.

I'm too busy...

De*Busy*fication-
There is in us a tyranny of the urgent. I drive to do and be in everything and stay connected to everything. So what do you do at the end of the day when it is all said and done, and you come crashing into bed with all the wants and need to do's, completely undone? Stress more? Wonder what next time management trick you can do to get what you want?

There is a simple truth that we do not realize. There are 24 hours in a day, seven days a week, time cannot be created, only managed. Being a limited resource makes it more precious, and more valuable. So you make decisions based in what will make the best sense and the most in line with what God says is important. When we say "YES" to one thing... we say "NO" to many others. So think about this... does my schedule reflect my priorities? Obviously, yes, you wouldn't spend time on things you value. The problem is that our time tells us what we value and we really don't like it at all! We value rest and renewal, and use a TV to unwind, how does that work for you? Are you rested? We want to grow in our faith and passively listen to a speaker that we agree with and never look at the passages that we are being taught, we just mindlessly and passively sit there. So let's do this... see if you are prioritizing your time by what you really value and be ruthlessly honest about it.

Journal a week of your events and see where your time goes, see what you really value and then, lay that before God and just be honest with him about what you value and where you're at. This is not a negative thing!!! It is a great snapshot of the stress in your life and is it really worth being busy with. So do it, start today and have the courage to become the Christ follower you want to be by putting your time under His lordship again. It is an eye opening experience that you will find quite enlightening! At the end of the week- lokk at what really doesn't contribute to the person you want to be become and say "NO" to that so you can say "YES" to the things that are going to contribute to your growth.

Shalom...

Prayer - III Faith passages

So what do you believe in, and what do you have faith in?
There are times when what we see, and then believe, so overwhelms what we trust in that we have a crisis in faith. The challenge is to choose the reality you buy into... is it God and His truth, or is it the conclusions you have come to? So before you start take a look at those conclusions you have come up with.. how have they been working for you? Maybe it's time to see if God's reality is a better solution... just try it on.

Here are some verses to establish God's reality in different chapters of our lives, see how they fit. Read and meditate on what they are saying to you. Listen for the still small voice of God in each verse that applies to you. Then open your bible and read the verses surrounding the verses here and meditate on what is there for you. It will take you about fifteen to twenty minutes to dramatically impact the next twenty four hours.

Anxiety

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) • More on Anxiety

Brokenhearted

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 (NASB)

Confusion

For God is not the author of confusion but of peace ... 1 Corinthians 14:33 (NKJV)

Defeat

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair ... 2 Corinthians 4:8 (NIV)

Disappointment

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28 (NLT) • More on Disappointment

Doubt

I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. Matthew 17:20 (NIV)

Failure

The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. Proverbs 24:16 (NLT)

Fear

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT) • More on Fear

Grief

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 (NIV)

Hunger

Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. Matthew 4:4 (NIV)

Impatience

Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:14 (NIV)

Impossibilities

Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God." Luke 18:27 (NIV)

Inability

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)

Inadequacy

I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

Lacking Direction

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)

Lacking Intelligence

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 (NIV)

Lacking Wisdom

It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 1 Corinthians 1:30 (NIV)

Loneliness

... the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV) • More on Loneliness

Mourning

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4 (NIV)

Poverty

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (NKJV)

Rejection

No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39 (NIV)

Sorrow

I will turn their mourning into joy and will comfort them and give them joy for their sorrow. Jeremiah 31:13 (NASB)

Temptation

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV) • More on Temptation

Tiredness

... but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

Unforgiveness

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 (NLT) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (NIV) • More on Unforgiveness

Unloved

See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! 1 John 3:1 (NLT)

Weakness

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

Weariness

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

Worry

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)

Active Listening

Have you ever been a part of a conversation and the other person is actually into it? They lean in, they respond, they ask about your statements to not lose the meaning. That is how prayer should be like, active and leaning into what God is saying in the moment to us. As you go through this exercise... savor the pauses, grasp the moments, hang on the words... seek and you shall find.


I pause for a moment and think of the love and the grace that God showers on me: I am created in the image and likeness of God; I am God's dwelling-place.

Pray this... 
Lord grant me the grace
to have freedom of the spirit.
Cleanse my heart and soul
so I may live joyously in your love

In the presence of my loving Creator,
I look honestly at my feelings over the last day, the highs, the lows and the level ground.
Can I see where the Lord has been present?


Meditate on this...
 Matthew 20:20-23
Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, and kneeling before him, she asked a favour of him. And he said to her, 'What do you want?' She said to him, 'Declare that these two sons of mine will sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.' But Jesus answered, 'You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?' They said to him, 'We are able.' He said to them, 'You will indeed drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left, this is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.'

What are you saying to me, Lord?

Take some time to hear your soul and listen to what God is saying, even jot it down and carry it with you today. Or comment your thoughts on this by clicking below.

Jesus, you always welcomed little children when you walked on this earth. Teach me to have a childlike trust in you. To live in the knowledge that you will never abandon me.
I am your child.

Listeining to God week 1

Hearing God's Voice through Prayer
When you want to have a conversation with someone, how do you begin? Do you stand in front of the person and hope they will talk to you? That might work, if the other person is outgoing enough, but usually we begin a conversation by opening our own mouths and talking, engaging the other person's attention. It's the same with God! He loves to hear us talk to Him, and it's in those moments that we prepare ourselves to hear the voice of God. Prayer is like saying, "Hello, God, it's me. I believe You created me and that You know way more about how I should live my life than I do. I'd like to get to know You better. Here's what's going on in my life, and I'd sure like Your thoughts on how to handle it. Would You please speak to me about this today?" 

As you read these sections each one is separated by the word "SELAH" It means pause and contemplate until the process of God is done with the thoughts or passages you have read.

Dear Jesus, I come to you today
longing for your presence.
I desire to love you as You love me.
May nothing ever separate me from You.

This time is yours... please speak to me.

SELAH



Knowing that You love me unconditionally, God, I can afford to be honest about how I am. How has the last day been, and how do I feel now?
I share my feelings openly with the Lord.
 
Luke 9:28:36
Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, 'Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah'—not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, 'This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!' When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.
What are you saying to me, Lord?

Jesus you speak to me through the words of the gospels. May I respond to your call today. Teach me to recognize your hand at work in my daily living.

SELAH 

Lord, may I never take the gift
of freedom for granted. You gave
me the great blessing of freedom of
spirit. Fill my spirit with Your peace and
Your joy.

Amen