Dec 2006
Whatever... Part 5 - "Whatever"
Dec/24/2006 01:52 PM
Col 3:17- “Whatever” you do in word or
deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus…"
We’ve been looking at this verse for the last few weeks. It seems so difficult to grasp that what lays before us is by the supernatural, God ordained, hand and plan of the Almighty. So… we’re working on four principles to settle this within us.
So far we’ve covered…
#1 You are, where you are by God's design.
1 Cor 12:18-“ God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased”.
Today let’s move on to number two.
#2 You have what you have at your disposal, by God's design.
Matt 25:15-“ And to one he gave… to each according to his own ability;”
God has set each where He wanted AND God has given to each what He has determined and they are able to handle. God does this. This is a reality many believers miss. This doesn’t mean you will be where you are and only have what you currently have forever. Yet, to recognize that it was not fate, chance, or simply the result of your poor decisions that brought you to this place in life is vital. It was God. He wastes nothing. It is important to see, you are where you are, with what you have, by the will and grace of God.
We’ve been looking at this verse for the last few weeks. It seems so difficult to grasp that what lays before us is by the supernatural, God ordained, hand and plan of the Almighty. So… we’re working on four principles to settle this within us.
So far we’ve covered…
#1 You are, where you are by God's design.
1 Cor 12:18-“ God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased”.
Today let’s move on to number two.
#2 You have what you have at your disposal, by God's design.
Matt 25:15-“ And to one he gave… to each according to his own ability;”
God has set each where He wanted AND God has given to each what He has determined and they are able to handle. God does this. This is a reality many believers miss. This doesn’t mean you will be where you are and only have what you currently have forever. Yet, to recognize that it was not fate, chance, or simply the result of your poor decisions that brought you to this place in life is vital. It was God. He wastes nothing. It is important to see, you are where you are, with what you have, by the will and grace of God.
Whatever... Part 4 - "Whatever"
Dec/24/2006 01:50 PM
Col 3:17- “Whatever” you do in word or
deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus…"
We’ve been looking at this verse for the last few weeks. (Well, not the whole verse, just the word “Whatever”.) It seems to be such a simple word and truth but so easily missed. We’re always looking for what’s around the corner, just over the rainbow, or in the elusive tomorrow. In doing so we miss the miracle called today and the “whatever’s” that are at hand. So… let me give you four principles that will settle you down, clear your vision, and set your course for the miracles, yes miracles, that are right before your eyes and at the end of your wrist!
#1 You are, where you are by God's design.
1 Cor 12:18-“ God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased”.
God is not lax or powerless. His arm is not too short to reach you where you’re at and move you to someplace different in geography, status, or function. Settle it, you are where you are by His design. God is not wasteful. He set you where you are with a purpose. You may ask what that purpose is? For today, right now, (and really forever,) it is the “whatever” before you. Be FAITHFUL there!
We’ve been looking at this verse for the last few weeks. (Well, not the whole verse, just the word “Whatever”.) It seems to be such a simple word and truth but so easily missed. We’re always looking for what’s around the corner, just over the rainbow, or in the elusive tomorrow. In doing so we miss the miracle called today and the “whatever’s” that are at hand. So… let me give you four principles that will settle you down, clear your vision, and set your course for the miracles, yes miracles, that are right before your eyes and at the end of your wrist!
#1 You are, where you are by God's design.
1 Cor 12:18-“ God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased”.
God is not lax or powerless. His arm is not too short to reach you where you’re at and move you to someplace different in geography, status, or function. Settle it, you are where you are by His design. God is not wasteful. He set you where you are with a purpose. You may ask what that purpose is? For today, right now, (and really forever,) it is the “whatever” before you. Be FAITHFUL there!
Whatever… Part 3 – Faithful With “Whatever”
Dec/05/2006 09:14 AM
Col 3:17- “Whatever” you do in word or
deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus…"
I believe there is a very genuine longing in the heart of true believers to do great things “some day” on behalf of the Savior. Hope deferred can result in dissatisfaction with what is at hand “today”. Our responsibility as willing workmen, whether wealthy in this world’s goods or poor, is to be faithful with what the Lord has entrusted to us.
Take stock of where you are and what is at hand. Whether you have much or little, ask the Lord to help you faithfully use what you have for His glory!
I believe there is a very genuine longing in the heart of true believers to do great things “some day” on behalf of the Savior. Hope deferred can result in dissatisfaction with what is at hand “today”. Our responsibility as willing workmen, whether wealthy in this world’s goods or poor, is to be faithful with what the Lord has entrusted to us.
Take stock of where you are and what is at hand. Whether you have much or little, ask the Lord to help you faithfully use what you have for His glory!
Whatever… Part 2 – Fire and Passion for “Whatever”
Dec/05/2006 09:13 AM
Col 3:17- “Whatever” you do in word or
deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus…"
Many get caught in the dream of what will be “some day”. In doing so they miss the “whatever” God has lain before them. This is an all too common and perplexing struggle among many believers today. When I say believer, I’m not talking about the casual attendee who hopes to make it to heaven by doing what they see are the minimum duties of Christianity. No, I am talking about the one who has been eternally and radically touched by the living Savior, Jesus Christ. Men and who have a heart alive with thankfulness and service, like the man from the Gadarenes who was delivered of demons. He begged Jesus for an opportunity to be with Him and serve Him. These are they who long to do all the more for the Master. In their hearts they are convinced of greater depths of relationship with Christ, and greater works on behalf of His Kingdom.
Ask the Lord to fill you with a fire and passion for Him. With that passion will come a thankful heart that declares, “Lord let me do “whatever” as unto you!
Many get caught in the dream of what will be “some day”. In doing so they miss the “whatever” God has lain before them. This is an all too common and perplexing struggle among many believers today. When I say believer, I’m not talking about the casual attendee who hopes to make it to heaven by doing what they see are the minimum duties of Christianity. No, I am talking about the one who has been eternally and radically touched by the living Savior, Jesus Christ. Men and who have a heart alive with thankfulness and service, like the man from the Gadarenes who was delivered of demons. He begged Jesus for an opportunity to be with Him and serve Him. These are they who long to do all the more for the Master. In their hearts they are convinced of greater depths of relationship with Christ, and greater works on behalf of His Kingdom.
Ask the Lord to fill you with a fire and passion for Him. With that passion will come a thankful heart that declares, “Lord let me do “whatever” as unto you!
Whatever… Part 1 – Satisfied With “Whatever”
Dec/05/2006 09:12 AM
Col 3:17- “Whatever” you do in word or
deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus…"
That sounds easy enough doesn’t it? Yet, I have discovered that for most, and at times myself included, this is not the case. Many in the church live under a malaise. This feeling of discontent and dissatisfaction hangs over the lives of many members. There is a longing to do all the more for the Lord. But, if we don’t live and teach the need to be satisfied doing “whatever” is at hand, where we are, with what we have, there may never be more.
Ask the Lord to fill you with a sense of purpose, peace, and satisfaction as you do “whatever” is before you!
That sounds easy enough doesn’t it? Yet, I have discovered that for most, and at times myself included, this is not the case. Many in the church live under a malaise. This feeling of discontent and dissatisfaction hangs over the lives of many members. There is a longing to do all the more for the Lord. But, if we don’t live and teach the need to be satisfied doing “whatever” is at hand, where we are, with what we have, there may never be more.
Ask the Lord to fill you with a sense of purpose, peace, and satisfaction as you do “whatever” is before you!
Here’s a great Word for the days we live in!
Dec/05/2006 09:10 AM
1Thes 4:16-18
16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
Most of the time that we hear this verse it is being read at a funeral. In that setting it is very comforting for two reasons.
#1 If the deceased knew the Lord it helps us to know that they are with Him.
#2 If you’re hearing this at someone else’s funeral, it’s not you FACING the Lord.
Most people seem to harbor some secret sin that if they had to meet the Lord face to face this instant would leave them blushing. But Num 32:23 Says, ”Be sure your sin WILL find you out.” This, friend, is guaranteed and inevitable. One day, whatever you may be hiding will be brought to the light.
Matt 10:26 There is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.
I’ve got to believe it would be better to confess these secret sins to the Lord here and get them under the blood rather than have them plastered across the heavens when we see Him face to face. The Truth sets us free. Why not walk in the freedom God has for you today? If there is something the Holy Spirit has brought to your attention, confess it now and experience the Lord’s forgiveness and freedom.
16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
Most of the time that we hear this verse it is being read at a funeral. In that setting it is very comforting for two reasons.
#1 If the deceased knew the Lord it helps us to know that they are with Him.
#2 If you’re hearing this at someone else’s funeral, it’s not you FACING the Lord.
Most people seem to harbor some secret sin that if they had to meet the Lord face to face this instant would leave them blushing. But Num 32:23 Says, ”Be sure your sin WILL find you out.” This, friend, is guaranteed and inevitable. One day, whatever you may be hiding will be brought to the light.
Matt 10:26 There is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.
I’ve got to believe it would be better to confess these secret sins to the Lord here and get them under the blood rather than have them plastered across the heavens when we see Him face to face. The Truth sets us free. Why not walk in the freedom God has for you today? If there is something the Holy Spirit has brought to your attention, confess it now and experience the Lord’s forgiveness and freedom.