October 25, 2009 – The Pursuit, Part 2

The first week of this series we discovered that God pursues us and wants intimacy with us in a rich, meaningful relationship. But like the key verse for this series says (Js. 4:8) we draw near first. What that tells me is we have the promise that when we make the move toward drawing near to God He is right there and draws near to us. But it also lets me know that we set the level of intimacy that we desire – we make the first move. In other words how close our relationship is with God is on us. God desires intimacy do we?

So, we have to have a hunger to grow in intimacy with God – to follow hard after him. We have to protect our hunger. This week we looked at how to protect that hunger in 3 ways.

1. We must remember – (Ps. 42:1-4) Like the Psalmist says here, we have to remember back to a time and place, the feeling, the experience of past times when we know we were touched by God. The sweetness of being in His presence and knowing that He is real. Remembering times like even in dry times – builds and protects our hunger.

2. We must beware of fillers – (Rev. 3:14) Here the church was full/satisfied and because of it, it took away their hunger to want to seek intimacy with God. Fillers can be obvious like too much time on the computer or watching TV rather than spending time with God. Or it can be subtle – like pursuing a goal, a career or a promotion rather than putting God in His proper place in your life. Either way you must beware of fillers because they are hunger killers.

3. We will hunger for what we feed on – you know physically the more you eat of one thing over time your body will crave and desire that one thing. It will eventually need it (caffeine – hello!). The same is true spiritually. As you feed on the things of God while you are pursuing intimacy with him your hunger to spend time with Him will grow. The deeper you will desire to go in intimacy with Him. The best way to protect your hunger is to feed on spiritual things – your hunger will grow.

Again I say – stay hungry my friends,

Jonathan

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October 18, 2009 – The Pursuit, Part 1

God pursues us…an example of how God pursues us is seen in is His relationship with the Israelites. God did not forget His promise that they were chosen but they forgot it…until Ex. 19:4. He re-introduces Himself to the Israelites through the instructions he gives Moses to tell the Israelites but at the end of the instructions listen to Ex. 20:1-2 “And God spoke all these words, saying: 2 ‘I am the Lord your God.’”  What is the significance of this verse? This God is re-establishing the promise he gave to Abraham many generations before implying that there’s a relationship already there – they haven’t done anything yet & they are in with God – I am your God. The instructions given were not to establish a relationship but to show that there was a relationship already there one that God pursued with them.

What did Jesus say was the reason he came to earth…Lk. 19:10 “For I have come to seek and to save that who is lost.”

You pursue what you desire, what you value. What value you have is determined by the price you would pay to get it. So what value did God show we were by the price he paid – His Son. (Ps. 49:7-8, I Cor. 6:19-20, Jn. 3:16, Jn. 17:23)

God pursues us – He wants intimacy with us. When we pursue Him is when he reveals himself to us. When we seek him we will find him – he is easy to find. We have that promise and the key scripture for the rest of this series is James 4:8 – Come close to God and he will come close to you.

Lets know that God pursues us with a passion. He longs for intimacy with us, His creation. Lets draw near to Him and He promises to draw near to us.

The Pursuit,

Jonathan

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October 11, 2009 – Organic Church 6

In this final discussion on what it means to be an Organic Church let me ask you a question. Can you love God without loving people? The obvious answer is NO! If you want to know what being a Christian is really about it is about love and you cannot love without serving – giving yourself away.

Jesus when asked to sum up the entire law in Matt. 22:36 said “Love God and love others…On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Every law given in the Bible hangs on these 2 statements made by Jesus. So let me ask you again – is it possible to love God & not love people?

When God loved us he sent his Son to die for us. When Jesus loved God his Father he gave his life. There is an inseparable action here that by Jesus loving his father he laid down his life. Loving God is a vertical expression and for many followers of Jesus this is the extent of their Christian experience but this verse says loving God is first but the 2nd is just like it you cant separate the two. When you love God he puts his love on the inside of you and God so loved that he gave to others making it a horizontal expression as well.

It starts by loving those in your home, goes to those on the job/classrooms, those you come in contact with throughout the day – even acquaintances, strangers. Jesus set the example of living his life serving others (you can read about this in Matt. 20:20-28). Jesus said if you want to be great in my kingdom – live like me – I came not to be served but to serve. Live not for yourself but for others.

If I love God I will love people? – NO – Jesus is saying if you love people you are loving me (Matt. 25). They are inseparable – if you are serving others you are doing it unto God – He takes it personally. It takes our vertical relationship with God & makes it horizontal. Organic churches live their relationship w/ God horizontally. (Phil. 2:5-9)

What if everyone in church tried to out serve each other what kind of place would that be – what kind of environment would that be. What if the organic church went out and was the church by doing things to the least of these. That is what going and being the church is all about. Serving others in love – showing God’s love to a hurting and dying world by being servants. If you love God you will serve others – more importantly you love God by serving others

Lets love God vertically and horizontally this week,

Jonathan

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Week 1 Day 5

The Daily Take 10

The Epistle of James

Week 1 Day 5

Introduction…God is teaching us in His Word that when we value what God values we can go through trials with joy since we know that we will grow, learn and be rewarded by God. By going through the trials of life while trusting in God, we will emerge from them and be found faithful as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Going through life we can ask God for wisdom. God will provide wisdom to us, when we ask with vibrant, focused faith that asks, expects and receives from our Heavenly Father.

Read James 1: 9-11 “Let the brother in humble circumstances glory in his elevation (as a Christian, called to true riches and an heir of God). And the rich person in being humbled by being shown his human frailty because like the flower…he will pass away. For the sun comes up with scorching heat and parches the grass, its flower falls off and its beauty fades away. Even so will the rich man wither and die in the midst of his pursuits.”

Bible Study

• This Scripture is a reality check and gives us valuable insight how God sees us versus how we see people and how we may see ourselves.
• The Bible says in I Samuel 16:7, “man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart.” We can be fooled by people, we misjudge others and we often do not think rightly about ourselves. God is not fooled. He created us and knows us best.
• The Bible teaches us to think soberly of ourselves. Meaning do not think too highly of yourself nor too lowly of yourself. Both are incorrect. See Romans 12:3
• If you think to highly of yourself, you tend to forget God and think you are better than others. Failing to respect others and not realizing your need for God.
• If you think too low of yourself, insecure, have low self esteem, believing you are insignificant and not realizing you are of great value to God. He loves you and you can be rich in having Him for life. “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul.” Matthew 16:26
• Perhaps you are poor financially, socially or mentally…the world gives you the sense that you don’t measure up or are ridiculed. If you know the Lord and think poorly of yourself, that is wrong thinking.
• Perhaps you are wealthy and think that you have no needs that you can’t handle yourself. If you think that you don’t need God, that is wrong thinking.
• The circumstances of life, whether poor or rich, do not identify who you are or determine in any way your value. In both of these circumstances there are trials. Understand in both situations your value in God and your need for God.

Application

• Life is all about God. Living for Him and with Him in the good and bad of life.
• Know what He says and get it right on the inside of you and you will begin living an abundant life.

Any questions or comments?

Tags: Take 10

Week 1 Day 4

The Daily Take 10
The Epistle of James
Week 1 Day 4

Introduction…as children and part of the family of God, we can ask (asking is a part of praying) our Father to provide our needs. In fact, like a good father, God wants us to ask Him instead of being worried about things. Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not fret or have anxiety about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition (asking), with thanksgiving, make your requests known.”

Read…James 1:6-8
“Only it must be in faith that he asks with no wavering (no hesitating, no doubting). For the one who wavers is like the billowing surge out at sea that is blown…and tossed by the wind. For let not such a person think that he will receive anything (he asks for) from the Lord. A double-minded person is unstable in all their ways.” The Amplified Bible

Bible Study
• First let’s understand faith. Hebrews 11:6 says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God. They that come to God must believe that He is and He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11 is an entire chapter devoted to faith…a great read.
• Understand that God gives faith as part of the human DNA. Romans 12:3 says, “God has given to all mankind a measure of faith” so there is no excuse, we have it and first use it, when we believe and come to God for asking forgiveness.
• Understand saving faith. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son/Jesus that whoever believes (trusts in, clings to, relies on) in Him would not perish but have eternal life.”
• Understand that God always looks for and rewards faith. In Genesis it says, “Abraham believed God and He counted it unto him as righteousness.”
• So we can see the fact that our Christian life starts, is sustained and empowered
by faith in the living God, our Father.
• So when we come to God in prayer, once again we come in faith believing. He is there, hears us, meets our needs and answers our requests with His great mercy, love and power.
• When we ask God for wisdom, it is no different than other prayer requests. We must have faith to believe, ask, know He will give it and now listen to His Spirit in you telling you what to do and how to do it.
• If you are weak in faith, there is an anecdote. Read the Word. Our faith also grows by reading and applying His Word to our lives. The Bible teaches, “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” Romans 10:17

Application
• Believe your beliefs and doubt your doubts.
• After praying and asking God for wisdom, ‘listen’ and ‘sense’ His Spirit in you speaking, counseling, advising you. It will never contradict His Word/Bible

Any comments or question?

Tags: Take 10

Week 1 Day 3

The Daily Take 10
The Epistle of James
Week 1 Day 3

Introduction…Wisdom. Who has it? How do I get it? If I had it how would my life change? Years ago according to the Bible, Solomon, a young King of Israel, who loved the Lord and lived for Him, had a dream where God asked what above all else he wanted. Solomon asked for wisdom and God gave him the most wise and understanding heart. See 1 Kings 3:3-14. To this day Solomon is known as the wisest man who ever lived.

Read… James 1:5 “If any of you lack or is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving
God, who gives to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given to him.” The Amplified Bible

Bible Study
• Lack. Why is God saying we are lacking wisdom? If we don’t understand how we can experience the ‘joy’ of going through life with God and having faith in Him, even through trials and difficult times, then we are in fact lacking wisdom.
• Wisdom. Because ‘the fear, or trust, in the Lord is the beginning of knowledge’ and from that knowledge of God, wisdom develops in us. Wisdom gives us the ability to see Divine purpose, God’s perspective and the big picture that gives you great peace, confidence and unfailing direction in life. See Proverbs 1:6-7
• Webster defines wisdom as intelligence drawing upon experience and governed by prudence.
• The Word of God teaches that wisdom is practical and concerned with the everyday business of life.
• Isn’t James 1: 5 polite and kind by saying ‘IF’ any of you lack wisdom. I can hear my answer already, ‘ah that be me!’ ‘I qualify and I’m in line.’
• God our Father promises to give it to us if and when we ask. The Nike logo, “Just Do It” applies here. Just do it…ask God for wisdom!
• Why not pray and ask God for wisdom to see His purposes and gain His guidance for the trials of day, in our lives, marriage, parenting, in our work?
• Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear (reverential trust) of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
• Knowing that the Bible teaches us God’s wisdom and instruction for living…if we don’t read and study the Word…are we despising wisdom and instruction?
• Do you need and want wisdom? If so, did you know you could ask God for it and without a doubt, He would give it to you?
• The Bible in Matthew 7:11 says, “if we (you and I) being evil know how to give good gifts to our children, how much more will your heavenly Father …give good things to them that ask him.”
• When I give a gift to someone and they don’t say thanks or use it, I have been known to get offended. Are you that way too? Well God is not that way.
• God will give us wisdom if we ask and will not give it to us grudgingly saying, “but you don’t deserve it!” or with faultfinding saying, “I gave it to you last time and you didn’t listen to my wisdom or advice, so I’m not giving it to you again”.
Application…
• Do I turn to God during trials?
• Do I understand God’s purposes?
• Am I growing closer to God through the trials of life?
• What is keeping me from gaining wisdom from God?

Any comments or questions?

Tags: Take 10

Week 1 Day 2

The Daily Take 10
The Epistle of James
Week 1 Day 2

Introduction…discipleship is all about learning. Learning from God, what He has revealed through His Word and the life of Jesus Christ. He called us to be His disciples. After accepting Jesus Christ as our savior, the calling of every believer is to grow in Him. When we accept Christ as our savior, we are saved from our sins, which are wonderfully forgiven and forgotten by God. But God, who created us and loves us, also offers us His abundant life. So let’s press on, develop and learn how to live life to its fullest. That’s what discipleship is all about.

Read…James 1:2-4 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing this, that the testing of your faith develops patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, lacking nothing.”

Bible Study
• There are several key words in these verses to focus upon and understand.
• When the Scripture says, “my brethren”, it is addressed to all Christians, all believers, both men and women. Did you know that you and I are family? That’s right we are both children of Father God and part of His family.
• The Word of God here in James is speaking to Christians…brethren.
• “Joy”! Are you kidding…consider it joy to be in a trial?
• Well yes, we can find joy if we look past the trial, the circumstances, the difficulty and “know this”:
o God is with us, He hears our prayers, loves us, and will get us through this trial, which is purposed to develop our faith.
o Sticking with God, trusting in and holding onto Him during these times is essential.
o The outcome of this process results in ‘patience’ or steadfastness.
o This is an important step in discipleship because it means we have developed an enduring faith, which makes us ‘perfect’ in God’s eyes.
• Can you now sense the joy of trials? Jesus considered it joy when He envisioned going to the Cross, because He saw past the trial and focused on us being reconciled unto God, forgiven and in right relationship with God. Hebrews 12:2.
• Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God”. During trials our faith isn’t damaged. If we go through trials of life with God, our faith is perfected. Remember God is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2) and He is developing strong faith in us, making us ‘perfect’ in His sight and by His evaluation.

Application
• Evaluate your faith…weak, moderate, or strong faith?
• What is your first reaction when trials come? Look up Psalms 50:15.
• Did you ever think that in God’s eyes you could be seen as perfect?

Any questions or comments?

Tags: Take 10

Week 1 Day 1

The Daily Take 10

The Epistle of James

Week 1 Day 1

Introduction…the book of James was written by James, the brother of Jesus, who did not believe in Jesus during His ministry time on earth, but he followed Christ after His resurrection. James eventually became the pastor and led the church in Jerusalem.

Read…James 1:1 “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.” King James Version.

Bible Study

• Note in this first verse of Scripture, James does not identify himself as the brother of Jesus, but with full recognition that Jesus is the Christ and Son of God, he describes himself more accurately as a slave, or bond servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, meaning he lives for his master, his life is purposed for his masters’ use and he is bound for life to Him. ‘For me to live is Christ…’ Philippians 1:21
• Can you imagine the transformation in James’ life? Growing up with Jesus as nothing more than his older brother, but hearing His mother, Mary’s amazing account of how God visited her and the virgin birth. Mary, too described herself, not as Jesus’ mother, but a handmaiden, or servant of the Lord.
• No doubt it was incredible for James to see and hear Jesus speak with such wisdom and authority while healing sick people and doing such miracles. But when Jesus lived and was crucified, as was prophesied by prophets centuries before and then was resurrected…the life long mystery of his brother became reality. It changed his life forever. Wouldn’t it have done the same in your life?
• When James saw the life, words, and works of Jesus he was astonished, but when he saw the death, resurrection and then the ascension of the Living Lord…life took on new meaning and would never be the same again. That is the very essence of the born again experience…old things are passed away and behold all things are new (II Corinthians 5:17). Life from then on becomes one of discipleship. James said, now I am a follower and servant of Jesus Christ.
• James life was changed when he believed (trusted in and committed to) the truth of God that Jesus was the Word, God the Son and became his Savior.
• James became ‘born again’ as the life changing experience with Christ is identified in the Gospel of John 3:3-8.
• This incredible truth is the Good News from God. “But as many as received Jesus, to them gave He the power to become the children of God, even to them that believe on His name…to those who were born of God.” John 1:12

Application

• Have you accepted Jesus into your life? Do you believe in your heart and confessed Jesus as your savior? Are you born again, or born from above?
• If so, have you considered that you, like James, are a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ?
• The term ‘servant may sound strange, but when you think of it, we are all serving someone. Maybe the only person we serve is our own purposes and ourselves. We are all living for or serving someone. Why not, serve the Lord Jesus Christ? Become a disciple. A follower of Him. He is our Lord, meaning owner.
• Joshua, who led Israel faithfully after Moses died, said at one point when the people were uncommitted or lukewarm in their faith, “Today, choose whom you will serve. But for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15
• What is God asking or expecting of you as his servant?
• In what ways do you serve the Lord?

Any questions or comments?

Tags: Take 10

October 4, 2009 – Organic Church 5

Unity is a beautiful thing Ps. 133:1 talks about that. It is a powerful force Gen. 11:4-6 is a example in the negative to how strong a force unity can be. Unity is a characteristic found in organic churches and a church acting in unity as a body is the picture Paul gave in I Cor. 12:12. How does unity come about in an organic church? The answer is found in that next verse, 13, it is by having one spirit – God’s spirit and the fruit that should be produced when God’s spirit is on display. The church should bear that same fruit.

The power unity brings to an organic church is one reason to pursue it but I think the Bible clearly states something even more important. In Jn. 17 Jesus is praying for us and praying for unity among us – just as He and the Father were in unity. The reason for the unity though is what struck me so powerfully, listen to it in verse 21, “that they all may be one (be unified), as You, Father, and I are one; that they also may be one in Us, (why?) that the world may believe that You sent Me…” And then He repeats it all again in verse 23, “I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, (why again?) that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.”

Unity in an organic church is a powerful force to be reckoned with, yes – but unity in the church is even more important than that, as it brings validity to the message that the world would know of God’s love for them and believe. What a powerful revelation that we gain through Jesus’ prayer.

Be in unity this week so the world will know the message of Jesus,

Jonathan

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September 28, 2009 – Organic Church 4

This week we again look internally at the organic church – church the way God intended it to be. Last week we talked about the House of God and how God’s eyes are on His House and His heart is in His House but what is a house without a family? God relates to us in family terms – we are His children, He is our Father, etc. We are to view our church family in the House of God as our spiritual family and Gal. 6:10 talks specifically about that relationship.

Whether or not you have a positive view of family from your upbringing being a part of a healthy spiritual family is an important piece to your spiritual walk with God. Your church family is something to be valued and an organic churches understand this. So, here are 7 things that you gain personally/spiritually by being planted in the house of God and connected to your spiritual family (Ps. 92:13).

1. Families support each other – in good times and bad, victories and in valleys you want family around. It makes the good times that much sweeter but you know sometimes only family can comfort the best in the hard times.
2. Families grow up together – When you grow up with family it shapes and molds you into who you are going to become. It is so wonderful to be in the family of God where those relationships can do just that in Christ.
3. Families have fun together – church should be fun and we should have a great time with our family in the House of God. There is a lot to celebrate!
4. Families eat together – this is straight out of what the early church did but everyone knows something very special (sacred even) is exchanged when people “break bread” together.
5. Families don’t leave each other – when you have bought into this idea that those you go to church with are your spiritual family this truth is so powerful. You know that when things got stressful in you home growing up it didn’t work for you to go next door and have them adopt you. You had to stick it out and work it out. When things get tough family doesn’t cut and run.
6. Families work together – you know the most powerful businessman, the most educated woman, when they come home and are with family – they wash dishes, scrub toilets, change diapers. Everyone knows in order for there to be order in the home everybody has got to chip in and do their part. Being a part of a family forces you to think outside of yourself and contribute to something greater than yourself. The same is true in you spiritual family.
7. Together families reach farther – this point really dove tails with number six. Your reach is so much farther and your impact is so much greater when you are a part of a family then if you are by yourself.

So much blessing comes into your life being connected to, by being a part of, by being planted in, the house of God – being a part of the family of God. That kind of blessing an organic church knows and understands.

Have a great week family,

Jonathan

Tags: Jonathan Spuler