Serving With Devotion

That's What Love Does!

The Dirty of Discipleship

1. Say YES to Discipleship!

Programs don't disciple people, people disciple people.

2. Say YES to Relationship!

What if we made sure our structures disciple people? We need to create places for people to encourage relational discipleship.

3. Say YES to making People Matter!

Disciples are made...when they know that they matter to somebody, when they know that they have a place to belong.

4. Say YES to Gratitude!

You need a Romans 16 list...the people that invested in you, walked beside you along the way.  Who's list is your name going to show up on?  We have the ability to control who's list we're on.

5. Say YES to Affirmation!

We need to name people's potential!  Drawing out of them the person that Jesus created them to be. Our words matter so make them big! Call them up to a higher level. You have to be a little crazy to be a disciple maker...You have to see things in people that no one else sees.

6. Say YES to the Mess!
Say YES to the inevitable mess that they will either create or find themselves in. Mess transforms people's lives.  We say YES to mess beginning with diapers and drool; it doesn't stay that clean! You're dealing with the bad choices that they make. If we want to say YES to the next generation, we have to say YES to the mess. We've got to speak life into the messy places. We need to remind people that their mess is not final fate...it may be the incubator for miracles in their life.

7. Say YES to Inconvenience!
YES to hard conversations and shifting our priorities. Tell them a story that is larger than their own. We need to find ways to make people experience grace that is unmistakable. It's one thing to give people a list of statements and say believe it or give them a list of rules and say follow it...we're not going to win the next generation by making statements AT them.

It's not RULES to live by but a CALLING to live for!

Who are we leaving in our wake?

Who's going to be on their Romans 16 list?

We can make sure that those we've been entrusted with experience grace in the fullness of truth and the fullness of truth in the experience of grace. We've got to tell the story over and over again!

We cannot let Jesus' LAST command become our LEAST concern!  We must invite them into a story that's bigger than our own.

We must reach the next generation!  We must say YES!

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A Mouth Full of Salt

Jesus was the greatest COMMUNICATOR that ever lived.  He used earthly stories to reveal heavenly principles....better known as a "parable."

Everyone loves stories.  Stories are like a window to the truth.  They let you view into another place or dimension.

His stories were packed full of relevancy.  If He was speaking to a group of farmers, He would use illustrations that pertained to agriculture. 

He knew His audience and He knew how to create a storyline that highlighted heroes, created legends and inspired His followers to excellence.

A good communicator uses three things:

1. Revelation
2. Illustration
3. Application

If you'll notice, Jesus never used Himself as the hero to any of His stories.  He made other people the hero.  Thus we read about the Good Samaritan, the Wise Virgins, the Poor Widow, etc.

Our LIFESTYLE will make us a hero in the eyes of others if our communication consists of the following:

1. Speak the truth in LOVE
   Ephesians 4:25 "Therefore, putting away lying, let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another."
• The opposite of truth is a lie.
• We learned a phrase in elementary school, "liar, liar pants on fire."  I never could figure out why it was just their pants that caught fire.  LOL
• The Scriptures teach that "all liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." Revelation 21:8
• We must put away lying in order for TRUTH to have the right away across our tongue.
• Then there is the matter of speaking the TRUTH in LOVE.  Just because you know something to be true doesn't mean you have to BLURT it out with a hasty tone.
• Ephesians 4:15 says "but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head - Christ."
• It's not what you say...it's how you say it.
• You may have truth in your mouth like a loaded cannon - but you must delicately speak that truth so that it is laced with love.  Then it will be received better.
2. Speak through you ACTIONS
   Ephesians 4:28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let hm labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.
• Remember, we also speak through our actions.
• Conversation can also be translated as lifestyle.
• James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you?  Let him show by good CONDUCT that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.
• I've heard it said all my life that "actions speak louder than words."  This is true and a reminder to us about how we conduct ourselves everywhere we go....home, work, church, community, etc.
• A person who is truly repentent for their sins will have a humble attitude and contrition will be visible in their forward walk.
• I've been there.  My parents taught me that after you repent - you still have to make the crooked path straight by your actions from this point forward.  Even if God forgives me there are still requirements on my part to keep.  I must keep my word.  I must allow the process of restoration work in my life.  I must yield to those who keep watch for my soul.  I shouldn't try to draw attention to myself - in fact I should try to fly under the radar and limit any more waves from the ripple effect I caused.
3. Speak in PURITY
   Ephesians 4:29a "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth..."
• It boils down to guarding your life and motives.
• Matthew 7:3-5 "And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye?  Hypocrite!  First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."
• Our words should be sweet, pure and loving towards all people.
• We won't give an account for what other people say...we will give an account for what we say and how we conducted ourselves.
• Choose to speak only words of purity.  Refrain from idle chatter and gossip.  Never let it be said of you that you were involved in speaking ill of other people.  Then you'll sleep well at night and have rest for your soul.
4. Speak words that BUILD, not destroy
   Ephesians 4:29b "...but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers."
• Our words are either BUILDING or DESTROYING others.
• When we speak edifying words to our children, we are encouraging them and sparring them on to do greater things.
• We can all find something good to say if we look for it.
• Our casual conversations with one another should go beyond the old flesh routine of "kicking it" on one another all the time.
• To be honest, someone who is always "kicking it" on others wrestles with the ability to carry on a healthy conversation...probably because of some hidden self-esteem issues.
• I challenge you to say something EDIFYING to the first person you see after reading this.
5. Speak what the HOLY SPIRIT is speaking
   Ephesians 4:30 "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."
• If you remember, the Holy Spirit only speaks what the Lord says.  His actions line up with the words of our Lord.
• The same should be true of us.  Our conversation should line up with what the Holy Spirit is speaking.
• Honestly, the things people say today through facebook, etc, is enough to make angels blush and are not in alignment with the counsel of the Scriptures.
• When we determine to speak only what the Holy Spirit is speaking we will be given words to speak at the appropriate time in the appropriate way. (Matthew 10:19)
6. Speak with a RIGHT ATTITUDE
   Ephesians 4:31 "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."
• Paul told Titus that we are "to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men." (Titus 3:2)
• Keeping the right attitude takes work especially when you're mocked, disrespected and the target of dysfunction.
• Paul said, keep a right attitude and refuse to lower your demeanor by hanging on to bitterness or anger.
• Think of Jesus - He was lied on.  They trumped up the charges against Him.  They beat Him beyond recognition - and all He had done was DO GOOD to each and everyone of them.  However, they brought Him before Pilot to be sentenced and Jesus looked into the whites of Pilot's eyes and SAID NOT A WORD.  Oh...He could have...but He didn't.
• He put all of that JUNK far from Him and rose above it.
7. Speak GRACIOUSLY
   Ephesians 4:32 "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgive one another, even as God in Christ forgave you."
• When you've been given grace...you'll extend grace to others.
• Grace is God giving us what we don't deserve.
• Mercy is God keeping back what we do deserve.
• Pastor Hill taught me this principle well.  He told of his early days in ministry where he was real hard on certain issues until those same issues affected his own family.  Then he received a new heart regarding how to deal with others.
• Regardless of what others are saying and doing - we are responsible for what we say.  Our words should be FULL OF GRACE and FLAVORVED with SALT (salt is a preserver).
• At no time should we gouge one another with hateful words...even on our worst day.
• Our motto should be what Apostle Paul said in:
• Colossians 4:6 "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one."

What kind of Cheerio are you?

Proctor Gamble has kept one brand of soap on the market for more than 100 years.  In the process they have reformulated it more than 100 times.

Cheerios have been around for over half a century...since 1941.  Since it's creation, it has held true to it's "O" shape and oat taste.  However, in 1979 General Mills began to add varieties:

• Honey Nut Cheerios
• Apple Cinnamon Cheerios
• Multi grain Cheerios
• Frosted Cheerios
• Yogurt Burst Cheerios
• Chocolate Cheerios
• Berry Burst Cheerios

Some of the flavors of Cheerios that were introduced, but are no longer on the market include the following:  Team Cheerios, Millenios and Cheerios and X's.

Growth cannot occur without embracing change.

The only thing that is here to stay is change.

If you make a change - you have to be able to tie it to context.  (What's the purpose and reason for the change?)

Change can make people nervous.  One reason is because we feel secure and protected by the way things have always been.


A leader will do 2 things 

1) stick to their core values while
2) incorporating new methods.

Jesus was a world changer.  He brought more change than anyone else in history.  And as a result He was challenged at every turn.  But He met each challenge with a thought out response!

Change takes energy!

Change requires 4 things:

1) Research
2) Revision
3) Responsibility
4) Respect

When should you change your way of thinking?

1. When it violates the Word of God.
2. When the focus is taken off of Jesus.
3. When process and procedures become more important than people and production.
4. When it hinders the advancement of the vision.
5. When it violates the core values of the organization.
6. When other methods would produce greater results.
7. When you have fully counted the cost of change.

Does Anyone Keep Their Word?

• Are we responsible for promises made? 
• What about honesty & integrity? 
• Is there a double standard for pastors, politicians, world leaders and everyone else?
• How do you feel when someone makes a promise to you and doesn't keep their word or makes excuses to get out of it?
• If a "vow" is not faithfully honored then how can the person ever be trusted?
• Is keeping one's word really important and will God hold people accountable for what they promise?
• How can people believe a person who doesn't keep their promised word?
• What does God think when people make up excuses in order to get out of keeping their word?

God spoke the world into existence and promised to save us from our sins by sending us His Son to die on the cross. If we repent asking Jesus to come into our heart, God will keep His word to save us!

• God keeps His word. Does He expect us to keep ours?
• Does God hear every word said and every promise made?
• Will He hold Pastors, Politicians, and World leaders more accountable than the rest of the world for what they speak and promise to do?
• Why?

Keeping promises demonstrates our “True Inner Self.” It shows whether or not we have corruptible or incorruptible morals (fruitful seed) inside of us. Integrity, Honor, Self-respect and Honesty means everything to man and to the Lord! What kind of Christian walk does the Lord desire us to have? Is keeping one's word really important or do we have the right to alter and change it? Does the world respect people who break their promises? A broken promise means a broken trust and relationship. Trust and respect as well as one's honor is the basis of our relationship with our Lord. He expects us to keep our word, (vow, oath) to others as well!



God doesn't accept altering promises!


Leviticus 27:9-10 And if it be a beast, whereof men bring an offering unto the LORD, all that any man giveth of such unto the LORD shall be holy. He shall not alter it, nor change it, a good for a bad, or a bad for a good


When you give your word to someone you are also giving it unto the Lord. The Lord teaches us in the Bible that we must not go back on our promises even if we have to pay a higher price to keep them. Our promises are taken seriously and we will be held accountable for them. Changing our minds is not acceptable to the Lord!

Pastors, as keepers of the flock, must have a high standard of morals because they answer directly to God. A Pillar of society!


1 Timothy 3:14-15 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.


The local congregation belongs to the Lord and the responsibility of them is a serious matter. Pastors must be blameless and morally pure. Promises must be taken seriously! God holds them accountable because where Pastors lead the flock (congregation) will follow. To be like Jesus is to keep your promise!


A man shall NOT break his word, the Bible says.


Numbers 30:2 If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.


Moses being directed of God told people that they must keep their promises. A person's word is just the same as a written legal contract in the eyes of God. People who by their own free will have given a vow to do something must keep their word! Only a child's broken promises can be overruled by a parent, but even then correction must be made by the parent to teach the child about keeping one's word. (Numbers 30:3-8)


The importance of keeping one's word is a matter of Integrity!


Psalms 25:20-21 O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.


Integrity and righteousness are the two most important things for a Christian to have. Uprightness and Integrity demonstrate what we believe, and how consistent of a walk we have with Jesus. Pray to the Lord to help you keep your promises and strive to be pure before the Lord. A man has real dignity of character when he has high integrity!


A broken promise is a sin and will be judged by the Lord. God punishes the wicked!


Leviticus 5:4-5 Or if a soul swear, pronouncing with his lips to do evil, or to do good, whatsoever it be that a man shall pronounce with an oath, and it be hid from him; when he knoweth of it, then he shall be guilty in one of these. And it shall be, when he shall be guilty in one of these things, that he shall confess that he hath sinned in that thing:


God requires Christians to keep their word no matter how uncomfortable or unpleasant it may become. Our "yea," is enough to bind us before God as a promise to someone. The only promises that we should not keep are sinful ones. Many times promises involve sacrifices out of our comfort zones. If you promised something just by saying you would do it then God expects you to do it to the "best of your ability" as if you were doing it for the Lord Himself.


We can't just confess the sin of breaking a promise and think we can go our merry way thinking that we no longer are accountable. As long as you are still able to fulfill your word (even if it's uncomfortable and you don't want to) you need to go to that person, repent of your sin and make amends by keeping your promise. Can you really come into the presence of God knowing that you refuse to keep your word? What kind of relationship can you have with the Lord if your are able to keep your word and don't?


Integrity means Honor with Respect.


Proverbs 19:1 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.


God classes Integrity more valuable than the riches of this world. He classes Integrity more valuable than anything that we could ever own. Cheating, stealing, lying, breaking one's promises, withholding tithe money out of greed or spite is the world's way but not what the Lord desires a Christian to be. We are required to live a higher standard of living by holding our integrity dear to ourselves. When people of the world look at you as a Christian do they say you are no different than them or do they say they really respect you? Poverty if far better if a person has integrity and honor than all the riches that every existed throughout time. What is your life worth? Can you take any material thing with you when you die? We all need to get our priorities straight and realize that keeping our word is important to our self-respect as well as our integrity.

A Pastor should never Compromise his Integrity no matter what!


Proverbs 12:3 A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.


Solomon knew that our word is our bond (promise,) and following the Lords word is important as a Christian because His word is our bond to us. Our character is reflected by the words that we speak and the vows that we make. Broken promises cause a great deal of hurt and is the same sin of lying. Personal Integrity as a Christian is held valuable by God when we honor our commitments. People can't sin and get away with it because the Lord sees everything we say and do. No one can get away from their responsibilities (the promises that they make) and not answer to God for them. What kinds of rewards do you want in Heaven? When you see the face of Jesus, will He say, "Well done good and faithful servant," or will He have tears in His eyes over the hurts caused by broken promises?


Half truths are deceptive…


Genesis 12:11-13 And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon: Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say, This is his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive. Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee.


Sarai was Abraham's wife as well as his half sister but it was immorally deceptive and caused hurt as well as shame. Sarai was wealthy and beautiful and Abraham believed that she would be taken from him. He was also afraid that he would be killed too. Did Abraham trust God to keep His word to protect them? Abraham forgot that what God says He will do, He will do! His word is valuable and the Lord has integrity! Can we do no less than to faithfully follow God's example by keeping our word? If we trust the Lord to keep His word can people trust us to keep ours?

Once given our word we should never go back or alter it!


Leviticus 27:9-10 And if it be a beast, whereof men bring an offering unto the LORD, all that any man giveth of such unto the LORD shall be holy. He shall not alter it, nor change it, a good for a bad, or a bad for a good: and if he shall at all change beast for beast, then it and the exchange thereof shall be holy.


God expects us to keep our word even if it costs us dearly. He wants us to take and keep our promises and not alter or change our word to suit our selfishness. No matter how difficult, embarrassing, hard, or burdensome it may be, we still need to keep our word to the best of our ability. That doesn't mean that we have a right to grudgingly do it in a spiritual manner but as pleasing unto the Lord.


Be responsible with your words and vows!


Titus 2:7-8 In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.


God desires us to be moral witness in our daily walk and that includes our morals. The words that we speak and the promises that we make demonstrate our Christian values. This is because of the people around us watching. We must value our words as if they were gold. People might see Jesus through our eyes if we are honest with our words. Avoid criticism and hurt by listening before you speak and honoring what you commit to when you do. Be sound of speech and honest in your promises!


Words reveal to the world and to God how honest we are.


James 3:9-10 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.


Speak words that are pleasing to God and act with honor upon the promises made. If you have promised something and back out of it, deep hurt can be left behind. This grieves the Holy Spirit and can cause a wound that may last a lifetime. We are never to hurt anyone of the Lord's children and when we do than there is a price to be paid. Can anyone truly stand before Jesus knowing that they hurt someone and not feel convicted? I can't, can you?


God never breaks His word nor does He give us the right to break ours.


2 Chronicle 21:7 Howbeit the LORD would not destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that he had made with David, and as he promised to give a light to him and to his sons forever.


The light mentioned in this verse was the light of Jesus Christ God's very own son. Jesus the Messiah of the world sits upon the throne of David and will rule forever. He paid the price for our sins upon the cross. God kept His word by giving us His only begotten Son to take away the sins of the world. The Lord's word is valuable to us because by that promise being kept and fulfilled we might be saved. Words have value and we too must keep our promises like He did for us.


God's delights in people who keep their promises.


Proverbs 12:22 Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.
Proverbs 12:25 Heaviness in the heart maketh it stoop: (is heavy and hurts) but a word maketh it glad.


Words are important and have a great deal of value when used in the right way for Godly purposes. Have you ever seen someone who just had a promise broken to them or maybe you had a promise broken to you? What did it feel like? Think of something that really matters to you that someone has promised to do. Maybe they kept you waiting for it a long, long time and it really mattered to you. Now consider how you would feel if it were broken. Try stepping into someone else's shoes when you break your word to them. Feel terrible doesn't it? Is this the will of the Father to cause this kind of hurt? Is there a promise that you made to someone that you can still keep? What does God want you to do? What are you waiting for, honor your word and go do it!

The Vows we say must be said in truth and honesty. (Be careful for what you promise because God will hold you responsible!)


Ephesians 4:24-25 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.


When we act like Godly people full of honor and self-respect than we are pleasing to the Lord. Our Christian walk should be seen by everyone we meet. We should daily strive to leave our sins behind taking up our cross and following the Lord's example. We should daily work at changing our attitudes and bring our words into line with the Word of God.


Lying by not keeping one's word causes hurts, disappointments, disruptions and disharmony to the body of Christ. It makes people loose respect as well as creates conflicts and destroys relationships. Don't let the devil deceive you into breaking your word or make you think that you can justify altering your word to suit you. That is being deceptive and God sees right through it. This kind of pain can become bottled up inside a person's heart for years to come.


We shouldn't allow the devil to divide us when the best thing we could do would be to honor our word in the first place. Integrity, honesty, decency, truthfulness and virtue are all required to show people that we love them. This is the will of the Father!


Just by saying you “will” do something, you have “given your word!”


Matthew 5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.


What does God want you to do but let your word be yes, yes or no, no when you are speaking?  People will come to respect you and follow your lead if you are honest. Always be truthful saying what you mean and meaning what you say! Honor your word so that it will be right before the Lord. Integrity, honor and respect is the reward for keeping one's word. Let's all remember to live up to the high standards that the Lord has set before us.

Fully Committed or Half Committed?

We all make commitments. They may be on a lease or contract, but we all make them and we must not take them lightly.

Listen to what God says about our commitments: “If a man vows a vow unto the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by some agreement, he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth." (Numbers 30:2).

“When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to ;pay it, for He hath no pleasure in fools.” (Ecclesiastes 5:4).

Commitments are serious business.  Check out the ABC's of Commitment:

I Commit to:

A -- Attend church faithfully and regularly.
B -- Build up the church.
C -- Communion.
D -- Do my part to further God’s mission in this area of His vineyard.
E -- Exercise faith.
F -- Fast often.
G -- Greet and welcome our guests warmly and amicably.
H -- Help and serve others willingly.
I -- Invite friends to church regularly.
J -- Joyfulness and bringing sunshine to others.
K -- Keep away from disgruntled, loud and moody members.
L -- Live a pure and holy life for God and before mankind.
M -- Maintain the right kind of attitude.
N -- Not to sow seeds of discord or discouragement among the flock.
O -- On time for church services and to make time to do my part.
P -- Pray continually.
Q -- Quit complaining and strive to quench rumors.
R -- Read, study, memorize and meditate on the Scriptures daily.
S -- Serve with love whether or not I’m seen or rewarded.
T -- Tithe regularly and give a generous offering.
U -- Use my time, talents, treasures, testimony and temple for God’s service.
V -- Vanguard the shepherd, the leader of the flock, and God’s church.
W -- Witness to the unchurched and unsaved.
X -- Xalting and magnifying the LORD more and more each day.
Y -- Yearn always to be like Jesus, the Christ.
Z -- Zap at no one, it turns off people from me and from the church. Above all, Zoom on Zion my heavenly home.

Three Standards of Service

1. The Spiritual Standard - First Things First

• We are Christians first and Christian workers second.
• Problems arise when this basic principal is forgotten.
• The church is not just a business-- it is the Lord’s business and He must be first in the lives of those working in His Kingdom.
• The spiritual level of the staff directly affects the spiritual condition of the church.
• Each person must make maintaining their own spiritual life priority one.
• This can only be done by spending sufficient time in prayer and the Word of God.
• Our staff must always keep first things first.
• (Matthew 6:33) ―Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.

2. The Attitudinal Standard - Loyalty to the Leader

• THERE MUST ALWAYS BE A LEADER.
• Anything without a head is dead; anything with more than one head is a monster.
• The scriptures present the Pastor as that necessary head.
• He is the shepherd of the flock and overseer of the local church.
• He has a special place in the Lord’s hand and must always be given the highest respect.
• The attitude of those working closest to the Pastor affects, more than anything else, the attitude of other people toward him.
• Loyalty, or disloyalty, is an attitude that can be read even when not spoken.
• Loyalty is within one’s spirit.
• Ministries placing an emphasis on ethics and loyalty experience smooth running.
• (Ephesians 4:11-16; Revelation 1:20)

3. The Performance Standard - Every Effort for Excellence

• Christian living is the highest quality of life available to man.
• God receives glory by our good works.
• Others judge us by the quality of our lives and works.
• Every aspect of the church should reflect the quality of an abundant life.
• Every job, from the least to the greatest, deserves our best efforts.
• The Lord’s work should always be done as unto Him.
• He is worthy of nothing less than the best.
• Excellence should be the goal of every member and every effort they make in Christian service.
• Our methods and mechanics must have standards of ethics and excellence.
• Let it never be said we could have done better; let all we do be our best!
• We are in the constant pursuit of excellence.

Not Wrong...Just Different

Our motto should be "Not Wrong...Just Different" 

One thing I've learned over the years is that you have to learn how to disagree without being disagreeable.  Learning how to deal with diversity will take you across the threshold of dispute.

Jesus called us to be PEACEMAKERS not PEACEKEEPERS.  Making peace is our assignment 24/7.  I'm not called just to "keep the peace" but to "make it." 

That means, I work at the peace manufacturing plant.  Ever heard of that place?  It's the place that:

• Joins together that which has been separated.
• Resolves conflicts.
• Overcomes differences.

Paul said we are to ENDEAVOR to keep the unity of the Spirit in the "bond" of peace. (Ephesians 4:3)  Endeavor is an action word.  It means I must WORK AT IT to make it happen. 

Peace don't just SHOW UP...peace has to be prepared for and welcomed when it arrives.  I have to SEEK after it...PURSUE it.

Most of us love our families.  However, there are some in our family that we wouldn't want to go on vacation with.  It's not that we don't love them...perhaps it's just a lot of work mentally and emotionally to be around them.  We shouldn't shun them...but we should also use wisdom when we're with them.  The same could be said of any relationship.

Perhaps Paul knew that peace would require effort when he said, "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." (Romans 12:18)

Notice the words "IF IT BE POSSIBLE."  That means...there's a chance it might not be.  However, we should, with everything within us, try to make it happen.

We're all different.  Our skin color, eye color, body shape, hair style, musical preferences, entertainment preferences, movie choices, etc.  the list goes on.......

Our differences shouldn't DIVIDE us...but rather UNITE us.    I believe our attitude should be to CELEBRATE one another.

I need you and you need me.

U.N.I.T.Y. = You and I Tie

Truly, churches and Christians alike should be able to get along while abiding here below.  We're supposed to be on the same team; building the Kingdom of God.

Often I hear of Christians that break fellowship and refuse to have anything to do with one another.  I don't think that's what Jesus had in mind.  I understand how differences can enter in and cause a rift...however, the main thing should still be the main thing...building the Kingdom of God.

Unfortunately, differences do arise. 

I am a firm believer that each of us are responsible for our behavior and actions.  Christians, especially those who claim to be preachers/teachers, etc." should set a HIGHER STANDARD.  Our actions should be in accordance to Biblical guidelines.  Paul spoke of the behavioral patterns of Bishops, Elders and Deacons in the New Testament.

When you mix Paul's guidelines with ministerial etiquette and common sense...then you get a good idea of how we should conduct ourselves.

Refuse to take the "fight" or "flight" response.  Don't abandon the "God Relationships" that He afforded you by burning bridges with the people who have loved you unconditionally and poured into your life.  It's been those relationships that have helped you and spared your life when you were dangling over a cliff by a thread.

Choose to "Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you." (2 Corinthians 13:11)

Doing things right (correct communication, behavior that is above reproach, professionalism, courtesy) is a STAPLE for every believer.

Even Cain was afforded another opportunity from God when he offered his sacrifice the wrong way.  "...if thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted?" (Genesis 4:7)  In other words...just do things right Cain and I'll receive you.

Need a second chance today?  My advice....just do things right.  (Doing things right isn't just someone's personal preference that you're being asked to conform to.)  I'm referencing doing things according to a Biblical standards + etiquette and common sense.

We're all different...however, our common denominator is CHRIST.  Let's strive to look beyond our differences - whatever they may be - and conduct ourselves in grace and truth.

Not wrong...just different.

Who Likes Milk & Cookies?

Milk that is cold is great especially when it is accompanied by chocolate chip cookies!  Milk that is hot is good too especially when it has chocolate syrup in it!  But milk that is LUKEWARM is just plain nasty.

In Revelation 3, Jesus talks about halfhearted people.  "I know thy works, that thou are neither cold nor hot:  I would thou wert cold or hot." (verse 15)
 
God says, "I wish you were one or the other."  It's interesting to me that Jesus would say that he would prefer either cold or hot.  You would think He would have said, "I would rather you be hot. But if lukewarm is all I can get, it's better than nothing."
 
Isn't lukewarm closer to hot than cold?  Jesus said, "I don't want lukewarm, I don't want halfhearted commitments.  I want you to decide.  I want you in or I would rather you were out."
 
Here's why.  If you're hot, you're in.  If you're on fire, if you're walking with God, then you're where God wants you to be.  But if you're cold, hopefully you will at least realize you're cold and one day realize your need for Christ and come to Him.
 
But the lukewarm person is in the worst state of all because he is self-deceived.  The lukewarm person says, "I go to church.  I read the Bible sometimes.  I kind of believe in God - when it's convenient."  That is the worst state of all. 
 
What is your spiritual temperature today?  Are you fighting lukewarmness?  Being a lukewarm Christian is NOT GOOD.  God says He vomits lukewarm Christians out of His mouth.
 
10 Signs you might be a HALFHEARTED Christian:

1. You think more about life on this earth (and how to be comfortable here) than you do about eternal life.
2. You give out of your leftovers rather than making it a priority.
3. You only seek God when you are in a bind.
4. You say you believe in God, but live as though he doesn’t exist.
5. You crave acceptance from people more than acceptance from God.
6. You rarely (or never) share your faith.
7. You say you believe in God, but you don’t strive to know Him.
8. You base your morality on comparing yourself with others, rather than on what God says.
9. Your life is really no different than others in the world.
10. You want to know Christ just enough to save you from hell, but not enough have to change your lifestyle.

Awaken The Eagle Spirit Within You!

There is probably nothing more majestic than seeing an eagle soar through the air.  It is literally the king of the sky as it soars majestically through the air. 
Eagles appear to never have a bad day.  However, eagles can become exhausted and drained just like us.  Some days are good...some days are bad. 

We all have those kinds of days, even weeks, where we feel like we're barely hanging on, losing control or questioning our future.  They could best be described as "immobilizing" times. 

The truth is, all of us have felt like this at some point in our life.  There are moments in life that MAKE us and moments in life that BREAK us.  Friends...this is NORMAL. 

We get through those times when we awaken the "eagle spirit" within us.  When an eagle gets tired, it heads to a high cliff to rest and renew it's strength.

Not all birds face storms like eagles do.  Most birds will seek shelter in a tree or a bush when a storm approaches.  Not the eagle.  It will FACE THE STORM head on!  It will fly into the face of the storm and use the winds of the storm as stepping stones to climb higher and higher till it eventually rises ABOVE the storm. 

Facing the storm takes COURAGE and STRENGTH.  We too must do the same.  Sure, the winds will almost knock you down and create hesitation to our forward motion...but it's only momentary if we decide to press on!

We are either being "defined" by our odds or we are "defying" the odds!

How we perceive the storm will determine how we face it.  Look in the Scriptures and you'll see men and women who defied the odds and rose above the storm.  David brought down a "big" giant because he perceived a giant that was TOO BIG TO MISS.  Esther saved her people from a Jewish holocaust because she perceived FAVOR would be granted with her FAITH.

I have often said, "God is doing a work IN me so He can do a work THROUGH me."  When we allow God to do a completed work within us we are filled with faith to rise above even the biggest hurricane! 

Prayer Focus:

Consider what challenges you've already overcome.  Evaluate what you learned through the process.  With that in mind, you'll be better prepared to rise to the next level when faced with your next challenge.

I believe one of the best ways to face a storm is to examine it rather than explode into anxiety.  An eagle will find a high place to rest while "reading the wind."  By carefully examining the wind, the eagle determines the right moment to engage it.  When the moment is right, the eagle merely has to spread it's wings and the wind will carry it upward with rapid ease.

Two things are needed:  Preparation and Opportunity!  One thing is certain...the winds of this world will never stop blowing.  The key is learning to use the wind to your advantage to carry you above your current situation to a higher level.

Awaken the eagle spirit in you!

Tithing...a Way of Life (Part 3)

Tithes are HOLY unto the Lord.  Anything that belongs to God has to be considered holy.  Therefore, tithing is separated unto Him.

Holiness is being in TOTAL AGREEMENT with God.

How is tithing related to the covenant?  First, you have to answer this:  WHAT EXACTLY IS A COVENANT?

• A covenant is an agreement or pact between two or more parties to carry out the terms that are agreed upon.
• It is a pledge, a vow, a promise.
• It is a will or a testament.

Consider the BLOOD COVENANT...it's a little different...however, it too is an agreement between two or more parties to carry out the agreed terms.  If you make that covenant in blood, it becomes binding for life.  The only thing that can nullify a blood covenant is death.  If one party were to break the covenant, the other party has the right to take your life.

In essence, the two parties would split the backbone of a heifer and lay it open.  Then they would walk around each end and meet in the middle and announce the terms of the covenant.  They would then shake hands, cut their palms or wrists and mix their blood, pointing it toward the sacrifice, and say, "if I break this covenant, God, then you do to me what I have done to this animal."

A blood covenant is the strongest covenant known to man and is only breakable by death.  It holds a great deal of accountability.

Question:  What if the covenant of marriage was made by blood today?
Answer:  If it were broken by infidelity or divorce, like so many are today, one party would have the right and obligation to kill the other.

WOW...the divorce rate would certainly not be what it is today.

Tithing is more than just putting money in the plate.  It is an agreement with God.  It is the only way to be connected to your covenant with God.  This means the tithe is your COVENANT CONNECTOR.  In other words, the only way you can receive the promises of God is through tithing; tithing connects you to the promise.

More to come...

Tithing...a Way of Life (Part 2)

Tithing is one the most important principles taught in the Bible. God has commanded each one of us to tithe, just as He has commanded us not to: kill, steal, bear false witness against our neighbor, and to keep the Sabbath holy. Just as there are no degrees of sin, (meaning sin is sin and a lie is the same as murder), tithing is no less important than the Ten Commandments.

We live in a “me first” society where greed is good and everyone looks out only for himself. We have forgotten that God commands us to put Him first, including in our finances.

Tithing is not a "get rich scheme" or even a "get out of debt" formula.  However, I would be willing to say that the number one reason God's people aren't debt free today is because they are robbing God of the small portion that He asks.

Everything on earth and in heaven already belong to God and all that He requires from us is a mere 10%.  The manifestation of God's blessings cannot come to your house if you are robbing God.

Have you ever heard of the 80/20 rule?  That's where 20% of the people of the people in any given congregation pulls 80% of the load.  In other words, even though tithing is taught by every major denomination and  most every independent church in America, most Christians, by far, do not tithe or give offerings.

Tithe simply means "a tenth."  The word tithe equals ten.   Some people say they give 20% tithes or 8% tithes.  However, that is impossible because a tithe, by definition, equals TEN.  Anything more than 10% is not a tithe, it is an offering.  Anything less than 10% is not a tithe, it's disobedience.

The Bible also uses terms such as First Fruit.  This refers to the tithe as a first fruit, a first thing, a firstling and a first law.  This is what God expects from each of us.  He wants your tithe to be the first fruit of your increase, not the second, third, fourth or fifth of your increase.  Tithing requires FAITH.

Question:  "Should I tithe on the gross income or the net income?"
Answer:  Gross amount.

There are two reasons for this.  One, the gross amount is your increase.  Two, what kind of blessing do you want?  Do you want God to withhold a part of your blessing just as you withheld a part of His tithe?  The answer to that question is NO.

Everybody would say that they want the complete and full blessings of God - the best that He has.  So why do God's people withhold their best from God?  It is not God's problem that the government does not trust you and takes out its part before you receive it.  We are to tithe on the gross.

Question:  "What if someone else gives me money or I find money on the ground?"
Answer: You tithe on that amount because that is added to your INCREASE.

Anything that God gives
increase on, you tithe on.

Leviticus 27:30-31 And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD's:  It is holy unto the LORD.  And if a man will at all redeem ought of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth part thereof.

Verse 30 says everything belongs to the Lord.  Surely we can see the fairness in this verse.  Since God has created everything that exists and everything belongs to Him, it seems very generous that He allows us to keep 90% and only requires us the first 10% (the first 10% of everything).

Some people would say, "I believe it's all mine.  I worked hard for my money and I don't believe I have to give any of it to God."  Friend, if the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, then, unless He gives it to us, what really belongs to us?

If God wanted to, He could charge a price for the air you breathe, the house that you live in or the sunlight that keeps you warm.  Would you like to be billed monthly or annually?  What do you think would be a fair price for air or life?

Another part of this verse is quite unique.  It says not only is the tithe UNTO the Lord, but that "it is HOLY..." 

Holy means separated unto God.  Holiness is more than just the perceived "no make-up and long dresses..." rules of men.   Holiness has to do with our CONDUCT and BEHAVIOR.  There will be plenty of people with no make-up and long dresses in Hell.  The bottom line is this:  holiness is being in total agreement with God, having one MIND with God, and submitting to the WILL of God.

More to come on HOLINESS in respect to tithing.

How Do I Help My Leader? (Part 2)

I must keep my leader alert at all times.

• The word discernment means to be able to pick up on something, to have insight, good judgment and wisdom about things. 
• In essence...spiritual sharpness.  Staying alert will help me keep my leader informed of any potential dangers, problems or pitfalls.

I must carry and handle my leaders affairs resourcefully.

• This will require wisdom and being detailed oriented. It is my goal to carry out every plan with success and perfection.  Nothing will thrill my heart more than to assist my leader in all their activities and undertakings.

I must move quickly alongside my leader and keep the pace.

• The battle requires endurance.  I must remain spiritually fit so that I do not lag behind in the heat of the battle.  My leader must be able to count on me when it really counts.  My level of endurance should keep me in the race from start to finish.

I must protect and watch out for my leader continually.

• Like Hercules, I must be a mighty warrior on behalf of my leader.  My motto will be "if you want to get to my leader, you'll first have to get through me!"
• I will not let the enemies of gossip, slander or disloyalty advance to cause my leader harm.  I will fight for my leader and route out enemies swiftly and forcefully.
• As a good soldier, I will keep one eye on my leader and one eye on the enemy - anticipating the actions of both.

I must rescue my leader from difficulties and hardships.

• I will continually look for solutions and become the best problem solver I can be.

I must remain on duty at all times.

• Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday.  As a loyal son, I will serve my leader in matters both small and great. 
• As a son, I will help my leader remain organized in their activities while preparing and caring for their belongings and supplies.

I must submit to my leader, trusting and obeying without hesitation.

• Submission isn't always easy but it is absolutely necessary as a son.  Of course, submission is done out of love not demand.  If I trust my leader, it will not be a hardship to submit to their leadership.

I must anticipate my leader's needs and demands.

• Furnishing and supplying what is needed will remain on the forefront of my heart.  As I think ahead I will plug up any possible holes and bridge any potential gaps.
• This will require an eye for detail and the ability to recognize vital information that my leader should be made aware of.

I must bring an acceleration in growth and promotion to my leader's progress.

• My concern is not to promote my own ministry or dreams but rather to enhance my leader's position, guarding against any personal jealousy, envy or selfishness.
• My goal isn't to promote myself but rather the welfare of my leader.
• It is my desire to see my leader "get ahead" by sharing his dreams, goals and visions.

I must get along with my leader and make them feel comfortable in leading me.

• Even if my leader makes decisions that I don't understand, I will follow with absolute loyalty and keep my heart pure.  The last thing I want to do is cause my leader to be stressed out or drained by my behavior, lack of zeal or slothfulness.
• I will sacrifice my own well being for the betterment of my leader.

I must demonstrate longsuffering towards my leader.

• I will forgive my leader for any offense immediately and without harboring resentment or anger.  I refuse to hold a grudge against my leader for any reason.
• I will demonstrate extreme loyalty to my leader, even unto death.
• I will complete and compliment my leader and esteem their leadership highly.

It is the Heart of a Son to Serve

Anyone who desires to fulfill his or her God-given call is encouraged to help serve a leader.  You will never arrive at a place where you do not have to submit to anyone.  It is the heart of a son to serve.

Questions to consider:

1. Who are you serving now?
2. Has it been easy serving?
3. Are you lifting the hands of your leader?
4. Are you keeping the way clear for your leader?
5. When can assisting a leader be difficult?
6. Can you lift up another, even when you feel you've been treated unfairly?

Like everyone, I too have had to deal with the temptation of getting into strife and a stubborn refusal to submit in some areas of life.  However, the Lord has given me grace and I learn to call upon Him and trust Him completely for my steps.

When you determine to take on the sonship spirit you will be set free from rebellion, strife and contention. 

Think back to the times of ministry when rebellion knocked at the door of your heart.  Look back at times when strife and contention were a part of relationships around you in the ministry. 

Take time to ask the Lord to heal you from any wounds that may have been caused at these times.  Ask the Lord to forgive you for any sins you have committed in reaction to others.  Release those leaders from any anger or bitterness your heart harbors towards them.  Ask the Lord to give you a sonship spirit.