tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36178150296538571462024-03-19T09:04:34.522-04:00md4jcmd4jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03249288275419288272noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617815029653857146.post-44508431005828354052011-11-21T21:42:00.004-05:002011-11-22T10:19:11.647-05:00Dear John...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrEwntHMPWJmQcCoZMW-ofyZjR0qDmSSFZZuUwBIN8iVg0F8LBkkUIOx8E707iOgvgGKcamLeTwU0mRZdrGEiqOjSZaExqcn-EAb2ETAmA7hIIJWneZhe6zYV4yBOSokF8ptW_sQ77w2s/s1600/Dear-John1800.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrEwntHMPWJmQcCoZMW-ofyZjR0qDmSSFZZuUwBIN8iVg0F8LBkkUIOx8E707iOgvgGKcamLeTwU0mRZdrGEiqOjSZaExqcn-EAb2ETAmA7hIIJWneZhe6zYV4yBOSokF8ptW_sQ77w2s/s400/Dear-John1800.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677840011691496370" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><p><span style="font-size:large;">If you get a 'Dear John' letter, you've been dumped, broken-up with, left and abandoned. 'Dear John' letters are neither pleasant nor kind - they hurt! It's one thing to break-up with someone in person, but to receive the 'break-up' news via letter, text, Facebook message is even more painful. The one positive thing about the 'Dear John' letter is that they are clear, and they are final. 'Dear John' letters make crystal clear that the one writing the letter wants nothing to do with the one reading the letter anymore. Bottom line - the relationship is over!</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:large;">After beginning a relationship with Jesus, many people carry on side relationships. We say that we've been captivated by the love of Jesus, but we still like to flirt with other lovers. We believe that Jesus is savior, but we continue to look to other things in hopes that they will do for us what we think Jesus will not. For some, the side relationship is with pornography, alcohol or drugs. For some, it's a relationship. For others it's work, possessions, or status. Point being, we look to these things to bring us comfort, relief, happiness, fulfillment, purpose, meaning, etc. As long as we keep these side relationships going on, our relationship with Jesus will go nowhere. So what do we do? Answer - 'Dear John' these relationships. Break-up with them! Be ruthless, be clear, be decisive - these side relationships must end if your relationship with Jesus is going to flourish.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:large;">This past week, I took sometime to pray and ask God what side-relationships I still continue to flirt with. When God revealed to me what they were, I wrote them a 'Dear John' letter. I can't tell you how helpful and freeing it was to write this letter. Consider writing your own 'Dear John' letter - here's mine...</span></p> <span style=" ;font-size:large;color:#ff6600;" >Dear pride, anger & insecurity – you have no appeal to me anymore. I see through your false and empty promises. I no longer will pursue your ‘anti-glories.’ I’ve lived with the pain, shame, guilt and disappointment that comes with pursuing you for far too long. I have been found and loved completely by another – His name is Jesus. I will not come when you call nor will I keep you around as my back-up plan. Jesus is completely sufficient for me. I’ve given ALL of my heart, mind, soul and strength to Him and to Him alone – I belong wholly to Jesus and Jesus alone! md4jc</span>md4jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03249288275419288272noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617815029653857146.post-87611142280141134452011-08-31T12:22:00.002-04:002011-08-31T13:10:32.657-04:00Traveler or Tour Guide?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXxTMELpbpyZRfMuNLJrLWgkHowuWU9x10iRwQyplfX1abue9EnqLUNazXymB5XjConKsk7IdODVr8z0wGVtrLBSfCkWR7NT8kximu49Ad2qXdj3kPWr23iKrjzLraWvOOPLaZGUPRHFK/s1600/Traveler.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 578px; height: 359px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXxTMELpbpyZRfMuNLJrLWgkHowuWU9x10iRwQyplfX1abue9EnqLUNazXymB5XjConKsk7IdODVr8z0wGVtrLBSfCkWR7NT8kximu49Ad2qXdj3kPWr23iKrjzLraWvOOPLaZGUPRHFK/s800/Traveler.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647056724347979122" border="0" /></a>
<br /><p><span style="font-size:large;">There are those who travel and those who talk about traveling. There are those who go places, and there are those who just talk about going places. There are those who live the walk, and there are those who talk a lot about the walk. Simply put – there are travelers and tour guides. Which one are you – a traveler or a tour guide? </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:large;">What’s the difference? A traveler actually visits the places he’s dreamed of going. But a tour guide is someone who passes out maps to places he’s never even been. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:large;">Now I realize that not all tour guides are just passing out maps to places they’ve never visited, but this simple metaphor got me thinking quite a bit about which one am I? Am I actually traveling to the places that I often encourage other people to travel to, or am I just encouraging people to go to places I’ve never had the courage to go myself?</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:large;">As a pastor, I often find myself seeking to spur people on to take huge steps of faith, to live life outside the boat as it were. I often hear myself exhorting others to trust God for what is unseen knowing that God will provide in unimaginable ways. But at the end of the day, I often am struck with the one haunting question – ‘am I even doing what I am so excellent at encouraging others to do?’ In others words, have I traveled to the same places that I am encouraging others to go to, or am I just the guy with the map pointing people to places I’ve never even been?</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:large;">What about you – which one are you? Just passing out maps, or traveling the road that God has invited you to walk on? Scripture is filled with stories of travelers – men and women who dared to go to places that were unknown, unfamiliar all upon the promise that God would provide all they needed for the journey. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:large;">To be honest, to be the traveler is much harder. There are many questions that will remain unanswered. There are times where you have no idea how you will get from one point to the next. That’s why so many people take the path of the tour guide. It’s much safer to be the one passing out maps because there’s not much risk involved. The commitment level is low. The job description is simple – get others pumped up about visiting places you’ve never journeyed to yourself.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:large;">For me – when I signed on to follow Jesus over 25 years ago, I didn’t sign-up so I could be the guy that is really familiar with a map, but has never experienced what’s it’s like to live the life of a traveler. If you signed on to be a follower of Jesus, know that the life He’s invited you to is one of a traveler, not a tour guide. If you’re a follower of Jesus, the invitation was not to just study the map, but to travel in the footsteps of the Savior. If you’re a follower of Christ, then remember that following is a verb, it’s an action. To follow is to live life in motion, to live the life of a traveler.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:large;"> God please grant us the courage to travel well and spare us from only passing out maps to places we’ve never even visited.</span></p>
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<br />md4jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03249288275419288272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617815029653857146.post-57655573894274403252011-08-26T07:04:00.001-04:002011-08-26T07:05:56.765-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvIypa5EYnjj2Unx-xBCroK664VkUj9FE93S6D0ImN7mG4J0LpaI0WP9mYWTURoCSyyfqqQrP4bmfeQ6m51INAWiM_R0XUZrgCT84MtCnA3ltQ7Iikj-vlGxQrizeutd4Qk4IKAznwWxN/s1600/Why-I-Love960.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 592px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvIypa5EYnjj2Unx-xBCroK664VkUj9FE93S6D0ImN7mG4J0LpaI0WP9mYWTURoCSyyfqqQrP4bmfeQ6m51INAWiM_R0XUZrgCT84MtCnA3ltQ7Iikj-vlGxQrizeutd4Qk4IKAznwWxN/s800/Why-I-Love960.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645118956292306466" border="0" /></a>
<br /><p><span style="font-size: large;">Here are just a few reasons why I love the church, namely GENESIS...
<br /></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">I love GENESIS.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">I love the people that come.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">I love the people that serve.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">I love the new people that are finding our community.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">I love that some people drive an hour to come to our weekly gatherings.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">I love that some drive even more than that.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">I love watching people walk into our gathering space for the first time and seeing them smile because they feel immediately at ease.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">I love that people are bringing their friends to be part of the community.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">I love meeting someone who’s only been to GENESIS once and watching them stay 2 hours after service to help clean.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">I love that I see other people loving other people.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">I love that people are building new, significant and meaningful relationships with others.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">I love that people are finding the one that they will spend the rest of their life with.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">I love that marriages are getting transformed.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">I love that broken people are seeing God heal their brokenness.
<br /></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">I love that there are people who are caring less about themselves, and more about others.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">I love that there are people who are done settling for status quo and fighting to live a life that’s in motion, not stagnation.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">I love that people are repenting from sin.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">I love that people are praying.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">I love that God is providing for us in abundance.
<br /></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">I love that people are listening for the voice of God in their life.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">I love that people are seeing God at work in their life.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">I love that people are seeing their friends come to know Jesus.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">I love that people who were once far from God are now walking with God.
<br /></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">I love that people want more and not less of God in their life.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;">I love that people are wanting to see God do great things in the Boston/Greater Boston area with and through our community.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">I love that people are believing that God can and will do immeasurably more then all we could ask or imagine.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">I love that people are getting raised up, equipped and trained to lead, serve and plant more churches.
<br /></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">I love that people are trusting God more than they are trusting themselves.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">I love that people are loving Jesus! </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">I love that this is an imperfect church filled with imperfect people.
<br /></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">I love at I am able to call this community my home.</span></p>
<br />md4jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03249288275419288272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617815029653857146.post-65727781022085542332011-08-20T09:29:00.001-04:002011-08-20T09:31:32.806-04:00Dreams...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4AERrtyohXUOPluivKpprsYE9xJLwyJ1XiHToEmA4mVZz44WnMdCPOL4xr7obGVBxAl9A-PcN_mxqDMUhxU73Oi1b0_ZqdWWj8w6YvN7tIio4ZL_rW0gOL1QPcV0veEIehmq7WSfnBp5S/s1600/Dreams+copy.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 582px; height: 334px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4AERrtyohXUOPluivKpprsYE9xJLwyJ1XiHToEmA4mVZz44WnMdCPOL4xr7obGVBxAl9A-PcN_mxqDMUhxU73Oi1b0_ZqdWWj8w6YvN7tIio4ZL_rW0gOL1QPcV0veEIehmq7WSfnBp5S/s800/Dreams+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642930124506567698" border="0" /></a>
<br /><p><span style="font-size: large;">What is your dream? As you consider the days ahead, what is the one thing that you long to do? What is the thing that you find yourself thinking about most and every time that thought comes to mind, a smile appears on your face?</span></p> <p> <span style="font-size: large;">As I've spent much time with the Apostle Paul this past year through my study of Romans, considering not only what he said, but watching how he lived, I am inspired by Paul the 'dreamer.' </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">Many people have dreams, but the dream is often divorced from reality. Meaning, the dream has nothing to do with God's call on their life. For Paul, his dream was completely consistent with God's call on his life. Paul was set apart by God to be a voice of the Gospel to the Gentiles. He was called to proclaim the Good News of Jesus to a people that believed God did not have Good News for them.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">Paul spent much of his life and ministry East of Rome - preaching and proclaiming the Good News that salvation is found in Jesus and Jesus alone. Paul covered nearly 1,500 miles from Jerusalem to modern day Serbia preaching the Gospel of Jesus. Many churches were planted. Many men and women were equipped to be the hands and feet of Jesus to the people around them. Paul was faithful to all the things that God had entrusted to him, but Paul had a dream, an ambition. Paul wanted to go West with the Gospel. He wanted to go to Spain. He wanted to go to the place and to the people where the Gospel had not gone before. Listen to what Paul says in <span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>Romans 15:20-21, 23-24</strong> - </span></span></p> <p><em><span style="font-size: large; color: #ff6600;">"It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation. Rather, as it is written: “Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand... But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to see you, I plan to do so when I go to Spain." </span></em></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">Not only was Paul's dream consistent with God's call on his life, but Paul's dream was not about him, it was about God. His dream was God-centered. His dream involved serving others, not serving himself.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">What is your dream? What is your ambition? What is the one thing that you long to do? Is your answer to that question consistent with God's call on your life? If not, that may be evidence that your dream is more about you and less about God and those around you. Some may argue that you're just not the 'dreaming type.' Well, you may not use that language, but the reality is that a 'dreamless Christian' is not reflecting the greatness, vastness and supremacy of God. I like how Charles Spurgeon once said: <em><span style="color: #ff6600;">"God has great things in store for His people; they ought to have large expectations."</span></em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">In many ways, Spurgeon echoes Paul's prayer in <span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>Ephesians 3:20</strong> <em>- "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us"</em></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">Bottom line, we cannot out ask God; we cannot out dream God as it were. Therefore, our asks, dreams and ambitions should reflect the vastness, goodness, kindness and generosity of God.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">What is your Spain? For those of you who think it's too late to have a 'Spain' - to have a 'dream', then remember something <strong>C.S. Lewis</strong> once said and be encouraged: <em><span style="color: #ff6600;">"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."</span></em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">For me, my 'Spain', my 'dream' is what God will do in, with and through GENESIS. My dream is that GENESIS would be used of God to plant dozens of churches in the Boston and Greater Boston area. My dream is that God would raise up countless men and women from within the GENESIS Community to be sent out to do that! My dream is that God would awaken New England to the Good News of the Gospel and that GENESIS would get to have a front row seat to seeing God at work in our midst.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">I have no idea if Paul ever made it to Spain. I have no idea if I will ever get to see GENESIS be part of planting dozens of churches in the New England landscape. But one important thing that I've realized about the 'dream' is not so much the importance of accomplishing the dream, but more so that we are setting out and seeking to accomplish it. For many, the arrival is everything, but to God, it's more the journey that matters.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">I'm not sure if this is how it will happen, but these are the words I would long to hear from God to me...</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-size: large; color: #ff6600;">me: 'God this was the dream you gave me and I did not hit it perfectly.'</span></em></p> <p><em><span style="font-size: large; color: #ff6600;">God: 'Michael, my son, yes, that was in my hands, but you traveled well... you traveled well."</span></em></p>
<br />md4jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03249288275419288272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617815029653857146.post-39811292776129928842011-08-11T17:02:00.006-04:002011-08-11T17:06:56.843-04:00Transforming the Dragon... Part II<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAttjk0oQ4XV-mmYofJ7b91E-Ohvi6hNp-YNObNd7Ano5jh1hFxWx0C5sH2-RQmvOgR3CD8S51mbS-8eOt83gMBMfR8YjCWXUsxenW9BH7OkS2GcneJ0NHQO0h1jes1CSNJDnjTRqMSrL/s1600/dragon2A.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 443px; height: 184px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAttjk0oQ4XV-mmYofJ7b91E-Ohvi6hNp-YNObNd7Ano5jh1hFxWx0C5sH2-RQmvOgR3CD8S51mbS-8eOt83gMBMfR8YjCWXUsxenW9BH7OkS2GcneJ0NHQO0h1jes1CSNJDnjTRqMSrL/s400/dragon2A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639707336455252338" border="0" /></a>
<br />In Part I, we looked at the boy Eustace whose outward appearance was transformed into a dragon - in many ways, his outward being represented his inward being. But in order for the dragon to become a boy again, he endured the painful process of having his dragon skin peeled away layer by layer. This in many ways, is a picture of what sanctification looks like.
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<br />Sanctification is a theological word - meaning, its a word that we do not use in our everyday vernacular, but it is a word that has great significance as it relates to our relationship with God. Simply put, sanctification is the process in which Christians become more Christ-like. Sanctification is not something we do per say, it's something God is doing in us through the Holy Spirit.
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<br />When confronting the Christians in Corinth who seemed bent on pursuing all things flesh, the Apostle Paul after listing off a number of 'fleshly sins', reminds them of this incredible truth: 1 Corinthians 6:11 - "And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."
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<br />Before Christ, we are one way - namely selfish and sinful. But what God is doing in us through sanctification is transforming us from living life as "used to be's" to living lives that reflect the one who rescued and redeemed us. This transformation that is taking place in us is not a result of our effort to change, rather it is God at work in us through His Holy Spirit.
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<br />As I watched Eustace struggle on the beach trying to transform himself back into a boy, I could all to well relate with him. So much of my life has been wasted trying to improve myself by changing behaviors and attitudes only to be left looking older on the outside, but inwardly still struggling to grow and mature. Much like the dragon who needed Aslan to peel away the thick and grotesque layers of his dragon skin to reveal the boy Eustace, we need someone else to do for us what we could never accomplish on our own - namely make us more like Jesus. For certain, there are some sins that become such a part of us that it takes a tearing or ripping much like Eustace endured for us to part ways with it; but the Holy Spirit is never looking to hurt us, rather He is enabling us to look more like Christ.
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<br />Thankfully, what sanctification reminds me of is that God is gracious in that He once again does for me what I could never do on my own. I could not earn right standing with God through my performance, nor can I live the life God has for me through my good performance. God does it all! The Father sends the Son to redeem and the Son sends the Spirit to enable the redeemed to live like the redeemed.
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<br />Like Eustace, we have a choice. He could have remained on the beach as a dragon struggling to no avail to become a boy once again, or he could submit himself to the Great King Aslan who had the power to change him back to that which he was created to be. Thankfully Eustace submitted to the King - I pray that we would follow suit so that we might become all that we were created to be in Christ Jesus.md4jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03249288275419288272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617815029653857146.post-52584914901157885472011-08-05T16:32:00.001-04:002011-08-05T16:34:24.325-04:00Transforming the Dragon... Part I<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSQJ2yni5s0kWbYRV6rH29hSdksx8JIml1AGX5cLd4ha5iBD35M8uGc3nHCx8qv8Uufq8NjRZNej_ejJUwsoUwfENjs5ub7rfbs2g6h23FbII0vkUN-tNnX0WP7clRPk_rB86Nc0TD4bh/s1600/dragon.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 596px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSQJ2yni5s0kWbYRV6rH29hSdksx8JIml1AGX5cLd4ha5iBD35M8uGc3nHCx8qv8Uufq8NjRZNej_ejJUwsoUwfENjs5ub7rfbs2g6h23FbII0vkUN-tNnX0WP7clRPk_rB86Nc0TD4bh/s800/dragon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637472817910268786" border="0" /></a><p><span style="font-size:large;">My three children do not know it yet, but they are slowly becoming fans of C.S. Lewis. They recently just completed all seven books in Lewis's masterpiece 'The Chronicles of Narnia.' Much could be said about these books and all the lessons the kids have learned thus far, but the one lesson that I wanted to share is not one that the kids are learning, but one that their father is learning.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:large;">Three of the books have already been turned into films and the beauty of these films is that we are able to get a visual glimpse of what was in C.S. Lewis' mind when he put his visions of Narnia to paper. In the third film, 'The Voyage of the Dawn Treader' - we are introduced to a young boy named Eustace. In many ways, Eustace is the one who represents so many of us - a bit cranky, moody, rude and selfish. He was a boy who was unable to imagine the unimaginable - that is until he was brought into the world of Narnia. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:large;">Eustace was not magically transformed upon entry into Narnia, rather another character flaw of Eustace revealed itself when he was confronted with endless riches. Simply put, Eustace was a greedy little boy. In his greed, Eustace grabbed for something that was not his and the consequences of his greed was that he became an unsightly dragon. In all reality, his outward appearance now reflected what was on the inside.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:large;">As I've watched this film numerous times, I've wondered if my outer being were to be transformed to reflect my inner being, what would I look like? I've chosen not to speculate on that as I fear the picture might not always be a pretty one. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:large;">As the film goes on, Eustace, though a dragon, begins to experience a transformation of sorts - a transformation not from being a dragon to a boy, rather the one being transformed was the dragon. Eustace, that is to say the dragon, begins to display acts of courage and selflessness. In many ways, Eustace becomes a hero within the story; the dragon becomes that which the boy never would have known. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:large;">Despite the selfless and heroic acts of the dragon, Eustace desires to become a boy once again, but the question becomes how will the dragon be transformed into a boy? Enter Aslan the Lion; the Christ figure. When the dragon is confronted by Aslan on the shores of Narnia, the dragon is not only defeated - unable to become that which he desires to be, a boy once again, but he is also humbled to be in the presence of Aslan the King. The King looks at the dragon with his penetrating eyes and begins to dig his claws into the sand. As Aslan the Lion claws away, something begins to happen to the dragon - layers, and layers of dragon skin begin to be peeled back. With many claws and one final loud roar, the transformation is complete - all the dragon skin has been peeled away and what remains is a boy.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:large;">When the boy Eustace is reunited with his friends and traveling companions, he is asked the question - 'what was it like when Aslan changed you back?' Eustace's response is telling - "No matter how hard I tried. I just couldn't do it myself. Then he came towards me, and it sort of hurt, but it was a good pain. Like when you pull a thorn from your foot."</span></p> <p>W<span style="font-size:large;">hat happened to Eustace is called sanctification. In part 2 of this post, I will examine in further detail how God is actively pulling back the layers of our dragon skin to reveal something much greater within each of us.<br /></span></p>md4jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03249288275419288272noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617815029653857146.post-11687639815960656942011-06-30T12:59:00.003-04:002011-06-30T13:02:21.225-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rlaGA7LJ8WPpkX8LysFIhwlPqdwZqSfhY6AyMDJoYS087BkHyfYdn58zG07RTJcBNFfnVyAjx6hCKYbOg7J2hnQ3ajgWLKCvDfTIz1Wsa2CPHAv16KqKtOaf51ijmxipXis9dndk4ivJ/s1600/Burning+Coals.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 228px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rlaGA7LJ8WPpkX8LysFIhwlPqdwZqSfhY6AyMDJoYS087BkHyfYdn58zG07RTJcBNFfnVyAjx6hCKYbOg7J2hnQ3ajgWLKCvDfTIz1Wsa2CPHAv16KqKtOaf51ijmxipXis9dndk4ivJ/s400/Burning+Coals.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624059127517344130" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:large;"><br /><br />Forgiveness is not typically the first thing we want to extend to people when we get hurt – vengeance though in the form of a fist or an ill-spoken word is. Now I realize were not all tempted to go <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Going_postal">‘postal’</a> on people when we get hurt, but by no means are we initially thinking of ways in which we can express forgiveness to those who’ve hurt us. So many marriages, families, and friendships have been utterly destroyed because vengeance was sought rather than forgiveness being extended. Anyone can seek vengeance in its various forms, but not everyone can pursue the path of mercy, grace, forbearance and forgiveness. <br /><br />Consider how many of your relationships may have been spared the label ‘broken relationship’ if vengeance was not even an option for you. How many of your current relationships (marriage, family, friendships) would receive the label ‘healthy relationship’ if forgiveness and grace was the first thought and not just an after thought? Rather than seeing any more relationships destroyed because vengeance reigned down supreme, why not learn how to drop a few burning coals on people and see how that goes. </span><p><span style="font-size:large;">If you're around this <a href="http://www.genesisthejourney.com/events/event/27">Sunday, July 3<sup>rd</sup></a>, please join the GENESIS Community at 10:30AM for our Worship Gathering as we examine how to build healthy, God-honoring relationships with those who seem bent on hurting us by dropping a few burning coals on their heads.</span></p>md4jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03249288275419288272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617815029653857146.post-18252210147545542862010-09-27T10:08:00.002-04:002010-09-27T10:21:43.133-04:00Get Drenched Fall 2010<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxb2UKn8WzSVFpvxUQNxD-Yl4TFsPMocs7cFCvbBz-9AIfgvz2oZlTzuQlyaLgZnwNxHPBPz8MBiCUcivGEKw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>md4jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03249288275419288272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617815029653857146.post-44246482133803869662010-09-07T12:37:00.006-04:002010-09-07T15:59:45.743-04:00The Best Advice Ever...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.kristaphoto.com/"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9SEP5Q7hSOlUcyQPIdL_S5gxLZ_YXhpY6YD3Aslf-1oehay2LdnUlp1UWb5xrHy4y7QB8yWeD8_-1ANTIK2BKDW-3HvHcY7jBHKEkFnQHNEcL2U89s5OK_4P7GvuwJCoXtTY_sad02IR/s800/hands.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514256954038833458" border="0" /></a><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Cmd4jc%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: Arial;">Once upon a time, there was a boy who really loved a girl. He loved being with her for every time he was with her, everything was better. It did not matter what it was, it just was always better when he was with her. This boy knew he wanted to be with this girl forever, but he was scared to ask her the question. He could not articulate why he was scared, but he knew he was. So this boy asked his friends who had already asked the question and they would always say to the boy – “you’ll just know.” He would always walk away feeling frustrated that he did not know for he had been with this girl for a long time. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: Arial;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: Arial;">Then one day it happened. The boy met with his pastor and asked him the question that he had asked so many before – “how do you know if she is the one?” After making some small talk, the boy just came out with. “Pastor Larry, how do I know if she is the one for me?” Without hesitation, Pastor Larry with boldness, conviction and a smile on his face replied – “when you meet a girl that you have to run to keep with, then you know she is the one for you.” As soon as Pastor Larry spoke, the boy had his answer for he knew that the girl he loved would be one that he would have to run to keep up with. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: Arial;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: Arial;">As not to be confused in this epic tale being spun, running is a metaphor for the spiritual condition of one’s heart and soul. This girl was genuine in her passion of loving Jesus and loving others. If this boy even had a shot to keep up with her nonetheless lead her, there would be no room for lollygagging for he would have to sprint just to keep in step with her. The advice Pastor Larry gave this boy 13 years ago was the best advice ever! Ten days later, the boy put a ring on this girls finger and 4 months after that, this boy stood before 400 people and promised to love this girl forever. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <u1:p></u1:p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: Arial;"><u1:p></u1:p>
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: Arial;">Today is a special day for the girl for she celebrates the day she came into this world. She is more beautiful to the boy today than she was when he first saw her. But there is a beauty that transcends what the eye can see and when one catches a glimpse of this beauty of soul, it both captivates and inspires. The boy continues to be captivated and inspired by the girls love for Jesus and her love for people. She longs to love Him more and be increasingly loving to those who cross her path which makes her ever more beautiful to the boy who loves her more today than when he first asked her the question. There are days when the boy gets tired of running just to keep up with the girl, but he is so thankful that she continues to run so hard. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <u1:p></u1:p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: Arial;"><u1:p></u1:p>
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: Arial;">On this special day when the girl turns 37, the boy wants his girl to hear the words – “keep running.” The girl is now not only making a profound difference in the boy’s life, but in the lives of three little people as well. We all see you and love you. We are all so grateful for you.<span style=""> </span>We are all so blessed and thankful that you’ve run so well so far – keep running for it is a joy to run with you.<span style=""> </span>Happy Birthday K – love m, t, r & c… <span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> md4jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03249288275419288272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617815029653857146.post-52918538509061575142010-09-04T07:42:00.002-04:002010-09-04T08:27:18.464-04:00WAVES<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMltl14oWoWVYijbP1ZBFb4uQ8AlaLFt4NQxbtDAF9nvN-VyyChsX_usjRhp0vW_AGLHJtY6ecxu6NCsZh5cAcNiBho39VwhO_fCK6xUAmGD_H7cm9gTskGwxyXpxaNdpxHeRN8nj9vV_/s1600/crashing+Waves.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMltl14oWoWVYijbP1ZBFb4uQ8AlaLFt4NQxbtDAF9nvN-VyyChsX_usjRhp0vW_AGLHJtY6ecxu6NCsZh5cAcNiBho39VwhO_fCK6xUAmGD_H7cm9gTskGwxyXpxaNdpxHeRN8nj9vV_/s800/crashing+Waves.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513022597509861714" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This past Tuesday, I enjoyed a day at the beach with my family. We’d been to this beach before, but on this particular day, the waves were rather large – a few that even crashed over my head. At first, the kids were a bit trepidacious about playing in the waves because they were so much taller than them, but it did not take long before they soon could not get enough of being knocked over by the waves. As soon as one would knock them over, they would get back up and look for another one to jump into. This went on for hours – literally. For those of you who are familiar with the beauty and magnificence of the ocean, you know something about waves – they just keep coming. Sometimes they are small, and sometimes they are large – but regardless of size, they just keep coming. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">As I considered these waves that just kept coming, I could not help but reflect on the love of God. His love towards humanity - towards me - towards you, just keeps coming. There have been seasons where the waves of His love knocked me off my feet, and there have been seasons where His love is demonstrated in in smaller yet steady ways. Point being, His love for people just keeps coming. And similar to my children playing in the waves the other day, one who has stepped into the waves of God's love, they cannot help but keep going back for more. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">As my children could not get enough of the waves, there were some who were missing it all. There were a few in the water that day enjoying the power of the waves, but there were even more who were just sitting on the shore just watching the handful of us playing in the waves. For certain, there would be many reasons why not everyone was in the water that day, but I can’t think of one good reason why everyone would not want to live in the waves of God's love - can you? I imagine that for many its similar to my children who were nervous at first at the sheer enormity of the waves coupled with the uncertainty of what would happen to them once in the water, but they entered in. There must be a point of decision for us all - will I enter into the water, or will I stand on the shore? </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">For those who might read this and think to yourself that the love of God is great in theory, but you struggle to believe that God loves you because you've never experienced it before - my encouragement to you would be to turn your eyes to the greatest demonstration of God's love towards humanity {which includes you} - the cross of Jesus Christ. </span>md4jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03249288275419288272noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617815029653857146.post-9165002578650215992010-03-29T11:31:00.003-04:002010-03-29T11:52:06.905-04:00Who's In?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8C2IWMwV1jeeo15jmc3kZugU4Gb3ZqZGvxMZ8Xdhj8ioG6z_fQATVSz7GbEU-T-RAqoPwrIY9Zhbu19UWPOLBDV3-nJ9SldeaeodcpBX2MxI24DLfJzaHdB2ZJbp6SrF9d81xSGhdd1S5/s1600/FightClub-men.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8C2IWMwV1jeeo15jmc3kZugU4Gb3ZqZGvxMZ8Xdhj8ioG6z_fQATVSz7GbEU-T-RAqoPwrIY9Zhbu19UWPOLBDV3-nJ9SldeaeodcpBX2MxI24DLfJzaHdB2ZJbp6SrF9d81xSGhdd1S5/s800/FightClub-men.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454079042559371858" border="0" /></a><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Cmd4jc%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Some thoughts and reflections from Men's <span style="font-weight: bold;">FIGHT CLUB</span> held on Sunday, May 28th at GENESIS. To learn more about<span style="font-weight: bold;"> FIGHT CLUB</span>, please visit <a href="http://www.genesisthejourney.com">www.genesisthejourney.com</a>. Next <span style="font-weight: bold;">FIGHT CLUB</span> is Sunday, April 18th at 6:30 PM.
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<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Men like William Wallace and <em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">Maximus Decimus Meridius</span></em> inspire most men.<span style=""> </span>They were men who lived with passion and conviction, a character trait most men long to have.<span style=""> </span>Not only was there passion and conviction in how they lived, but married to this passion and conviction was a reckless pursuit of something far greater than themselves.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">I am convinced that if men want to rise above mediocrity to become godly men, they will be men of great passion and conviction.<span style=""> </span>Some will argue that passion and conviction are personality traits reserved for the more charismatic and extroverted types, but to see passion and conviction as personality traits would be a grave mistake.<span style=""> </span>Passion and conviction are character traits that are born deep within a man who longs to live for something greater than himself.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">If a man wants to be a godly man, he will not be confused as to who his God is and how he pursues godliness.<span style=""> </span>Some will argue that pursuing God and godliness is easy, anyone can do it.<span style=""> </span>The reality is that those same people who argue that are typically the most self-absorbed, self-focused, and self-centered men.<span style=""> </span>Any man can live life seeking to make much of himself, but it takes a courageous man, a godly man to die to himself daily, not seeking to make much of himself, but of the God he follows – namely Jesus!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">I believe that a godly man pursues God and godliness in such a way that he cannot and will not be distracted from that which he pursues.<span style=""> </span>Do you know what or who you are pursuing?<span style=""> </span>Is what you are pursuing really worth it?<span style=""> </span>
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<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Many men will struggle to answer these questions because we pursue anything and everything that will advance our name, our cause, our pleasure.<span style=""> </span>A godly man who pursues godliness will know how to pursue God and godliness.<span style=""> </span>He will know how to pursue his wife or girlfriend in such a way that God is honored and she is blessed because she is being pursued as she deserves to be pursued.<span style=""> </span>He will know how to pursue a relationship with his children in such a way that God will be honored and his kids will be loved, trained and equipped to one day walk with God as well.<span style=""> </span>He will lead in such a way that those he leads will grow closer in relationship not with him, but with the God he continues to make much of.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">The Apostle Paul did not want his spiritual son Timothy to be confused as to what he should be pursuing.<span style=""> </span>“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.<span style=""> </span>Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called…”<span style=""> </span>1 Timothy 6:11-12<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Called to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Called to pursue eternal life, meaning we don’t pursue things that will not last.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">In a 2<sup>nd</sup> letter from Paul to Timothy, he calls Timothy to “Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”<span style=""> </span>2 Timothy 2:22<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">What a tragedy it is to see a man who physically looks different 20 years removed from High School, but still lives and acts as he did when he was in High School.<span style=""> </span>If you are to be a godly man, there must come a point where you say enough is enough, I’m done living like a little boy in a grown man’s body.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">If you are to be a godly man who pursues the things and ways of God, you must…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">1.<span style=""> </span>Know whom you serve – see Joshua 24:14-15<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">2.<span style=""> </span>Know what God wants you to do – see Acts 13:22<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">3.<span style=""> </span>Know what distracts, detours, and derails you – see Hebrews 12:1-3 <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">I’ve by no means arrived, but one thing I know for sure – I know my God and His name is Jesus.<span style=""> </span>I’m done with seeking to make much of me because to be honest, there’s not much to make much of.<span style=""> </span>It doesn’t take much to be a man, but it will take a death to self to be a godly man. A godly man knows his God and pursues godliness know matter the cost to himself. <span style=""></span>Who's in?<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> md4jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03249288275419288272noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617815029653857146.post-24375907545579514582010-02-06T10:39:00.003-05:002010-02-06T17:37:13.583-05:00LIAR<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZkrF_ix6LsteQpkKrjBQkoqQ4TSfrCg9GiMt1xFFdrB324_W9461LBevuiJ6UWAGzbn0pu8LkQR9amTLca1VH1ICogFe1oVxB_C43E-8-wC3Hp1vRk4Un71IcVNKt0CY0o2xRa1yrgThj/s1600-h/2078605727_e3d2c01b1f_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZkrF_ix6LsteQpkKrjBQkoqQ4TSfrCg9GiMt1xFFdrB324_W9461LBevuiJ6UWAGzbn0pu8LkQR9amTLca1VH1ICogFe1oVxB_C43E-8-wC3Hp1vRk4Un71IcVNKt0CY0o2xRa1yrgThj/s800/2078605727_e3d2c01b1f_b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435156104331942674" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Have you ever told yourself something that was a lie? Has time went on, you actually began to believe it to be true. For years, I told myself that I was 6.2, when in actuality, I’m only 6.1. It happens a lot – lies get so deeply embedded in us that we actually begin to embrace them as truth. <br /><br />As you consider your speech, how much of what you say is actually true? The mouth gives voice to the heart, so how much of what your heart says is true? How much of what you say is exaggeration, half-truths, ‘white lies’, deceptive, sarcastic or manipulative?<br /><br />Why do we do this? Why do we lie so often. Its rarely the case that we intentionally plot out elaborate lies, but why is it that when talking to people, before we know it, lies are spewing forth? How is it that lies seem to flow a lot quicker and more frequent then the truth does? I believe that we lie because we want to appear before others in a certain way and the truth does not always match up with how we want to appear. So the LIE helps us achieve the perception we ultimately want to project.<br /><br />Many might argue that what we lie about is ultimately not that big of a deal, but the reality is that our words are a really big deal to God. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Matthew 12:36 – “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.”</span> This is a verse that sends shivers up and down my spine because I have let many careless words fly out of my mouth. <br /><br />In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus challenged His listeners to a higher standard of speech. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Matthew 5:37 – “Simply let your `Yes' be `Yes,' and your `No,' `No'”</span> We are called and commanded to be people who speak the truth – at all times – in all places – no matter who our audience is. But how? <br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">TRUST GOD WITH THE TRUTH</span></span><br /><br />Many of us tell lies because we are afraid of what the TRUTH might bring. So in order to manipulate outcomes to our favor, we lie. When we lie in order to achieve or accomplish certain outcomes, we reveal a reality about ourselves that we don’t want to admit – we don’t trust God! If we believe that God can work all things in order to accomplish His will in our life, then there is no need to lie. Often the thought goes something like this: “If people knew the truth, then I wouldn’t be able to…” <br /><br />If we have to lie in order to accomplish what we think is God’s will, then its safe to say there is a confusion as to whose will is actually being pursued. The reality is that lying (sin) will always find us out {<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%2032:23&version=NIV">Numbers 32:23</a>}. What we think will never be discovered will be uncovered in time. It might be a few days, weeks, months or even years, but the truth will always be discovered. The beauty of being honest upfront is that we not only honor God with our speech, but we won’t always be wondering what lies were told, and what lies need to keep being told in order to keep the story going.<br /><br />Jesus calls his followers to truthful speech at all times, in all places no matter who our audience may be. Let it be said of you that when you speak, your audience is not left wondering if what you’ve said is true. <br /><br />To watch or listen to the full message called <a href="http://www.genesisthejourney.com">LIAR</a>, visit the <a href="http://www.genesisthejourney.com">GENESIS website</a>.md4jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03249288275419288272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617815029653857146.post-38962840928852985392010-02-02T10:45:00.003-05:002010-02-06T15:17:42.390-05:00The Gospel - Part II<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQWfuJ0_0RKXJm5brU7g4w-dcp-H2YxcoH87R0RvTWYC7dnbAc6bogJYxsF6gOosWaETFhoAbHl1exMazNofUTR9HBdbMkvCcPaTAUGiKgA5GuI4FNrR0d2Q7c3-NXKN4vu0_6dztUk7v/s1600-h/3541144920_a3764a916f_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQWfuJ0_0RKXJm5brU7g4w-dcp-H2YxcoH87R0RvTWYC7dnbAc6bogJYxsF6gOosWaETFhoAbHl1exMazNofUTR9HBdbMkvCcPaTAUGiKgA5GuI4FNrR0d2Q7c3-NXKN4vu0_6dztUk7v/s800/3541144920_a3764a916f_b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433673125024982626" border="0" /></a><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; 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mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="ecxmsonormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri;">To watch the full message, visit <a href="http://www.vimeo.com/9006060">GENESIS on Vimeo</a>, or to listen to the message, visit the <a href="http://www.genesisthejourney.com">GENESIS website</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="ecxmsonormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri;">Something or someone is at the center of who we are, and whatever is at our center will determine who we are becoming.<span style=""> </span>From our center flows such things as our attitude, actions, reactions and behaviors.<span style=""> </span>What’s at the center of our lives not only impacts how we view ourselves and the world we live in, but it impacts how we understand and relate with the God who is creator of all.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="ecxmsonormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri;">If we would be people that would have the Gospel at the center of who we are, then a healthy and accurate understanding of the Gospel is essential. <span style=""> </span>The Gospel simply means ‘Good News.’<span style=""> </span>But what exactly is the good news of the ‘Good News’?<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="ecxmsonormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri;">Before that question gets answered, one thing must be made perfectly clear.<span style=""> </span>The Gospel is about GOD – not about man.<span style=""> </span>The Gospel is about what God has done – not what we’ve done.<span style=""> </span>The Gospel is about what God is doing – not what I am doing.<span style=""> </span>Simply put, the Gospel is God-centered, not i-centered </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="ecxmsonormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri;"> In many ways, the good news of the Gospel can be summed up in the following verses:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="ecxmsonormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">John 3:16-17</span> – "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.<span style=""> </span>For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="ecxmsonormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">1 Peter 3:18</span> – “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="ecxmsonormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">1 Corinthians 15:1-4</span> – “Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand.<span style=""> </span>By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.<span style=""> </span>For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="ecxmsonormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri;">The good news of the Gospel is that God loved humanity enough to pursue us despite our sin and rebellion against Him.<span style=""> </span>We know God loves us because of Jesus – He showed up!<span style=""> </span>Jesus stepped into a depraved world for one purposes – to be the Righteous One who would bring the unrighteous ones (us) to God through His perfect life, bloody death and glorious resurrection.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="ecxmsonormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri;">The good news of the Good News is that God did for humanity what humanity could not do for itself – salvation!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="ecxmsonormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri;">As one looks through the epic story of God (the Bible), the news that makes the Gospel so good can be seen in the following;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri;"><span style="">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri;">There is a Living God!<span style=""> </span>Meaning, God is not dead as some throughout history have suggested, but God is ALIVE and He is the creator of all.<span style=""> </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2014:8-15&version=NIV">Acts 14:8-15</a><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri;"><span style="">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri;">Our God Reigns!<span style=""> </span>There is no god (idol) that is more powerful then our God!<span style=""> </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2052:7&version=NIV">Isaiah 52:7</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20146:10&version=NIV">Psalm 146:10</a><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri;"><span style="">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri;">There is NO God like OUR GOD!<span style=""> </span>There is nothing or no one in all of creation who is comparable to our God because there is NO God who is like our God!<span style=""> </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%204:35-39&version=NIV">Deuteronomy 4:35-39</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Samuel%207:22&version=NIV">2 Samuel 7:22</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Kings%208:60&version=NIV">1 Kings 8:60</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Kings%2018:36-39&version=NIV">1 Kings 18:36-39</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2043:10-13&version=NIV">Isaiah 43:10-13</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2046:5-10&version=NIV">Isaiah 46:5-10</a><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri;"><span style="">4.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri;">JESUS is the SAVIOR, the CHRIST, the LORD!<span style=""> </span>Humanity does not need to be confused as to who the Savior is because Jesus, the only Savior who could save stepped into humanity nearly 2,000 years ago.<span style=""> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%202:10-11&version=NIV"> </a></span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%202:10-11&version=NIV">Luke 2:10-11</a></span></p> <p class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri;"><span style="">5.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri;">JESUS died for our SINS in accordance w/the Scriptures!<span style=""> </span>Simply put – because of Jesus, all of our sins have been FORGIVEN! <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2010:45&version=NIV">Mark 10:45</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%205:1-8&version=NIV">Romans 5:1, 8</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%202:2&version=NIV">1 John 2:2</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians%202:12-14&version=NIV">Colossians 2:12-14.</a></span></p> <p class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri;"><span style="">6.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri;">JESUS is ALIVE – HE is RISEN from the DEAD!<span style=""> </span>The one that was brutally murdered conquered death.<span style=""> </span>The Savior who sacrificed His life so that we could have life eternal was victorious over sin, Satan and death!<span style=""> </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2024:5-7&version=NIV">Luke 24:5-7</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Timothy%202:8-10&version=NIV">2 Timothy 2:8-10</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2015:13-17&version=NIV">1 Corinthians 15:13-17</a>.</span></p> <p class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri;"><span style="">7.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri;">Salvation is for all who believe.<span style=""> </span>To those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God who came to save sinners and confess Him as such, salvation is not a possibility but a reality!<span style=""> </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%201:16&version=NIV">Romans 1:16</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans10:9-10&version=NIV">10:9-10</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%205:11-13&version=NIV">1 John 5:11-13</a></span></p> <p class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri;"><span style="">8.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><span style=""> </span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri;">Our eternity will be spent in heaven with God, not in hell separated from God.<span style=""> </span>Jesus death and resurrection secures for those who believe a new eternal home – heaven!<span style=""> </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2014:1-3&version=NIV">John 14:1-3</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%206:23&version=NIV">Romans 6:23</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%2021:1-4&version=NIV">Revelation 21:1-4</a>.</span></p> <p class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri;"><span style="">9.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri;">The promise of the Holy Spirit.<span style=""> </span>To those that confess Jesus as God, we are not left to figure out on our own how to live lives that please God.<span style=""> </span>We have been given the Spirit of God who resides in us that guides, teaches, convicts and empowers us to live the lives God has purposed for those who believe.<span style=""> </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2014:16-17&version=NIV">John 14:16-17</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2014:26-27&version=NIV">John 14:26-27</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%201:21-22&version=NIV">2 Corinthians 1:21-22</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%205:5&version=NIV">2 Corinthians 5:5</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%201:8&version=NIV">Acts 1:8</a>.</span></p> <p class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri;"><span style="">10.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri;">The promise of a new life.<span style=""> </span>Because of Jesus, I am not just a refurbished version of my old self, but I am a new creation.<span style=""> </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%205:17&version=NIV">2 Corinthians 5:17</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%206:1-4&version=NIV">Romans 6:1-4</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%202:20&version=NIV">Galatians 2:20</a>.</span></p> <p class="ecxmsonormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri;">What makes the good news of the Gospel so good is that without the Gospel, the news would be horrific.<span style=""> </span>The headlines might read something like this – <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri;">Humanity has no hope of ever being RECONCILED with GOD!</span></p> <p class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri;">Humanity has no hope of ever having PEACE with GOD!</span></p> <p class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri;">Humanity has no hope of ever KNOWING GOD!</span></p> <p class="ecxmsonormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Calibri;">Thank you God that the news coming from you to us is Gospel – Good News!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<br />md4jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03249288275419288272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617815029653857146.post-54584327464603312222010-01-26T11:28:00.005-05:002010-02-06T15:18:41.688-05:00The Gospel - Part I<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHrpW6TpZGzmqO_FUy-WGBr4JYy2BEQyfpCuDyVukyJB5rk0ZEX6IpshQHlWcsvPoYrOKPLw3fs6L4MqeVzMf0S8sXz8SG_fFZDYL6O7aPqviojmSvzQu_-5w6KRwTf05kl06GyG6wOF0i/s1600-h/3541144920_a3764a916f_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHrpW6TpZGzmqO_FUy-WGBr4JYy2BEQyfpCuDyVukyJB5rk0ZEX6IpshQHlWcsvPoYrOKPLw3fs6L4MqeVzMf0S8sXz8SG_fFZDYL6O7aPqviojmSvzQu_-5w6KRwTf05kl06GyG6wOF0i/s800/3541144920_a3764a916f_b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431086726389255058" border="0" /></a><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> 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mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {color:purple; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Calibri;font-size:10pt;" >To watch the full message, visit <a href="http://www.vimeo.com/genesisboston">GENESIS on Vimeo</a>, or to listen to the message, visit the <a href="http://www.genesisthejourney.com">GENESIS website</a>.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style=";font-family:Calibri;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Calibri;font-size:10pt;" >Some questions to consider… <o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Calibri;font-size:10pt;" >What is at the <span style="font-weight: bold;">CENTER of your LIFE?</span><span style=""> </span>We all have something or someone at the CENTER of who we are.<span style=""> </span>And whatever is at the center drives us to do what we do, act like we act, think like we think, or respond like we respond.<span style=""> </span>Simply put, whatever is at the center determines who we are, and who we are becoming.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Calibri;font-size:10pt;" ><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Calibri;font-size:10pt;" >For some, <span style="font-weight: bold;">FEAR</span> is at the center.<span style=""> </span>And if FEAR is at the center of who you are, your life will be marked by INSECURITY – a life that is desperate to be loved, accepted and embraced.<span style=""> </span>The desperation is so great that you’ll do whatever you can to obtain the favor and approval of others in hopes that you’ll be able to taste the security that comes with knowing you are loved.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Calibri;font-size:10pt;" ><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Calibri;font-size:10pt;" >For some, <span style="font-weight: bold;">ANGER</span> is at the center.<span style=""> </span>And if ANGER is at your center, then your life will be marked by UN-FORGIVENESS.<span style=""> </span>Not only will you lack joy, but when ANGER is at the center, there will be a trail of broken relationships largely due to your inability to forgive, be gracious, compassionate and merciful.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Calibri;font-size:10pt;" ><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Calibri;font-size:10pt;" >For some, <span style="font-weight: bold;">LUST</span> is at the center.<span style=""> </span>And if LUST is at the center of who you are, then your life will be marked by EMPTINESS.<span style=""> </span>You will always be telling yourself, “If I could only have that, then I would be filled and content.”<span style=""> </span>Your life will be a constant chase of consuming that which you hope will fill – whether that be the relationships, career, fame, fortune, etc.<span style=""> </span>The pain is great when you realize that what you’ve chased not only did not fill, but only exposed how great your emptiness actually is.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Calibri;font-size:10pt;" ><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Calibri;font-size:10pt;" >For some, <span style="font-weight: bold;">TIME</span> {past, present, future} is at the center.<span style=""> </span>And if TIME is at the center of who you are, then you will live an utterly CONFUSED life.<span style=""> </span>The confusion comes because you’ll allow your past to not only shape who you are, but who you are becoming.<span style=""> </span>For some, the present is marked by an overwhelming sense of worry & anxiety over what was, what is and what ‘might be’.<span style=""> </span>For others, thoughts of the future fill you with paralyzing uncertainty because of thoughts like:<span style=""> </span>‘what if that or this happens?’, <span style=""></span>or, ‘what if they do that or don’t do that?’<span style="">, </span>or, ‘what will I do, or where will I go and when will that actually happen?’<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Calibri;font-size:10pt;" ><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Calibri;font-size:10pt;" >We ALL have someone or something at the CENTER, it's just a matter of identifying what’s at your center.<span style=""> </span>When we decide to place the GOSPEL at the center, the core of who we are, something amazing happens – <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Calibri;font-size:10pt;" ><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Calibri;font-size:10pt;" >There is no need for FEAR which manifests itself in insecurity because the Gospel declares that I am loved perfectly, completely and unconditionally {<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%204:18&version=NIV">1 John 4:18</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208:35-39&version=NIV">Romans 8:35-39</a>}.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Calibri;font-size:10pt;" ><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Calibri;font-size:10pt;" >There is no place for ANGER which manifests itself in un-forgiveness because the Gospel floods our life with the love, mercy, compassion and the grace of God, a<span style=""></span>nd that which is at the center of you, overflows to those around you.<span style=""> </span>The Gospel brings freedom from anger, and births within us healthy fruit {<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%205:22-23&version=NIV">Galatians 5:22-23</a>} that breads healthy, deep, meaningful relationships with those around you.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Calibri;font-size:10pt;" ><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Calibri;font-size:10pt;" >There is no room for LUST which manifests itself in emptiness because the Gospel at work in us does what only the Gospel can do – it fills us completely.<span style=""> </span>Not only does the Gospel fill, it brings with it great contentment {<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2010:10&version=NIV">John 10:10</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%204:12-13&version=NIV">Philippians 4:12-13</a>}.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Calibri;font-size:10pt;" ><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Calibri;font-size:10pt;" >There is no concern over time which manifests itself in a confused life because the Gospel at work in our lives brings transformation.<span style=""> </span>The Gospel does not cover past wounds with band-aids.<span style=""> </span>The Gospel does not offer cliché answers to present situations and circumstances which are neither helpful nor beneficial.<span style=""> </span>The Gospel does not speak of empty promises for your days ahead.<span style=""> </span>The Gospel transforms time – meaning, the Gospel at work in us leads us to declare that I can trust God in ALL things at ALL times because He is Faithful, Sovereign, and Worthy of my trust.<span style=""> </span>The Gospel not only redeems time {past, present, future} and ALL that has happened within it – but the Gospel has the power to transform you so that it is not time that shapes you, but the Gospel! {<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2045:7-8&version=NIV">Genesis 45:7-8</a>, <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2050:20&version=NIV">50:20</a>}<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Calibri;font-size:10pt;" ><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Calibri;font-size:10pt;" >If you are going to have the Gospel at the center of your life, you must understand fully what the Gospel declares.<span style=""> </span>The Gospel means Good News, so what is the Good News of the Gospel?<span style=""> </span>This question will be answered in <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Gospel – Part II.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>md4jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03249288275419288272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617815029653857146.post-86412768351903790282009-07-07T12:41:00.007-04:002010-02-06T15:25:49.283-05:00ALIVE<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-4cCGso_kWEWpe0Bve_rd35-eh-4ps1G07crQW-ij21PUuYWqk5bSWoVQr03bBWa0xkxQJW_GLolh5sQaSHTbWPJL67cfkw7kwct0JYl7KkXWcvcXH_KnyE2vkUNDPhWI9L2Pt5-Bc4a/s1600-h/ALIVE.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-4cCGso_kWEWpe0Bve_rd35-eh-4ps1G07crQW-ij21PUuYWqk5bSWoVQr03bBWa0xkxQJW_GLolh5sQaSHTbWPJL67cfkw7kwct0JYl7KkXWcvcXH_KnyE2vkUNDPhWI9L2Pt5-Bc4a/s800/ALIVE.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355759991854921474" border="0" /></a>
<br /><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Cmd4jc%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Wingdings; panose-1:5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:2; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:0 268435456 0 0 -2147483648 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {color:purple; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} /* List Definitions */ @list l0 {mso-list-id:965964627; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:2018131272 -414541900 -1658665628 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715;} @list l0:level1 {mso-level-tab-stop:.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; margin-left:.25in; text-indent:-.25in; color:windowtext;} @list l0:level2 {mso-level-start-at:2; mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:; mso-level-tab-stop:.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; margin-left:.75in; text-indent:-.25in; font-family:Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; color:windowtext;} ol {margin-bottom:0in;} ul {margin-bottom:0in;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Take a few minutes to read through Mark 16:1-8.<span style=""> </span>These are just some reflections from that text. To watch the full message that was preached on this text, go to <a href="http://www.vimeo/genesisboston">www.vimeo/genesisboston</a>, <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {color:purple; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]-->or to listen to the message, go to - <a href="http://www.genesisthejounrey.com/media">www.genesisthejounrey.com/media</a>.<span style=""> </span>Message title - ALIVE </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">We all know we will eventually die, but then what?<span style=""> </span>What’s next?<span style=""> </span>Heaven?<span style=""> </span>Hell?<span style=""> </span>Purgatory?<span style=""> </span>Don’t know, don’t care?<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">This is the question that ALL of us must answer – ‘Beyond death, is there life?’<span style=""> </span>If YES, then how does one conqueror death?<span style=""> </span>If NO, then there is even a great question one must wrestle with.<span style=""> </span>What’s the point?<span style=""> </span>Why are we even here?<span style=""> </span>Are we the brunt of some cosmic joke?<span style=""> </span>If there is no hope in death, then what hope is there in LIFE?<span style=""> </span>Why care?<span style=""> </span>Why love?<span style=""> </span>Why do anything? </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The final verses in Mark’s Gospel deal with death & life.<span style=""> </span>Specifically, the death and resurrection of Jesus.<span style=""> </span>The Bible makes clear that Jesus was brutally murdered, but that on the third day after His death, he was raised back to life.<span style=""> </span>But if Jesus did not rise from the dead, then I would have to agree with 20<sup>th</sup> Century Philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein once said – </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; font-style: italic;">“If he did not rise from the dead, then he decomposed in the grave like any other man.<span style=""> </span>He is dead and decomposed.<span style=""> </span>In that case he is a teacher like any other and can no longer help; and once more we are orphaned and alone.<span style=""> </span>So we have to content ourselves with wisdom and speculation.<span style=""> </span>We are in a sort of hell where we can do nothing but dream, roofed in, as it were, and cut off from heaven.”</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; font-style: italic;">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">SO – Why does the resurrection of Jesus ultimately matter?<span style=""> </span>‘So what?’<span style=""> </span>The following are three truths about the ‘so what’s’ of the resurrection…</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="">1.<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span><!--[endif]-->Because Jesus is ALIVE, our relationship with God changes – </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">A.<span style=""> </span>We are justified before God {made right with God both now and in eternity}</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Romans 4:25 – “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">B.<span style=""> </span>We are raised up with Jesus to eternal life with God (Heaven), not eternal death (hell).</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">1 Corinthians 6:14 – “By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also.” </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">John 11:24-25 – “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">2 Timothy 2:11 – “Here is a trustworthy saying:<span style=""> </span>If we died with him, we will also live with him…”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">John 6:40 – “For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="">2.<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span><!--[endif]-->Because Jesus is ALIVE, our relationship w/ourselves changes – </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="">A.<span style=""> </span>Jesus resurrection sets us FREE to live a NEW LIFE!<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Romans 6:4 – “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Galatians 2:22 – “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Philippians 1:20-21 – “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">John 15:5 – “"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">QUESTION – is how you are living today (who you are, and what you are doing) – is this how you want to be living when He returns for you?<span style=""> </span>If no, then make the decision tonight to REPENT – turn away from self, and turn to the One who gives you new life.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="">3.<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span><!--[endif]-->Because Jesus is ALIVE, our relationship w/humanity (the world around you) changes – </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Those who came into contact with the resurrected Jesus were compelled to introduce the world around them Jesus! The Good News that Jesus was ALIVE compelled His Followers to share this Good News, urging the world around them to be reconciled back to God (Read 2 Cor. 5:13-6:2).</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The RESSURECTION of JESUS MATTERS b/c it changes our relationship with God, with ourselves, and with the world around us! Following the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the disciples <span style=""> </span>– they were NOT THE SAME!<span style=""> </span>There was NO more arguing over who’d be the greatest!<span style=""> </span>There was NO more desertion, denials, or doubting who Jesus was and is!<span style=""> </span>There was NO more life as NORMAL, rather what we see is a community of followers who preached fearlessly about the resurrected Jesus, who lived fearlessly the mission Jesus set before them and figuratively became the hands, feet, heart and mind of Jesus to the world around them.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">They became known as ‘Christ-ones’ (Christians).<span style=""> </span>The resurrection of Jesus Christ enabled them to live differently.<span style=""> </span>The resurrected Jesus changed them, not just their circumstances, but it changed them from the inside out.<span style=""> </span>They were forever different and the world around them began looking very different as well.<span style=""> </span>Is He (Jesus) changing you so much so that you and the world around you is looking different?</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> md4jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03249288275419288272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617815029653857146.post-73369999306926967722009-06-20T10:54:00.003-04:002010-02-06T15:25:24.482-05:00If You See Him...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDem1FGrbDKg8kvhtQCbfkP7nUk4uBAxMvL_96h5EpGIwohRg8Dw7aUEfU06HtDSeBWG50gXht2aBKCK7InmrR8qEmWfKj6g9UGqzzoHebJL8VXu5LRwh7CuoythGnaE6Rs8H3aL8asPD/s1600-h/Sun+in+Trees.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDem1FGrbDKg8kvhtQCbfkP7nUk4uBAxMvL_96h5EpGIwohRg8Dw7aUEfU06HtDSeBWG50gXht2aBKCK7InmrR8qEmWfKj6g9UGqzzoHebJL8VXu5LRwh7CuoythGnaE6Rs8H3aL8asPD/s800/Sun+in+Trees.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349426289515108450" border="0" /></a><br />I’ve been thinking a lot about suffering lately. Not by choice mind you, but because its become a reality for a close friend of mine. As I type these words, there is a heart that is breaking, and as their heart breaks, mine is breaking for them. They’re asking all the right questions – questions anyone of us would ask. ‘Why me?’ ‘Why now?’ ‘Where is God in the midst of this madness?’ ‘Is there purpose somehow in this pain?’ ‘Is there some greater good to be gained?’ ‘Will all of this somehow be redeemed, or will I just be left reeling in a sea of hurt, confusion, loneliness and anguish?’<br /><br />They are fair questions. But fair questions don’t necessarily equate to helpful questions. Meaning – what happens when there are no answers? What’s worse – the suffering itself, or not having any answers to the questions you are asking? To suffer is bad enough, but to suffer with no knowledge of why you are suffering can lead one to despair.<br /><br />So what does one do? Not just when suffering becomes a reality (and it will), but when there are few to no answers to the questions born out of a broken heart? <br /><br />Answers would be helpful, but I’m no longer convinced that answers to my questions in the midst of suffering is actually what I need most. So what is needed most? If not answers, then what? <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Vision!</span><br /><br />Suffering as a unique way of blinding us. We can only see as far in front of us as our current pain will permit. Why vision? What does vision have to do with comfort in the midst suffering?<br /><br />Consider Job – that’s the guy in the Bible whose life got flipped upside down, turned around and then flipped all over again. Talk about suffering, well let’s just say that Job would be somewhat of an expert on the subject. Throughout his entire story, he had no knowledge of what was going on. Meaning, he had no idea that a private meeting took place in heaven with Satan and God. He had no idea that Satan was the architect behind his suffering, and He certainly had no idea that God had granted Satan permission to do anything and everything short of killing him (Job 2:6).<br /><br />No answers came to Job. He asked, but he never got understanding as to why he was enduring the suffering of it all. But the one thing that Job got in the end was VISION. Not answers, but vision. What did he see? God!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job%2042:5&version=31">“My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.” (Job 42:5)</a><br /><br />Through it all, Job had heard of God, but he had not seen God until he endured the suffering of it all. We often want answers to our questions, but I don’t think what we need most is answers. What we need most is vision – a vision of God. And when one sees God the reality is that the suffering might not end, but our view of it will be radically altered because we have been given a new vision – a vision of something, rather someone far greater – God!<br /><br />Maybe the answer is that suffering comes so that we would see what we cannot see in the calm of the day. Maybe the answer is that God is most concerned not with our comfort, but that we would cast our eyes on Him and Him alone. Maybe the reality is that His desire for us to see Him is so strong that He permits the unthinkable to happen in order that our vision of Him would be set aright. Vision is what we need most, not answers.<br /><br />To my friend who is suffering right now – my prayer for you is not so much that you would have answers, but that you would see God. Despite the pain, confusion and hurt, my prayer is not for relief, but that you would see God with clarity. For I know if you can learn to see Him in the pain, you will never miss Him when there is peace. If you can see Him in the storm, you will never miss Him again in the calm. If you see Him, you will see a God who not only sees you, but you will see that He cares. If you see Him… that is my prayer for you!md4jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03249288275419288272noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617815029653857146.post-68988373358084100962009-05-26T09:23:00.005-04:002010-02-06T15:26:38.388-05:00be GENEROUS<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHeeBC7tEYQ04NzOfOc9fyYrT9Aiv-vZLTe5RCc-YPp3ft3gtTwj1XAYl_zc7SI8n1Ioi-pKQ-gVmaaEtDqeLYcwvWNbxbczYjc9AgWal6bG0bdXKNZ9JhWGm1WeM9Kq9iejRoAd6g6Sf/s1600-h/Cross.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 309px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHeeBC7tEYQ04NzOfOc9fyYrT9Aiv-vZLTe5RCc-YPp3ft3gtTwj1XAYl_zc7SI8n1Ioi-pKQ-gVmaaEtDqeLYcwvWNbxbczYjc9AgWal6bG0bdXKNZ9JhWGm1WeM9Kq9iejRoAd6g6Sf/s400/Cross.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340124417144407410" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Cmd4jc%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><link rel="Edit-Time-Data" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Cmd4jc%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_editdata.mso"><!--[if !mso]> <style> v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} </style> <![endif]--><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="country-region"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} p.MsoHeader, li.MsoHeader, div.MsoHeader {margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; tab-stops:center 3.0in right 6.0in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} p.MsoFooter, li.MsoFooter, div.MsoFooter {margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; tab-stops:center 3.0in right 6.0in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">My college pastor told me that it is a good idea.<span style=""> </span>He even went one step further and said that it was a Biblical command.<span style=""> </span>I responded: ‘I don’t have anything to give.’<span style=""> </span>His response was transformational – “<i style="">Michael, learn how to be generous and your giving will not be impacted by what you have or don’t have</i>.”<span style=""> </span>Perplexed, I mulled over his words and realized that giving is not always tied into being a generous person.<span style=""> </span>Anyone can give, but I didn’t want to be just anyone, I wanted to grow and mature into being a generous person.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">How about you?<span style=""> </span>Would you use generosity as an adjective to describe your character?<span style=""> </span>Like me, you might answer by saying you don’t have anything to give.<span style=""> </span>But I want to encourage you to consider that giving and being generous are not always married together. Simply stated, not everyone who gives is generous, but people who are generous will always be found giving.<span style=""> </span>The question is not which one are you, but which one would you like to be?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Men and women of GENESIS seek to reflect the character of God to a world that is in desperate need of knowing that God not only exists, but that He cares.<span style=""> </span>How does God show<span style=""> </span>that He cares?<span style=""> </span>He is generous beyond compare.<span style=""> </span>As I’ve studied the Scriptures, I continue to see that God’s generosity is without end:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">•<span style=""> </span><b style="">John 3:16</b> – <i style="">“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son…”<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">•<span style=""> </span><b style="">Romans 8:32</b> – <i style="">“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><i style=""><o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">How might we reflect the generosity of God to those around us?<span style=""> </span>We <b style="">ALL</b> need to grow in the grace of giving; that we would learn how to be a generous people.<span style=""> </span>The Apostle Paul made clear,<span style=""> </span>the root of generosity is joy; and joy stems from the gospel at work in each of us.<span style=""> </span>Grasped by the grace of God joy can be seen in our generosity.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The churches in <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Macedonia</st1:country-region></st1:place> were facing severe trials from extreme poverty and persecution, but their joy in the gospel was evident by their generosity.<span style=""> </span>They had nothing to give, but generous people are not bound by circumstances.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><span style="">
<br /></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><span style="">2 Corinthians 8:2-3</span></b></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> – <i style="">“Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.<span style=""> </span>For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Let it be said of GENESIS that we give beyond our ability.<span style=""> </span>As GENESIS moves forward into God’s call to church plant, you will have the opportunity like the Macedonian churches to be generous.<span style=""> </span>On <b style="">Sunday, June 7th</b>, we will make a financial pledge of how we will support what God is doing within GENESIS.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Over the next two weeks, I would ask that you seek the Lord as to how He would have you use the resources that He has entrusted to you to support the work of His church.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The needs of GENESIS will be many, but generous people have a way of meeting needs.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >Please don’t let your giving be done with an attitude of ‘I have to do this’. Rather be joyful knowing your generosity towards God’s work reflects to the WORLD the very character of God.</span><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> md4jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03249288275419288272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617815029653857146.post-27841528001206735402009-05-21T08:51:00.001-04:002009-05-21T08:52:49.133-04:00Has Christian America Come to an End?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmOyBwUnGhDVJYmCiyhlweRwY-taOa5U5jUoP-LYaWyxO8OpYZ86CpIfoQzk2ADLr7z2_-ta4BuY6XObzXpD6MQ05F7uBLK7nyffF8SMj-37Tqq81aaxY38t3bvHPf09u2MAjbL1vJVkE/s1600-h/1_61_driscoll_320.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmOyBwUnGhDVJYmCiyhlweRwY-taOa5U5jUoP-LYaWyxO8OpYZ86CpIfoQzk2ADLr7z2_-ta4BuY6XObzXpD6MQ05F7uBLK7nyffF8SMj-37Tqq81aaxY38t3bvHPf09u2MAjbL1vJVkE/s800/1_61_driscoll_320.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338259224306856514" border="0" /></a><br />A great article written by Mark Driscoll that was just posted on FoxNews.com. To read the article, go to - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/note_redirect.php?note_id=80259858470&h=72ed5d11c53b73e5cad9df95bf04c3e8&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.foxnews.com%2Fstory%2F0%2C2933%2C519517%2C00.html" target="_blank" title="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,519517,00.html">FoxNews</a>md4jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03249288275419288272noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617815029653857146.post-51895068581443831672009-05-19T09:59:00.004-04:002015-03-22T00:07:40.115-04:00Who Knows?One day GENESIS will launch out of its current location and begin a new journey in a new location. I've often wondered what that initial gathering might look like. I came across this video and thought, well that might be a bit much, but better a bit much, then not much at all. Enjoy!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwN6BIK0fgO24Ul7YxiEhOiF8DFGz9IdNU7X4UkxR_R1cYD2Xn9YUrMc_a0ChMkVDmw68R5EDAzUnOxDDqmcA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>md4jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03249288275419288272noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617815029653857146.post-72459198972380910592009-05-18T14:07:00.012-04:002010-02-06T15:26:57.770-05:00I Do, I Don't.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCEisLF1FWWl7fb-oo-mLrpw6BwxPmPcojbxV979UZWbs3HaTIpwmpOzOmgNJx_ixNwA6uiyJWeWbwFr4l_PXzggvDHj2E9bUYnmau2KBvnM6gxNqQiWw8FC7s2YcWKWNZIwO9vESzfVCW/s1600-h/ONE1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCEisLF1FWWl7fb-oo-mLrpw6BwxPmPcojbxV979UZWbs3HaTIpwmpOzOmgNJx_ixNwA6uiyJWeWbwFr4l_PXzggvDHj2E9bUYnmau2KBvnM6gxNqQiWw8FC7s2YcWKWNZIwO9vESzfVCW/s800/ONE1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337240071733402514" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Take a few minutes to read through Mark 10:1-12. These are just some reflections from that text. To listen to the full message that was preached on this text, go to www.genesisthejourney.com/media - message title - I Do, I Don’t.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Some thoughts on Marriage…</span><br />1. Marriage is God’s Idea – not man’s (Genesis 2:20-24)<br />2. Marriage is NOT the GOAL in life – (Mark 12:28-31) The Great Commandment is not to get married, rather its to LOVE God & Love people.<br />3. Marriage is a GIFT, not a curse – (Ecclesiastes 9:9)<br />4. Marriage is a GIFT to the generations that will follow you. The greatest gift to be passed along to your children (and their children) will not be $, toys, and vacations, but it will be a HEALTHY, Christ honoring marriage.<br />5. Marriage is a PICTURE of the relationship that Jesus has with the church – (Ephesians 5:32). Marriage will serve as an INCREDIBLE witness to those around you of what God can do!<br />6. Marriage & the Marriage BED is to be HONORED – (Hebrews 13:4)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">God has a DESIGN, a PLAN for marriage and its outlined in Genesis 2:20-24.</span><br />1. RECEIVE – Adam received Eve as a gift from God. Continually receiving your spouse as a gift from God is essential to the health of your marriage.<br />2. LEAVE – Dependent no longer on parents for physical, emotional, relational needs, but fully committed to depending on your spouse in this way.<br />3. CLEAVE – Literally to stick to, or follow (pursue) closely. Never stop pursuing your spouse!<br />4. ONE – Oneness speaks to the physical, emotional, spiritual and relational. When there is TRUE oneness, the husband and wife will be NAKED and have no shame.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">ONENESS KILLERS</span><br />1. Sexual Impurity – porn, thought life {lust}, inappropriate relationships w/people from the opposite sex.<br />2. Un-forgiveness – anger leads to bitterness; bitterness leads to hard-heartedness; and hard-heartedness leads to death in the marriage. Learning to forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Colossians 3:13)<br />3. Lack of Communication – learning to be a listener as well as a talker.<br />4. Lack of Intimacy – Intimacy has to do with knowledge. Knowledge of ALL not just parts of your spouse.<br />5. Lack of Time – LOVE can be spelled TIME. Make the relationship a priority. Take time to cultivate the relationship. There will be SEASONS where things are more CHAOTIC then others, but don’t let the SEASON your in dictate the health of your marriage, let the health of your marriage dictate how you walk through each season.<br />6. Spiritual Disconnect – Husbands who fail to spiritually lead.<br />7. Neglecting the ONE - GOD is your number ONE, and your spouse is your number TWO.md4jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03249288275419288272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617815029653857146.post-34253281002670403252009-04-11T13:47:00.009-04:002010-02-06T15:27:17.777-05:00Thank You JESUS!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2GlHYQVoufsY2Wf8Sk7pgjy1oFBw6B7BJ-7gZOGPXY9pekW__aCxF6bmIAbVj9kErW6O_oyQm2-LXB1MIctgSvd8eRzCO5xnx0F4m6CQlXvyr87pNDB33b5yaxVcvKGl7zOaZAg4P11u/s1600-h/17_eye_169.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2GlHYQVoufsY2Wf8Sk7pgjy1oFBw6B7BJ-7gZOGPXY9pekW__aCxF6bmIAbVj9kErW6O_oyQm2-LXB1MIctgSvd8eRzCO5xnx0F4m6CQlXvyr87pNDB33b5yaxVcvKGl7zOaZAg4P11u/s800/17_eye_169.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323507290924425122" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" >Hundreds of years before the brutal beating and murder of Jesus Christ, the Prophet Isaiah spoke these words: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isa%2052:14;&version=31;">"there were many who were appalled at him – his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness…" (Isaiah 52:14)</a> The Hebrew word 'Samen' translated in English as 'appalled' describes a group of people who are 'stunned by the horror of it all.'<br /><br />There are many things in my life where I have been 'stunned by the horror of it all' but nothing more 'appalling' then what Jesus Christ endured on the cross. He was beaten, battered, bruised, mocked, spat upon, humiliated and died in the most excruciating manner possible. Jesus, God in flesh came to us in order to bring us to God and we killed Him! But as I consider the 'horror of it all', its not Jesus on the Cross that is the 'horror of it all', rather its the knowledge that it was my sin that put Him on that cross. Jesus took my place. It should have been me, but He went to do for me what I could not do for myself.</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwEm42lyVfBTg_eh2ZO0L1Br9oy46rU8a4TlklrMdrhuzFW143ibQ37Y1wUsH57YwwZVJUIffwrUrUs8ColsSJm-R7dGWTMTcT2yusFwQqcNEuNYGy-suPropReP_uJScQhh_oPjv0CSE/s1600-h/s10154.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwEm42lyVfBTg_eh2ZO0L1Br9oy46rU8a4TlklrMdrhuzFW143ibQ37Y1wUsH57YwwZVJUIffwrUrUs8ColsSJm-R7dGWTMTcT2yusFwQqcNEuNYGy-suPropReP_uJScQhh_oPjv0CSE/s800/s10154.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323492626294430642" border="0" /></a><br /><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" >As I am one day away from celebrating the reality that Jesus conquered sin, Satan and death, I am humbled by the truth that unless Jesus died the death He did, I would be without hope of ever having peace with God. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Pet%203:18;&version=31;">"For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God." (2 Peter 3:18)</a> He died for sin, my sin. Without sin there would be no need for Jesus on a cross, but my rebellion against God caused God to put into motion His plan of redeeming me and a fallen humanity back to Himself. That plan was personal. God entered into His created order so that He could redeem, reconcile and restore the created back to a perfect relationship with the Creator. There was only one man, a God-man who could make that a reality. <span style="font-size:9;"></span> </span><style>oNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRg3G7vZZXVbC4ePIiKyfjdRMl-wpbggJosptKgm3ph09ETp2uI7_cn_wEbcXnvMqNCv4E1SHAX-K9swMa1ZtGk7fhLQs4UKCndDEPPL5S1qY1UT2QfAplhLgHlKmd5ywgn-cPaHg8OrBp/s1600-h/s10153.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRg3G7vZZXVbC4ePIiKyfjdRMl-wpbggJosptKgm3ph09ETp2uI7_cn_wEbcXnvMqNCv4E1SHAX-K9swMa1ZtGk7fhLQs4UKCndDEPPL5S1qY1UT2QfAplhLgHlKmd5ywgn-cPaHg8OrBp/s800/s10153.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323492046575261458" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">As I consider the weight of Saturday, the day before I will celebrate that Jesus is alive, I am reminded of God's plea to a sinful people spoken through the Prophet Isaiah - "Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%201:18&version=31">"Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." (Isaiah 1:18)</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> God is saying to you and I - 'Do the reasonable thing. Sin has stained your entire existence, yet God is offering you/I the opportunity to be clean in the most purest sense of the word.' </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">What does one say to a God who has done it all? What does one say to a God who has made possible eternal life with Him despite my rebellion against Him? What does one say to a God who driven by love laid down His life so that I might find life? What does one say to a God who endured the 'horror of it all' so that I could enter into the glory of it all?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:130%;">Thank Your Jesus!</span></span></span>md4jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03249288275419288272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617815029653857146.post-21918718423873742252009-04-08T12:38:00.004-04:002009-04-08T13:21:36.502-04:00Thank You NEWSWEEK!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiloEtmlUVn806IhgL2-cMKLKpBXxvYGrWmURI2EM7caiqTsbmCz4Nthm8QfrD47urM6tViQ5ClWSpX0vKL0vSef9abLoKWWNIwukz1PLhpfG9GHvDffys4tVKTPN2I4wNsJnWBok6LBSpH/s1600-h/newsweek.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 365px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiloEtmlUVn806IhgL2-cMKLKpBXxvYGrWmURI2EM7caiqTsbmCz4Nthm8QfrD47urM6tViQ5ClWSpX0vKL0vSef9abLoKWWNIwukz1PLhpfG9GHvDffys4tVKTPN2I4wNsJnWBok6LBSpH/s800/newsweek.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322362327779369218" border="0" /></a><br /><br />If you have yet to read through <a href="http://www.newsweek.com/id/192583?GT1=43002">Newsweek's</a> current cover story entitled 'The End of Christian America', I would encourage you to do so. Of all that was said and the discoveries that were made, I was encouraged by the following statement: <span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">"While the unaffiliated have historically been concentrated in the Pacific Northwest, the report said, 'this pattern has now changed, and the Northeast emerged in 2008 as the new stronghold of the religiously unidentified.' As Albert Mohler saw it, the historic foundation of America's religious culture was cracking."</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span><span>Why would I be encouraged by this you may ask? Simple - this is WHY churches need to plant churches that will plant churches. If followers of Jesus Christ (Christians) are going to impact and influence the culture for the gospel, we need to be planting churches where the church sees itself as a missionary to this 'post-Christian culture.' I realize there is debate as to if America is truly 'post-Christian' or not, but the point is simple, there is a NEED to plant churches that will love Jesus and their neighbor</span><span>!<br /><br />So thank you Newsweek for doing the research and affirming something that I hope and pray the church will respond to. The church was never meant to escape the world, but we are called to engage the world around as men and women who have been sent. Let us not forget the words of Jesus to his disciple post-resurrection: "As the Father has sent me, I am now sending you." <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2020:21;&version=31;">(John 20:21)</a><br /><br />To those in the GENESIS community reading these words, God has placed a call on our community to be that church that will not settle for anything but being the very hands and feet of Jesus Christ to this New England culture! Let it be said of us that we did not shrink back from this call, but that we like the Apostle Paul resolved to 'become ALL things to ALL men so that by ALL possible means we might save some.' <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20cor%209:22-23;&version=31;">(1 Corinthians 9:22-23)</a></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span>md4jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03249288275419288272noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617815029653857146.post-2983606075679557832009-04-06T12:08:00.003-04:002009-04-06T12:12:33.516-04:00Jesus, Heart and Questions...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYKppIJrlIUeVDoycixD_v_Cp26C3F33kVU3u6oGsgQY7cL2rPaq7a5Fj3e0w62C5qbkp6eBtSLqvZZgbCq8BVpJhpWH2mNpC8RMggtXVSMwDoNseVN12ZIR8czzADgWML24eoerYlyzid/s1600-h/He+Said+What.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYKppIJrlIUeVDoycixD_v_Cp26C3F33kVU3u6oGsgQY7cL2rPaq7a5Fj3e0w62C5qbkp6eBtSLqvZZgbCq8BVpJhpWH2mNpC8RMggtXVSMwDoNseVN12ZIR8czzADgWML24eoerYlyzid/s800/He+Said+What.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321611378269269394" border="0" /></a><br />So I took my sermon notes from the message 'He Said What', plugged it into Wordle and this is what I got...md4jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03249288275419288272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617815029653857146.post-46402551327328220262009-04-06T09:29:00.006-04:002009-04-06T10:20:20.320-04:00He Said What?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNEWONXbmOF1iyp4bYY5iu8nOov8YYywKZpAveMaNAb6dMEIOoIZjbeeR_DaZRLnDqzwOC84P095d-k5Kca-1tIeSbXmqfL7i9gn5gYpHxHwyKkSC6PCXoRkV900E4aMdFTp0WaqIcn9i/s1600-h/jesus_series_rgb.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNEWONXbmOF1iyp4bYY5iu8nOov8YYywKZpAveMaNAb6dMEIOoIZjbeeR_DaZRLnDqzwOC84P095d-k5Kca-1tIeSbXmqfL7i9gn5gYpHxHwyKkSC6PCXoRkV900E4aMdFTp0WaqIcn9i/s800/jesus_series_rgb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321580142525686626" border="0" /></a>
<br /><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" >Take a few minutes to read through Mark 7. These are just some reflections from that text. To listen to the full message that was preached on this text, go to <a href="http://www.genesisthejourney.com/media">www.genesisthejourney.com/media</a> - message title <b>‘He Said What?’
<br /></b></span><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link style="font-family: arial;" rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Cmd4jc%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:smarttagtype style="font-family: arial;" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="country-region"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype style="font-family: arial;" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Wingdings; panose-1:5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:2; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:0 268435456 0 0 -2147483648 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Proverbs 4:23 says this:<span style=""> </span>“Above ALL else, guard your hearts for it is the wellspring of life.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The condition of our hearts dictates the condition of our lives – your heart is the WELLSPRING!<span style=""> </span>What lives in your heart will reveal itself in how you live!<span style=""> </span>So how do you know what lives in your heart?<span style=""> </span>When you get squeezed, what comes out?<span style=""> </span>When you get tipped over, what comes flowing out of you? <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">As you read the story of the Mom in Mark 7:24-30, what do her actions reveal about her heart? This mom comes to Jesus in humility (postured at his feet), begging for his help on behalf of someone else and Jesus insults her (calls her a dog) and then seeks to dismiss her!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;">
<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Jesus is either having an un-christlike moment, or He is making a statement to this mom about His mission.<span style=""> </span>I Love how this woman responds – she is quick, witty, bold, yet humble and she is the only individual to argue w/Jesus and win.<span style=""> </span>Mark 7:28 – "Yes, Lord," she replied, "but even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs." <span style=""> </span>
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">She accepts the priority of Jesus’ mission – meaning she understands that Jesus mission is 1<sup>st</sup> to the people of <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>, then to the Gentiles.<span style=""> </span>She understands that <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region> has preference over the Gentiles.<span style=""> </span>She concedes that the children (<st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place>) should eat first, but she challenges Jesus to expand His vision that even the dogs (the Gentiles) should get something to eat as well!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;">
<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">She gets it!<span style=""> </span>She does not become embittered by Jesus words!<span style=""> </span>She’s not concerned that someone else has priority over her.<span style=""> </span>AND she does not take NO for an answer!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Jesus was blown away be her response b/c her response revealed what resided in her heart? Question – Anyone ever insulted you?<span style=""> </span>Say something about your personhood?<span style=""> </span>Your character?<span style=""> </span>How did you respond?<span style=""> </span>Humility or fight back defend yourself?<span style=""> </span>Remember, actions reveal the heart!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;">
<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">In this mom’s heart was humility, wisdom, courage, love, and faith!<span style=""> </span>What RESIDES in your HEART will surface in how you react and respond to those around you!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Read the story of the friends that brought their deaf and mute friend to Jesus (Mark 7:31-37).<span style=""> </span>Similar to the story in Mark 2, do you have friends that love you enough to ‘lead you’ to the place you need to go, which might not be the place you want to go?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">What was in their hearts is revealed in what they did for their friend.<span style=""> </span>They not only brought him to Jesus, but they ‘Begged’ Jesus to heal him.<span style=""> </span>When’s the last time you begged someone for something on someone else's behalf?<span style=""> </span>Not for you, but for someone else?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">What these guys did was revealing of what resided in their hearts:<span style=""> </span>love, humility and compassion.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">What RESIDES in your HEART will SURFACE in how you react and respond to the NEEDS of those<span style=""> </span>around you!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Now go back and read the story of a group of men whose hearts were at best far from God (Mark 7:1-23)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The Pharisees wanted to know why Jesus and his disciples were not like them – morally pure on the outside – meaning, why didn’t they wash their hands before meal time.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The Pharisees had begun to create a lot of traditions, but the problem with their traditions as with many of ours, is that they were not biblical – they were just man-made!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">As you think about your own traditions ask yourself this question:<span style=""> </span>‘Are they shaping you into a person where they really only impact your hands, but never touch your heart?<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Jesus responds to the Pharisees by calling them Hypocrites (play actors). What do you do when you realize you’ve become the very thing that you’ve worked so hard to avoid?<span style=""> </span>You that person who said I can’t stand Christians b/c they are so judgmental, selfish and hypocritical but yet what do you do when someone points out to you that you have become that person? Either REPENT of your religiosity, or you can carry on your rituals in order to keep playing the part.<span style=""> </span>
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">What a tragedy when the WORD of God is ‘let go off’, ‘set aside’ and ‘nullified’ ALL in order to justify a life that’s really all about you and not God! It begs the question of what does God really care about? Exterior performance, or inward moral purity of the heart.<span style=""> </span>We know the answer, but typically live for the former!<span style=""> </span>Why?<span style=""> </span>Its easier to dress ourselves up so we look good to an outside audience, rather then deal with what lies beneath the fancy clothing – SIN!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Jesus message was clear – ‘what goes into you, does not make you unclean, its what comes out of you that makes us impure.<span style=""> </span>Meaning:</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> tThe guy who cut you off is NOT the problem – the issue is the ANGER that resides in your heart that manifests itself in Road Rage. </span><span style="font-size:85%;">Pornography is not the issue, it’s the LUST in your heart. </span><span style="font-size:85%;">Gossip & Judging others is not the problem, it’s a heart that’s filled w/pride that says you’re better then everyone that is problem.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">‘From out of men's heart comes:<span style=""> </span>evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance, folly! Did you notice that ALL of these things impacts our neighbor!<span style=""> </span>The un-holiness of our hearts not only impacts our relationship w/God, but it has a serious impact on those around us!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The reality is ALL of our hearts are inclined towards these things and its only b/c of Jesus that we have a shot at a regenerated heart. How do you get that HEART that is not refurbished, but the heart that is GENUINELY filled with:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">forgiveness, generosity, compassion, love, peace, joy, etc? <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Psalm 51:10 – “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” The beauty of this PRAYER is that it acknowledges that God can and will CREATE in us what we cannot CREATE in ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Remember:<span style=""> </span>what’s in your heart will show up in how you live!<span style="">
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<br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=""> </span>Ask Jesus to create in you a new heart for it will lead you to newness of life!<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><span style="font-size:85%;">
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<br /></b></span>md4jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03249288275419288272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617815029653857146.post-74248746489471325542009-03-31T21:39:00.003-04:002009-03-31T21:51:49.014-04:00GENESIS Church!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TgNg_gTqDvPllJtk2UTmRDP6_KoPBB2PFp_QYXVlk0hFIOGg46RIrqxeWVkOf_NwWsraai6yZioT701oVTqfKlF_Ra9b5AhJs2n1SSTLUOLIrBU2Y0Nx75A-qKKtfULV93S29SMbn6hQ/s1600-h/GENESIS+Wordle.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TgNg_gTqDvPllJtk2UTmRDP6_KoPBB2PFp_QYXVlk0hFIOGg46RIrqxeWVkOf_NwWsraai6yZioT701oVTqfKlF_Ra9b5AhJs2n1SSTLUOLIrBU2Y0Nx75A-qKKtfULV93S29SMbn6hQ/s800/GENESIS+Wordle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319533849514843154" border="0" /></a>What do you get when you compose a document with 5,574 words? GENESIS Church! Thanks to '<a href="http://www.wordle.net">Wordle</a>' the two most repeated words in the task forces report were 'GENESIS Church.' I praise God for the call that He has placed upon the GENESIS community to become a church in this New England culture that is in such desperate need of a community of people that will Love Jesus, and their neighbor. God's blessings on ALL of us as we step into His call!<br /><br />P.S. Just thought I would make sure that '<a href="http://www.wordle.net">Wordle</a>' was accurate, so I tried it again and it came back with the following image. Pretty cool!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCORYDlje8pPrcugd1sgkTA_zyaYh8gyqcyXrBdS1jt5El7uedOTJBRMGAspW6la_8Xl-ANfZB5yPNb06wlBUmv6crCmxSwrog7wvgXxn6f9Keix3KXY_1ImI-RP2Jd1f-uETuWvUWNAo9/s1600-h/GENESIS+Wordle+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCORYDlje8pPrcugd1sgkTA_zyaYh8gyqcyXrBdS1jt5El7uedOTJBRMGAspW6la_8Xl-ANfZB5yPNb06wlBUmv6crCmxSwrog7wvgXxn6f9Keix3KXY_1ImI-RP2Jd1f-uETuWvUWNAo9/s800/GENESIS+Wordle+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319531688323402130" border="0" /></a>md4jchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03249288275419288272noreply@blogger.com3