Empowered With the Holy Spirit

Empowered With the Holy Spirit

Scripture calls all of us to be “filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5: 17 – 20 (NIV)). 

17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

With the Holy Spirit we become empowered to carry out the work for which God has pre-ordained for us.  God wants to put within each of us a fire or a focus so that we can complete His will on earth.  The Holy Spirit is at work in the lives of all believers to make them more like Jesus (Bicket, 2010). The message of the Holy Spirit is not for a few select believers.  The empowerment gift of the Holy Spirit is for all people. 

Christ’s church was born from the coming of the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit was sent by God to His Church following the ascension of Jesus during the time of Pentecost (Acts 2: 1 – 5 (NIV)).

1When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

The early Church was a Spirit led Church.  The baptism in the Holy Spirit was an important aspect of the early church.  As the apostles traveled and spread the Gospel they expected all who had been baptized and believed the Gospel to also have a baptism of the Holy Spirit (Herbeck, 2003).  It was expected that all believers would experience the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Many contemporary Christian easily understand God the Father and God the Son, but struggle with God the Holy Spirit.  God consists of three Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  The accounts of the Baptism of Jesus found in Matthew 3:13–17; Mark 1:9–11; or Luke 3:21–22 show all three members of the Trinity present at the same time: Jesus being baptized, the Holy Spirit descending like a dove, and the voice of the Father expressing approval from heaven.

Matthew 3: 13 – 17 (NIV)

13Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. 16As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

Mark 1 9 – 11 (NIV)

9At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

Luke 3: 21 – 22 (NIV)

21When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened 22and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

Jesus wants to manifest His presence on our hearts, mind, and emotions. He does this as we engage with Holy Spirit (IHOP).  “Knowing God through a conscious, personal encounter through Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit is Christianity” (Herbeck, 2003, p. 59).  The baptism in the Holy Spirit completes baptism and is a release of the empowering gifts of baptism.

The promise of the coming of the Holy Spirit is recorded throughout Scripture both in the Old and New Testaments.

Joel 2:28–29 describes the coming of the Holy Spirit.  28“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.  Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.  29Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. (NIV).

In John 14:15–17 Jesus promises that God the Father will send the Holy Spirit to be in the apostles.  15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. (NIV).

“The Holy Spirit is described in Scripture as having characteristics we all have: a mind (Romans 8:27), a will (1 Corinthians 12:11), and feelings (Ephesians 4:30)” (Bicket, 2010, p.73).  Different name such as counselor, teacher, helper, intercessor are used to describe the Holy Spirit. 

Living in the Holy Spirit was an important part of the early Christian life.  Instances of infilling by the Holy Spirit can be found in Acts 2; 8; 9; 10; and 19.

Acts 2:4 (NIV): 4All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Acts 8: 17 (NIV): 17Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Acts 9: 17 – 19 (NIV): 17Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19and after taking some food, he regained his strength.

Acts 10: 44-47 (NIV): 44While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. 46For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, 47“Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.”

Acts 19: 6 (NIV): 6When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.

In Acts 5:32 God has given the Holy Spirit to those who obey him.  The Holy Spirit is called the Helper by Jesus. He helps us to trust, love, and obey Jesus as we trust and talk to Him.

“It’s important to see that the willingness to let ‘oneself be acted upon’ by God is fundamental aspect of coming to a genuine or fuller knowledge of him” (Herbeck, 2003, p. 50).  When it come to the Holy Spirit, with or on is good but in is far better.  When filled with the Holy Spirit you become empowered for your mission.

Engaging with the Holy Spirit is the way we bear much fruit to God in the Kingdom. (IHOP).  You can overcome every obstacle, as long as you refuse to give up, because you have the Spirit of God inside of you (Joyce Meyer).  With the Holy Spirit we can become transformative leaders that become world changers.  The Holy Spirit is a power source that will empower, guide, lead, and direct us.

The Spirit desires to manifest His power through people who will not use it to draw attention to themselves. (John. 3:29-30).  Meekness is power under restraint. We are meek as we use our resources under the direction the Holy Spirit.  “The baptism in the Holy Spirit also disposes ‘the believer to be ever more docile to the action of the Holy Spirit’” (Herbeck, 2003, p. 68).  When we are docile we are teachable and able to be led by the Holy Spirit.  The Spirit reveals Jesus' heart and will by teaching us the Word and inspiring us to obey (IHOP).

We need to cooperate with and call upon the Holy Spirit.  In Romans 8:26 we see how the Spirit enables God’s will.

26In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. 28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (NIV).

Although not a formula or a process outline, there are some key common aspects to building and deepening an infilling of the Holy Spirit.  For some it comes in an instant and others recognize the baptism in a more subtle way.  The baptism in the Holy Spirit is available to all believers.  However, “The Spirit does not fill persons who do not plan to use the Spirit empowerment for the purposes God intended” (Bicket, 2010, p. 82).   First is to turn away from sin.  Be obedient to God’s will.  Surrender yourself to God and do His will.  Don’t put any limits on God.  Love is everything.  Clothe yourself in love.  Draw a line in the sand and live a life free from sin.  Feeding our fleshly live is the surest way to kill the work of the Spirit (6The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. [Romans 8:6 (NIV)]).  Be unified and set your focus on God’s Kingdom.  (33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. [Matthew 6:33 (NIV)]).  Desire the gift of the Spirit.  (1Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. 2For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. [1 Corinthians 14:1-2 (NIV)]).  Pray for the baptism.  Prayer is central to the life of the Church (Wood, 2010).  Listen for God’s voice.  Finally, believers desiring the baptism in the Holy Spirit need to study and apply the Scriptures (Wood, 2010). (16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. [2 Timothy 3:16 – 17 (NIV)]).

When we have the Holy Spirit within us, we are charged, transformed, and empowered to carry out God’s will.  We must desire and be attentive to the action and will of the Holy Spirit.  We must welcome the Holy Spirit into our life and let His work flow through our lives.

References

Bicket, Z. (2010).  Introduction to Pentecostal doctrine, 3^rd Ed.  Gospel Publishing House.  Springfield, MO.

Herbeck, P. (2003) When the Spirit comes in power: Rediscovering the charismatic dimension of the Christian life.  Servant Books.  Cincinnati, OH.

International House of Prayer (IHOP) Facebook Feed

Joyce Meyer Ministries

Wood, G. O. (2010). Acts: The Holy Spirit at work in believers.  Servant Books.  Cincinnati, OH.

Praying Leaders

Prayer

The International House of Prayer (IHOP) recently had posted on the IHOP facebook feed, “Jesus is worthy and it’s our delight to be with Him in the place of prayer.”  Talking with God (not just at God) about the people in our lives helps us to build and maintain healthy relationships with them. How is prayer impacting your relationships with those you lead?

Leaders who follow Jesus need to make time each day for prayer.  Through prayer we can discover God’s plan for us as leaders.  In Acts 10:9 (NIV) we are told about God calling Peter to reach out beyond his comfort level. “9About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray.”  During this prayer time Peter sees a vision from God of a large sheet being lowered with animals on it and God’s voice saying, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.”  Then the verses continue with 14“Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.”  15The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”  For it was Jewish law of the time not to associate with Gentiles.  The vision from God through prayer changed Peter’s perspective and prepared him for a new direction.

One of the ways God cleanses us or changing our direction is by inviting us to spend more of our time praying to him and singing to him.  Prayer changes everything because it releases God's wisdom into your circumstances.  Saint Augustine said, “If you pray well, you will live well.”  We need to pray more.  When need to be more intentional about our prayer life.  We need to make time to pray.  Jesus regularly prayed.  Scene after scene in the Bible we see Jesus modeling a life in prayer.  Jesus reminds the disciples and His followers that only through Him can we pray to God.

“We have a beautiful God who beckons His people, ‘Come to Me in the Word and prayer and let Me fascinate you.’ Go to Him today!”  (IHOP, Facebook Feed). Pray for wisdom. Then believe God will answer your prayer.  Thank you God for hearing your people.

The Lord's Prayer - Michael W. Smith

Leaders are Teachers

Leaders are Teachers

Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding. Proverbs 3:13 (NIV).

The early disciples stepped out boldly, serving and teaching in Jesus' Name.  Listen carefully to sincere teachers of the Word of God.

“Teachers have three loves: love of learning, love of learners, and the love of bringing the first two loves together.” ~Scott Hayden

When we find wisdom we gain understanding.  There are times when we need another person to help us in this search.  This is when leaders become teachers.  In a previous post I discussed the importance of leaders serving as mentors.  A mentor is someone who walks side-by-side and partners.  There are also times when leaders need to be teachers.  As teachers, leaders can help others find wisdom and understanding.  Ephesians 4: 11 – 16 talks about the necessity for the five leadership roles in the Church, teachers being one of them.  The teacher is the one who trains God’s people in the truth and teaches others to do so.

Martin Luther said that when schools flourish, all flourishes.  Now school does not need to be formal places of learning.  Leadership schooling can happen within informal settings.  But what is constant is creating an environment where learning can take place.  When we have leaders who are teachers, ordinary people become equipped for ministry.

Jesus is described as a master teacher.  Through His work He demonstrated the highest qualities of a great teacher.  When we examine the Scripture closely Christ used teaching more than any other technique.  Throughout Scripture Jesus is referred to as teacher, Rabbi.

Jesus knew His subject and He knew how to teach it.  Finally Christ lived what He taught.  And as leaders this is a critical piece.  We cannot tell those we lead, “Do as I say and not as I do.”  Followers today demand leaders of integrity.  As leaders we need to role model the behavior that we seek in others.  Just as Jesus role modeled this behavior, so must we.

Take time to teach others while you lead.  A crucial outcome of leadership is the ability to produce leadership in someone else.

Prayer

God of wisdom, in your goodness you provide faithful teachers for Your glory.  Your Son came among us as the Master Teacher and Leader.  By Your Holy Spirit give all teachers and leaders inspiration and insight into Your Holy word, lives that are examples to all, and the courage to know and do the truth.  Enable teachers and leaders to train the hearts and minds of new leaders so that they may grow in Your will and be prepared to face challenges firm in Your wisdom.  Through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever.  Amen.

Song of Hope

Transformative Leaders Know What to Say

Transformative Leaders Know What to Say

Speak Life - Toby Mac

Lead Like Jesus recently posted on their Facebook feed that Jesus has a way of taking us on life-transforming journeys, and nothing is left untouched: personality, business, or relationships.  

Ronald E. Riggio, Ph.D (2009) offers a few traits of a transformational leader, (I have added examples from Scripture that illustrates how Jesus fulfills each of these.)

·        I would never require a follower to do something that I wouldn't do myself. (Jesus explains clearly the definition of a servant leader.  In Scripture there are many examples from foot washing to the Cross.  One example is  Luke 22:27 (NIV) For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.)

·        I have clear goals for my team.   (Jesus offers the Great Commission: Matthew 28: 19-20 (NIV): 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.)

·        I am attentive when it comes to the personal needs of my followers. (Jesus knew His followers, His Disciples.  He knew just what each needed in order to be successful.)

·        I challenge my followers to get out of their comfort zones. (Many of the parables and approaches of Jesus challenged His disciples and others to get out of their comfort zones.)

·        I encourage my followers to question their most basic way of thinking. (Jesus taught the disciples many lessons, The Beatitudes are one example, Matthew 5: 1-12 (NIV)).

Encountering and experiencing the glory of God transforms everything in our lives.  As Jesus was transfigured on the mountain top we can be transformed in the renewing of our minds and our faith in Christ Jesus. 

Romans 12: 2a tells us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

When we lead through transformation we change our perspective and the perspective of others around us.  We can empower and encourage others to complete the seemingly impossible.  Jesus regularly challenged His disciples to move beyond the ordinary and move into the extraordinary.

A transformative leader is the kind of leader who motivates and inspires others to perform at the highest levels.

Psalm 37:30 (NIV) says, “The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just.”

Transformative leaders understand that they must speak life into those they lead.  Lift your followers up.  Invite the discussion from those you lead about the projects you are working on.  When people feel supported by their leader they are motivated to perform at higher levels.  When everyone performs at greater levels more is achieved and God is glorified.

Transformative leaders empower others by keeping everyone fully in the know.  People want and need to know that they are insiders within the organization. 

People do not want to be an outsider to something that they belong to.  Keeping team members in the dark does nothing to promote or move the organization forward.

Use your words to bring joy and life to those around you today. The health of your relationships depends on what you say about others.

Praise and Worship

Praise and Worship

Enjoy some praise and worship time.

Revolutionary Love - David Crowder Band

Love Take Me Over – Stephen Curtis Chapman

Our God is Greater - Chris Tomlin

Awesome Is The Lord Most High - Chris Tomlin

Every Good Thing – The Afters

Hallelujah - Nichol Sponberg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hafBqusc3gc 

Burn for You – Toby Mac

Holy Spirit by Jesus Culture Kim Walker 

God's Great Dance Floor - 

Equip and Let Go

Equip and Let Go

Mark Brouwer said, “A man is only a leader when a follower stands beside him.”  The conventional mindset is that followers serve their leaders.  But this is really not the case.  John Maxwell has an entire book devoted to developing other leaders. 

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV).

Our desire is to become what God has called us to be.  By doing so, our life comes into alignment with his will.  As a leader we can be used by God to help others discern their life’s calling.

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 (NIV).

Mentoring relationships are a partnership.  When working with young leaders (who may not even know yet that they are called to leadership) we need to walk side-by-side and challenge and support them.  As a leader, if you delegate tasks you will develop followers.  If you delegate authority you will develop leaders.  This is a challenge to conventional wisdom.   

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:5 (NIV).

Just as Jesus modeled for all of us, the greatest responsibility for leaders is the development of the next generation of leaders.

Jesus understood this concept well so well.  Many would say that He called together quite an unlikely bunch of guys to become his apostles.  They included fishermen, a tax collector, a zealot, and someone who would betray him.  He spent time developing them; equipping them for the task at hand.  Matthew chapters 5 through 7 and Luke 6:20 – 49 explore the lessons He taught to prepare them to do the work His Father prepared before them.

In preparing to send the Twelve apostles out Jesus delegated and gave each authority to do the task.

He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15and to have authority to drive out demons.  Mark 3:14 (NIV).

In Matthew 10:1 (NIV), “Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.”

Luke 9: 1-2 (NIV) 1When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

Acts 2 shows an ultimate act of delegation and equipping when the Holy Spirit provided each apostle with the Gifts of the Sprit to do the work they had been called to do in building the new Church.

As leaders we need to find those opportunities where we can build other leaders up and prepare them for the work that they are called to do.  A sink or swim approach is not the way to train new leaders.  When you work with young leaders look for those opportunities to challenge them to go beyond what is comfortable and push to the edge of their experience yet provide the support necessary for them to practice their new leadership skills.

When you send out new leaders do you give authority?

Speak Life - Toby Mac

You Are to Be Salt and Light

You Are to be Salt and Light

Last week I led a Bible study with college students examining how we are salt and light.  We've been looking at Matthew 5 - 7.  This section can be viewed like a handbook for leadership and discipleship.  This day we were specifically looking at Matthew 5: 13-20 (NKJV).

Believers Are Salt and Light

13“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

14“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Christ Fulfills the Law

17“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

The focus question for our time together was: What does it mean for Jesus to commission you to be salt of the earth and light of the world?

The Sermon of the Mount in Matthew 5 begins with Jesus offering a series of blessings followed by a commissioning.  Jesus leaves no ambiguity for his followers.  Jesus commissions them by stating, “You are the salt of the earth. . . .You are the light of the world.”

As a master leader and teacher, Jesus uses common elements of his day, salt and light, to illustrate His point.  In Biblical times, salt was used to preserve food which might otherwise rot and decay in the heat of the day.  As a preservative, salt extended the length of time for food to be edible.  Salt was a valuable commodity in part because of its quality of permanence.  Pure salt does not lose its taste over time.  Salt remains salt.  It is a needed element for a human body to live.

Jesus also proclaims his followers to be light of the world.  There is no crash course for becoming light.  There is no manual to read.  It is by the grace of God a follower of Jesus shines. 

Some people prefer to be like salt, serving behind the scenes.  These salty followers of Christ make an impact through their quiet means.  Other disciples of Jesus resonate with being light.  Their impact is immediately detected.  We each have a role to play.  We don’t all have to have the same role or responsibility. 

In Romans 12: 6-8 (NIV) 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

For me I find that I have been both and continue to be both salt and light. I have had many times where I am salt in the lives of others.  In this space I work quietly to enhance other’s experience by offering an encouraging word, being an accountability partner, and praying for people in the privacy of personal space.  Sometimes in these times my saltiness is reserved, guided by the Holy Spirit to offer just enough.  At other times my saltiness is more clear and seen. 

At other times I have found that I am the light.  I have been guided by God into leadership and teaching roles where I have need to be more “in front” in my work for God.  I recall the experience of taking on a leadership/ teaching role in an adult Bible study where the Pastor of the Church we were attending asked the question in not so much an asking way.  It was the best thing.  Having that moment in light as light served to bring me closer to Christ through the study in preparation for the sessions that I would lead.  At these times, especially those where challenge by others will be present, I turn to God for the strength, skills, or words I may need.  We are told in Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

We are all commissioned to be salt and light.  How do you serve as salt and/or light?

Say So – Israel Houghton

Prayer

Jesus, you call and commission us to be the salt of the earth and light of the world. We can be neither without you. Empower us to be your visible community in the world. Open our mouths and lives so we might proclaim your wisdom revealed through Jesus Christ Amen

Get Up!

John 5: 2-9 (NIV)
2Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. 3Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. 5One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”
7“Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.”
8Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” 9At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.

Make a choice! to stop wallowing in self-pity. Clean up the mess in your life. Let the hurt go. And live the life Jesus died for you and wants you to have. To hold on to pain hurts you. Choose to get up and move on.

Overcomer - Mandisa

The Mystery of Faith

This morning a friend challenged me on where it says exactly in the Bible that Christ will return.  Although there are many Scriptural references (I pointed a couple out to him) and all of those scriptural references are also contained in this profession:

>>Let us proclaim the mystery of faith.<<

Christ has died.  Christ is risen.  Christ will come again.

It is by faith that we believe that Christ will come again.  It is by faith in His grace that we are saved.  That we will have life in abundance.  And that we will have eternal life.

The Bible is not just a history text.  Dead words on a page.  God and God's word in the Bible are living.

God's Not Dead - Newsboys

Empowerment

Empowerment

Burn for You - Toby Mac

This weekend I spend time with men of my Church at a Men’s Freedom Encounter.  The program builds to an encounter with God.  This was my second encounter retreat.  The first was on a smaller intimate scale.  This one was on a larger scale and only for men.  (The ladies will have their encounter in 2 weeks.) 

In the first small group session we were asked to consider our expectations for the encounter.  For me this time around it was about empowerment and encouragement.  In a couple of weeks I will be offering a teaching based on primarily Ephesians 4 about social justice.  This is a topic where the secular and atheistic world has grabbed hold and has been hard at work removing God from the dialog.  I had even considered not submitting a proposal.  But after encouraging words from my friend Eric (author of the blog: A Fehr Life) I submitted my proposal to the committee.  This past November I offered a teaching about integrity based primarily on Psalm 15.  So now I have to do it.  I have to walk the talk.  In this blog I have written several blog posts that will serve as the foundation of my message.  So much of my message is written.  I just need to pull it into a presentation that will glorify God (and make sense).

Last month during the 21 days of fasting and prayer God kept bringing me back to Ephesians 4 and several other passages that talk about how the Body of Christ is made up of different members.  Each member different and having a role to play in the larger picture.  We are not all of the same.  Equal is probably a word that has been misapplied in this larger debate and dialog.  Equitable is probably a better word.  Equal is exact sameness.  Equitable is reasonable similarities along with differences.

This weekend Encounter served to fire me up.  I gained the empowerment and encouragement I sought from the Lord.  During the fast He repeatedly showed me Scriptural passages that provided me His wisdom for how humanity should be in relationship.  Reminding me of the teaching in November that I should walk the talk.  And this weekend He said to me and showed me that through Him all things are possible.

So I will prepare my teaching for the coming conference on social justice.  I have an overwhelming sense of freedom to offer this teaching.  Although I anticipate backlash from those of secular, world, or atheist perspectives  I am confident that my Lord Jesus Christ has prepared me and it is for His glory that I will speak.  I offer myself to Him so that His will can be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.

I've got the Victory - Yolanda Adams

Integrity

Integrity

(This blog post is based on a workshop presentation I did at a recent College Student Leadership Development Retreat).

The world is in need of a different leadership approach today.  Pick up the paper or turn on the news you will find examples of: hostility, abandoned values, mistrust, deception, manipulation, approval addictions, aggressive and obstructionistic behavior, selfish interests, and exploitation to name a few.  These have become so commonplace today there is a growing sense that these are typical methods of operation.  A new leader is being called to meet the demands and needs we have today in society.  Leadership is a process of influence.  Anytime you seek to influence the thinking, behavior, or development of people in their personal or professional lives, you are taking on the role of a leader (Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges: Lead Like Jesus: Lessons from the Greatest Leadership Role Model of All Time).  This definition of leadership comes with a great responsibility!  Individuals with integrity seek the best investment of time, talents, and treasurers. To do less would be wasteful, foolish and irresponsible.

The cornerstone of leadership is integrity.  One definition of integrity is a firm adherence to a code of especially strict moral values; incorruptibility. Integrity means that a person’s behavior is consistent with espoused values, and the person is honest, ethical, and trustworthy. Integrity is a primary determinant of interpersonal trust.  Another definition defines it as an unimpaired condition, soundness.  And finally it is the quality or state of being complete or undivided, completeness; wholeness. 

Why take time to study integrity?  Integrity helps discern what fits into our identity.  People (Leaders) make decisions every day.  Integrity is a central leadership quality.

Understanding integrity stimulates personal reflection and growth.  Regardless of the setting or context integrity is acting the same way throughout.  Not changing to fit the context.

The moment you segment your life is the moment that you begin to sacrifice your integrity.  “I am going to be the same all the time no matter where I am at or who I am with.”  What you see is what you get.  The supreme quality for a leader is unquestionable integrity.  Our Integrity comes into play as we make decisions.  It frames our discernment.

Too often we are finding leaders who are willing to sacrifice their integrity for quick wins and easy successes.  One of the most difficult things about being a leader of integrity is watching others who often lack integrity get ahead.  There are times when you will have a colleague or another at work or in an organization who clearly uses others for their own personal gain.

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out. (Proverbs 10:9 (NIV))

No matter how enticing it may be; no matter how big the potential reward… It is critical to never relinquish or surrender your integrity for the promise of a quick win!  For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. (1 John 2:16 (NIV)).

Integrity is the sum of your habits (Rick Warren).  What are your habits?  We are called to have a habit of excellence.  Excellence breeds character, and character breeds excellence (John Maxwell).  What does it mean to be called for excellence?  How are excellence and integrity related?

To answer this look no further than 2 Peter 1: 3-4, and 10 (NIV)…

3His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.  4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

10Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble.

Excellence is not Perfection.  Excellence is going beyond the normal.  Excellence will engage your gifts and magnify potential.  Do everything that you do with excellence and integrity.  In Philippians 1:9-10 (NIV) the Bible tells us:

9And this is my prayer: that your love         may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.

Psalm 15 (NIV):  is a Portrait of a Leader of Integrity.

1Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent?

Who may live on your holy mountain?

2The one whose walk is blameless,

who does what is righteous,

who speaks the truth from their heart;

3whose tongue utters no slander,

who does no wrong to a neighbor,

and casts no slur on others;

4who despises a vile person

but honors those who fear the Lord;

who keeps an oath even when it hurts,

and does not change their mind;

5who lends money to the poor without interest;

who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.

Whoever does these things

will never be shaken.

In verse 2 we see that the leader who possesses integrity, does what is right, and is honest and trustworthy.  In verse 3 the leader does not give into or spread gossip.  Verse 4 goes on to say that the leader speaks out against wrong, honors others who walk in truth, and keeps his/her word even when it may cost everything.  Verse 5 explains that the leader is not greedy to gain at the expense of others, does not take a bribe, and is strong and stable.

As leaders there may be significant challenges to integrity.  Attempts to merge seamlessly faith-based values, morals, ethics, and integrity into the workplace are often challenged as inappropriate, attempts at evangelization, or challenged by a business world that is often of the world.

15Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.   17The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

(1 John 2: 15-17 (NIV)).

Leaders are not perfect but we need our leaders to be whole.  God knows that as leaders we will not be perfect.  As leaders God wants us to be whole so that we can lead and guide others with integrity.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. (Psalm 32:8 (NIV)).

Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did. (1 John 2:6 (NIV)).  Jesus was the perfect role model for being a leader of integrity.  He did what He needed to do even when it meant that He would be hung on the cross.  “You are God’s representative and everything you do either honors and glorifies Him or it dishonors Him and doesn’t glorify Him” (Joyce Myer).

I Will Not be Moved - Natalie Grant

It’s Not a Man made Invention

It’s Not a Man made Invention

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died and was buried;

he descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again;

he ascended into heaven,

he is seated at the right hand of the Father,

and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic Church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Apostle’s Creed is a profession of faith that brings concisely into a statement our belief in the salvation that is found in Jesus Christ.  The first section speaks to God and His creation.  The second section sums up the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the redemption of man’s sin and separation from God.  Finally the third and closing section reminds us of the third divine person of the Holy trinity, the Holy Spirit.

Professing the Creed should not just be a meaningless recitation.  It should be a reminder of the love of God and our redemption through Jesus Christ. 

Creed – Rich Mullins 

Power in Prayer

Power in Prayer

"Prayer is a strong wall and fortress of the church; it is a goodly Christian weapon." ~ Martin Luther

From Matthew 6: 5-8 (NIV)

5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

Over the last several weeks I’ve taken part in a 21 day period of fasting and prayer.  It’s been a remarkable period where I have grown in my own prayer life.  During this period I have prayed privately and with others.  In the early part of this period I prayed privately.  I spent time with several specific petitions including that the Holy Spirit move throughout this region where I currently live in Virginia and that there be a reawakening of faith, a new revival, renewal, recreation.  I prayed that those who live secular, atheistic, or humanistic lives would come to know the Lord.  I kept seeing my town as a lighthouse or beacon in the darkness.  A place of hope, renewal, and revival.  An epicenter of a new awakening.  When I came together with others the next week there were others praying for the same things.  At the conclusion of one prayer session a woman from the church who was not able to join at the church but prayed at home, sent a text to the group saying she offered the same petitions in her prayers as I had done the week before and what others were offering that day.  When we pray and listen for God’s answer He will reveal his plans for us.  Because so many of us were praying the same things I believe that great things are in store for us.

There is power in prayer.  Through prayer we can plug into the will of God.  There is nothing special to say.  We do not need to know flowery and eloquent language in order to pray.  There are no special postures, clothing, or gestures needed.  Sometimes all we need to say is, “Jesus”.  We need more prayer today.  God answers prayers.  In this I believe.

Psalm 141 - Arrangement by Marty Haugen

The Lord's Prayer by Michael W. Smith

Worship, Music, and Prayer (Redemption)

Worship, Music, and Prayer (Redemption)

The Bible says in Isaiah 47:4 (NIV) that Our Redeemer—the Lord Almighty is his name— is the Holy One of Israel.

Jesus Christ was sent into the world to save us from our transgressions.  John tells us, 16For 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. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3: 16-17 (NIV)).

My Redeemer Lives – Nicole C. Mullen

The Bible says that if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  But if we openly confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Most merciful God,

I confess that I am captive to sin and cannot free myself.

I have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed,

by what I have done

and by what I have left undone.

I have not loved You with my whole heart;

I have not loved my neighbors as myself.

For the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ,

have mercy on me.

Forgive me, renew me, and lead me,

so that I may delight in your will

and walk in Your ways,

to the glory of your holy name.

Amen.

Through our faith in Jesus Christ our sins have been forgiven and we are freed from the bondage of sin.

Say So by Israel Houghton

I know that I have done wrong in my life and I ask that You forgive me. Lord, I believe that Jesus died on the cross for my sins.  For me He paid a debt He did not owe.

In Ephesians 1: 7-10 (NIV) we are told.

7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.

We have to understand that each of us must be redeemed from sin by something outside of us.  The redemption from God is being freed from man’s condition of spiritual separation and death.  There is nothing you could have done that will surprise God.  He is calling each of us back no matter how far we have run from Him. Although God in his justice could condemn humanity, he chooses out of love to redeem sinners; this love is most fully manifest on the cross (Martin Luther).

Redeemed - Big Daddy Weave

In the process of redemption one can do nothing but have faith, an absolute trust and response to God's words; human merit and good works are rejected (Martin Luther).

Psalm 107: 2 (NIV)

2Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,

We've been called to share the good news.  To be the salt and light in the world.  We've been commissioned to make disciples of all of the nations.  Jesus Christ came into the world to pay a debt he did not owe on our behalf.  It was through humanity’s choice that we became separated from God.

Luke 1:68 (NIV)

68“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,

because he has come to his people and redeemed them.

Talk About It – Nicole C. Mullen

Change

Change

You cannot expect to achieve new goals or move beyond your present circumstances unless you change (John Maxwell).  God has created us to be goal oriented.  Although He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, we are created to grow and achieve.  We are created for change.  We were not created to stay stagnant.  For so many people it's easier to be miserable than it is to change. Choose the harder option!  Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion. 

Yesterday things might not have worked out the way you planned. But, this is a new day. Get ready for the new things God has for you.  God is working in your life, right now, in ways you cannot understand.  The Spirit of the Lord will come powerfully upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person (1 Samuel 10:6 (NIV)).

Living to create an earthly legacy is short-sighted. A wiser use of time is to build an eternal legacy.  Sharing your goals out loud offers some of the benefits of actually completing them.

Lord, I have faith that whatever happens in my life will be in your timing. Please help me to be patient when it doesn't match up with my expectations. Amen.

Shake - Mercy Me

Jesus, You taught us to boldly pray…

Jesus, You taught us to boldly pray…

Our Father who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us,

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,

and the power, and the glory,

for ever and ever.

Amen.

From Matthew 6: 5-8 (NIV)

5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

The Lord's Prayer - Michael W. Smith

Our Father who art in heaven,

God You are a Father to the fatherless.  God You let those who have never felt a father’s love to experience a perfect fatherly love.  You let those who have been abandoned know that You are with them.

hallowed be thy name.

God you are Holy. 

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

God we call for Your will to be done.  That we would do the work that You have called us to do.  Prepare in us Your will and Your plan.  God it is Your work done through our hands which are given to do Your work.

Give us this day our daily bread,

We look to Jesus as the living bread.  We ask for spiritual bread to nourish our spirit. 

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us,

Lord Jesus we ask that You provide us forgiveness for our sins.  We ask for Your mercy, grace, and love.  We ask for the wisdom and guidance to forgive others.

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

God we ask for Your Holy Spirit to continue to guide us and speak to us to turn away from sin.  Protect us from every evil that would seek to have us run from You.  Keep continuing to provide a pull on our heart God.

For thine is the kingdom,

and the power, and the glory,

for ever and ever.

Amen.