UNLEASHED MISSION: JESUS not JUST ANOTHER THING that WORKS

³ During the forty days after his crucifixion, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God.  Acts.1:3

When we tend to think of Jesus rising from the dead, many of us feel like well He had to, because Thomas doubted that He was the real deal, but he wasn't the only one.  As a matter of fact, he showed himself to at least 500 folks over 40 days, to prove that He really was who He said He was, and that He had one exactly what He said He would do.   Which had to be inspiring to know that you chose right, or at least it seemed that way.

But even still today, people doubt Jesus, and the relevance of Christianity in our post-modern world.  But you know what....even then accepting Jesus as the Son of God, the Risen Lord, wasn't quite working well for the first batch of Christians.   Remember they were being sought after by the likes of Roman gov't, Saul (later converted to Paul) and others that wanted to persecute this new church.   There was no prosperity gospel being preached folks...it was come and die.   Think about that.....come and die...and this hasn't changed.  The reality is Christianity is about modeling the behaviors of Christ, and we need to take a harder look at what it really means to live a life of sacrifice.   Cause if you aren't living currently for the betterment of your children, your community, your co-workers, the ultimate advancement of HIS KINGDOM...then you aren't living a true Christian life.

I know, some of you were told accept Christ and everything would be fine......WRONG.  Accept Jesus and you may have to hate your father and mother.   Accept Jesus, and you may have to pluck out an eye, or cut off a hand.   Accept Jesus, you will have to die daily........see accepting Jesus goes against our flesh...but as far as it working for you, or how is that, how will that work for you.....?

I'll close with this...ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER for the GOOD of THEM that LOVE THE LORD, and are called according to His purpose!   So no matter whether you are being hated, or people are saying all manner of things about you, or you are suffering for His name sake.......cheer up, they hated Christ first, and because you represent Him....continue to love them as He does, and you can look forward to sharing in His Glory!  NOW THAT WORKS FOR ME!  LGLP

UNLEASHED COMMISSIONED: THE MISSION

¹³ Mordecai sent this reply to Esther: “Don’t think for a moment that because you’re in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed. ¹⁴ If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?”

 

 

I love actions movies.   I mean seriously......script some explosions, tense moments of awe, and elaborate fight sequences and I'm there.    I believe it's the adventure the adrenaline rush of being on this ride of intrigue and mission, that has to get accomplished.   We are all on a mission.   EVERY LAST ONE OF US.   For some that mission is completing school (high school, college).  For others it's finding a mate.   For others it's climbing the corporate ladder.   Unfortunately for some the mission is all about escape.....escaping the reality of a marriage on life support, or that you need help parenting, or that you have a drug/alcohol problem, or you have health issues that you don't want to face.   Whatever your mission is.....we all are on one.  

 

Esther was on mission and for a moment all most got off track with her mission.   This is something I believe many of us do when faced with the requirements and risks involved in the REAL MISSION.  Esther was beautiful and almost bought into using her beauty to just provide a comfortable life in the house of the king for herself (shadow mission).   Totally choosing to turn a blind eye to the reality that her people were going to be killed, and possibly her too.  Until her cousin Mordecai decided to inform her....." Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for such a time as this?"

 

Whether you've seen a movie, read a book, or an article the Navy Seals are known to be some of the most deadliest men on the planet.   They have a degree of focus and precision that had them regarded as military experts.  Are you involved in Christ Mission or your own Shadow Mission?  Christ mission is that we'd GO make disciples (by teaching, baptizing, and showing) , our shadow mission is the variation of that mission that is really like 10 degrees off that prevents us from hitting the bulls eye.   That mission could be just going to church, not serving, not in a small group or committed to a bible study.  That mission could be not being intentional about living your faith out in life, staying safe.   In other words your co-workers, and neighbors don't know Christ because you don't LIVE (notice this aint about quoting scriptures) your faith in such a way that everything you do is laced heavily in the love of Jesus.   This could be simply you don't care that the chair next to you at church is empty.

 

As I said we are all on a mission, the question is what mission are you on?  LGLP

 

ONE THING: LISTENING TO LIES

God gave Paul the power to perform unusual miracles. ¹² When handkerchiefs or aprons that had merely touched his skin were placed on sick people, they were healed of their diseases, and evil spirits were expelled.
¹³ A group of Jews was traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits. They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus in their incantation, saying, “I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!” ¹⁴ Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this. ¹⁵ But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?” ¹⁶ Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, overpowered them, and attacked them with such violence that they fled from the house, naked and battered.  Acts 19:11-16

Here is Paul under the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit changing lives and transforming communities, and as always there are people on the sidelines observing that at some point thought or felt within themselves that they too could do this.  

We as the SO-CALLED church of today or those on the sidelines stand to believe the three lies these Sons of Sceva believed: 

1) I'm good!  These sons of a Jewish priest thought just by observing, listening to, and them mimicking what they had seen and heard they too could cast out spirits.   Friends, family and just strangers reading this blog, unless you have a personal relationship with Christ, and the power of His Spirit is upon you, you live your life on a Monkey See, Monkey Do.  Just because you attend church, may serve here or there, and give every now and then...doesn't afford you the power of the Holy Spirit.

2)  It's to hard.   Satan loves to present illusions of we can never be forgiven, while we totally forget that he is the FATHER OF LIES!  So whatever he says,  believe and do the opposite.   We will give our lives to something, and many things without any effort.....why not give it to Christ, and watch Him perform miracles in and through our lives.

3) It can wait.   What can wait?  Remember people die each day, and everyday that it's not you, increases your risk of you being next.   So why not live today, as if it were you last, loving everyone that comes your way, forgiving those in your past, and choosing to bear witness of the power of Christ in your life.   This may translate as you joining a church, or committing to a small group, or finally signing up for classes or a ministry.......whatever it is....don't be deceived as many are that  you have tomorrow.

These sons were beaten into inches of their lives because they believed a lie that they didn't need Jesus.  How close are you to being beaten by the weight of the world, your past, your present circumstances that have you thinking you can handle it in your own power and strength?  Have you like them been exposed.....as a imposter?  Stop listening to the lies.

So what will it be today.....listening to the lies, or following the still small voice?  LGLP

ONE THING: BOLD SUGGGESTIONS for 2013

BOLD : not hesitating or fearful in the face of actual or possible danger or rebuff; courageous and daring.

You know if we aren't all careful we totally stand the high probability of repeating the same mistakes that we made last year.  I'm sorry....let me rephrase that IF WE AREN'T LIVING BOLDY & COURAGEOUSLY this year of 2013 WE WILL REPEAT the same mistakes we made last year.   So as we are now 10 days into this new year, what has changed?   Already there have been enough days expended to really see if you are going to the gym, or attended church somewhere with the goal of you becoming the church not just going.  I'm sure you've had an opportunity to reach out to join a ministry, start a small group or join one, or sign up for.............but have you?

Here are few scriptural suggestions of bold moves for 2013:

PRAY BOLDLY
 Always be joyful. ¹⁷ Never stop praying. ¹⁸ Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.  1Thess. 5:16-18

Notice how prayer is positioned between an attitude and an occurrence.   Already this year _______________________ has happened.   You fill in the blank....but have you stopped praying?  Have you already defaulted to trying to fix......something that is beyond your abilities?  Are you trying to manage someone else's sin?   See we are suppose to remain joyful & prayerful....no matter the circumstances because this is God's will, and if you aren't joyful or praying...you are not living out God's will concerning you.   Stop complaining...REALLY STOP IT, it's unbecoming and juvenile.....start drawing from the JOY of the LORD, and continue to pray in all circumstances, instead defaulting to weighing in your emotions and opinions.

ENGAGE BOLDLY
 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. ⁴³ A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. ⁴⁴ And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.  Acts 2:42-44

Have you boldly engaged into a Biblically based community....or are you still hesitant?  It did say ALL.....not some, not a few or a couple, but all of the believers devoted themselves.   Could it be said of you that you are a devoted believer: to fellowship not just going to church on Sunday's but in a Bible Study, small group, and or opportunities to share a meal?  To prayer do others see you as a prayerful person, so much so they submit requests to you.  Do you kids even see you as a prayerful person?  Are you able or available to the above things in a community so that you are in awe, are others in awe of the miracles that GOD is doing in the lives of yourself and others?  You only get this in community.  You only get to experience this deep awe, and sharing of resources and life in a community. The question is are you a devoted believer in one (a community like the one the first church)?

INVEST BOLDLY

 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. ³⁴ There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales ³⁵ and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need  Acts. 4:33-35

We all have a testimony.......you know this is what my life was like before Christ, and this is what it has been like since Christ.   We see here that as they prayed, and engaged in a life devoted to Christ and His teachings they were moved to CARE ABOUT the needs of people.    So much so that they sold what they had to to address the needs of those that were needy.....not wanty....not about a new pair of shoes, or a new car, or something selfish....but they were compelled to address the needs of people.   Sure we have blessed hundreds of families with.......and fed thousands of mouths with.......but I want to know were we able to do that because of you.  Because you INVEST weekly so we can daily meet the needs for those in deep need?  Can you church count on your bold investments to continue to transform lives and communities?  

Maybe for you, you  need to work this in reverse.  No seriously, maybe you invest your time to engage God through praying that He'd create in you a clean heart and renew a RIGHT spirit, one that isn't about protecting you, but giving yourself, your life away to Him, so you can experience the power of HIS SPIRIT working in you to do His GOOD WILL.  Where ever you are.....I pray that you can boldly....in other words with urgency; not hesitating make the commitments to pray, engage, and invest in GOD this year, beginning with TODAY!  LGLP

ONE THING: What Will You Spend the Day Seeking?

The one thing I ask of the Lord—
the thing I seek most—
is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple.  Psalms 27:4

You ever feel like you've lost something?  Maybe it's been your keys, or your sanity (if you have kids), or peace of mind, or maybe just you feel like you've lost your way.   Whatever it is....the search can be very frustrating because often what you lost never seems to be where you think you left it or where you felt it should be.  So what is it today that you are seeking?  Is it a better job?  Is it a renewed marriage?   Is it a new church?   It is a new place of residence?   It is clarity re:
___________________?   Whatever it is I invite you to seek  GOD first. 

Stop your searching for all of the above.....cause you may be where you are supposed to be.   Your current health condition is where He has you, to speak to you from there.    Not that a healing isn't for you or possible, but there is a lesson to be learned in your "lostness.(a Rayism word)"  The Israelites weren't really lost in the wilderness, but they were looking for comfort instead God.   Totally missing that there comfort was in GOD, not in having bread, or water, or shelter.   Today you maybe endanger of duplicating the mistakes of the wandering Israelites looking for assurance, approval, comfort in things or people, instead of looking to GOD.


David made enough mistakes to know, in the presences of GOD is the best place for him.   What about you......?   David said He will seek for this ONE THING, the MOST.....and that was to Abide in the Temple of God.   Do you desire to be in the presence of God?  Do you recognize what being in His presence affords you? Do you realize that you are a threat to yourself and society when you aren't before or have spent time with the LORD?  Have you discovered the blessing of spending at least 20-30min in His Word meditating daily?   I challenge you to seek, search for, focus your energies today to sit in God's presence for 20-30min and post how this has blessed you, so that others may see the value in it.   GOD BLESS YOU ON YOUR QUEST....and may you FIND THE PEACE of GOD.  LGLP

ONE THING: What's Love Got To Do With It?

³⁶ “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”

³⁷ Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’³⁸ This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  ⁴⁰ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”  Matt. 22:36-40

We love a lot of things....BBQ, Movies, Books, I-(whatevers pads, phones, etc), wine, pizza, vacations....and the list goes on and on......but what about GOD, or PEOPLE?  ( I hear some of you saying....well.......some people get on my nerves...etc.)

With us only being 7 days now, into this year of 2013, what will we do with the remainder of the days of this year?  Some of us will have this full year, some will have half of this year, some may not even have the end of this week, and with the certainty that WE WILL ALL DIE, how will we live out TODAY?

No seriously, that's what we have...right now....today?  Working out at the gym....that's good.    Changing how you eat......that's pretty good.   Quitting smoking or drinking today....is great.   Managing your finances better is good too, especially with the fiscal cliff stuff........but does any of that get the attention of God.   Will any of that matter when you breathe you last breath, and take your next in eternity?   Probably not, so with a variety of allotted time remaining....how should we purpose our lives?  I believe this gentlemen (Pharisee) was INTENTIONAL in approaching JESUS and asking what REALLY WAS IMPORTANT, WHICH COMMANDMENT was in the center of the BULLS EYE, and JESUS doesn't waste time delivering direction for this student of the law.    "LOVE GOD" with everything, and if you wanna follow that up......"LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR (people) like yourself."

There are a lot of things you purpose your heart to do this year, but only these TWO will matter when your life ends.   I spent the last couple of years attempting to share in my blogs what has and is being impressed upon my heart, and if you don't remember my blog from yesterday, or last week, or 1-1-12, here's what I want to impress each time.............

LGLP,(LOVE GOD, LOVE PEOPLE) continue to LOVE GOD with EVERYTHING and HE WILL FILL YOU WITH HIS SPIRIT that will then, and only then, EMPOWER YOU TO LOVE (all) PEOPLE!   Not just people that look like you, or vote how you vote, or live where you live, or believe what you believe, but your HEART WILL BREAK for ALL PEOPLE in such away that the compassion of GOD will cause you to LONG to SHARE HIS LOVE with EVERY PERSON you meet! NOT TRY to CHANGE THEM (make them believe as you believe).....HIS LOVE will do that....all you have to do is LOVE THEM.   LGLP

WHAT'S YOUR ONE THING?

No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, Philippians 3:13

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

For what it's worth we are already 4 days into this NEW YEAR and how are you doing? Just me asking that of some of you, you're already like.....omgoodness Ray, really already?   Some are responding "Blessed" and some are like " Blessed, but......"

Paul was writing to the people of Phillipi and he wanted to communicate to them that He realizes he hasn't made it....he's not perfect nor will he be on this side of eternity, but he was focusing on what was the important to him at the moment as he wrote to his constituents.....and simply put that he had no intentions on holding on to the past, but rather pressing on to the things GOD has in store, in mind for him.

Have you ever in on the website biblegateway.com searched for the statement ONE THING?  It's interesting how many hits that gets because in the BIBLE the phrase "ONE THING" is a pretty popular statement.   David talks about this ONE THING THAT I WILL SEEK AFTER...JESUS talks to a guy who feels he has nailed all the commandments and JESUS calls his attention to ONE THING....in REVELATIONS GOD has this ONE THING again one of the seven churches.....and if we are honest we may feel like there is ONE THING that you want to accomplish this year.  

Actually you may have many things you feel the need to accomplish.  If you are me that list can be a bit much, to look at even....but have you asked yourself what is the ONE THING you'd like to accomplish if you could only accomplish ONE THING, what would it be, and to whose GLORY would it be you accomplishing it?

Let's try to keep the MAIN THING (no "s") the MAIN THING!  See you this weekend as we prime the pump for our launching in 2013 of BEING THE CHURCH!  LGLP