Here's the short version of one part of a study I've been doing on my Biblical mentor, Joshua:
At our Minister’s meeting last Tuesday, Pastor wrote some Biblical names on the board and we had a discussion on them. Four of them were great leaders who reached their destiny because they had a mentor and then there were three who reached their fate because they chose to get from under covering. At the end of the conversation Pastor asked each of us how we were going to take that information and apply it to our lives. My answer was that I would not allow my mentor’s weaknesses to be my weaknesses. E has begun to refer to me as Joshua and I’ve always admired Joshua and I have deemed him my Biblical mentor. As I was studying him over the last few days, I was reminded of what I told Pastor, “not allow my mentor’s weaknesses to be my weaknesses”. In order for that to happen, I had to first discover what Joshua’s weakness was, because prior to that I didn’t see him having any. That journey lead to the discovery of his temporary weakness, he had trouble following the “system”. The system that Moses set in place was that nothing was done without God’s approval. Every time Moses did something, he inquired of God or God told him to do such and such.
Up until the battle of Ai, Joshua had never experienced defeat, then came that day. He sent up part of his army and was quickly defeated. Distraught, he went before God discouraged and ready to throw in the towel. God, with very little pity told him to get up and get right. Joshua did not seek God and God did not speak before that battle, Joshua took the advice of the people around him. Moses never did, he always went to the Lord. At the battle of Jericho, God told Joshua exactly what to do and he succeeded. After Joshua got right and followed the system, he easily defeated the Amorites.
The next instance was with the Gibeonites. They heard what happen to the Amorites and thought of a clever way to save themselves by deceiving Joshua and saying they came from a long way when they were actually neighboring cities. It says in 9:14 that Joshua and his men did not inquire of the Lord. Therefore, they made a peace treaty with them and once they found out they were a neighboring city they could do nothing. This lead to Joshua and his people having to fight a battle for the Gibeonites that I don’t think they were ever suppose to fight. I say that because (Joshua 10:11,13) 1) God wound up killing more of them with the hailstorm then the fighting men and 2) Joshua had to stop time in order to complete the battle; he caused the sun to stand still.
But, Joshua learned and got back on the system and went on a rampage defeating and destroying everyone and everything. (Joshua 10:40,42) The only exception was with Gibeon (Joshua 11:19).
So Joshua realized his weakness, it may have taken a couple of defeats, but when he learned the importance of the system he was able to turn it around and go on to greatness. Now I must look at this and not allow it to be my weakness. I must look at my successes and failures and see what the differences were, was it because I did not follow the system that lead to success in other cases? There is a system to everything. Learn from other's mistakes so they don't become your mistakes, too!!
God's grace
May 19, 2008
May 15, 2008
Tye Tribbett
Random thoughts: Today I came across a few messages from Tye Tribbett on various websites and saw the part of his ministry that is often overlooked, the man has a message! After listening to what he had to say, my mind drifted to his fans. I see those who have picked up his dress, dance, and style but wonder if they've picked up his spirit. His messages are uncompromising, pulling no punches, and most importantly Bible based. I'm nervous his fans are caught up in a "Christian culture" and not a "Christian lifestyle". *(By no means do I place the blame on Tye because like I said he's putting the message out there, it's up to us to take heed) Looking at what I've taken note of, I see people who love his music, his style, etc but then turn around and surround themselves with things that go against the Kingdom i.e. secular music, gossip, cursing, sexual perversion, etc. It's evident that it's had a cultural impact but not so evident that it's had an impact where it matters, change in the lives of those who listen. THIS IS NOT A CULTURE, IT'S A LIFESTYLE.
I can say that I'm a fan of Tye, maybe not his dress but definately his message. No compromise! I pray we would wake up and not only hear and enjoy what these artists and preachers are saying but begin to allow what they're saying to transform our lives. I love Tye's first track on his new cd entitled, "Stand Out" because it talks about this very thing. It's time out for blending in and straddling the fence. We're called to Stand Out!!
Links to 2 of his messages:
http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=8942395
http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=8600869 (4 part series, watch all 4!!!)
I can say that I'm a fan of Tye, maybe not his dress but definately his message. No compromise! I pray we would wake up and not only hear and enjoy what these artists and preachers are saying but begin to allow what they're saying to transform our lives. I love Tye's first track on his new cd entitled, "Stand Out" because it talks about this very thing. It's time out for blending in and straddling the fence. We're called to Stand Out!!
Links to 2 of his messages:
http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=8942395
http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=8600869 (4 part series, watch all 4!!!)
May 1, 2008
Do you see yourself?
This book is kicking my butt and forcing me to repent. Notes:
Exerts from Chapter 6 of “Engaging the soul of youth culture” –Walt Mueller
Alienation/ Self-containment/ cultural Christians: a form of Christian alienation where we have established a distinctly separate Christian culture that runs parallel to the mainstream culture, and we assume that living in the parallel culture will shelter and protect us from the world. A sin in the eyes of Christ. Its sign is the barren fig tree (Mark 11:12-14), heavy with leaves for its own self-beautification, but sterile and without fruit. When Jesus saw it, he cursed it. He compares this lifestyle to that of the Pharisees who were preoccupied with keeping outward appearances and keeping away from those activities that would compromise their “purity”. Jesus said it’s the things that come from the heart that make a person unclean. (Mat 15:16-20). He made it clear that true righteousness consists of inward conformity to God’s will.
Accommodation- simply chooses to do as the world pleases or listening to the world more than to the Word. A Christian culture- claiming to be followers of Christ but the culture it represents is indistinguishable from the world it seeks, “to save”. In an effort to be influential, Christians have been trying to buy their own legitimacy from the surrounding culture by compromising the Christian world and life view.
Our call is infiltration and transformation, it’s the hardest of the three but it most mirrors the ministry of Jesus Christ and his will; it requires diligence, wisdom, and hard work.
“double refusal”: we refuse to become either so absorbed in the Word, that we escape into it and fail to let it confront the world, or so absorbed in the world, that we conform to it and fail to subject it to the judgment of the Word.
John 17. Jesus wants his followers to infiltrate the world, living in it as a transforming and redemptive presence, while maintaining their distinct identity; being spiritually distinct but not socially segregated.
As I was reading, I couldn’t help but feel convicted because I was choosing to follow the alienation route. Choosing to minimize my association with sinners and their world but that was the life of Christ, going in to their world. Being in the world but not of the world. Is it because I doubt God’s power to convert their soul or his power to keep my own? How are we to find a point to connect just as Christ did with those he converted if we are not willing to get in their midst and see what has their attention? We cannot alienate ourselves from the very ones we’re sent to convert.
Where do you stand?
Exerts from Chapter 6 of “Engaging the soul of youth culture” –Walt Mueller
Alienation/ Self-containment/ cultural Christians: a form of Christian alienation where we have established a distinctly separate Christian culture that runs parallel to the mainstream culture, and we assume that living in the parallel culture will shelter and protect us from the world. A sin in the eyes of Christ. Its sign is the barren fig tree (Mark 11:12-14), heavy with leaves for its own self-beautification, but sterile and without fruit. When Jesus saw it, he cursed it. He compares this lifestyle to that of the Pharisees who were preoccupied with keeping outward appearances and keeping away from those activities that would compromise their “purity”. Jesus said it’s the things that come from the heart that make a person unclean. (Mat 15:16-20). He made it clear that true righteousness consists of inward conformity to God’s will.
Accommodation- simply chooses to do as the world pleases or listening to the world more than to the Word. A Christian culture- claiming to be followers of Christ but the culture it represents is indistinguishable from the world it seeks, “to save”. In an effort to be influential, Christians have been trying to buy their own legitimacy from the surrounding culture by compromising the Christian world and life view.
Our call is infiltration and transformation, it’s the hardest of the three but it most mirrors the ministry of Jesus Christ and his will; it requires diligence, wisdom, and hard work.
“double refusal”: we refuse to become either so absorbed in the Word, that we escape into it and fail to let it confront the world, or so absorbed in the world, that we conform to it and fail to subject it to the judgment of the Word.
John 17. Jesus wants his followers to infiltrate the world, living in it as a transforming and redemptive presence, while maintaining their distinct identity; being spiritually distinct but not socially segregated.
As I was reading, I couldn’t help but feel convicted because I was choosing to follow the alienation route. Choosing to minimize my association with sinners and their world but that was the life of Christ, going in to their world. Being in the world but not of the world. Is it because I doubt God’s power to convert their soul or his power to keep my own? How are we to find a point to connect just as Christ did with those he converted if we are not willing to get in their midst and see what has their attention? We cannot alienate ourselves from the very ones we’re sent to convert.
Where do you stand?
Let's Talk Music
Hello everyone, I pray you are all doing well. A number of young people, as well as older, have often questioned the impact or acceptance of secular music into their Christian lifestyles. I am in the process of doing some research on this topic and with that I would like your feedback on the subject.The main question that I will be investigating is, "Is it alright for Followers of Christ to listen to secular music?" I don't mean hearing it every once in a while, I'm talking about consistently buying, downloading, listening to secular music. Are there exceptions? Under what circumstances is it acceptable? Any insight you may have on this topic would be greatly appreciated (thoughts, books, scriptures, articles, etc.)Thanks in advance for your help. I'll be sure to post my findings at the conclusion.
Apr 22, 2008
Your Promise kept me
I have continued my journey through Psalms 119 and came across two verses that lead to the following this morning. I pray it's a blessing!
Psalms 119:49-50 “Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.”
Acts 27:21-26
Paul and his crew were sailing for Rome when they ran into a terrible storm. Prior to the storm, Paul warned them but they chose to continue on. When the storm started, it was only a “gentle south wind” but soon after became hurricane force winds. At that point they couldn’t fight it anymore and just had to go with storm. Through the storm they were throwing things overboard and barely holding the ship together. They were at the mercy of the storm, it seemed. In verse 20, it says they finally gave up all hope of being saved.
After that Paul stood up and encouraged the men. The night before, an angel appeared to Paul and told him not to be afraid because he had to stand trial before Caesar, in Rome. Essentially telling him not to be afraid of what you see and are going through right now, you’ll make it to Rome.
Isaiah 55:11 “so is my word that goes out of my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
We all go through storms in life, some we put ourselves in and others just seem to show up but God has given us hope. Sometimes that hope is all we have to stand on because we have no control in the storm; we just have to ride it out. We may lose things during the storm, it may seem like all hope is lost but we must be like Paul; or like Abraham who, against all hope, in hope believed and became the father of many nations because he put his hope in God’s promise. (Romans 4:18, Genesis 15:5)
Paul and Abraham made it just because they didn’t give up. Paul had no control over the storm, he didn’t know how long it would last but he waited patiently in hope. Abraham didn’t know when God was going to give him the promised child but it was his hope in the promise that kept him. The only way they would have not received their promise is if they would have given up. The only way Paul would not have made it to Rome was if he jumped ship. If he didn’t have this hope, that may have sounded like a good option but because he knew God’s word was true he knew he was safer in a beat up boat than trying to make it on his own.
There is only one person that will keep you from making it through life’s storms, you. There are many days and occasions where life feels like there’s no hope but against all hope, you must hope. Romans 4:24-25 says, “Hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” So our hope gives us the ability to wait. Our hope is our faith. Will we believe God and His promise or will we lose all hope and jump ship?
If God has given you a promise or spoken a word over your life, put your hope in it. He’s not a man that He would lie. Life is full of storms, you’re either in a storm, coming out of a storm or going in to a storm. Be like Paul who in the midst of his storm chose to believe God. The other part of the story that I didn’t mention was the fact that there were 276 people on that boat and just because of God’s promise with Paul; their lives were saved as well. All those connected to you in life, may be saved just by you standing on the word. It never says that they believed, it actually tells how some of them tried to jump ship and “save” themselves but Paul was able to convince them otherwise. You don’t know whose life you could save by not giving up.
I pray you were encouraged by something that was said and understand God would never put you in something or allow you to go through something He hasn't equipped you to handle.
Christ's Peace!
Psalms 119:49-50 “Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.”
Acts 27:21-26
Paul and his crew were sailing for Rome when they ran into a terrible storm. Prior to the storm, Paul warned them but they chose to continue on. When the storm started, it was only a “gentle south wind” but soon after became hurricane force winds. At that point they couldn’t fight it anymore and just had to go with storm. Through the storm they were throwing things overboard and barely holding the ship together. They were at the mercy of the storm, it seemed. In verse 20, it says they finally gave up all hope of being saved.
After that Paul stood up and encouraged the men. The night before, an angel appeared to Paul and told him not to be afraid because he had to stand trial before Caesar, in Rome. Essentially telling him not to be afraid of what you see and are going through right now, you’ll make it to Rome.
Isaiah 55:11 “so is my word that goes out of my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
We all go through storms in life, some we put ourselves in and others just seem to show up but God has given us hope. Sometimes that hope is all we have to stand on because we have no control in the storm; we just have to ride it out. We may lose things during the storm, it may seem like all hope is lost but we must be like Paul; or like Abraham who, against all hope, in hope believed and became the father of many nations because he put his hope in God’s promise. (Romans 4:18, Genesis 15:5)
Paul and Abraham made it just because they didn’t give up. Paul had no control over the storm, he didn’t know how long it would last but he waited patiently in hope. Abraham didn’t know when God was going to give him the promised child but it was his hope in the promise that kept him. The only way they would have not received their promise is if they would have given up. The only way Paul would not have made it to Rome was if he jumped ship. If he didn’t have this hope, that may have sounded like a good option but because he knew God’s word was true he knew he was safer in a beat up boat than trying to make it on his own.
There is only one person that will keep you from making it through life’s storms, you. There are many days and occasions where life feels like there’s no hope but against all hope, you must hope. Romans 4:24-25 says, “Hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” So our hope gives us the ability to wait. Our hope is our faith. Will we believe God and His promise or will we lose all hope and jump ship?
If God has given you a promise or spoken a word over your life, put your hope in it. He’s not a man that He would lie. Life is full of storms, you’re either in a storm, coming out of a storm or going in to a storm. Be like Paul who in the midst of his storm chose to believe God. The other part of the story that I didn’t mention was the fact that there were 276 people on that boat and just because of God’s promise with Paul; their lives were saved as well. All those connected to you in life, may be saved just by you standing on the word. It never says that they believed, it actually tells how some of them tried to jump ship and “save” themselves but Paul was able to convince them otherwise. You don’t know whose life you could save by not giving up.
I pray you were encouraged by something that was said and understand God would never put you in something or allow you to go through something He hasn't equipped you to handle.
Christ's Peace!
Apr 19, 2008
After God's Heart
This morning I went to one of my favorite chapters in the book of Psalms, 119. As I began to read, I noticed some things that stuck out that really showed David’s desire for more of God and why he was a man after God's heart. David opens up giving four characteristics of a blessed man:
-their ways are blameless (before God and man; their witness)
-they walk according to the law (which means they are knowledgeable of God’s word)
-they keep His statutes (they obey what they have learned)
-they seek Him with all their heart (they desire to know God more and more)
After setting up an outline of what a blessed man looks like, David desired to become that man and the rest of the chapter is him growing into that man. He does some self-actualization. I’m not going to go through all 176 verses but here is a start:
Vs. 5-8: After realizing what it takes, David gets a desire for learning and obeying. He starts to get a zeal for God.
Vs. 9-16 He’s focusing on learning God’s Word and obeying it. He’s realized that in order to stay pure and blameless he must live according to God’s word which comes from seeking God with your whole heart and getting His word inside of you (hiding it in your heart). David did not see this as something that was burdensome or a habit, he delighted in learning God’s ways and Word.
Vs. 17-24 You begin to see David’s growth in desiring more of God. “My soul is consumed with longing for your law at all times.” Every part of him is submitted to knowing God. He realizes in following God, he can’t act like everyone else so he begins to empty out, “remove from me scorn and contempt.”
Vs. 25-32 David understands the power and importance of God’s word. He is opening up more and more to God and allowing God to be his everything.
Vs. 33-34 David says, teach me and I won’t forget, give me understanding and I’ll fully obey.
Lord, I see why David was considered your friend, not because he did everything right but because he desired you, he was after your heart. He saw a vision of a man that you would be pleased with and set his heart to become that man. He had a zeal to know you and your Word. God, I pray that I would see a clear vision of who you want me to be and set my heart to becoming him. I pray that we, your people, would understand that you don’t force us to seek you but because you first loved us we should desire to know you. because you gave us the choice, we are able to seek you with our whole heart and joyfully as David did. Love is not an obligation but a choice. When I was forced to read in school I did not enjoy it but now that I have the choice to read I thoroughly enjoy it. Thank you for giving me the choice to seek you, that it may be done out of love and choice. Father, as you teach me your word and give me understanding I pray that I would desire more of you, that I would allow you to rule every area of my life, as David did. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
-their ways are blameless (before God and man; their witness)
-they walk according to the law (which means they are knowledgeable of God’s word)
-they keep His statutes (they obey what they have learned)
-they seek Him with all their heart (they desire to know God more and more)
After setting up an outline of what a blessed man looks like, David desired to become that man and the rest of the chapter is him growing into that man. He does some self-actualization. I’m not going to go through all 176 verses but here is a start:
Vs. 5-8: After realizing what it takes, David gets a desire for learning and obeying. He starts to get a zeal for God.
Vs. 9-16 He’s focusing on learning God’s Word and obeying it. He’s realized that in order to stay pure and blameless he must live according to God’s word which comes from seeking God with your whole heart and getting His word inside of you (hiding it in your heart). David did not see this as something that was burdensome or a habit, he delighted in learning God’s ways and Word.
Vs. 17-24 You begin to see David’s growth in desiring more of God. “My soul is consumed with longing for your law at all times.” Every part of him is submitted to knowing God. He realizes in following God, he can’t act like everyone else so he begins to empty out, “remove from me scorn and contempt.”
Vs. 25-32 David understands the power and importance of God’s word. He is opening up more and more to God and allowing God to be his everything.
Vs. 33-34 David says, teach me and I won’t forget, give me understanding and I’ll fully obey.
Lord, I see why David was considered your friend, not because he did everything right but because he desired you, he was after your heart. He saw a vision of a man that you would be pleased with and set his heart to become that man. He had a zeal to know you and your Word. God, I pray that I would see a clear vision of who you want me to be and set my heart to becoming him. I pray that we, your people, would understand that you don’t force us to seek you but because you first loved us we should desire to know you. because you gave us the choice, we are able to seek you with our whole heart and joyfully as David did. Love is not an obligation but a choice. When I was forced to read in school I did not enjoy it but now that I have the choice to read I thoroughly enjoy it. Thank you for giving me the choice to seek you, that it may be done out of love and choice. Father, as you teach me your word and give me understanding I pray that I would desire more of you, that I would allow you to rule every area of my life, as David did. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Apr 10, 2008
Time at the park
On the bench, I feel like my life is a movie
my situations seem almost surreal
but so real they are...
this is the part where no one is around
and I must choose for myself where the story goes
Only thing is....I don't know..
Ears open, eyes attentive I wait for God
while I wait, I write
Sitting in the park, life surrounding me
a new bride being captured by timeless pictures
She and he walking their family friend
One walking off the pounds she put on
In the distance he waits
allowing his music to set the mood
he waits, she arrives to dinner in the park
a ring for dessert?
The sun sets as the food sets
families sit and chat about their day
he unwinds, she rewinds
and in a single breath they both let out their day
The phone rings
Texas?
It's a check up from Battlecry
brief convo, funds are low so I can't go
He works on my behalf
then before we go, he prays
before he prays, he asks for prayer request
after he prays, he speaks
"we're tested in the small things,
will you still seek his face?"
my situations seem almost surreal
but so real they are...
this is the part where no one is around
and I must choose for myself where the story goes
Only thing is....I don't know..
Ears open, eyes attentive I wait for God
while I wait, I write
Sitting in the park, life surrounding me
a new bride being captured by timeless pictures
She and he walking their family friend
One walking off the pounds she put on
In the distance he waits
allowing his music to set the mood
he waits, she arrives to dinner in the park
a ring for dessert?
The sun sets as the food sets
families sit and chat about their day
he unwinds, she rewinds
and in a single breath they both let out their day
The phone rings
Texas?
It's a check up from Battlecry
brief convo, funds are low so I can't go
He works on my behalf
then before we go, he prays
before he prays, he asks for prayer request
after he prays, he speaks
"we're tested in the small things,
will you still seek his face?"
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