The Kingdom of Heaven

The kingdom is where the king is, right? The king is the ruler of the land in which he lives. The people of his kingdom are called his “subjects” because they are subject to his rule. Often, subjects in the kingdom refer to their king as “lord” or “my lord”. So, those who live in a land ruled by a king obey his decrees, adhere to his laws, pay his taxes, and display loyalty to his authority. If they don’t, they are considered outlaws (literally living outside of the law) and are pursued in order to pay the appropriate consequence.

If has been said that Jesus taught more about money than any other topic. This is actually a false claim. Jesus uses money to relate to people. He uses it to reach people in a close way, to challenge them in an area over which they are not ready or willing to relinquish control.

The topic on which Jesus teaches more than any other is the kingdom of heaven. Many of his parables begin with the words, “the kingdom of heaven is like…” He may use money to help us understand what the kingdom of heaven IS like, but that doesn’t make the parable about money. The parable simply employs money to teach about the kingdom of heaven.

In Matthew 5, in the beginning stanzas of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks of the kingdom of heaven. He is not using parables here, illustrating the kingdom, but he is identifying those belong to or reside in the kingdom of heaven.

If we think of the kingdom as the place in which the king resides, we must ask ourselves two questions:

1.       Who is the king?

       2.       Where does he live?

The Messiah was referred to as the king of the Jews and Lord of lords. God the Father is the creator and sustainer of all things. God the Father and Jesus Messiah are two aspects of the Trinity: the three-in-one God we serve. Simple math reveals that even these two revelation of our One God are not our whole God. He also reveals Himself as the Holy Spirit.

After Jesus’ death and resurrection, he appeared to several of his disciples over a period of forty days before he ascended to heaven. Then, after ten more days, and telling his disciples to wait for him in the holy city, Jesus showed up at Pentecost and sent his spirit to reside in his followers, his subjects. With the Spirit of Christ in them, thousands were added daily to those who were being saved. Through the indwelling Spirit, Jesus accomplished what he had said would happen: the disciples accomplished more than he ever did in his earthly ministry.

Jesus’ mission did not end at the cross. It did not even end at the empty tomb. Jesus’ mission is still alive and growing today. We inherited that same Spirit from Pentecost and live with Jesus’ in our hearts today. We have a gift Pre-Pentecost believers never had: Jesus in us! He whispers to us, intercedes for others through us, guides us, calls us ever so patiently to himself, gives us grace, shows us how to live for him…all from within us!

The Triune God is King and He presents Himself as Father, Son, and Spirit. The King resides in us, if we choose to follow His decrees, obey His laws, and be His loyal subjects. Where does the King live? In us! Therefore, the kingdom of God, the kingdom of heaven is within us.

The first red words form Jesus’ earthly ministry recorded in Matthew are, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near,” (Matthew 4:17). Was Jesus saying that the people should change their ways (the meaning of repent) because they, in that region, were physically near to the kingdom or physical dwelling place of God? This would not have been a far cry from what they were used to. After all, at this time, there was a dwelling place of God, the Holy Place. Only certain people were allowed to enter the dwelling place of God. The holy of holies was the supreme dwelling place of the Lord. That was even more sacred.

Jesus was not at the temple in Jerusalem, though. He was not speaking to the existing practices of God’s people. He was foreshadowing. It is no mistake or coincidence that Jesus’ first ministerial words recorded in Scripture are a call to repentance and a prophecy of the coming kingdom. Jesus is telling people that the day is fast approaching when he will send his spirit to reside in his followers. If they do not repent and change their ways, as to prepare themselves to be ready to receive his spirit, they will not find residence in the kingdom of heaven.

What if we processed every reference to the kingdom of heaven though Pentecost? We see the kingdom as the dwelling place of the king, as he resides in us. When Jesus teaches “the kingdom of heaven is like…” he is describing our lives when we are given to complete devotion to our Lord. When he says, “blessed are those who… for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” he is describing lives lived in full submission to our king, living in his kingdom.

Everyone needed to repent, to change, because no one yet knew what was coming. They knew the Messiah would save God’s people, but they did not know yet how new he would make everything and everyone.

October 26

Hi all, Dave said the church is free on Friday, October 26. I am checking to make sure James, Chris & Aaron will all be available that night for the benefit/concert. I don't think many are checking the blog these days, but I don't have everyone's email addresses. Please let me know if this date will work for you all. Dave suggested 8:00 for the start time.

Still on?

Hi all, just checking to see if we are going to still try to do a "concert" and help raise funds for JDRF. If so, I wondered if we might be able to discuss plans, especially figuring out a date.

I Want a New Drug

Ok, I have to be a little honest with all of you. I sometimes think that it would be so fantastic to have everything that I could ever dream of. A nice car collection, a couple of vacation homes ( one on a beach, one in the mountains) ( oh, and with lots of land to go with that), more money in the bank than I would really ever need, and of course a beautiful women by my side, well I actually already have that...... Oh..... how sweet!!!!! I know, thats what your all thinking. The perfect family, the perfect life, and the perfect future all right there before me with nothing to worry about but wondering if I shut the garage door to my second three car garage at my beach house in the "Hamptons". I just said that with a British accent, I thought it would sound more fitting for the Hamptons.  Of course I could always have my butler check the garage door for me, Whew! I'm glad I thought of that. The problem is, would that dream ever really be enough to satisfy me? Or you?

The biggest problem with that is, not once did I hint on the desperation and desire to have Christ leading my life. Why? Unless we somehow "inherit" some part of that dream life, chasing that dream would not allow any  room for God in my life. Maybe it is just as bad for us to chase that dream as it is to have accomplished that dream. This isn't really even " The American Dream" anymore, its beyond that, really its just frivolous. Unknowingly, or maybe even knowing slightly, I was there. I chased hard after that dream. I may have even been attaining it to an extent, but wasn't satisfied. I had no expectations or goals that needed to be met, but none the less, still wasn't really satisfying that desire to be safe, secure, oh...... and have anything that my little heart desires. What an IDIOT!!!! I was. In the moment, it was really difficult to see that those desires were ours, not His. Again, it was never our intention, but guess what, it wasn't the right dream. Not a lot of Spirit guidance in our lives at that time.

He has a better dream for us! One that has the most saught after locations. All the homes are mansions and the streets are made of gold. Our most valuable commodity on this earth, and He laid the streets with it. All of a sudden, where I live or what I live in, what I drive or what I want to drive doesn't seem quite so spectacular anymore. This dream that so many of us strive for and work so diligently for is so BORING!!!when compared to our heavenly home that we someday get to return to. I know for a fact that my dream is a lot less inspiring than His reality.

So why do we forget that? Even now that I am much closer with His Spirit and I can actually see the path that He is lighting for me, I can still forget. My desires and wants tend to creep back in and block out a little bit of His light. So is it wrong for us to have some of these things? Maybe. Is it wrong for us to want some of these things? Maybe. Is it wrong for us to justify some of these things? Maybe. ( I'm really good at that one) I strongly believe that God absolutely wants us to live our earthly lives here to its fullest. I strongly believe that He wants to bless us financially, materially, and physically. However, I most strongly believe that He wants to bless our Spirits far more than anything that this earth can provide. Having that knowledge also shows me why He is not necessarily just going to give us the one thing that He knows will literally destroy us all. All of the junk that over time will seperate us from Him.

On a daily basis, we all experience a battle in a war that was already won for us. None the less we all still  wage on. Our Spirit that Christ owns and has redeemed, is seeking to empower us and fulfill all of our earthly desires by lifting our focus above those desires and on to Him and His Gory. Our mind and flesh, however, is still in the realm of this earth and as such can still be deceived by the devils temptations. The devils deceptions and strongholds are the reasons why we can lose focus from time to time. Simply put, with the best intentions, we can still go from wanting His desires for us to wanting our desires without even realizing it. So does the battle necessarily have to continue here in this life? Can we be completely sanctified while we wait for our homecoming? I'm not completely sure on that one but I do know that Christ left us [so] we could have authority over all demonic oppression and utilize the power of Christ' holy name and overcome those pitfalls in our lives.

So again I go back to the rhetorical question of is it ok to have all of the things that I mentioned earlier? Absolutely, providing that your heart is for His church, His sick, His homeless, and most importantly His Glory!!!! Is it ok to desire and reach toward some of those things that I mentioned earlier? Absolutely, providing that your core desire is to be completely Spirit lead and conviction leads to obediance.

For me, He has allowed me to learn a beautiful lesson. He does want to bless my family financially, and will, providing our hearts are prepared to pass those blessings on and He would be Glorified. He does want to bless my family materially, and will, providing that our family is prepared to use those gifts to bring joy to others and He would be Glorified. He does want to bless my family physically, and will, providing that our hearts break as His does for the lost and broken of this world, and He would be Glorified. He does want to bless my family SPIRITUALLY without limit, and will, providing that we continue to live a Spirit lead and obediant life so that when He asks us to follow wherever and into whatever, we go.

A "couple" of the guys and I talked about some blindspots in our lives. The question was raised to what some of those may be for each of us. For a long time in my life the idea of  that desire for stuff and security was absolutely a blindspot in mine. I knew that and learned that prior to this particular discussion but reflecting back on it since, I have realized that this revelation was in and of itself one of the greatest blessings that He has gifted me with. With that gift I learned that He is the fulfillment of all desires! He can make us content with nothing! He also is [THE] provider of all things and because of that wants nothing more than to bless us with the most He has to offer. That may include things of this world but it also may not, because He will not give us anything that we could desire more than Him! We as parents would never willingly allow our kids to have something they desire more than anything knowing all to well that it would harm them or even worse cost them their lives. Yet the devil tries to decieve us into thinking, "I know what I need, I know what I can handle". Guess what, I don't know but I AM does! The Great I AM will fulfill my families needs and desires!

There is saftey in His light. There is freedom in His light. Most of all, there is a future supreme BLESSING in His light!!!

If  all of our desires are not Him and for His Glory,  than they really are no different than a fix of heroin! We will never find that one fix that satisfies us. Christ can satisfy us beyond what we could ever dream of and will!

Footnotes from James 1

I have been reading from the book of James this week. As part of my studying, I read through the footnotes in my Life Application Study Bible. I want to share some with you all. I  hope these (all from chapter 1) can give you something to meditate on as you spend time with God.

***

Wisdom is the ability to make wise decisions in difficult circumstances. 

We can't really know the depth of our character until we see how we react under pressure.

God does not tempt us. He tests us. He allows Satan to tempt us so that we can refine our faith and grow in dependence on Christ.

If your faith is weak or struggling, remember that you can trust God. Then be loyal to him. To stabilize your wavering or doubtful mind, commit yourself wholeheartedly to God.

To learn God's will, we need to read God's Word and obey it. Then we must do what what he tells us. 

It is important to listen to what God's Word says, but it is much more important to DO what it says.

We can measure the effectiveness of our Bible study time by the effect is has on our behavior and attitude. Do you put into action what you have studied?

Thank God for being with you in rough times. Ask him to help you solve your problems or to give you the strength to endure them. Then be patient. God will not leave you along with your problems; he will stay close and help you grow. 

Prayer Requests and Praises

Here are our requests and praises from tonight. Please take these notes as reminders of what was shared and maybe a launching point for prayer. Pray as the spirit leads you, remembering all that was shared and the heart with which it was communicated. If I miss something, please add it in comments.

Let us not take a moment for granted. Thank God for the blessings that we have.

Pray for the Cretsingers as they continue to seek God's guidance for their next steps. Pray for discernment and clarity for their role in missions as they grapple with the decision to resign or continue on. Pray that God would give them peace in the struggle, ears to hear his voice, and eyes to see how he is working in their lives right now, as they seek him.

Pray for Malachi as he fights physical and emotional battles. Pray that God guide doctors in wisdom and that the Holy Spirit rests on Mali and brings him peace.

Aaron's mom is awaiting word from the doctors regarding upcoming surgery. Pray for God's hand in the situation so that she can get the treatment she needs. Pray that through this, she continues to bring glory to God, as she has throughout her battle.

James has a second interview for a specialist position with NHA at 10:00 Monday morning. This is a great opportunity, but comes with a lot of changes. Pray for an ability to be direct, to ask tough questions, and for clarity on what to do next.

Danee's mom got a temp job working for Allegiance doing exactly what she wants to do. She is hoping this will turn into a full time job by the end of September. Praise God for this opportunity. Pray for his blessing on her work.

Jessica passed her Boards. Praise! She gets to start her next phase of schooling in the Fall.

Pray for our church. For unity in leadership, security in finances, and support from members. Pray for the staff. Pray for believers. Pray for seekers. Pray for doubters. Pray for ministries. Pray that the board works in unity as its committees do a lot of work in between each board meeting. Pray that the Holy Spirit would work mightily in every component of what happens at and through our church building.

Pray for the Giroux family, Brian, Billie, and Brody. Praise God for the outpouring of love the Body of Christ has given. As we move on, pray for the Body to continue to work because adjusting to being a family of three will be very hard. Pray that God will draw people close to him through Birklee's death and the celebration of her life.

Devotions Week of 8-5-12

DAY 1
Read: Matthew 7:1-6

Consider: "Don't waste what is holy on people who are unholy," (NLT) or "Don't give what is sacred to dogs." Coming off of the spec and plank lesson, what does this mean? If we are meant to save the lost and be light to the darkness, why would Jesus give this instruction? Obviously these is meaning behind this richer than what we gather scratching at the surface.

What is it?

Pray: Ask God to speak to you about Matthew 7:6. Ask for his guidance into study tools and resources so you can learn more about what this means. Read the scripture around this verse and take it in its entire context. Ask God to speak to you about this verse this week.

DAY 2
Read: Matthew 7:7-11

Consider: Imagine it is your son's birthday. He is excited to open the presents he sees piled up in the corner. As he tears through the wrapping paper, giggling and looking at you with loving anticipation, he finds an moldy, stinky, old piece of bread. "But, Dad, I wanted _________." Whatever fits the blank for your son, it probably isn't moldy old bread.

God isn't going to delight in pranking you. He doesn't give us rotten gifts when we ask for things we genuinely need. When we come to him in earnest and ask for things in his name, we will deliver. It's not always in the way WE want and we don't always get exactly what we pray for. However, our Father in heaven knows what we need and will give us what he knows in his sovereignty to be what is best for us.

The next time you give your child a gift and watch him or her delight, or the next time you answer his or her petition for something a little different than your precious little one would prefer, think about the way your Heavenly Father cares for your needs.

Pray: Ask God to send his Spirit to you. Ask for increasing awareness of His presence with you every moment. Pray for the commitment to stay in step with the Spirit in the day to day, knowing that He will give you everything you need.

DAY 3
Read: Matthew 7:12

Consider: How many times have we all used the Golden Rule retroactively to say, "Would you like getting kicked in the shins? No? Well, then don't kick your brother." This is not how the lesson was originally delivered, though. This is a lesson about how to live, not how to react. Jesus already taught about forgiveness.

Jesus follows this simple, yet powerful statement by linking it with the new commandment, "this is the essence of the law and the prophets," which he already said he came to fulfill. Love God, love others.

Pray: Living out the new commandment through the way we treat others is "the essence" of God's will for our lives. Pray that God's love and grace will manifest itself in the way you treat others.

DAY 4
Read: Matthew 7:13-14, 21-23

Consider: "Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car." I read this on my niece's Facebook page recently and thought that it could be interpreted two ways. 1) You don't have to go to church to be a Christian, and 2) it is not okay to say you are a Christian just because you go to church.

Both of those interpretations scare me because they capture prevalent thinking in our culture that are related the these verses from Matthew. So many people around us say they are Christians, but don't follow Christ. So many people think they are in the light, but are actually in darkness (and Matthew 6 says, "then, how great that darkness"). When I think of the millions of people to whom this applies, I feel sick. I am scared for them.

What makes the gate that leads to life narrow? Why is the road difficult to travel? If prophesying and casting out demons don't cut the mustard, what does? What does it look like to travel the road and enter through the narrow gate?

Pray: What does it mean to follow Jesus? How do we make disciples of the nations? Ask God to speak to you clearly about

DAY 5
Read: Matthew 7:24-27, then reread the entire Sermon on the Mount (chapter 5-7)

Consider: What perspective do Jesus final words from the Sermon on the Mount give to the entire message? Why would these be the final words recorded for this important collection of teachings?

Pray: There is so much to learn from Jesus words in these chapters in Matthew and Luke. Pray that God will bring you back to the words of our Savior in these and other places throughout scripture. Pray that he would give you renewed perspectives and insights as you continue to grow in depth of knowledge of our Lord.

Jonah's surgery

Hi all,

I hope all is well with you and your families. I just wanted to update you all on Jonah's surgery. He is getting tubes put in both ears at 8:45 tomorrow morning. The doctor said the surgery should be no longer than 15 minutes. Please just pray for a quick, successful surgery and for our little Jonah's healing.

Who's the Boss?

So I got the big packet in the mail while we were on vacation. It comes every July. The 10x12 envelope, branded with NHA's logo and the name of my beloved school. Inside? The calendar for the upcoming year and a form letter containing the all-important salary and bonus information.

Usually, I know what's coming, how I fared, and have had time to process. This year, no information was shared before the arrival of the all-important envelope. I forced myself to read through the universally-applicable nature of the letter and ignore the boldface type pulling my eyeballs down the page.

When I finally got to the magic number, it was equivalent to 50% less than the lowest compensation I have ever received from NHA (minus my transition year from dean to teacher). My initial reaction was less than Biblical. While I refrained from vocalizing the words that were swimming through my mind, I was confronted with a real conflict of priorities.

So, gut-check time set in about ten minutes after I seriously thought about sending a letter to my boss for a "help me understand" conversation. I decided to check my email (work and personal) as a means to keep myself from stewing. I don't know if it was reading emails from Phil, Dalton, and Dave and thinking about the ways I serve through the ministries they oversee, if it was just God's still small voice, or if it was a combination of these things, but I quickly settled down and said aloud (in an empty room at 11:00 pm), "you can't serve both God and money." This came so shortly after I said to Danee, "I have never felt so insulted and unappreciated in my entire career."

Perspective is everything. Who do I work for? For who's approval to I strive? How is His approval measured? What compensation does he offer?

Honestly, right now (and I imagine from now on) I don't even care what the bottom line says. I have been given everything I need from "him who is able to do more than [I] can ever hope or imagine."

My peace isn't in the "be grateful for what you have, lots of people don't have a job, that's more of a raise than others get" kind of worldly thinking. My peace comes from the reminder I got tonight that I don't work for man or for myself. The more I look to men for the measure of my worth, the more I limit myself to this earth. To truly seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, I must honestly and fully work for the King.

Devotions Week of 7-15-12

DAY 1
Read: Matthew 5:48

Consider: Recall what we discussed about the word "perfect" when we last met. God wants his people to be set apart, noticeably different from the culture in which we reside. After all, we are alien residents of this world if we truly live in (and for) the Kingdom of Heaven.

Pray: Ask God to reveal how Jesus' words show us how to be different, set apart, holy. Pray that his truth resonate with you as you live your life for him this week.

DAY 2
Read: Matthew 6:1-8, 16-18

Consider: Jesus identifies three different practices here that, in their truest form, are  beautiful acts of worship. He also gives a warning with each. How are these warnings similar? Why are they important? Have you ever put yourself in a position so people would notice you praying, giving to the needy, or fasting? Have you ever been disappointed when you didn't receive accolades for doing these things?

Pray: Listen to "Garden" by NeedtoBreathe. If you don't have the song handy, look it up on YouTube. The words speak from a sincere desire to give yourself to Christ, modeling his own example of obedience. 


As you listen, pray that God would grant you an attitude of humble obedience and the ability to deny yourself so that he may be glorified through your words and actions. 


DAY 3
Read: Matthew 6:9-15


Consider: The word "as" in 6:12 means, in the original language, "in the same manner." Therefore, when we pray, we are to ask God to forgive our sins in the same manner in which we have forgiven those who have sinned against us. 


Think for a moment about what that means. We know that our sins are separated from us as far as the east is from the west. God counts forgiven sins as forgotten. He doesn't hold grudges, remind you of when you messed up in the past, or save your past sins to use as leverage when he needs something from you. He doesn't lord sins over you, look at you shamefully when you repeat a previously forgiven sin, or tell everyone about how you wronged him. 


When God forgives you, he wipes the slate clean and thinks about it no more. THAT is how we are to forgive others. Powerful, releasing, self-denying forgiveness. 

Pray: Thank God for his amazing grace and loving forgiveness. Pray for the ability to forgive others with your whole heart. Pray for the ability to release the sin and never think of it again. Pray that you can give with the same measure that was given to you. 


DAY 4
Read: Matthew 6:25-33

Consider: Who of you by worrying has added one day to your life? When we worry, we display a lack of trust in God. Do you trust him with your kids? Your spouse? Your drive to work? What about your bills? Your schedule? Your in-laws?

What if we replace the word worry with the word stress? Stress reveals the same lack of trust in God's provision.

Think back over your past five days. What has stressed you out? What has worried you? How often did you go to God about those things? How often did you go to him before you started stressing or worrying? 


Pray: Pray for trust. Ask God to reveal what it is that causes you stress and give that to God. Ask him to take it and do with it whatever he wants. Thank God that he is in control so you don't have to be.

DAY 5
Read: Matthew 6:33

Consider: What are your priorities? After what things in life do you chase? Look at your calendar and your checkbook. What do these tell you about your priorities?

The word "first" in Matthew 6:33 refers to primacy, priority. It is not an ordinal number, like "do this first, do that second." Jesus is telling us that seeking God's Kingdom and his righteousness needs to be the number one priority in our life. It needs to take precedence over everything else. When we do that, everything else will be taken care of. He will clothe us, feed us, supply our every need.


Pray: Pray for God to fill you with a desire to seek FIRST his Kingdom and his righteousness. Pray for the desire to long for Jesus above all else. Pray for the Holy Spirit to awaken in you such a longing for the Kingdom of God that all else will leave you empty, reminding you that He is the only thing in life that can fully satisfy.

Update

I just wanted to send an update on my praises and prayer requests. I have an interview at SAU tomorrow morning at 10:00. Please pray that God's will be in full command of that meeting and that, whatever his will is, that I am able to glorify him in my pursuit of it.

I also just finished my application to NNU. I am super excited!

Chris - this is the link for the page you will need. The application can be found by following the appropriate link on the left margin of the page.

http://www.nnu.edu/index.php?id=cos

Blessings.

Praise Night?

Hello all,

This is my first time actually posting on the blog! I have something I am hoping you guys will be up for. Remember the praise night we held a couple of years ago in the commons? I know when we originally planned that, we talked about possibly asking for donations for Robert to do Soles 4 Souls and that ended up changing because the trip didn't work out. My question is, first of all, would you guys be willing to do another praise night? Secondly, if you guys are up for it, could we do it to try and raise funds for my niece's team for JDRF? This is our second year of being involved with JDRF and our team is way behind on the fundraising. I know we had talked about trying to do some community outreach this summer, and this is probably not what anyone had in mind, but I thought it couldn't hurt to ask. So think about it, pray about it and maybe we can talk about it at our next meeting.

Also, here is a video my sister made for Ava.

Devotions, Week of July 1

The devotions this week include fewer direct questions, but more to think about and more to pray about. Please enter these devotions each day with an open heart. Allow God to speak to you through these words, as I have prayed that they be His words to share. I hope that you are blessed as you study the words of our Savior this week. 

Love and Blessings, Friends. 

-James

DAY 1

Read: Matthew 5:17-20

Consider:  People like to prioritize things in their lives. What things matter the most, what things are urgent as opposed to important, which things are not important at all. We like to find the bottom line. What few things do we need to focus on in order to get the results we are after? Apparently, this isn’t just true of our present culture, but was also relevant when Jesus spoke on the Mount.

No part of the Law is less important to God than another. Therefore, when Jesus says, “the smallest letter,” and, “least of these commands,” he is not suggesting that God has ranked them. He is speaking to man’s desire to do that himself. Since we would all prioritize the Law differently (given the opportunity) Jesus covers all the bases by saying that NOTHING in the Law will “by any means disappear until everything is accomplished.”

Jesus did not come to tear down, undo, or change the Law (of Moses) or what the Prophets had foretold. By his own words, we know he had come to fulfill both the Law and the Prophets…to the fullest extent possible. Jesus gives a strong command in these verses. We are to adhere to the Law, even the parts we humans may deem mere details or “the least” in value. Moreover, we are to do so with an authenticity that penetrates all areas of our lives. We are to be clean inside and out, unlike the Pharisees who Jesus himself likened to coffins, beautiful on the outside and full of rotting flesh on the inside.

Pray: Jesus gave us a new command that covered the Law and the Prophets. Love God. Love others. That is not to blot out the old covenant, but to fulfill it. We are to be filled with love for God so much that it bleeds out in our love for others. The Lord’s Prayer calls us to bring the Kingdom of Heaven to Earth, not to hold out for the Kingdom when we leave Earth.

Ask God for thorough adherence to Jesus’ teachings and ministry. Ask Him to enable you to teach others through your words and your example. With sincerity, pray that God makes you a “light to shine before men.”

DAY 2

Read: Matthew 5:21-26

Consider: Verse 23 begins with one of those all-important conjunctions, “therefore.” This signals connection between the preceding verses and the ones to come. If you read right over that word without it jumping out at you (which I have often done), stop here. Go back and read this passage again, focusing on the connection between 5:21-22 and 5:23-26.

The tendency when we hear those first two verses is to think, I should not be angry with anyone because it is the same in Jesus’ eyes as murder. However, I don’t think that was the intention here. Jesus says, “therefore,” and follows with a call to action. This call is not for repentance. He doesn’t say, “Don’t be angry, for you will be subject to judgment.” He says, “Anyone who is angry with his brother” and then he calls us to go forgive anyone who is angry with us before we come to the Lord and make our offering. We are to extend grace and thusly play a part in freeing others from judgment so that we can bring our best to God. If we are the cause for someone’s anger, whether we feel it is justified or not, it is our responsibility to release them from the judgment to which they are captive at that time. God does not want us bringing an offering to him that is tainted because we have not presented the key to someone else’s freedom.

I do not mean to suggest that we have the power to release anyone from judgment, as this happens purely through the power and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. We do have the power to release others from anger, though, which creates an avenue for Christ to do his work.

Pray: Spend some time meditating on this perspective of Jesus’ words. Thank Christ for the opportunity to be his vessel. Thank him for the opportunity to help save people from judgment by extending Christ-like forgiveness. Then, ask God for the strength, through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, to deliver on this forgiveness when push comes to shove.

DAY 3

Read: Matthew 5:38-48, Luke 27-42

Verse 27 in the Gospel of Luke marks a transition in Jesus’ audience. When he says, “I tell you who hear me,” it indicates, according to John Wesley, that Jesus is now speaking to a general audience, whereas he had previously been speaking to a specific group (as we had discussed at our last meeting).

Consider: Everything Jesus is saying here is rooted in love. First, he speaks of love in restraint. Returning evil for evil would be to deny acts of love in the face of adversity. Then he speaks of love in giving. Give more than is expected. Withholding giving or simply giving only what is expected would hide love. Though it wouldn’t be denied, it would not be obviously visible. Christ’s love is obviously visible.

Jesus speaks of hard love. Love that goes against our sin nature. Loving everyone, even those who you would call your enemies.

What connection does this message of love have to Jesus words from Matthew 5:21-26?

If we consider someone our enemy, how does that go against what Jesus teaches us about hatred?

Jesus’ message of love in Luke 6:37-42 speaks of love through authenticity and honesty. It speaks of love through a lens of humility. It can be difficult to see our own failings, especially when someone else points them out to us. Ironically, the things that bother us most about other people are often things that we struggle with ourselves.

Pray: Ask God to reveal the plank(s) in your eye by recalling the piece(s) of sawdust you have seen in others’ eye(s). Ask first for God’s forgiveness if any judgment was passed. Then ask for his guiding hand as you work to remove the plank from your own eye. After all, it has to be hard to see with a plank in your eye.  

DAY 4

Read: Luke 6:43-45

Consider: So much of what Jesus teaches in the Sermon on the Mount is about inside-out change. This is the only change that will last. It is the only change that will enable us to be the salt of the earth, drawing people to him through authentically following the Master.

Outside-in change, by contrast, breeds contradiction and hypocrisy. Trying to bear good fruit when our tree is bad just won’t work. We aren’t fooling anyone, except maybe ourselves. “For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.”

So, how do we nurture our roots in order to make our tree good? What does it take to ensure our tree is planted in fertile soil?

Pray: Pray for honest revelation. How is your soil? How is your tree? How is your fruit? Ask God to speak boldly to you and, where it is needed, pray for conviction. Pray for the courage to share where you are when we meet on Sunday. This is where our group can bring love, support, and accountability for spiritual growth to one another. This is where we get to nurture each other’s soil and trees.

DAY 5

Read: Luke 6:46-49, 40 & Matthew 5:48

Consider: We know that we are not meant to be “perfect” in the sense that we are completely without flaw. Our sin nature makes that impossible. The translation of the word from the original language means, “finished, complete, pure, holy.” Think of what Jesus says about being a student and following his teachings. Then consider our call to be perfect.

What does Jesus mean when he calls us to be “perfect”?

Pray: “Our Father in Heaven: Holy, Holy, Holy is Your name. Ignite in us the devotion and authenticity to bring about your Kingdom and your will here in this land. Give us the physical and spiritual nurturing we need to live fully for you each day. Keep us burning brightly for you, not allowing darkness to crowd out your light. Strengthen us in your amazing love, grace, and the example you gave us in your Son, Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.” 

Where am I?

So I tried to reply to Chris' post but I really wanted to post a video which I have now learned you cannot do to a reply so I had to make my own post. 

WOW! What an amazing group of believer's we have in our group. I feel so honored to not only know all of you but to be able to come together and fellowship with you a couple of times a month is truly awesome! I wish that every group could experience what we experience. I feel like other groups aren't making their small group a priority. They let their lives and stuff get in the way of fellowshiping with other believers. I have heard people say "I am too busy to meet with my group." That is so frustrating to hear because honestly who isn't busy. I can honestly say that everyone of us could find something to do every other Sunday evening. I am so glad that we don't because we have come so far in our faith and are learning to listen to God and what He has planned for our lives instead of what we want. My hope is that everyone would join a small group, stick with it for a year and see where they are after that year. I feel like people would be able to open up more, learn more about themselves and others and trust God to work in their lives more. 

Where am I?

This is where I am.

I want to be real, I want to be empty inside.
I wanna be someone laying down my pride.
I want to be someone someday. I need to lay it all down before my King. 
I want to be whole, I want to have purpose inside. 
I want to have virtue and purify my mind.
I want to be set free today and lay it all down before the King. 
This is my desire. This is my return. This is my desire to be used by You. 
I want to be real, I want to be empty inside.
And I know my heart is to feel you near. And I know my life is to do Your Will. It's to do Your Will.
This is my desire. This is my return. This is my desire to be used by You. 
All my life I have seen where You've taken me beyond all I have hoped for and there's more left unseen. 
There's not much I can do to repay all You've done so I give my hands to use. 
This is my desire. This is my return. This is my desire to be used by You. 

Lord, my desire is to let you use me the what You want me to be used. I need to take myself out of the equation and stop worrying about what I want to do. What I need to do is listen and obey to what You want. Lord, empty me and fill me with You and teach me to do Your Will. Thank you for loving me and wanting to do a work in me. I am not worthy of Your love but by Your grace and love you pick me up every time, dust me off and help guide me and help me influence those around me. Amen

Pastor Phil just talked yesterday about how we sometimes don't feel worthy to influence others because of the junk in our lives. We need to think like our brother Paul in Philippians 3:13-14. "...I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us." We are all influencing people whether we are aware of it or not. We influence by what we say and don't say and by what we value and don't value. We don't get to choose who we influence but we can choose how we influence. I don't know about you but when I influence someone, especially a child or an unbeliever, I want it to be positive not negative. I want to have God so real and present in my life that people mistake me for Him. Like Paul I have not achieved it nor do I feel close to achieving it but I will look forward to the prize ahead of me that Christ has set out for me. What an amazing God we serve. 

Please take time to listen to "My Desire" by Jeremy Camp. This song has been so uplifting to me and I feel like it fits where we are as a group. 

Love to you all,
Danee

Devotions Week of June 18

DAY 1
Read: Matthew 5:1-2

Consider Jesus' posture. He sat on a hillside and spoke to the crowd. Imagine what he would have looked like. Was he sitting with his knees up, resting his elbows or forearms on them, gesturing with his hands as he spoke? Were his legs crossed, hands in his lap or in front of him? Take a moment to paint a mental image of Jesus posture. How do you see him?

What affect does this posture have on the mood or feeling of intimacy during this sermon? He is not likely to be speaking feverishly or wagging his finger at people (though I can't imagine Jesus ever wagged his finger). This type of speech would more likely be accompanied by a standing posture. I imagine a more calm, fire-side chat kind of demeanor. Emotional, compelling, heartfelt.

Listen for a tone and inflection to match your mental image of Jesus. Then, read the whole Sermon on the Mount with that tone and posture in your mind. Try to hear the his words as they were likely originally spoken.

DAY 2
Read Matthew 5:3-10

Instead of simply reading the passage, ask yourself "How" or "Why" for these verses. Asking these simple questions will help reveal the meaning and purpose behind the words spoken by Jesus to his disciples. Reread the following and consider the questions that follow.

5:3 - "Poor" means "poor in spirit." We need God because of our sin nature (Romans 7, 8). "Theirs" is a plural possessive pronoun. Therefore, the Kingdom of God belongs to those who realize they need God. What does this mean? Why does it belong to them, as opposed to those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matthew 5:6)?

5:7 and Luke 7:37-38 - There are two accounts of The Sermon on the Mount. As is true with most occurrences of multiple accounts, some details are the same in both accounts, some are slightly different, and certain details are included in one account but not the other.

These two passages are unique to the book in which they are written, but they are linked to one another. How are they connected?

5:10 - "...For theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven." Here we have another passage that indicates those to whom the Kingdom of Heaven belongs. The second half of verse 10 is the same as the second half of verse three. Why are these blessings the same?

By contrast, Jesus does not say that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, but he does say that it is for those who are persecuted because of righteousness. What is the distinction? Why is that important?

DAY 3
Read Luke 7:24-26

What is the bottom line here? "Now" is repeated in almost every verse. What point is Jesus making?


DAY 4
Read Matthew 5:13

Salt is a common seasoning today, was in Jesus' day and culture, too. It was inexpensive and very versatile. Used in many dishes, even just a pinch enhances a meal greatly. When salt loses that which makes it such a great addition to a meal, it is worthless. We don't use it anymore.

You are the salt of the earth. If you lose that which enables you to enrich the life of those around you, "you are no longer good for anything." When we adhere to the ways of this world we lose our saltiness and God has no use for us. These are Jesus words.

Pray for God to reveal the things in your life that are causing you to lose saltiness. Ask God to eradicate those things or to put them in their proper place behind Him so that you may continue to be useful to Him. If you need to change direction, repent. Ask God for his strength to be perfected in your weakness and to do a mighty work in you, to you, and through you.

DAY 5
Read Matthew 5:14-16

I can't help but think of the children's song, "This Little Light of Mine" when I read this passage. (And, you are welcome for having it stuck in your head for the rest of the day.) Jesus paints a beautiful word picture here. You are not meant to hide your little light. Don't forget the strength of a single match in a pitch black room. The world is shrouded in darkness. A little light goes a long way. Don't dim your light by living inconsistently. Don't allow the world to put it out. Let it shine.

Try something tonight. When the sun has set and it is nice and dark outside, go into a room with a candle and turn off all the lights. Allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness. Light the candle. Sit in meditative silence as the light fills the room. Close your eyes for 10 or 20 seconds and open them again. All of a sudden, you can see so much more than before. This is you, be the light in the darkness.

Now imagine that same intensity of darkness, but with a city on a hill as the only visible light. Not a collection of candles, but a city. This our local church body. If your candle can light a room, a city on a hill can light miles and miles of land. We are called to live, pray, and worship in the Body. The illuminating power of Christ is magnified exponentially when we do.

Pray: Father God, make me a light for you. Don't let me grow dim in the darkness. Make "a light before men." Amen.

...

We will continue with Matthew 5 and excerpts from Luke 7 next time we meet.

Please be in prayer for Sunday.

See you then, at the Hunts' house!

Preparing for Sunday...Devotions

I hope you have all found some time to enjoy the weather, birthdays, Father's Day, vacations, more time with kids, and other blessings for which the summer provides time. I also hope you have had at least some time to read Matthew 5. :)

Daily devotions might be the best way to continue preparing for our time together on Sunday. This will allow each of us a chance to focus on a little bit each day, through reading, reflection, and prayer, to spend time alone with God around the Word in The Sermon on the Mount. So, I will post passages on the blog to read, thoughts to consider, and questions to contemplate. If we each complete one devotion a day, our discussion on Sunday should be rich and enlightening.

Devotions will all be in one post that you can come back to for each day, print and read at your convenience, or take in however is most convenient for you.

I pray that we will all approach this with diligence.

Blessings,

James

This Is Me, Where are You?

This is me! Where are you? Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems as though our group in its entirety, may be reaching a new level of understanding. An understanding of what God May want for us in each of our lives. It is kind of weird to think that this ragtag group of believers could possibly be the best example of what a small group is supposed to accomplish. Not only accomplish but also strive for. I'm not bragging by any means because I truly believe that God has put the work in here not us, but every other group that I hear about really struggles to find the connection that we have as well as the desire to grow as a group. Why is that do you all think? Its not like God isn't working in their lives or groups. Its definately not like those other groups are busier than we are. So whats the difference? Why is our group thriving in Gods desire for us and other groups are not? Of course I'm not suggesting that personally, representatives of the other groups are not in step with God, I'm just wondering why other groups struggle to connect.

I have so much going on in my head right now that I can't really even figure out what to think. Going back to a year ago or more now, it seems as though God has not only revealed an insane amount of information to me spiritually but also on a physical level as well. I couldn't even begin to tell you all of the examples. So I don't think that I will even try. But I do think a lot of it has to do with actually using the Holy Spirit to help me obey the Holy Spirit. Funny huh? It kind of seems like a "Catch 22" doesn't it? But it is actually much simpler than many believers or non-believers alike would think. Total submission to Gods will is not something that we can just one day know how to do, but to have the "desire" to allow Him to teach us how to submit our lives to Him is something that we can actually choose to just have. Do we want to submit to His will for our lives or don't we? I think that our group, (and I'm quite certain in its entirety) has made that choice to submit to Him and deny our own desires. Wow! That is quite possibly one of the most beautiful things that I have ever witnessed.

This is me! Is it possible that because of that complete submission to Him that He has put me at the front edge of a blessing on my life that may be on the level of bible times. It seems as though His blessings are beginning to reach into other levels of perception that could only be from Him. This may seem a little radical but I'm quite certain that He has great plans to perfect through me. I did not say for me, and I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am to be perfectly fine with that fact. Even going back to my Dad's death, some would ask, how can you consider that a blessing? Because God blessed me with the knowledge of knowing where my Dad stood in his faith. Which I had no real knowledge of prior to our group meetings with him. God, teach me to obey your Spirit! I obeyed, He blessed!

Some days I am beginning to wonder how dangerous this full submission really is. I mean, I could comprehend the danger of obeying His Spirit when He said Africa. I knew what that trip really could mean for my family but I obeyed, He blessed! But now I can't quite see what is in front of me anymore and that seems a little more dangerous to me. Not scary anymore, just dangerous. Seminary? Really? Now that just seems a little ridiculous if you ask me. Personally I would have been fine having to brush up on some 7th grade algebra to help my children in a few years but, graduate school? And seminary at that! That is where I'm having a little more difficulty comprehending, BUT, I will obey after more prayer if need be and He will BLESS through that submission.

From God, through me, for Him, he is resonating His presence into others' lives and hearts. I'm not saying that just because my buddy came to church today. Because honestly there were many prayers and discussions from other believers that came into play on that one. But I feel that He(God) and I are working together with other hearts in mind (my mind specifically) for the first time in the history of Chris Heydenburg. Christ has always been focused on hearts. Yeah sure, I have always been pretty thoughtful, maybe, but was not ever really concerned for His church. The hearts of His future church as well as His present church. Which James posted beautifully on last week about "More and Better Disciples".

The last blog I posted was a little difficult for me to write. Painful on both ends. I write this one with great anticipation of what is to come. As Phil said today we are called to more, much more. Sure,
we will stumble, make bad choices, or even allow some foot entanglement, but He will teach us! Jesus, teach me how to obey Your Spirit and submit my life to You!

Where are you? I know that most of you have a lot to say right now. In fact, I know of a couple of you, that know what I am alking about specifically. What has God been teaching you? Have you all surrendered? Are any of you having difficulty surrendering? Trust me, You can't! But He can teach you how if you ask. I think that this blog needs to be lit up! It is absolutely beautful to be involved with a group of believers that are in step with God. Lets take it to the next level of revelation. Lets follow hard after what His next step is, through us,  for Him. WHERE ARE YOU??????????? Jesus, teach me how to obey Your Spirit!

Revelation

My "not a fan." bracelet has afforded me a couple of opportunities to share my heart with people. Inspired by my wife (who put it this way first), when I was asked today, "what's that all about? Not a fan of what?"
I replied, "Jesus." And I let it hang there for a minute.
"Ah, not a fan. A believer."
"Not exactly. It's more than that..." The conversations that followed with two of my brothers and one of their friends were good. I can't tell you that I was speaking with immense clarity or powerful conviction. I fumbled through quite a bit. I was able to break the ice on a topic that has been concerning me for a while, though. My family is full of fans. I am afraid that when they meet Jesus he will tell them, "I never knew you." So, I need to really introduce them.

Only, it's not just them. God has laid on my heart for years now to be involved in the second half of our church's mission..."better disciples" or as Phil puts it, "those who know Jesus ought to know him better." When I think of the people who know Jesus, who believe in him, but who are strangers to him...when I think of all the people who may someday come face to face with Christ only to hear, "away from me evildoers," it breaks my heart...and I want to do something about it...no, more than that...I honestly feel like God wants me to do something about it. I feel this welcome conviction.

I don't know what is next for me. I do know I need to get my priorities in line so this mission is in its proper place in my life. I cannot treat it as an interest any longer. It is my purpose.

No reserves.
No retreats.
No regrets.

Prayer Requests and Praises for May 6

We praise God that Danee's sister Becky has a new job! We pray that God be with Becky as she has decided to move in with Timmy. Pray that God give James and Danee words of wisdom and love.

We pray that God heal Casey's body and make her feel better. We pray that God give the doctors wisdom and the knowledge to make her well again. We also need to lift up Steve and Casey at this time of decision. We know that this must be difficult and we pray that God rain down his peace and comfort on them. We pray especially for Micah, Malachi and Ephraim as they go through this transition.

We want to lift up a co-worker of Jill, Wendy. She was only 27 weeks pregnant when she was admitted to the hospital with high blood pressure. They had to take her baby boy by cesarean because Wendy's liver shut down. He was only 2 pounds 4 ounces and 15 inches long. He is breathing on his own. Praise God! Wendy has not seen him as she is still very sick. We pray that God bring healing on her body and strength for her  and her baby to keep getting better every day.

We want to lift up a co-worker of Chris, Peter. He is a non-believer and is against church. He doesn't understand why this is the only religion to believe in. He does believe in God. He called Chris on his way to the airport and asked to pray with him. We pray that God and His Holy Spirit give Chris the words to say while he talks with Peter. We know that he is already working on that as he has talked to him. We pray that while Chris is talking that God open Peter's heart and soften it so he can learn more about Christ.

We pray that God give our group direction for this summer. We pray that He give us the tools that we need to do whatever he asks us to do. We pray that God stretch us and teach us how to be fully devoted followers.

Prayer Requests and Praises for April 29th

Prayer Requests

David's friend from high school, Kevin, came to church. Pray that God will help guide his steps and help him feel a sense of belonging in our church.

Steve, Casey, their family and the families in Africa as New Tribes is closing in their base in Africa. We pray for  guidance, peace and direction. We also pray for the families they will leaving as they are emotionally hurting for them. We pray that this transition, whatever it may be, go as smoothly as it can for them. We pray that God watch over the families in this time of change and that they hold onto the Good News that the Cretsinger's have brought them.


Praises

James will be going to Spring Arbor to talk with the Dean of Education to talk about his passion and experiences and possible see if there is a place for him to teach. God is so good and has given James a sense of peace for whatever the outcome is.

Jessica is done with the LPN program! Praise that she has these coming months to enjoy her family and get ready for the baby.


Question from Not a Fan

If you were to die today what would people at work, your friends and family say about you? Is what everyone says the same?