Pastor has begun the new series "Coffee and Conversations". We will be looking at the conversations Jesus had. Coffee is available during the service and there will be a time at the end of the service to text message questions to Pastor Kurt or JoLynn.
We have so much to learn from the way Jesus communicated with people.
Jesus talked with people "on the way". We know that in order to touch the lives of others, we have to be willing to be interrupted. So many of the miracles of Jesus were interruptions or people He met along the way. His first miracle was an interruption at a wedding.
Jesus always had time for individuals. Jesus didn't just minister to the masses, He saw the individual. He came for the individual. We need to be sure we make time for those people who need us.
Jesus talked with anyone who would talk with Him. The list of people Jesus encountered and talked with is wide and various...tax collectors and the poor, religious people and sinners, prostitutes and widows, Pharisees and Jews, government officials and rulers, the sick, the blind, the demon possessed, the crazy...the list goes on and on. Jesus was not an elitist. He came for all. The very people who come into our lives that we try to avoid could be the very ones God is asking us to talk to.
He gave each person His full attention. In our culture and busy society, we have become less and less skilled in communication. Often times we give others half our attention while they are talking, or we interrupt or rush their story. Jesus was not like that. He gave His full attention to everyone He talked with. Not only that, He probed deeper into their lives to find out more. He asked questions often, getting to the hearts of those He encountered. In order to develop strong relationships and effect others' lives, we must give them our full attention, being selfless in conversation.
Jesus listened as well as talked. Jesus did not dominate conversations. He asked questions, listened actively, and got to the heart of the matter. Listening is a lost art in our culture. Our spouses and children as well as the rest of the world long for a listening ear, to not only hear the words being spoken but the heart behind those words.
Jesus didn't force the issue with people. Jesus always left space for those He encountered to choose. He didn't force the issue. He spoke truth to the rich young ruler, but as the young man walked away, Jesus didn't force him to choose the right way. He wasn't out to 'seal the deal'. Jesus' conversations were full of truth and life and love, but when it came down to it, He left the choosing to others.
Jesus expected the best of people. So often we assume negative things about those we encounter. Jesus made room for those He talked with to make mistakes. Jesus knew Peter would deny Him three times, yet He saw the best in him, restoring him back to himself and using Him mightily after His death and resurrection. Believing the best about others allows those we talk to the ability to open up. Not being fearful of judgment or criticism, they will talk more openly.
Jesus saw salvation as an event but evangelism as a process. The church has often triumphed in great moments of seeing multitudes saved. The church has more often failed in staying in the process of evangelism and discipleship. Door to door witnessing is no longer as effective in our culture as people are desperate for faithful, long term relationships. This disconnected generation needs face to face, shoulder to shoulder discipleship built in relationship and friendship. Jesus understood this in His conversations with others. He taught His disciples along the way, through daily life, through relationship.
Jesus gave of Himself to others. Jesus was never selfish. His life was all about service and giving. Although He was the Son of God, He still was human and had to make deliberate choices to give Himself to others around Him. As followers of Christ, we must live life with our eyes wide open, seeing those around us who need a friend, a financial gift, or a prayer. It takes intentionality to stop living for ourselves, to fight self-absorption, and to give of ourselves to others. It must become a lifestyle in order to live like Christ did.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
The Test and the Teacher
I have been in the valley of testing over the last eight months with my health. I am finally resolved to go to a naturpath because the medical doctors, although wonderful, have found nothing.
We had a powerful service yesterday morning. We never got to the preaching of the Word because God led us to spend time in prayer in the altars. Kurt and I and our prayer leaders prayed over hurting people, sick people, people needing direction. God touched many lives. Before all that happened, as I scurried around the church, preparing to pray before the worship team took the stage, a woman made a comment to me that has sat in the forefront of my mind ever since. She said, "You know, when a student takes a test, the teacher is quiet."
The word picture played out on the theater of my mind in that moment as I saw the last eight months in a completely different light. When you think about those grueling times of test taking as a young student, many things are consistent. It was always a time of pressure. It was a moment in time that elevated the student to the next level of learning ...if the test is passed. Tests weren't forms of punishment, but means of instruction and proving. Testing required focus, discipline, perseverance, and a knowledge of the material. The results of the test made the student more like the teacher, well versed in the teacher's expertise. And as my dear friend said this morning, the teacher administering the test to the student remained silent. The teacher's presence was always nearby, but the teacher stayed quiet and still.
Our Teacher allows tests and trials in our lives not to punish us, but to purify and transform us more into His likeness. Tests are stressful and cause pressure, but lift us up to a new level of maturity if they are passed. Walking through life's tests require patience, focus on Christ, and discipline. We must persevere in order to make it through them. The most powerful revelation that came to me today is that over the last eight months, although I have felt at times that God has abandoned me, forgotten about me, left me to struggle alone, He has, in fact, been very near. He has been the quiet Teacher, allowing me to take this test and just waiting for me to apply everything I've already been taught to get through the test. He has stood nearby, no doubt, interceding on my behalf, but has chosen to remain quiet. This test must be passed, whether that is just through preserving through it or fighting it or simply allowing God to purify me through it.God has not been mad at me for eight months, nor has He been far away. He has been standing at my side, at my spiritual desk, watching over me, praying I apply what I know to be true, and waiting for the right time to bring revelation. In His timing, I will walk out of this valley and into a new season of hope and healing, hopefully having passed this important test.
Whatever test you may be walking through today, whatever difficulty or trial, God is nearby. He may seem to be silent, but He is not far away. He urges you on through this test. Apply what you know to be true from the Word of God. You will soon be on the other side of this test, more like the One who has taught you.
We had a powerful service yesterday morning. We never got to the preaching of the Word because God led us to spend time in prayer in the altars. Kurt and I and our prayer leaders prayed over hurting people, sick people, people needing direction. God touched many lives. Before all that happened, as I scurried around the church, preparing to pray before the worship team took the stage, a woman made a comment to me that has sat in the forefront of my mind ever since. She said, "You know, when a student takes a test, the teacher is quiet."
The word picture played out on the theater of my mind in that moment as I saw the last eight months in a completely different light. When you think about those grueling times of test taking as a young student, many things are consistent. It was always a time of pressure. It was a moment in time that elevated the student to the next level of learning ...if the test is passed. Tests weren't forms of punishment, but means of instruction and proving. Testing required focus, discipline, perseverance, and a knowledge of the material. The results of the test made the student more like the teacher, well versed in the teacher's expertise. And as my dear friend said this morning, the teacher administering the test to the student remained silent. The teacher's presence was always nearby, but the teacher stayed quiet and still.
Our Teacher allows tests and trials in our lives not to punish us, but to purify and transform us more into His likeness. Tests are stressful and cause pressure, but lift us up to a new level of maturity if they are passed. Walking through life's tests require patience, focus on Christ, and discipline. We must persevere in order to make it through them. The most powerful revelation that came to me today is that over the last eight months, although I have felt at times that God has abandoned me, forgotten about me, left me to struggle alone, He has, in fact, been very near. He has been the quiet Teacher, allowing me to take this test and just waiting for me to apply everything I've already been taught to get through the test. He has stood nearby, no doubt, interceding on my behalf, but has chosen to remain quiet. This test must be passed, whether that is just through preserving through it or fighting it or simply allowing God to purify me through it.God has not been mad at me for eight months, nor has He been far away. He has been standing at my side, at my spiritual desk, watching over me, praying I apply what I know to be true, and waiting for the right time to bring revelation. In His timing, I will walk out of this valley and into a new season of hope and healing, hopefully having passed this important test.
Whatever test you may be walking through today, whatever difficulty or trial, God is nearby. He may seem to be silent, but He is not far away. He urges you on through this test. Apply what you know to be true from the Word of God. You will soon be on the other side of this test, more like the One who has taught you.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Random Acts of Godliness
When was the last time you paid for a stranger's groceries, mowed the lawn of a neighbor who is down with illness, taken a teenager out for lunch, or sent a card to a local official thanking them for their service? Random acts of kindness are powerful. They come unexpected, without strings attached, leaving the recepient with a sense of worth and value. The deep well of purpose it leaves you is the part of abundant life Jesus promises. After all, you are doing the work of Jesus Himself. Your life will be filled with joy as you reach out to those around you.
Pay attention to the world around you today. See people with the eyes of Jesus, allowing the Holy Spirit to show you people in need. An encouraging hug, a short prayer for the stressed out checker at the grocery store, a bicycle for a young child without one, repairing a widow's car...the opportunites for random acts of godliness are everywhere. Keep your eyes open and your heart sensitive today. Jesus longs to reach hurting people through you with tangible acts of love and service.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Prayer 101
How is your prayer life? Sunday Pastor Kurt challenged us in a basic, yet challenging call back to prayer. Our personal and corporate prayer lives have need of deeper levels and Pastor Kurt brought us four points to help in us prayer.
1. Prayer is relationship. Jesus introduced the concept of God as our Father as He taught the disciples how to pray. Prayer is about relationship, not about ritual. Jesus prayed conversationally, speaking His heart to God as His Father. We are to come to that place in our prayers. Jesus modeled prayer for us throughout His time on earth. Jesus brought His struggles, His questions, His disappointments, and His victories to God in prayer. All of these round off the communication as relational. Where is your relationship with God?
2. Prayer is Holy Spirit led. Jesus didn't recite memorized mantras every day. His prayer life was led by the Holy Spirit. We know that in those times we don't know how to pray, the Holy Spirit is sent to pray for us. He knows the Father's heart and can pray exactly what we are needing. Are your prayers more memorized or led by the Spirit?
3.Prayers are to be specific. Often we get in the habit of praying generalized prayers, covering everyone around us in prayers of blessing or protection, but never getting specific with God. This hinders us from seeing the specific answers to our prayers, which will build our faith and give God glory. Instead of praying blessing over your child, pray specifically...for their school work, for their relationship with God and with others, for a healing of their emotions in a certain area. When you get specific in prayer, you will get specific in answers. This also focuses your prayer life, causing you to pray with more energy and purpose and intentionality. Keep a prayer journal of the specific prayers you are praying and the answers as they come. God needs to get the credit as He answers and your prayer life will deepen in power when you begin to see His hand moving in your life. Are you prayers general or specific?
4. Prayers are to be persistent. As Pastor Kurt noted, we do not have McAltars at the front of our churches. We are used to the instant society we live in with fast food, microwaves, and technology. God is not like that and prayer is often a process of persistence. Don't get discouraged in your prayer life. If an answer seems slow in coming, remember that God is more concerned with building your character and your faith than in giving a quick answer all the time. Be persistent with God, be willing to tarry or linger in His Presence until You hear from Him. God's timing is always perfect in our prayer lives. Do you tend to give up easily in your prayer life, letting it die down when answers or God's voice don't seem to come?
Prayer is key to seeing our relationship with our Heavenly Father deepen. It is key to surviving spiritually in the chaotic world we live in. It is key to defeating the enemy of our souls. Dive deeper into prayer this week and as Pastor Kurt challenged us, take one day this week to both pray and fast. God is sitting in heaven, burning with a longing to speak and commune with you. His heart is for Ulysses...His heart is for you. He misses you when you are quiet in prayer.
1. Prayer is relationship. Jesus introduced the concept of God as our Father as He taught the disciples how to pray. Prayer is about relationship, not about ritual. Jesus prayed conversationally, speaking His heart to God as His Father. We are to come to that place in our prayers. Jesus modeled prayer for us throughout His time on earth. Jesus brought His struggles, His questions, His disappointments, and His victories to God in prayer. All of these round off the communication as relational. Where is your relationship with God?
2. Prayer is Holy Spirit led. Jesus didn't recite memorized mantras every day. His prayer life was led by the Holy Spirit. We know that in those times we don't know how to pray, the Holy Spirit is sent to pray for us. He knows the Father's heart and can pray exactly what we are needing. Are your prayers more memorized or led by the Spirit?
3.Prayers are to be specific. Often we get in the habit of praying generalized prayers, covering everyone around us in prayers of blessing or protection, but never getting specific with God. This hinders us from seeing the specific answers to our prayers, which will build our faith and give God glory. Instead of praying blessing over your child, pray specifically...for their school work, for their relationship with God and with others, for a healing of their emotions in a certain area. When you get specific in prayer, you will get specific in answers. This also focuses your prayer life, causing you to pray with more energy and purpose and intentionality. Keep a prayer journal of the specific prayers you are praying and the answers as they come. God needs to get the credit as He answers and your prayer life will deepen in power when you begin to see His hand moving in your life. Are you prayers general or specific?
4. Prayers are to be persistent. As Pastor Kurt noted, we do not have McAltars at the front of our churches. We are used to the instant society we live in with fast food, microwaves, and technology. God is not like that and prayer is often a process of persistence. Don't get discouraged in your prayer life. If an answer seems slow in coming, remember that God is more concerned with building your character and your faith than in giving a quick answer all the time. Be persistent with God, be willing to tarry or linger in His Presence until You hear from Him. God's timing is always perfect in our prayer lives. Do you tend to give up easily in your prayer life, letting it die down when answers or God's voice don't seem to come?
Prayer is key to seeing our relationship with our Heavenly Father deepen. It is key to surviving spiritually in the chaotic world we live in. It is key to defeating the enemy of our souls. Dive deeper into prayer this week and as Pastor Kurt challenged us, take one day this week to both pray and fast. God is sitting in heaven, burning with a longing to speak and commune with you. His heart is for Ulysses...His heart is for you. He misses you when you are quiet in prayer.
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