Pinelake Life Journal Blog

God is Able

lifejournal — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:39:22 +0000

Scripture:
“To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy – to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty and power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore. “ Jude 1:24-25

Observation:

God is the one who is able to keep us from falling and because of that we can stand before the Father faultless. We are faultless, not because we have never failed or sinned but because of God’s mercy has allowed us to be made new.

Application:

God’s mercy is unchanging and never ending. Even when we strive each day to live a life that’s honors God we fall short. We can even be quick to recognize those times when we fall and ask for forgiveness but do we always recognize God’s mercy? It’s because of the mercy and love He extends to us that we can be forgiven and because of that we can come before the Father with great joy. We need to continue to look to the One who is can help us to keep from falling but we must also strive to allow Him to continue to work He has started in us.

Prayer:

God you are faithful in all you do and you have a perfect plan that only you can accomplish. Thank you for your mercy and when I fail Lord, allow me to have a teachable heart. You are the One to be glorified for all that is in my life. Even in my failures and faults you continue to love me, forgive me and teach me. I pray that even now as I come before you that my praise will be pure and you will extend your love and mercy to me.

— Heather Burdette, preschool minister, Reservoir campus

Head vs. Heart

lifejournal — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:43:00 +0000

Scripture:
“Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish law.” Titus 3:9

Observation:
Head knowledge is not as important as the condition of our heart. In verse 14 of chapter 3, Paul places a challenge before Titus, he states “Our people must learn to do good by meeting the urgent needs of others; then they will not be unproductive.” The book of Titus is a letter Paul wrote to give Titus advice on selecting church leaders and encouraging him to teach and live in a godly manner. During this time Titus was struggling to teach leaders to get beyond the laws and look to the needs of people.

Application:
I often find my greatest struggle in this area is dealing with my brother. It takes no time for him to begin his “show of you Bible knowledge” routine when we embark on a serious discussion about life. It used to frustrate me that he could live a life totally apart from God and yet talk about God as if he knew him intimately. I could quickly get caught up in a heated debate. At one point God rebuked me for my words and showed me that instead of allowing my brother to see God in me, I was just doing the same thing he was. The reality was my brother did know God and instead of trying to prove him wrong just because his life was not what I thought it should be, I should have been a willing vessel for God to use. God challenged me to meet some needs in my brother’s life and instead of arguing theology, to just share my heart. I have seen and am continuing to see God do a mighty work in the life of my brother. We have to stop and remember that it’s not what we know but who we know lives in us.

Prayer:
God fill my heart with wisdom and knowledge from you. My desire is to know you more and to be able to share you with many. Stir in me and guide me so I can know when to use your words and when to show your love.

— Heather Burdette, preschool minister, Reservoir campus

Transformation

lifejournal — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:19:09 +0000

Scripture:
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” Titus 2:11-12

Observation:
The appearance and presence of Christ brings about transformation. The old way or worldly way should be abandoned and a new life in Christ should be pursued. This principle is also found in 1 John 2:15 “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” Being transformed into the image of Christ is key to our spiritual DNA. If we are not different or set apart from the world, how will those around us see Christ in us?

Application:
It’s hard to be different. From the time we are old enough to develop social relationships we are trying to fit in. Even into adulthood there are times that we say and maybe act like what other think about us does not matter, but deep down it does. I think to get to the root of this we need to consider our spiritual self esteem. When we have experienced God’s grace through salvation then our confidence should not be in ourselves but in Christ who dwells in us. Once our heart, life and love are for the Father our life should reflect Him. It’s easy to think that we live a godly life but there are two key parts to this verse that stand out as a challenge to me. Saying no to worldly passions and to live self controlled. When we pursue the world and try to fit in it’s hard to be controlled because no amount of anything the world has to offer will ever fulfill us like the love of Christ will. We can easily be consumed with the world and our self control can go right out the window. Abandon the world and live a life fully consumed with a passion for the Father, be different and set apart so that others will see Him in you.

Prayer:
Father, show me where I have allowed worldly passions to take hold in my life. Give me a clear understanding of how I can live a more self controlled life through you. God, thank you for your transforming grace that sustains me. Allow me an opportunity to be set a part this week so that I may be a living example for you.

— Heather Burdette, preschool minister, Reservoir campus

An Undivided Heart

lifejournal — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:15:47 +0000

Scripture:
“Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave.” Psalm 86:11-13

Observation:
When God is teaching me His word and guiding me in His way my heart should be pure, undivided and focused on Him. From my undivided heart praise should resonate for my Savior. Through His word, His teaching and His truth I know that He is the one who saved me.

Application:
It’s not easy to think about having an undivided heart because as believers we want the think that our heart belongs completely to God but I know that I can often have a divided heart. In the midst of life there are many things that can pull my attention away from God and what He is teaching me. Most of the time I find the things that divided my attention, are not necessarily bad things. It could be something as simple as our family or job that can divide our hearts. When we allow other things in our life to come before God our heart becomes divided. When we seek God, desire to know Him and to meet with Him everything else will fall into place. I often find it hard to offer up praise when my heart and mind are distracted but when I take the time to seek God in those moments I understand that my priorities are out of place. God first, everything else after! Refocusing my heart to Him brings great praise, praise that He is due simply because He loves me and saved me.

Prayer:
God give me a whole heart. Allow my focus, my time and my energy to be all about you. Show me the things in my life that divide my heart so that I may remove them to make room for you. I pray that in all I do my praise will resonate for you and that in that others would see you high and lifted up. Thank you for your work and thank you for loving me.

— Heather Burdette, preschool minister, Reservoir campus

It’s Good for Me

lifejournal — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 02:03:25 +0000

Scripture:
“All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” — 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Observation:
ALL scripture, every single word, is the inspired word of God. Knowing this truth gives confidence in the word of God – confidence that His word is perfect and infallible, and is applicable to every area of my life including teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. This verse also clearly teaches that it is through the word and the study of it that I can be equipped for every good work.

Application:
Another version says that all scripture is “profitable” - in other words – it is good for me. It fills my mind with truth that is absolute, it helps me to see when I have done wrong and how to correct my ways, and it tells me how to live a righteous life. It does all this so to make me thoroughly equipped or complete. It transforms my mind as I grow in deeper levels of understanding. Just as Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove God’s will, His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Prayer:
“How I long to learn more of Your word oh Lord! I yearn for a deep understanding and knowledge of Your word. Transform me by the renewing of my mind. I want to have Your thoughts at the forefront of my mind and heart. I desire to be complete and thoroughly equipped for every good work that You have in store for me. Your word is perfect. Your word is reliable. Your word is living and active. Your word is life for me – I will wither away if I neglect it, but I will bloom when I dwell in it. Thank You for Your word oh God. It is more precious than gold” - “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.”

— Jason Elam, worship pastor, Clinton campus

The Pressure’s Off

lifejournal — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:25:11 +0000

Scripture:
“And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” — 2 Timothy 2:24-26

Observation:
A couple of things jump out at me from these verses. First is that we can’t argue someone into the Kingdom. It reminds me of what I have heard preachers say so many times - “If I can talk you into it, someone else can talk you out of it.” It is not up to me to try and convince and persuade someone through arguing with them. The scripture does say I need to know what I’m talking about – that I am “able to teach” and that I must do so with a gentle spirit - “gently instruct those who oppose”. Second, and this takes the pressure off, is that God is the one who leads to and grants repentance, which in turn leads to a knowledge of the truth.

Application:
Praise God that the pressure is not on me to have a rational, fine tuned argument to woo someone to the kingdom of God. My role is this: instead of being quarrelsome – to be kind and gentle, instead of being unable to communicate my beliefs – to be able to teach, instead of being hostile and resentful to an opposing viewpoint – to be calm and gentle, instead of thinking the weight is on my shoulders – to trust and know that it is God’s kindness that leads men to repentance, not my oratory skills. It is as Jesus said in John 6:44, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him.”

Prayer:
God, draw men to Yourself today and use my life as part of the process. May I be filled with kindness, gentleness and humility as I interact with people today and everyday. Use my life as an instrument to point people to Your grace and love.

— Jason Elam, worship pastor, Clinton campus

Even Now

lifejournal — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:29:54 +0000

Scripture:
“’Even now,’ declares the Lord, ‘return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.” — Joel 2:12–13

Observation:
The prophet Joel tells of the destruction and invasion of his land by a plague of locusts and invading armies. He goes on to declare that the Lord is ready and willing to forgive and restore His people to Himself. God’s people are told to return to Him with their hearts, and not just their garments or outward rituals.

Application:
All throughout the scriptures, God continues to amaze me with His compassion and enduring love. Though His people continue to betray and ignore His promises, He continues to forgive them and restore them to His love. What an awesome God!

Even now. Even now, when you may be in the worst sin of your life. Even now, when you have forsaken God for the past 5 years to go your own direction. He still wants you to come to Him! I get emotional just thinking of this crazy love He has for His children. Thinking back on my past sins and how Christ pulled me out and brought me back to His fellowship, it is nothing short of a miracle. We don’t have to complete any rituals or try to be holy enough before we come to Him. He only wants our hearts to be completely His – no work required.

Prayer:
Oh Father, your compassions never fail and your love endures forever. Thank you for your love and for desiring my heart, even as undesirable as it is at times. Help me to remember how you want my heart, not any rituals or outward works. Give me the boldness to tell others about your love – those who need this restoration with you. “Because of your great love we are not overwhelmed, for your compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lam 3:22-23)

— Jason Elam, worship pastor, Clinton campus

Godliness and Contentment

lifejournal — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:46:01 +0000

Scripture:
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” — 1Tim 6:6-8

Observation:
This scripture tells us the key to great gain is godliness paired with contentment. When we were born on this earth we had nothing, and when we die to go live in heaven we will take nothing with us. The apostle Paul is telling the believers to be content with their basic needs being met.

Application:
What a true word and reminder from Paul about how we should be living. As we are trying to sell our home and looking for a new home out in Clinton, we are working through the meaning of contentment. In this materialistic culture we are so tempted to keep up with our peers. This may be for some to spend too much money on a nice home, to overspend on designer clothes or a new vehicle that we can’t afford. I know that I cannot be godly in the least, if I am not content with what I’ve been blessed with.

Contentment is something I must continually strive towards, because my earthly, vain desires have a way of creeping back in, even with something so petty as seeing someone’s new i-phone. As Christians, we are called to be the example of contentment for unbelievers, but we seem to live just like the world most of the time, above our means that is. Jesus knew this would be hard for us, and gave us instructions to store up our treasures in heaven so our focus would remain on our heavenly goal. (Matt 6:19-21)

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for always providing for my needs. Every good gift comes from you. Forgive me for coveting my neighbor’s possessions, and renew my mind to the truth of your word. Help me as I focus on my heavenly treasures, to release any desires for earthly gain that I have buried in my heart. May I live a life worthy of my calling by remaining content in your provision, because I am focused on you, my heavenly Lord. Praises and thanks be to Your name, Jehovah Jireh.

— Jason Elam, worship pastor, Clinton campus

Give it Some Time

lifejournal — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:28:50 +0000

Scripture:
“The sins of some men are quite evident going before them to judgment; for others, their sins follow after. Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed.” — 1 Tim. 5:24-25

Observation:
In this verse, Paul is warning Timothy not to make judgments on people based on his first encounter with them. As some time passes he will be able to see their true character as their deeds reveal themselves. This is written just after he warns Timothy not to be hasty in laying hands on or approving people in the church.

Application:
This verse serves as a good warning for us believers and to our church body. As I meditate over this scripture, Proverbs 4:23 comes to mind. “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Just because someone seems to be a “good person” doesn’t mean we should trust him completely before we really get to know him better. This applies to friendships and dating relationships. Much pain and sin could be avoided by not being hasty in giving others so much weight in our lives.

The same applies to our church in its everyday functions. We as a church body must give people time before approving them before the congregation or giving them leadership positions in the church. This serves to help protect the name of Christ before unbelievers. Some people, not excluding Christians, can hide their sins very well, and once they are revealed Christ’s name is damaged in others’ eyes.

Prayer:
Father, I pray for my own discernment as I serve in the worship ministry here at Pinelake. Help me to not be hasty in approving musicians or others because of their talent or personality, but give me patience to really get to know them first. Lord I also pray that we don’t try to hide our sins, but that we confess them to you and repent, so we will not damage your name and the work you are doing through us and our church. May your name be precious to us, and give us wisdom as we deal with others this week.

— Jason Elam, worship pastor, Clinton campus

Bring it!

lifejournal — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:28:50 +0000

Scripture:
“…rather train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”— 1 Timothy 4:7-8

Observation:
In these verses, Paul is giving instructions to Timothy for the body of believers. He tells us to train ourselves to be godly. Unlike physical training, which offers only short term benefits, godliness offers us rewards for now and eternity and in all aspects of our lives – not just our bodies.

Application:
This scripture really grabbed me as I read over it. I recently began P90x, a vigorous workout regimen that demands a lot of time in training my body – getting it stronger and healthier. It requires a good hour to hour and a half to complete 6 days a week, and so far I’ve been very dedicated, (although it has only been one week). It bewilders me to think how easy I can fit this training into my day, yet how hard it is to “find time” to spend just me and God. If it’s not physical training for you, maybe you can relate with me be some other activity you tend to always have time for (golf, movies or tv, shopping, napping). As humans, it is easy to be focused on things that only have short term or immediate effects towards our happiness. Paul reminds us that our top priority should be our training in godliness, in other words getting to know God better and in turn becoming more like Him. Godliness doesn’t just happen, but requires time in the Word, prayer and serving. The benefit of this training not only immediate satisfaction by the Holy Spirit, but a lasting peace and contentment and reward for all of eternity with Christ.

Prayer:
“God, help me to value my time with You and in Your word more than I value getting in good shape physically or anything else that lures my affections away from You. When it comes to pursuing You, I want to “bring it”. I want to run after You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. Grant me the resolve to stay strong in my pursuit of You when I feel like slacking off or just being lazy.

— Jason Elam, worship pastor, Clinton campus

A Good Work

lifejournal — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 16:25:44 +0000

Scripture:
“It is a trustworthy statement: if anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a good work.” — 1 Timothy 3:1

Observation:
In this verse Paul continues to give Timothy instructions on leading and managing the church body. He declares an overseers’ task to be noble and then goes on to list the qualifications one must have to be an overseer.

Application:
An overseer is known as an elder here at Pinelake. Our church is blessed with a small group of elders who meet this long list of qualifications. Their “work” often goes unnoticed as they are not normally in the spotlight but serving humbly. Only by the work of the Holy Spirit can one be an elder/overseer because the criteria is such that we cannot satisfy without the Spirit’s work within us.

Prayer:
Thank you for blessing us with a group of elders that love You and Your name more than themselves or the name of Pinelake. I pray You continue to lead them and guide them as they seek Your direction for the life of Your church here at Pinelake. Refresh their spirits and bless them and their families as they continue to seek Your heart.

— Jason Elam, worship pastor, Clinton campus

The Great Provider

lifejournal — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 16:30:56 +0000

Scripture:
“Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried to Elisha, ‘Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord, but the creditor has come to take my two children to be his slaves.’ … She came and told the man of God, and he said, ‘Go, sell the oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on the rest.’” — II Kings 4:1-7

Observation:
The whole Bible is full of God being the One who provides — when there is no possible way, he makes a way. Here is the story of God providing for a widow so that she doesn’t have to give up her sons to her creditor. Elijah tells her to gather up all the empty vessels from all her neighbors and use the jar of oil she has to fill them up. The oil keeps coming and coming until she fills up the last vessel. Even though there are hundreds of these stories throughout the bible and still more since then, it continues to serve as a reminder that God is more than able to provide, even if and often times, especially, when I don’t see a way — leaving me the only option of leaning on him and giving him all the glory knowing he will meet the need.

Application:
One would think that with hundreds and thousands of testimonies of how God provided in the lives of others and even myself, I wouldn’t panic when a situation arose where I needed his provision. Why is my faith so little? And my memory so short-term? He’s always met my needs. Always. Always. Always.

Prayer:
Father God, you are the Great Provider. You are more than capable of providing a way and making it so obvious that it came from you so that it leaves no doubt that you are the only one worthy of receiving the praise and glory. Help me to be quick to remember your faithfulness and to truly trust in you when you assure me that you’ve got me covered. You always provide for your people, when they come to you. Thank you for being a great Father.

— Jared Yates, college & single adult pastor, Reservoir campus

Mystery

lifejournal — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:27:52 +0000

Scripture:
“And as they still went on and talked, behold, chariots of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.” — II Kings 2:11

Observation:
Taken to heaven in a chariot of fire, now that’s an exit! What a way to go out. We don’t get much info on Elijah but it’s clear he was a specially anointed man of God. So much so that he even comes back with Moses and speaks with Jesus on the mountain of transfiguration. Jesus even links him to John the Baptist as he, Peter, James and John are coming down the mountain.

Application:
So who was Elijah? A prophet of God? Precursor to Jesus? Encourager to Jesus on the mountain? I think there is a certain mystery surrounding Elijah somewhat like Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of God Most High. Abram meets him on his way back from war and Melchizedek blesses Abram and Abram gives him 10% of the spoils of war. It these mysteries that remind me God is up to way more than I know or can see. God even declares through Isaiah in chapter 55 that His was and thoughts are higher than mine. It’s comforting to know I serve a God like that. A God that is so complex it’s not even possible for me to understand His intricacies.

Prayer:
Father God, the heavens can’t contain you and words cannot describe you or express your greatness. Who am I to even know you as Father and receive mercy and love from you, Creator of all things? Praise you God. May all heaven and earth praise you.

— Jared Yates, college & single adult pastor, Reservoir campus

Prayer Warrior

lifejournal — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:26:29 +0000

Scripture:
“Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in the will of God.” — Colossians 4:12

Observation:
I’ve learned a lot about prayer this week through Paul’s letter to the Colossians. In chapter one it was Paul’s passionate, worthy prayers and here it is Epaphras who struggled through prayer on behalf of his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Paul even says in chpater 13 that Epaphras worked hard for the Colossians through prayer. He prayed for their spiritual well being – that they would stand mature and complete in the will of God.

Application:
Those are powerful prayers. Prayers that I want to start praying for people and would like for others to pray that way on my behalf too. Prayers that have eternal weight and a heavenly perspective.

Prayer:
Father, you’ve burdened my heart this week to become a passionate prayer who goes to battle against the enemy and struggles on behalf of others. Teach me how to apply this and obediently pray kingdom worthy prayers.

— Jared Yates, college & single adult pastor, Reservoir campus

Dead or Alive

lifejournal — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:39:14 +0000

Scripture:
“For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” — Colossians 3:3

Observation:
What does it mean to be dead? I mean dead people don’t have any rights or entitlements, do they? Don’t they give those up upon death? They can try to plan ahead before they die with things like their funeral, burial, what to do with what’s left behind; but upon death it’s out of their hands.

Application:
And so here Paul tells us that we have died and our life is hidden with Christ. So if our new life is with Christ, shouldn’t our every deed, thought and word be yielded completely to him? If we are truly dead, then we can do nothing without his allowance. That’s a sobering thought, because I do a lot of things without even considering Christ much less recognizing that my life is hidden with him. Meaning he is with me at all times, allowing me to say, think or do. But I don’t think I’m supposed to view him as a watchdog standing over my life saying, “yes or no.” I’m the one, after all, who chose to hand over my life to him. I’m the one who said my life isn’t worth living so I chose to die so that He can live in me and I with Him.

Prayer:
So…I know you are alive in my God, but am I allowing you to truly live in me? Or am I still trying to raise my dead self back to life? Thank you for the reminder that I’m dead. I chose to die and give my life to you so that it could be used by you. So (v. 17) in whatever I do, in word or deed, help me to do it all in Jesus’ name, giving you thanks.

— Jared Yates, college & single adult pastor, Reservoir campus

Promoting His Holiness

lifejournal — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:13:43 +0000

Scripture:
“Now Elijah, the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, ‘As the Lord the God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.’” — I Kings 17:1

Observation:
Elijah pops on the scene and in his first act he goes up against King Ahab and tells him the Lord is sending a drought that will last until I say otherwise. James 5:17 says that Elijah actually prayed fervently for no rain and it didn’t rain. I see other accounts of men of God speaking out against leadership of that day and putting their lives on the line because of it. Moses, Elijah, Daniel, Paul and obviously Jesus are just a few examples.

I Peter 2 speaks to submitting to authority and how, “for the Lord’s sake be subject to every human institution.” Peter goes on to say in v. 18, “Servants be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust.” So what are we to do – submit to authority, regardless of good or evil; or take a stand like the men above?

Application:
The men above took a stand when the authority abandoned God and his laws. They stood with the confidence of God and boldly proclaimed his holiness. Elijah even got in the face of King Ahab and accused him of being the troubler of Israel because he abandoned the commandments. He goes as far as to put his God (Yahweh) up against King Ahab’s (Baal).

Stories like this cause me to question my boldness and confidence in God. Elijah knew the same God I do and had faith in him to stop the rain and send fire. He was even willing to risk his life to promote God’s holiness. Am I willing to put God’s holiness ahead of my own life? I’ve seen his holiness through creation, miracles, birth, changed lives, Jesus; but am I willing to promote it above all that, above everything.

Prayer:
God help my life to be about pointing to, promoting and praising your holiness.

— Jared Yates, college & single adult pastor, Reservoir campus

Intercession

lifejournal — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:54:50 +0000

Scripture:
“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” — Colossians 1:9-10

Observation:I love Paul’s prayer on behalf of the Colossians. When I intercede on behalf of others, I usually pray for specific things such as healing, job employment or other struggles. Not bad things by any stretch, but more along the lines of asking for problems to be resolved; and when they are, my prayers for the person and issue cease.

Application:
Paul is giving a great example of how to pray for fellow believers.

He has a burden and passion to pray for them. It doesn’t seem to be a duty to lift them up but a joy and honor to join with them in praising God through prayer.
He prays for spiritual wisdom and knowledge – the one thing that Solomon asked for that pleased God. Paul could’ve prayed for several things on their behalf but he included this prayer in his letter to encourage them and to remind them that they need wisdom and understanding so that…
Their walk will please God and bear fruit. In other words, use the good things of God to build up his kingdom.

He has, after all (v. 13 &14), delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son in whom we have redemption and forgiveness of sins.

Prayer:
May I pray more worthy prayers from my fellow believers.

— Jared Yates, college & single adult pastor, Reservoir campus

Contentment

lifejournal — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 16:52:41 +0000

Scripture:
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:11-13

Observation:
I quote and hear quoted Philippians 4:13 on a fairly regular basis, often times claiming it as a reminder that with Christ, I can make it through anything. I certainly agree with, and attest to that, but what trips me up is that Paul is saying this immediately after, and in reference to verses 11 & 12. He’s been through it all, the good, the bad, and even the ugly and he’s learned contentment in every situation. Full or hungry, abundance or in need – his satisfaction was not in the things he did or did not have, even when they were “necessities.” It was completely in Christ.

Application:
I’m a pretty content person, but I’ve never faced true hunger or real poverty. How would facing those affect my level of contentment? Would my satisfaction in Christ change if my needs weren’t being met? If I was in a refugee camp in Africa or on the streets in Jackson would that change things?

Prayer:
Father God, may my contentment be in you and not in the things you can provide. I want to desire you above everything. I don’t want my relationship to hinge on how well I think you provide for me. May my love for you be unconditional of my situation, like your love for me is unconditional of my ability or willingness to reciprocate. May I be content in all situations and satisfied solely in you.

— Jared Yates, college & single adult pastor, Reservoir campus

God Storms

lifejournal — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 16:13:59 +0000

Scripture:
"I press on towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3

Observation:
All thunderstorms require instability (potential) and lift. The lift is the mechanism that releases the instability. We say that the atmosphere is unstable when air rising in a cloud is warmer than its environment. As the warm air rises it presses the cooler air down creating vertical drafts. The vertical draft strengths basically determine the degree of storm severity.

Application:
That is the essence of what I observe in this passage. The work of God does not stop at salvation. Salvation only creates the beginnings of vertical movements in my life. My response to those movements determines the degree to which my life will be transformed. As I allow the things of God to rise to prominence in my life and the things of me to be pressed down into nothing; I allow God to create vertical drafts which will release the strength of God in my life.

I have to stay in tune with the updrafts God places on my heart. This morning I am sensing three. The first one is the work of grace in my life. I am not able to be holy on my own. I have to release that sense inside of me that God owes me something because of anything good I have done. I deserve nothing short of death and that is all. It is only by God’s grace that I matter to Him at all. The work of the cross is my only hope.

The second is I must strive to press on. Since I am covered by grace it is often tempting to rest, take it easy on myself, and be patient with change. That is not the instruction of the scripture. Paul says to press on. I need to get off my rear-end and drive hard after God in every aspect of my life. I need to seek purity. I need to thirst for knowledge. I need to hunger for His movement.

The third is to allow God to become real. Staying in a constant, real connection with God is not an easy thing. The complicating factor is the fact that God messes up my life. He alters my plans, shifts my goals, changes my ambitions and creates a new reality for me. This type of change is extremely uncomfortable, but they are my call. The more tangible God becomes to me the easier it is to accept the changes.

Prayer:
It is hard to pray what is on my heart this morning. I’m scared. I sense a desire for You to create a God storm in my life. I want my relationship with You to be more than something I did when I prayed a prayer of salvation. I want my walk with You to be a storm of movement towards You. I want my life to be noticeably different because of You. At the same time, I am terrified of what that means.

All that said I ask You to create a God storm in my life. Radically alter my path. Help me to pursue the upward movement of the Spirit in my life as one would pursue promises of worldly fortune. Give me a sense of urgency about things that are of You. Intensify the vertical movements between us. I am trusting You to hold me close during the instability and by faith I trust that I will find the same joy and peace Paul did as he experienced the fabric of his life changing.

— Jason Hester, executive pastor of ministry, Reservoir campus

Be My Everything

lifejournal — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:27:45 +0000

Scripture:
"Do all things without grumbling or disputing." — Philippians 2:14

Observation:
This verse is speaking to more than just controlling words or emotion when doing something. It is pointing to a continual state of heart and mind that moves beyond personal desires and rests fully in Christ-like obedience.

Application:
This one stings a little. Actually, it stings a lot. A-L-L. It is a amazing that three little letters could carry such weight. In all things. Without grumbling. Without disputing. Ouch. As I read the first 14 verses of this chapter I see a few things that will help me get there.

Paul encourages me to unite with others in love, mind, and purpose. Most of my grumbling and disputing manifest themselves out of me failing to do one or all of these three things. There is one love, one mind, and one purpose and that is Christ.

Paul encourages me to kill my selfishness. There is a part of human nature that wants to receive credit and have things its way. I am not exempt from that. I can’t remember how many times I have walked away from a task hurt by who got the credit or who got their way. A part of my command as a follower of Christ is to seek after His glory and not my own.

Paul encourages me to empty myself. This one gets rough. Jesus set aside A-L-L His rights, privileges, riches, glory, and power to pursue obedience with God’s plan for Him. I have to follow suit. My life is no longer about me. I am a bondservant to a heavenly mission.

Prayer:
Father I sense this morning a strong conviction. My life is very full of me. I want what I want when I want it. When I approach You in prayer there is normally only one option that will make me happy. When I enter a task I want it to be fulfilling, enjoyable, and comfortable. When I work with others I want them to think like me. And when these things do not happen; I grumble and dispute. I confess this to You today as being sin.

I do not know where to go from here other than to express to You my desire for You to become my everything. Be my joy. Be my fulfillment. Be my peace. Be my glory. Be my all in all. There is nothing of man or earth that can offer me anything other than temporary relief or joy. The things from You are eternal. Lead me in how to follow after You in a manner that is worthy of my calling.

— Jason Hester, executive pastor of ministry, Reservoir campus